32 Temple Exploration

Walking through the Jedi Temple after so long is… strange. I left it with the goal of saving the galaxy. Then I planned to return after conquering it. After destroying the Star Forge, I'm not sure if I would have returned.

Had I done so, I likely would have been subjected to no little amount of hostility. Of course, they would never have claimed to hate me. After all, hate goes against the Jedi Code. But the constant watching, the wondering if I would turn back to the Dark Side like I had before. The constant feeling of being on guard against the possibility of 'righteous vengeance' for the fallen.

But that's not a concern anymore. As I walk through the halls of the Temple, the Jedi I pass give my group looks of curiosity, but little else. Had they known even a fraction of our history, they would likely have already drawn their lightsabers in fear. Or perhaps dropped to their knees in awe.

It could go either way, really. Though the most likely outcome would be them running as far away as they could. Not because we're dangerous, no. But because we attract as easily as breathing. Case in point-

"You're blocking the hallway, disperse at once and go about your duties." An aqualish in the robe of a Jedi Knight berates us. He's of the variety with two eyes, and his skin is brown, unusual for the typically blue-skinned species.

I raise an eyebrow at them before looking at our varied group. Four Jedi, a twi'lek scoundrel, a wookie scout, and a human slave. Then I look back at him, eyebrow still raised.

"Does it look like we have duties to attend to?"

He huffs. "Of course you do. All who are a part of the Order have duties to attend to. If you finished your assigned duties, then you should search for more to do. A Jedi's work is never done."

I snort. "On that, we can agree." And I walk past him, my group following. The only one who acknowledges his stunned stare is Shmi, who bows her head and mutters an apology as she passes.

"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, but we aren't members of the Order. Sorry for our behavior as well, Goodbye."

By the time he comes out of his stupor, we're long gone. Though the encounter does inspire Jolee to say something.

"You know, we probably should split up. Can't really expect to see much of the Temple if we stay packed together like we're still on the ship."

"I suppose you are correct, but it would be beneficial not to explore alone. The Jedi will typically bother you far more than the aqualish did if they believe you are wasting time."

He snorts at Bastila's warning. "Bah, wasting time is what the Jedi do best! There's literally a class where they teach you how to waste time! Speaking of, didn't you want to see your son?" He directs his question to Shmi, who nods while shooting wary glances at the Jedi around us.

"I do, but I wouldn't want to impose. More than that, I'm not sure that I'm allowed to see him. I haven't seen any children walking around, after all."

Now it's my turn to snort. "Nonsense. Whatever their rules are, if I say you can see your son, then you can see him. We'll split up into three teams. Shmi, with me. Mission and Zaalbar, you search down the next left turn. Bastila and Jolee, the next right turn. Communicators charged? Good. Let everyone know once you find Anakin. Quest, start!"

Though I say for us to start, we still have to reach a point where we can separate. Luckily it doesn't take too long, or else it would have been awkward. Shmi and I wander down the halls in silence, keeping an eye out for any younglings that might be out and about.

She's glancing at me out of the corner of her eye as we walk, but I don't comment on it. She'll say what she wants to say in due time.

And indeed, it's not long before she opens her mouth. "Did you mean what you said?" At my questioning look, she clarifies. "About my chip. Did you really mean it when you said you would allow it to get removed?"

I give her a queer look. "That's what has you worried? I already let Anakin come here with Qui Gon and the other Jedi Master, Vos. If I wasn't ok with freeing the two of you, I would have had Bastila and Mission bring him to us on Naboo. It wouldn't have been difficult for them to knock the Jedi out and borrow their ship for the trip."

She ignores the casual way I speak about my companions easily being able to overpower two Jedi Masters, instead going into contemplation.

'If he's telling the truth, then what will I do? I have the skills I picked up from working in Watto's shop, but I doubt they're anywhere good enough to make a living on such an important planet like Coruscant. Maybe I could ask him to leave me somewhere less central? I've always wanted to see Manaan. The idea of an entire planet being covered in water is just…'

It's a good ten minutes of walking before I decide to interrupt her thoughts. "I know that look. It's an overthinking look. I suppose I should have mentioned this earlier, but I'd like for you to stay with us."

Seeing her eyes dim in disappointment, I clarify. "I don't mean as a slave! I meant as one of our companions. Carth has already taught you how to fly the ship, as well as use the turrets. He said you have potential! So I'd like for you to stay with us and work as the pilot. If he ends up re-joining us, then as an alternative pilot. Then the two of you won't need to be the only one who can fly the ship."

Her disappointment disappears completely, replaced by shock, and then joy. "You'd really let me fly the ship? As a free woman?" I nod, slightly exasperated at how I need to keep repeating this. But I understand, what with her living so long as a slave.

It doesn't feel real to her. And to be honest, it isn't. Even freed, she doesn't really have an option except to come with us. If she tried to make it on her own here, she'd most likely be kidnapped and re-enslaved within a month.

Of course, that's only if the Jedi don't keep an eye on her, considering they're basically raising her child. But judging by how everything is basically the same, or even worse, than it was during my time, I can bet that they'll do their best to ignore her.

'No attachments' is a core principle of the Code, after all.

"You don't have to decide now. We leave in three days, so tell me in two. Tomorrow we'll get it removed."

I don't comment on the tears of happiness in the corners of her eyes. Instead, I direct her attention to the room in front of us while palming my commlink. Here's Anakin. When the class ends, you can talk to him. Until then, you can watch.