Chapter Text
Obi-Wan still remembers the days before the Sith rule, a time when the Jedi Temple was a bustling hub of activity and serenity. He recalls Jedi Masters and Padawans freely wandering the temple grounds, their presence a symbol of peace and harmony. The hallways echoed with the laughter of younglings and the rhythmic tapping of training lightsabers in the spacious training halls.
The council chambers were once graced by wise and revered elders, their presence commanding respect and admiration among the Jedi Order. The meditation room, a sanctuary of tranquility, resonated with the soothing sounds of water fountains, providing solace and reflection for all who entered.
Yet, Obi-Wan can't help but feel a pang of sadness when he compares these cherished memories to the glimpses he's seen of the temple in recent holovids. The once majestic building seems to have lost some of its luster, its halls now haunted by shadows of the past. The vibrant energy and sense of purpose that once filled its corridors have faded, replaced by an eerie stillness that speaks of a bygone era.
After losing his Master, he chooses not to dwell on the possibility of other Jedi who might have survived the Sith's assault on the temple and the Republic. He did witness some ships departing with a few of his fellow Jedi, but the escape was chaotic and disorganized, preventing any coordinated follow-up out of fear of attracting more attention. Fortunately, he had his Master by his side to maintain composure and evade the troopers. He owed that man a great deal—for saving his life and continuing his Jedi training on a secluded jungle planet, where they could practice undetected and in peace.
Under the council's noses, a Sith had seized control of the senate, persuading them that the Jedi were no longer necessary as peacekeepers for the Republic. The Sith claimed they could offer protection to the galaxy and finally bring peace where the Jedi had failed, nearly inciting a war. In secret, an army was being assembled from the DNA of a bounty hunter. The cloned soldiers multiplied rapidly until their sheer numbers could furnish the senate with an army capable of challenging the Jedi and extending their control across the galaxy. The Jedi were summoned back to the temple by the senate under the guise of an undisclosed urgency, only to find themselves under attack by this army led by an unknown Sith. To Obi-Wan's astonishment, he later learned that no Jedi were killed in the assault; they were all captured, with only the Masters being restrained with Force suppressors.
Soldiers were dispatched to pursue the Jedi who had managed to evade capture, and some were apprehended and returned to the temple. An order was issued throughout the galaxy, demanding that all Jedi be reported to the Republic under threat of consequences for harboring them. Months later, Palpatine announced the Jedi's new role within the Republic. Those identified as Jedi were instructed to report to the temple, where they would receive training in Jedi teachings, albeit with restricted access to lightsabers. Jedi were now regarded as valuable assets, but their strength in the Force, coupled with their susceptibility to empathy and selfishness, rendered them targets and vulnerable. Thus, they required guardians in their lives. Upon passing their trials, Jedi Knights were to be placed in a pool, available for potential suitors to select from. Nobles, politicians, royalty, and even Sith were permitted to visit and make selections from this pool. This didn’t necessarily mean the relationship was sexual, but Obi-Wan knew it wasn’t discouraged either.
Force-sensitive individuals could choose whether to walk the side of Sith or Jedi. The Republic neither swayed or judged them for their choice. As Sith, they could assume various roles within the government, including soldiers, nobles, and, albeit with difficulty, politicians. It became evident that the Sith had abandoned the "Rule of Two" and were expanding their ranks. True to their promise, they were bringing peace to the galaxy, though their methods often employed more force than the Jedi would have condoned. The Trade Federation promptly surrendered and even agreed to stand trial for their transgressions.
During this period, the identity of the Sith responsible for leading the attack on the temple was revealed: Darth Vader, a Sith apprentice trained under Palpatine. His attire was a formidable ensemble, reflecting his dark presence. The focal point of his outfit was a sleek, black suit of armor, embellished with angular lines and intricate detailing. This suit enveloped his entire body, offering both protection and a menacing silhouette.
A billowing black cape trailed behind him as he ascended the steps to the Temple, adding to his imposing figure. Draped over his shoulders, it exuded an air of authority and power. Atop his head sat a menacing black helmet, its glossy surface radiating malevolence. The helmet boasted a unique design, with a polished black visor concealing his eyes and a prominent breathing apparatus emitting an ominous mechanical sound with each breath. Those cold, empty eyes seemed to pierce into the souls of onlookers, sending shivers down their spines.
Despite his infrequent public appearances and minimal dialogue, Darth Vader's mysterious persona captivated the citizens of the Republic. He garnered a small fan club on Coruscant and was interviewed by various media platforms. However, the mystery surrounding his true identity remained unsolved. When questioned about his past, he spoke in vague terms, mentioning his commitment to ending slavery, which stemmed from his own experiences as a former slave. However, verifying his claims proved difficult, as slavers notoriously kept inadequate records. While many women were drawn to his enigmatic charm, Obi-Wan found his mechanical breathing more irritating than he cared to admit, often choosing to switch off the broadcast to spare himself the headache.
Presently, Obi-Wan sits at a bar, leisurely savoring the strong drink he had ordered earlier. Above the bartender, a news segment captures his attention, featuring the figure he has come to despise. The upbeat anchor enthusiastically announces the impending visit of the Sith, Darth Vader, to the temple to select his Jedi. The camera widens to reveal a panel of individuals seated around her: a veteran, a scholar, a therapist, and a former politician. Each introduces themselves before delving into a discussion about the qualities Vader might seek in a Jedi.
The veteran emphasizes the importance of strength in the Force and proficiency in battle tactics. The scholar launches into a passionate discourse on Jedi history, underscoring their vast knowledge of diverse cultures and languages—an asset for Vader's endeavors. Reflecting on their limited interactions with Vader, the therapist advocates for a Jedi with a composed and patient demeanor, yet assertive when needed. Echoing the scholar's sentiments, the politician stresses the necessity for confidence and political acumen in the chosen Jedi, acknowledging the challenges of navigating government affairs alongside the Sith.
Obi-Wan can't help but find the situation simultaneously amusing and unsettling. The way these individuals discuss the selection of his peers borders on infantilization, disregarding the complexities and capabilities of the Jedi Order.
A hand is gently placed on his shoulder. He jerks his head in that direction, his hand instinctively moving to his belt, but he relaxes instantly upon seeing his partner's face. Satine is smiling at him, recognizing the source of his irritation.
“You grip that glass any harder and you’ll bring unwanted attention.”
Obi-Wan sighs, placing his glass down on the bar. He shakes his head at the bartender who approaches with more liquor. Turning to Satine, he notices her beauty, partly concealed by her cloak. Her blonde locks frame her face like a halo, highlighting the light pink of her cheeks and giving her a vibrant, lively appearance. He smiles in return. He places a hand on her cheek, gently rubbing his thumb against it in a soothing motion.
“I apologize my dear, “ he chuckles. “That man has too much control over me. I will do my best to ignore him in the future.”
“It is much easier for you when we avoid these crowded areas.”
“Yes, I agree. Hopefully we don’t have to be here much longer. Were you able to obtain the information needed?”
“Yes, we can leave now.”
Obi-Wan leaves a few credits on the counter and follows Satine, throwing up his cloak as he goes. They step out of the bar into the bustling street, where a week-long festival is in full swing, attracting a large crowd. Loud music and the popping sounds of fireworks fill the air, creating the perfect cover to conceal their identities and any conversations that shouldn't be overheard.
Suddenly, Satine grips his hand tightly and tries to steer him in another direction. Thinking they've been discovered, Obi-Wan glances back to assess the risk, but quickly realizes they are not being followed.
“What-”
“Please don’t look.”
Concerned about what might have startled Satine, Obi-Wan suddenly looks back into the crowd. He scans the area, but sees no soldiers or bounty hunters. Instead, his attention is caught by a boy wearing an old tunic, his face and shoes covered in dirt. The boy sits crouched in front of three other boys, a proud expression on his face as he smiles. In his hands, he effortlessly floats three rocks, captivating the other boys with his display of Force abilities. Slowly, he rotates the rocks, eliciting gasps of amazement from his audience. As the display intensifies, with the rocks spinning in a circle above his hands, Obi-Wan feels an instinctive pull toward the boy. Satine wrenches him back, snapping him out of his trance-like stare.
“You can’t help him, Obi-Wan,” Satine whisper yells at him.
Before Obi-Wan can protest, the sound of synchronized marching footsteps rises above the celebratory crowd. No one pauses their festivities as a small group of soldiers approaches the boy. His captivated audience scatters as soon as the soldiers arrive. The young Force user drops the rocks immediately and stands up, fear evident in his eyes. The lead soldier, wearing the distinctive white armor of a clone trooper, stands out with orange accents denoting his status as a commander within the Grand Army of the Republic. These orange accents are located on his shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees, as well as around his chest and thighs. The commander kneels down in front of the boy.
The noise of the crowd makes it difficult to hear what the soldier is saying to the boy, but it's clear the boy is shaking his head rapidly in fear. The soldier remains gentle and calm as he reaches out to the child. Suddenly, a loud scream pierces the air as a woman runs over to them. The scream momentarily draws the crowd's attention, but they quickly look away, returning to their festivities. The woman swiftly snatches up the boy, twisting her body to shield him from the soldier. Her voice rises above the loud music, but not enough to elicit sympathy from the surrounding crowd.
“Ma’am, is this your charge?”
“He is my child! He’s done nothing wrong!”
“He has proven himself to be a force user, ma’am.”
“That is no law against it!”
"Under the Galactic Order Act of 2387, Section 14, Subsection B, all Force users, upon the emergence of their abilities, must report to the FUDC on Coruscant. There, they will be categorized as either Sith or Jedi and receive the appropriate training."
“You are monsters! You ripe children from their families and force them into slavery!”
“Ma’am, unless you can provide documentation proving you are the guardian of this Force user, we will have to take him with us.”
“I am his mother! I am his guardian!”
“Not according to the law.”
The Commander gestures to his comrades, who approach the child and mother, proceeding to wrestle the boy from her arms. She screams for them to let him go, holding on tightly to her son. Despite her efforts, the boy is eventually taken from her. Both are sobbing uncontrollably, the boy's nose running as he calls out for his mother. One soldier walks away with the boy, disappearing into the crowd. The remaining soldiers release the mother, who collapses to the ground, drained, but tears still streaming down her face. The commander kneels down before the mother as the other soldiers follow their comrade into the crowd. He pulls out some papers and extends them toward her.
“There are some resources listed here that you can contact to help you through this transition. You can also make a formal request to the Senate for visitation while your son is in training. However, you will need to pay the court fees and file the correct paperwork. This request must be filed within seven days of his enlistment. You must be present when filing this paperwork and when summoned to the Senate to plead your case.”
“I must also inform you that if you have multiple children, an inspection of your home will be ordered, and medics will be on site to test if these children are Force-sensitive as well. Attempting to hide any biological children or obstruct the investigation can result in penalties, fines, denial of visitation, and up to jail time. Do you understand your rights and obligations?"
Previously in shock, the mother grows angry at the soldier's tirade and throws the papers back at him with a shriek. “You are all monsters! Your Sith rulers are homewreckers, murderers, and destroy everything they touch!”
“I will take that as you understand.”
The mother clenches some dirt in her hand and hurls it at the man. Among the dirt are pebbles that bounce off his armor, emitting loud clinking sounds. The soldier throws up his hands in defense, and the woman manages to throw one more handful of dirt and pebbles before turning and running away.
Obi-Wan finally turns away from the scene broken hearted. The boy was lucky to make it to his age without being discovered and in a brief moment his freedom was striped from him. He is not sure which hurts more, the legal slavery of his fellow force users or the lack of reaction from the onlookers around him. Jedi were seen as guardians of peace and justice revered for their mastery of the Force and commitment to upholding the principles of the Jedi Order. Jedi were regarded with respect and admiration by many people. They were known for their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to serving others. Now they are seen as a prized commodity. The honor of being blessed with strong force abilities is now a curse.
Qui-Gon emphasized to him the significance of the present moment and the concept of the Living Force. This force is the energy that flows through and connects all living things in the galaxy. It exists in the present moment, encompassing the vitality, emotions, and experiences of living beings. To be connected with the universe through his abilities evokes a profound sense of awareness and unity with the world around him. He would describe the connect as a gentle but pervasive energy coursing through his being, linking him to every living thing in the galaxy. Consequences of such a connection leads to a heightened sense of empathy and understanding.
This heightened ability to perceive the emotions and intentions of others has gifted him with a profound sense of empathy and understanding of the human condition. It has enriched his relationships and guided his actions with wisdom and compassion. Additionally, he has cultivated an almost instinctual bond with the natural world, attuning himself to the rhythms of the environment and the life force pulsing through every plant and creature. In moments of stillness, he often finds himself deeply connected to the subtle shifts in energy around him, whether it's the rustle of leaves in the wind, the distant calls of creatures in the night, or the ebb and flow of emotions in the hearts of those nearby.
This heightened sensitivity presents both a gift and a challenge, granting him a keen awareness of the world's beauty and pain. Despite the challenges, he wouldn't trade his Force abilities for anything. Being connected to the Living Force has instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. He feels called to honor the interconnectedness of all life, to foster harmony and compassion wherever he goes, and to utilize his gifts to protect and serve others. He feels a constant pull toward restoring balance and peace in the galaxy. Since the Siths seized control and spread their darkness, the lack of balance has deeply affected him, driving him to seek out the light even in the darkest of times.
But in moments like these, witnessing the turmoil of Force users subjected to the new laws that tear them away from their families, uprooting them from the only life they've ever known, and indoctrinating them into a world crafted against their mental well-being, only serves to draw his focus to the idea of a bleak future.
He is pulled from his self-reflection by a hand on his cheek. Satine's touch is gentle as she places her hand on his cheek, offering him a small sympathetic smile. Amidst a crowd that showed the boy no sympathy even after being torn from his own mother, the warmth of this woman's smile offers a glimmer of hope.
She knew better than to tell him it would be alright. “We have to get this information to the rest of the group if we are to make any difference.”
“You are right.” Obi-Wan takes her hand and they make their way through the crowd.
Despite the presence of troops on every planet to help maintain peace and track Force users, the galaxy-wide tranquility that was promised remains elusive. The Outer Rim territories are still plagued by rampant crime and remain firmly under the rule of the Hutts. Slavery and human trafficking continue unabated in these sectors, with law enforcement often turning a blind eye due to corruption or fear of Hutt retribution.
From the perspective of the Jedi, the troops create an atmosphere of oppression rather than peace. Citizens live under constant surveillance, and any hint of Force sensitivity is swiftly and harshly dealt with. The promised era of stability and security has given way to an age of fear and repression, where true peace feels like a distant memory.
However, many citizens view the situation differently. To them, peace is gradually coming to fruition, even if it means sacrificing some Force users. The visible military presence in core worlds provides a sense of safety and order, contrasting sharply with the lawlessness of the Outer Rim.
This stark difference highlights the failure of the Republic to bring about the comprehensive order it pledged. Despite the heavy military presence, the underlying issues of injustice and exploitation persist, showcasing the Republic's inability—or unwillingness—to address the root causes of unrest.
The Republic can't be everywhere. In the more rural and secluded areas of planets, Force users can find a more relaxing and comforting atmosphere, free from the constant presence of ominous white-armored soldiers. While starting a new temple would attract too much attention, Obi-Wan has managed to find and save a few Force users during his journey—some younglings and, surprisingly, a teenager who had managed to avoid detection. As not to raise suspicion he avoids taking the group into large public spaces and training them outside. Though they have had to move several times
Obi-Wan and Satine make their way back to the hideout, retrieving their speeder from the outskirts of town. The ride into the deep wooded area is peaceful. Satine has mentioned that she finds the quiet calming, and the sounds of birds and insects soothing compared to the constant drone of vehicles and ships in the cities. Obi-Wan enjoys the region for its uninterrupted connection to the Force. Here, he can bask in its glory and warmth, focusing on meditation and training, which are more challenging in the bustling inner cities.
The tall trees with their thick canopies provide excellent cover, creating a natural shield from prying eyes. The dense foliage not only conceals the hideout but also muffles sounds, making it difficult for anyone to detect activity from a distance. The climate further enhances its seclusion; frequent rainfall turns the forest floor into a slippery, muddy terrain, discouraging visitors and making it challenging for soldiers to canvass the area. The constant rain, while a deterrent to outsiders, creates a soothing, rhythmic background that enhances the sense of tranquility and isolation. This combination of natural defenses ensures that the hideout remains a safe and undisturbed sanctuary.
The speeder is parked a short distance from the entrance, carefully concealed beneath a thick layer of foliage. The entrance to the hideout is cleverly disguised: a hidden metal hatch blends seamlessly with the forest floor. When opened, it reveals a ladder descending into an underground bunker. The hatch is equipped with a mechanism that, when closed, pulls a blanket of greenery over it, ensuring it remains camouflaged and virtually invisible from above. This ingenious design allows the entrance to merge perfectly with the surrounding environment, providing an added layer of security and discretion.
As they approach the bunker, a sudden crunch of branches and leaves catches their attention. Someone is moving quickly nearby. Satine swiftly draws her blaster, and Obi-Wan reaches for his lightsaber. Emerging from the brush are two of the younglings Obi-Wan had taken in, their faces filled with fear. Clutching buckets and fishing poles, they are out of breath and try several times to speak, but their words come out in frantic gasps.
“Padawans!” Obi-Wan begins to scold. “What are you doing outside without us?”
“Master!” One of them begins.
“And where is Kaelin?” The eldest, acting as a fiercely protective adopted older brother, was never too far from the two young Padawans.
Liora nods rapidly, her hand frantically pointing in the direction they had just come from. "Soldiers!" she blurts out.
Jax finally catches his breath and explains, "We just wanted to catch some fish as a surprise! Kaelin mentioned a secluded pond with plenty of fish that he saw the last time you took him out. But then two troopers showed up. He told us to run before they saw us and said he’d distract them."
“But,” Liora adds,” on our way here, we heard some yelling!”
Obi-Wan nods and starts to run towards the area.
“Obi-Wan!” Satine shouts after him.
“I will be back. All of you get inside!”
Obi-Wan moves swiftly, using the Force to propel himself a little faster. In the distance, he spots the waterfall and the small pond connected to it. On the bank, he sees Kaelin standing in front of two soldiers. The teen is attempting to speak calmly, his hands raised slightly in a placating manner. Although the soldiers haven't drawn their weapons, one of them is holding a pair of Force inhibitors.
As Obi-Wan approaches, the soldiers turn their attention toward him, though their stance remains cautious rather than aggressive. Kaelin, however, keeps most of his focus on the soldiers, only glancing briefly at his Master for reassurance.
Obi-Wan assesses the situation quickly, noting the tension in Kaelin’s posture and the wariness evident in the soldier’s body language. He knows that any sudden move could escalate the situation. Drawing a deep breath to steady himself, he steps forward, his presence calm but commanding, ready to intervene and protect his Padawan from any threat.
"Hello there," Obi-Wan says calmly, his voice carrying a cheerful tone. “What seems to be the problem gentlemen?”
“Sir, are this child’s guardian?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Do you have his papers?”
“Oh! I see, you think he is a force user,” Obi-Wan chuckles slowly making his way to Kaelin’s side. The teenager now feeling safe drops his hands looking to Obi-Wan for direction. “I can reassure you, my boy here is no closer to attuning with the Force than he is with accomplishing his chores. Isn’t that right?”
“That’s what I keep telling them, dad!” Kaelin responds. “I told them that there’s no way someone at my age escaped detection! I said there must be some sort of miscommunication! But they won’t listen to me.”
“This can easily be remedied, son.” Obi-Wan pats him on the shoulder.
“Sir,” one of the soldiers steps slightly forward to the dismay of Kaelin who can’t help but retreat slightly to Obi-Wan’s back. “Your son here matches the description of three suspects that were reported to our garrison suspected of being force users.”
“Three? Well one of them definitely isn’t my son. I can show you his birth papers, if that will sway your nerves.”
“You carry his birth papers on you, sir?”
“Well,” Obi-Wan laughs lightly with a shrug of his shoulders, “It may come as a surprise that this has happened to us before. It comes with living our seculted lifestyle. To avoid any misunderstandings, I have been keeping his papers on my person lately.”
“He's the only individual we've encountered in this area over the past few days. To alleviate any confusion and satisfy the Captain's concerns, it would be prudent for you to accompany us. We can conduct a midichlorian count, and provide you with official documentation to clear you of any suspicion in the future. This will help prevent any misunderstandings going forward.”
The two soldiers step forward, and the fear emanating from Kaelin washes over Obi-Wan like a cold wave. He steps forward and waves his hand in front of the soldiers.
“This is not the boy you are looking for.”
The soldiers stop and become compliant. “This is not the boy we are looking for.” they say in union.
Obi-Wan waves his hand again. “Our paperwork clears him on any suspicion.”
The soldiers step back and nod. “Your paperwork is good sir. Keep on the lookout for any suspicious persons in the area. Report them if you see them.”
"We did spot some unfamiliar young boys a few days ago over the hill a couple of miles north of here. We were out hunting and happened to notice them. I haven't seen them around this area before. You might want to check there," suggests Obi-Wan.
“Thank you sir. Have a good rest of your day.”
Obi-Wan nods to the soldiers, then gently guides Kaelin with a hand on his shoulder back towards the bunker. He casts wary glances around, checking for any potential followers several times along their route. Ensuring their safety, Obi-Wan guides Kaelin back home, and as a precaution, he employs the Force to move the soil from their trail, obscuring their tracks. With a final flick of his wrist before closing the lid, he pulls more brush over the entrance, effectively concealing the presence of the bunker. A bad feeling gnawed at Obi-Wan's gut, sending a shiver down his spine as he couldn't shake the foreboding sense of unease about today's encounter.