Chapter Text
“Chancellor, I’m unsure of what to say.”
Mace Windu stated, staring at the man before him in confusion. Yoda stood at his side, more relaxed than the Korun which caused the man no small amount of irritation.
Finis Valorum sighed, interlocking his fingers as he stared intently at the Jedi before him. He knew his proposal would be met by confusion, he himself held doubts, but he firmly believed this was a sound decision.
“Give us a seat in the Senate you wish to,” Yoda began, staring at the man intently. “Be represented by a Senator we would be, correct that is?”
“Yes.” Valorum replied, leaning back. Mace shook his head.
“I don’t understand why you would offer us this,” He questioned. “The Jedi are not politicians, though we advise you and the other senators, we have no political ambitions ourselves.”
“I recognize that,” Valorum agreed. “But at the same time, I realize you give much of your time to the Republic, that perhaps we ask too much of you.”
Here he paused before continuing. “With this in mind, I would like to extend the opportunity for you to have a voice. The ability to make decisions on behalf of your order, decisions that are for your benefit.”
“Not the only reason for this, your offer is,” Yoda pointed out. “Other motives you have.”
Valorum opened his mouth to deny it, but decided against it and sighed. “I’m sure you are aware of the views certain people hold towards your order.”
“I believe we have run into it quite a few times.” Mace Windu agreed, crossing his arms over his chest as he glanced out the window.
It was safe to say many people held contempt for their order, distrusted the Jedi completely. The Baby Ludi case had not helped matters and it was still present in many people’s minds.
“I believe one of the main reasons would be your secretiveness,” Valorum held up his hand. “I know you have your reasons, but the fact is the people have little knowledge of how your Order works and therefore they distrust you.”
“So our Senator…” Mace trailed off.
“Would not only represent your Order but also be a point of contact with the people: someone who helped those outside it understand it better.”
Yoda and Mace glanced at each other, silently communicating with each other. Finally, Yoda turns to face the man patiently waiting for their answer. “Agree to this we do, but choose our Senator we will.”
“I would have it no other way.” The two Jedi Masters bowed in respect before exiting. Valorum released a sigh of relief as he leaned back.
He knew many Senators would not be pleased with his decision, Palpatine had especially been vocal about his opinions. They believed the Jedi should not be involved with Senate matters, that they should be separate.
How unfortunate those opinions were, for it blinded them to the truth of what was going on in the Republic: there was something foreboding, something dark creeping closer and the Jedi were probably the only ones capable of dealing with it.
Valorum had no real evidence of this, of course, no concrete proof to present to the Senate and the Jedi Council. But he felt like he was in danger, that someone close to him was slowly corrupting the democracy he fought so hard for.
Thus his decision to give the Jedi a seat on the Senate, so not only could the people who fought to keep peace could do so directly but could also, maybe, rebuild the trust of the people and stop whatever was corrupting the Senate.
He hoped it would work because otherwise, he knew the Republic would fall.
And something much darker would rise in its place.
“So basically we now have a seat in the Senate, because the Chancellor wants us to help rebuild trust with the people, is that right?”
Kit Fisto stated, glancing at Mace and Yoda. Mace sighed.
“The Chancellor did say he also wanted us to have the ability to make decisions to benefit our order, but generally yes that’s the main idea.”
“Are things really that bad?” Depa Billaba questioned. A snort could be heard, causing her to turn her head.
“Did you forget the aftermath of the whole Baby Ludi debacle?” Dooku sat, one ankle crossed over his leg as he sat back in his chair. “The protests, the way the media destroyed our reputation?”
“I thought you would be opposed to this Master,” Qui-Gon commented, a humorous smirk on his face. “After all, weren’t you the one who stated we should be separate from the Senate?”
Dooku glared at his former padawan, causing Mace to sigh heavily. He knew putting both Dooku and Qui-Gon on the council would be the death of him but even he couldn’t deny their tendencies to argue against the Council was leading to them considering changes that should have been made a long time ago.
“I still do hold that belief,” Dooku began, turning to face the rest of the Council. “But at the same time I recognise, if we were to pull away now when tensions are so high, we’d only damage our reputation more.”
“Agreed we are, who to elect the question is,” Yoda stated. A few names were tossed out, including some of the gathered Council members who immediately refused the position, which eventually devolved into some polite bickering.
“What about Annika Skywalker?” The question had the effect of silencing the Council, who turned to stare at Qui-Gon sitting innocently in his chair.
“Skywalker is still a padawan.” Ki-Adi Mundi protested. Qui-Gon tilted his head in agreement while Dooku (and Yoda) looked thoughtful.
“Maybe so, but she’s probably the best Jedi for the job.” Protests arose immediately with that statement.
“—she’s too young—“
“—there are other more experienced Jedi suitable—“
“—wasn’t even raised in the crèche—“
“Exactly why she’s perfect for the role,” Dooku cut in, causing the voices to die down again. He looked over at Mace Windu. “You made the argument she wasn’t raised in the crèche correct?”
“Yes, because she wasn’t—“He was cut off again, this time by Qui-Gon.
“Our Senator is supposed to help rebuild trust in the Order, connect with the people correct?” At Mace’s nod, he continued. “Annika wasn’t raised in the crèche, meaning she wasn’t—as certain people like to put it—indoctrinated into the ways of the Order from a young age.”
“With that in mind, surely she’d have an easier time connecting with people than an experienced Jedi raised in the Order from birth?”
The Council’s chambers went quiet as the members contemplated his words. Dooku broke the silence again. “Plus, I understand she’s on good terms with Senator Amidala?”
Here he glanced at Qui-Gon who nodded. The former Queen of Naboo had taken the position as Senator when the scandal that forced Mas Ammeda to resign from the position of Vice-Chair happened, a role then taken by Naboo Senator Palpatine.
Obi-Wan and his new padawan had been invited to attend a gala to celebrate her election and from the way Obi-Wan described it, Padmé and Annika had become fast friends.
“Then at the very least Annika will have one ally to help her navigate the political waters of the Senate.”
“So have we come to an agreement?” Mace asked. “Will Annika Skywalker be our Senator, our contact to the outside world?”
A few moments of silence occurred before a chorus of agreements echoed around the chambers. Yoda tapped his stick.
“Ask her we will, force her we will not,” He began, staring intently. “A difficult role this will be, challenges she will face.”
“A new path, young Skywalker will have to take if she accepts.”
“You are getting too slow my Master.” Annika Skywalker taunted, a wide grin on her face as she moved to swing her lightsaber. Obi-Wan Kenobi deflected, huffing in annoyance though his eyes betrayed his amusement.
“Is that another crack at my age my dear Padawan?” He questioned, smirking at her. She shook her head, braid swinging with the movement.
It was hard to believe this was the same nine-year-old girl he and his master had picked up on Tatooine all those years ago. She seemed so different, in ways he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
“Ha!” He blinked as he suddenly went from standing to lying on his back, his padawan’s lightsaber pointed at his throat. “You should pay attention Master.”
Annika beamed at him, her blue eyes sparkling with laughter. He laughed as she helped him to his feet after deactivating her lightsaber.
“Master Kenobi? Padawan Skywalker?” The two turned to where a Twi’lek girl stood in the doorway, her padawan braid on display. “The Council has requested your presence.”
The two looked at each other, confused. “Thank you Padawan,” Obi-Wan responded, the girl nodding and bowing respectfully before leaving.
He moved to retrieve his lightsaber from where it had gone flying. “I wonder what you have done to warrant such a meeting.”
Annika looked offended as the two exited the training room and began making their way to the chambers. “Me? How do you know it is not you who has done something?”
Obi-Wan glanced at her. “Because I have not gone on any missions with you recently.”
“Really Master?” Annika smirked. “From what Masters Dooku and Qui-Gon tell me, you had a habit of getting into trouble as well.”
He turned bright red, muttering something about ‘meddling masters and grandmasters’. She laughed softly, though she quickly went quiet when they stopped in front of the council chambers.
She couldn’t help the fear and nervousness welling up in her chest. She hadn’t done anything, right? She couldn’t recall doing anything that would warrant her a meeting with the Council, unless they had found out about her tinkering with some of the Temple droids and—
Annika. She stopped, turning to see her master smiling at her reassuringly. It will be fine.
She felt him squeeze her hand softly, causing her to return his smile, before quickly removing it when the doors opened. Taking a deep breath she entered with her master at her side, politely bowing.
A quick scan of the room allowed her to take note of the Council members, to see if there was anyone she did not recognise. She couldn’t help but smile when she saw Qui-Gon and Dooku, who shot her an encouraging look.
“Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker I hope you are doing well,” Mace spoke, causing her to turn her attention back to him.
“Yes, and you Master Windu?” Obi-Wan asked politely.
“I am also doing well.” Here he took a deep breath, his expression becoming serious. “Master Yoda and I recently got back from a meeting with Chancellor Valorum.”
Annika frowned, as did Obi-Wan. “Are we being sent out on a mission?”
“In a way yes but,” Mace paused, his gaze turning to Annika who blinked in confusion. “This mission is for your Padawan only.”
Annika shared a confused look with Obi-Wan. “For me, Master Windu?”
“Indeed Young Skywalker,” Yoda was the one to speak, causing her to turn her attention to him. “Offered a seat in the senate the Jedi have been, to rebuild trust.”
“But why…” She trailed off, her eyes widening. “You…You want me to be a Senator?” She questioned, glancing over at Obi-Wan who shared her shock.
“Correct you are.” Annika shook her head rapidly.
“B-But I’m not a diplomat, far from it.” She protested. Mace inclined his head.
“Perhaps not, but I understand you are on good terms with Senator Amidala?” Annika nodded weakly.
“Yes but—“Mace cut her off. “Plus it is the fact you are not a traditional Jedi that makes you perfect for the role.”
“I’m sorry?” Annika asked, unsure if she had been complimented or insulted. From the look on her master’s face, he couldn’t tell either.
“We need a Senator who can not only speak up for the needs of our Order but someone who can connect with the people and show them we can be trusted.” Here he huffed, a small smile seeming to be fighting to appear.
“You are reckless,” Here she bristled, though she calmed down slightly when she felt Obi-Wan sending her calming waves through the Force. “You speak with your heart rather than think it through, you have no problem sharing your opinions even if they aren’t wanted.”
“And perhaps most important,” The Korun master looked at her with something she would almost categorise as…affectionate. “You were not raised traditionally, you have relationships which makes you capable of connecting with people in a way no other Jedi can.”
Annika went quiet, staring at her feet as her mind whirled. Her, a Senator? Attending political meetings, speaking with other Senators and the Chancellor? That wasn’t exactly something she had planned on when she joined the Order.
She had been training to be a Jedi, to go out and save people. Did she really want to give it up to play politics?
“You will not be giving up your role as a Jedi Annika,” She glanced up quickly, staring bewildered at Qui-Gon who was looking at her sympathetically. “The training you gained, you will always have it, this will simply be you fulfilling your role in a different way.”
“Correct Master Jinn is,” Yoda agreed, leaning forward on his stick to stare at her. “A difficult burden we ask you to take on this is. Understand we will, should you refuse.”
Annika couldn’t help but look at her master who had been silent throughout the whole conversation. Master.
This is…a unique opportunity for you, one you likely will never get again, She could hear him sigh in her mind. I am nothing but confident in your ability to do this Annika.
You really think so? She cursed herself for sounding so shy and unsure, but she felt better when she saw him smile. Absolutely.
She took a deep breath, her shoulders and back straightening as she faced the Council once again. “I accept this position.”
“Very well,” Mace replied. He gestured at Obi-Wan. “This generally isn’t how we would do this, but then this isn’t really a traditional Knighting ceremony.”
Her breath caught as the realization hit her, turning she saw Obi-Wan smiling softly at her. She swallowed heavily as she kneeled before her Master. She heard him ignite his lightsaber.
“Annika Skywalker, by the right of the council,” She thought she heard him take a deep breath, something lightly brushing her right shoulder. “By the will of the force, I dub you Jedi.” A touch of her left shoulder.
She heard a faint bzz and out of the corner of her eye saw a familiar strand fall to the ground. “Knight of the Republic…Senator of the Jedi.”
She stood and beamed up at her now former Master, who returned with a grin of his own. She turned and bent down to pick up her braid.
She stared at it, not believing this was happening: she was no longer a Padawan, yet she was something different from a Jedi Knight at the same time.
“Inform the Chancellor we must,” Yoda’s voice cut into her thoughts, causing her to look up. “Go to your rooms you should, rest awaits you tomorrow a new day.”
She bowed to the Council and followed Obi-Wan out, the doors shutting behind her. The two walked in silence, ignoring the other Jedi passing by.
“That was…” She began, stopping and turning to face Obi-Wan. “I didn’t…expect that.”
“I think it’s safe to say none of us did,” Obi-Wan retorted dryly. “I knew people weren’t exactly fond of us but to know how bad it’s gotten…”
“What if I make it worse?” She asked, causing him to blink at her. “What if I somehow manage to make people hate us even more? What if they come after us with blasters and—“She rambled, causing him to chuckle softly, he reached out and gripped her shoulder lightly.
“Calm down my dear,” He stared at her with a warm expression. “That won’t happen, you may not be the most conventional Jedi but for this role? You are, as Master Windu said, exactly what we need.”
She took a deep breath, smiling up at him. “Thank you, Master.” She saw him frown, his brow furrowing. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s just…” He stared at her, a sorrowful expression in his eyes. “You’re no longer my Padawan.”
“Oh.” It was the only thing she could say. “Well then,” She began, giving him a small smile that made him shoot her a confused look. “I guess you’ll just have to get used to calling me, Annika.”
“I suppose,” He remarked nonchalantly, though his mouth twitched. “It also means you’ll have to start calling me Obi-Wan.”
She laughed softly, nodding her head. They went quiet, staring at each other. Obi-Wan broke it, stepping forward to cup her cheek gently.
“I know you can do this Annika,” He said softly. “There is no doubt in my mind that you can.” He softly kissed her forehead, causing her breath to catch before he pulled back.
“I’m going to go meditate for a while, head back to our quarters and rest.” He said, turning to walk away. The sounds of his footsteps echoed until they were too far away to hear, leaving Annika standing there with a blush.
She shook her head, trying to erase the thoughts that were going through her mind. What Obi-Wan did was nothing more than an affectionate gesture between former Master and Padawan, it didn’t mean anything.
And yet, your face is redder than the lava on Mustafar. She ignored her brain, turning around to head towards her and Obi-Wan’s shared quarters.
Considering her entire life was going to change tomorrow, she really needed a good night’s sleep.