Saga of Tanya the Jedi

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Today was going to be a bit different from the easy flow of one activity to another Master Labooda and I had fallen into these last few months. Apparently yesterday she had come across Knight Kenobi and suggested that his apprentice and I should have a sparring match.

This was excellent. I had not been able to stumble on Anakin to 'check' on his progress, so being given this chance to get close to those who held such promise and potential future advancement was excellent. I would just have to make sure to endear myself to both to create a situation where we can continue building up a long term companionship and camaraderie. I would also need to continue portraying myself as an ideal Jedi and having additional examples of Jedi on the way to high positions would be a useful way of knowing what I needed to adjust to signal I was a perfect candidate myself for advancement and preferable assignments.

Before meeting with them though, I would first need a healthy breakfast to give me the appropriate energy to face the day. A warm cup of caff that reminded me of the blend a small cafe I would frequent when I was on my way to work had. A crowded shop where the one table took up most of the interior space. If I remember correctly it was a lightly roasted Ethiopian blend. Delicately sweet with a warm fruitiness and just the slightest grassiness. Not my favorite coffee, but it was very serviceable and the price affordable. The reminder of my previous life made this one of my preferred caffs for daily drinking, the fact it happened to also be cheap also helped. I didn't want to be seen as a burden to the Order, spending more money on frivolous things than they viewed me as being worth keeping around.

To go with caff was some baked fish with pickled vegetables and a rice-like grain. The fish was coated in a fermented paste that reminded me of a white miso and the vegetables had been allowed to soak and lightly pickle in a fruity vinegar that reminded me of a rice vinegar if mixed with a bit of apple. A meal any Japanese Salaryman would be happy to partake in from a bento or even to quickly prepare for breakfast.

Apparently it was traditional for Ithorians, a weird alien species whose heads made me think of snails, to use chopsticks, although they used a different term, to eat their dishes with. I was happy to get a few sets, most in steel and a couple plastic, for use in the apartment. Master Labooda went along with it and has been getting better at handling them, though I suspect she is using the force to help with some of the food.

Yes, a nice healthy meal, a cup of caff, and a day of networking. Today was looking to be a good day.

—-

Palpatine was a very busy man. Not just being Supreme Chancellor of the Republic and all the careful politicking that entailed, but also his side projects he worked on under his Sith name, Darth Sideous. The most important one right now being the coming war he was fomenting. There was already a strong desire by many planets, especially those in the outer rims and even a few in the mid rims, to leave the Republic and start their own government, one that will focus on the needs of those not so close to the core worlds that often get first chances at funding.

Leading such a movement from the shadows would simply lead to far too much work for Palpatine if he took too much of a personal hand in the running, and it was a sign of a good leader to know how to and who to delegate responsibilities to. Luckily, one of the people Palpatine had been grooming and working on for a long time has fallen to the dark side and the delicious irony of pitting former allies and companions against each other was too much for the dark pit Palpatine called the place in his chest his heart. Yes, the newly dubbed Darth Tyranus would be an excellent pawn in the war, able to lead the separatists in a campaign to grind down the Jedi forces.

For now though, the two Sith Lords would have to move carefully, the time was not right yet. They needed to organize the separatists with the more easily corrupted people in positions of power while further undermining Republic authority in the Outer Rim. Perhaps sending a few Jedi on peace missions to bungle their way into making situations worse would help as well. Those Jedi fools were just too predictable and easy to manipulate.

—-

Anakin was prepared to spar with the person his Master had lined up. Lightsaber training was one of the things about being a Jedi Anakin found the easiest to understand. So many codes, rules, and traditions that no one seemed willing to tell him until he accidentally broke one. It was so frustrating to be constantly reminded that he didn't really belong, that he didn't grow up in the order and is only being trained late on the desire and whim of a now dead Master and the respect Obi-Wan had for his master. Obi-Wan was trying to help, Anakin could see that, but it never was enough. Anakin couldn't get strong enough, good enough, powerful enough to stop the nagging voices that he was just an outsider pretending to be a Jedi.

Taking a breath, Anakin calms his nerves as he feels a familiar presence and an unfamiliar presence on the other side of the door to the training room waiting for him and his master to join them. Entering, Anakin saw the youngling who had helped him learn to fly without the need of a machine. The short blonde child in light brown robes layered to show an even lighter set underneath with the outer one tied shut with a dark brown belt, now with a Padawan braid hanging by one ear.

"Hello Anakin, how is your levitation coming?" The other padawan asked.

"Oh, you know each other already?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, Master," Anakin said, trying to practice the formality his master had been working hard to instill in him. "He was one of the Younglings going through his gathering when I went with Yoda to watch over them."

Obi-Wan and the other Knight gave Anakin an odd look while the Padawan's expression became difficult to read.

"Uh, Anakin, do we need to have a talk about gender?" Obi-Wan asked, a hitch in his voice s as he squirmed slightly.

"What do you mean, Master?"

"Tanya is a girl," Obi-Wan said, starting to pull the teen off to the side to minimize embarrassment as much as he could.

"But his presence feels like a man's," Anakin said to explain himself, not resisting the pull.

"You can feel a person's gender in the Force?" Labooda asked, showing that she had heard the entire conversation.

Anakin gave a nod.

"What do I feel like in the Force?" Obi-Wan asked.

"The comforting warmth from a sunset, not yet the cold of the night, but not the heat of the midday sun, the softness of a comforting blanket that is resting on the hard ground, and the smell of plants," Anakin answered easily, eyes half lidded as he took a moment to soak in his Master's comforting presence.

Obi-Wan's cheeks were dusted lightly in a blush and he coughed to clear his throat. "And what about Sar Labooda?"

"Really old flimsies yellowed by time, monuments eroded by time, and the text of dataslates."

"And Tanya?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to see where gender is coming in with how Anakin perceives other people's Force presence.

"An old money box covered in paste-ups faded by time to the point where only the one who placed them can recognize them, the sky before a sandstorm comes, clear and pristine but hiding the coming danger, and the gears of an old mechanical chronometer."

"And what do any of those have to do with the gender of the person?" Obi-Wan asked, a small smile on his lips as he tried to encourage his student. Anakin responded with a shake of his head.

"It is an extra feeling on top of all that, a masculine or feminine feeling. Or sometimes someone won't have any feeling like that at all," on thinking of the last case, Anakin's face scrunched up into a look of confusion.

"There might be an explanation," Tanya volunteered, an uncertain waver to her voice as she looked to her master.

"It is not a secret," Labooda said, giving Tanya a nod before looking at the two males in the room. "Tanya is a reincarnated Je'daii. It might be possible she was a he in her last life."

"Je'daii?" Anakin looked towards his master for an answer.

"An ancient order of Force users that eventually broke up into the Sith and Jedi," Obi-Wan answered as he stroked his light beard while giving Tanya an analyzing look.

"She has shown a few preferences and thoughts that might be echoes from her previous life, so this could just be another echo," Labooda explained as the hard to read mask of neutrality returned to Tanya's face.

"Possibly," Obi-Wan agreed before turning to the younger pair. "Well, I believe you two should begin your spar, it is why we gathered together after all."

Anakin and Tanya nodded before taking up training sabers that line the walls and getting into starting positions.

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Settling into my starting stance, I stare down Anakin. In order to get into his good books it was important that I impressed him with my abilities. Show him that levitation is not the only trick I can help him with, and then leave the door open for him to come to me for help in the future.

"Any limits for this match?" I ask, my eyes never leaving my opponent, his stance steady, the smile on his face showing his confidence.

"Not this time, you may begin when ready," I heard Knight Kenobi say after a moment.

With a nod I activate my saber and dash in to test Anakin's defenses. After a quick exchange we separated again. Having spent the past near year since I learned I had been taught Form VII, I had taken to learning about the differences in the various styles. Anakin's appeared to have a bit of an aggressive air to it, but with significantly more defense than my own Form VII. The lack of acrobatics in his movements knocks out the possibility of Form IV. Form III is too defensive and Form I too basic. That left the possibility of Form II, V, and VI.

Going in again, I aim to strike at his legs. He sweeps my saber up and out of the way before coming in for a slash at my newly opened centerline that I just barely get out of the way of. That counter knocks out Form VI which emphasizes avoidance over going for deflections.

If this was an actual fight, this would be very worrying, Anakin is clearly using one of the two styles best suited for dueling a wide range of lightsaber combatants, whereas my style worked best on the highly emotional and aggressive dark side users.

Deciding to ramp the match up and give myself an edge by switching from fighting on a flat, two dimensional plane, I ready myself for flight. It would not do to show my hand too early though.

Seeing the strike coming, I jump over the horizontal swipe of Anakin's saber, flipping while aiming to deliver a strike to his head that misses as he ducks. Using his distraction I change my direction mid air and aim a strike at his open back.

The blades meet in a bind as Anakin holds his blade behind his back before twisting to face me. We both thrust out our hands and I can feel it as we use the force to push each other away. I managed to arrest myself in flight less than a meter away from our clash.

The smile is still on my opponent's face as he slowly raises into the air himself before taking a stance like he is about to push off something.

So fast, I barely manage to avoid him as he suddenly rockets himself at me. Keeping my eyes facing towards him, I see that he over shot my position by several meters, but he is able to change direction and rocket back for another pass.

And another pass.

And another pass.

Each time he is getting closer to making contact with me. I need to change the equation quickly.

He is coming in for another pass. I enact my plan, creating an illusion of myself going for an overhead strike while I actually go for his side.

Separating, I can see he is rubbing his side and his face no longer has a smile. His lips are now held tight and he is rolling his shoulders.

I roll my shoulders to loosen up the muscles as well, readying myself for the next exchange. I take my stance, feeling silly to have my legs spread out when there was no ground beneath me to stand on. No time to think on that, we rushed back in, Anakin moving fast, though his lines of attack remained straight and steady. I could not keep up with his speed, but I could out maneuver him and twist in any direction as he struck.

Eventually he caught me in an exchange of blocks, and strikes before we both thrust our hands out. I stayed in a relative place as he was sent away. He had a smirk on his face. I could feel the exertion of this match making my chest warm and my body was getting slick in sweat.

"Stop!" Knight Kenobi said strongly and motioned for us to come over.

Master Labooda's face was pale and she was holding a med kit. What was wrong? We hadn't landed many strikes.

She reached for the front of my robes and I looked down at what she was doing. I don't remember having red robes. Or robes with such a large slit in the middle.

I would have thought such a large cut would hurt. Opening my robes, Labooda used a wipe to clean up the blood before applying a patch covered in a thick blue goo.

"What is that?" I asked, realizing I haven't needed to visit the med center for anything besides regular check ups at all this life.

"Bacta, it'll help this cut heal."

I nod my head, remembering many accounts of the importance of keeping bacta production and supplies open and available during many skirmishes in the past for use in keeping soldiers alive and healthy.

After situating my robes back into a modicum of modesty, I walk over to where Kenobi and Anakin were talking.

Seeing me approach they quiet down and separate slightly.

"Ah, Tanya, I believe Anakin has something to say to you," Knight Kenobi said, giving his padawan a look.

I didn't need any platitudes, I knew I was not going to come out on top of our sparring match considering I was going up against someone who had been training as a padawan for far longer than I had been. I plastered a large smile on my face and gave a bow.

"There is no need, I understand. I hope we can have another match someday."

Straightening myself up I readjust my robes. "If you don't mind, I believe I need to go change before Master Labooda and I head out for some lunch."

Knight Kenobi nods his head and mentions meeting us for lunch. I keep my smile the same as I realize that I had succeeded in building a rapport and that we would be continuing to build the rapport over lunch.

—-

Labooda sat in the kitchen working her way through a calming cup of tea. There was a reason she had not trained into the medicorps. A very good reason. The sight of blood unnerved her. Her hands would shake, her breathing became shallow, and she would begin to freak out. Labooda was glad that she managed to hold it together enough to treat her padawan, but seeing all that blood made her remember things. The smell of blaster fire, the cries of agony, the coldness, the glassy eyes of her parents.

Labooda took a shaky breath before taking another sip of tea and focused on trying to push her waking nightmares away. Away into the Force and away from her.

Tanya came stepping out of the fresher, looking much cleaner in a fresh set of robes tied shut in the manner that she preferred. In her hand was a surprisingly innocuous bag. A bag that Labooda had to force her gaze away from lest her mind travel back down paths best left in the past.

"Bacta works great, my cut is already nearly healed up," Tanya stated as she headed towards the door to the apartment.

"It is a wonderful medical marvel made up of several bacteria suspended in a thick ambori fluid. It can heal most wounds and even regrow muscles, organs, and skin to an amazing degree."

"Are you alright, Master?" Tanya asked her babbling Master.

"Yes, sorry. I just, I'm just not comfortable with the sight of blood." Labooda gave Tanya a smile that did not reach the eyes with lips not curved fully up and teeth closed tight. A weak, brittle smile.

Tanya was silent for a moment before she asked a question. "You were studying ancient Mirialan architecture. How has that changed over time?"

Labooda's smile became a little more real, seeing through Tanya's question to the true reason of it, but choosing to go along with it by answering the question in depth.

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Obi-Wan and Anakin were seated in the sky car they had chosen to use to take the group to the diner they would be heading towards for lunch, some fresh air outside of the Temple being something Anakin seemed to constantly crave.

"That technique you used at the end," Obi-Wan started, breaking the silence. Anakin flinched at the thought of where this conversation was about to go. "I'm not going to say you can't use it. I could not feel any Darkness from you using it, but you need to be more careful."

"Yes Master," Anakin agreed, his previous high of having landed a strike against such a maneuverable opponent long since lost.

"No Anakin, I need you to understand how dangerous that technique could be. You showed wonderful restraint, but if she hadn't been Force pushing you, and your technique, away, or if you had gotten her in the right place even a few millimeters deeper, we would not be going to lunch with her."

Obi-Wan heaved a heavy sigh and looked Anakin directly in the eyes.

"She could be laying on a slab in the morgue right now while an arrangement for her funeral pyre was made if you had hit her in the throat instead. You can practice that technique, but I do not want to see you use it in a spar again."

"Yes Master," Anakin agreed, nodding his head with the full seriousness a teenager could bring forth.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin's shoulder a pat as he noticed their companions for the coming meal approaching.

"Hello there," Obi-Wan said as the two ladies got into the sky car before Anakin began to drive them to their destination.

"Where are we heading?" Labooda asked, having not set up a specific restaurant beforehand.

"A little diner run by some Tatooine natives that Chancellor Palpatine showed me a while ago," Anakin answered.

"You know the Chancellor personally?" Tanya asked.

"Yes. We met a few years ago during the Naboo crisis. We occasionally spend time together when Master is away on missions. He had been trying to teach me some politics, but I find the lessons a bit pointless. Jedi don't deal with politics."

"Actually, we Jedi deal with politics all the time. One of our tasks is to negotiate peace between different groups of people, which requires compromise and deals. That is the core of politics," Labooda said, taking a moment to help teach something that her own Padawan has seemed to have already learned.

"Also, if you want to work your way up through the Order, you will need to know who to get close to and who to help in order to get promotions and positions. Networking in such a way is also politics," Tanya added, not seeing the scowl briefly form on Anakin's lips. "Pay close attention to the Chancellor's lessons. As a successful politician, he should be able to offer some insights on how to politic that you are probably not going to get anywhere else."

Obi-Wan was stroking his beard, thinking about how he felt about this conversation and how much time Anakin was spending with Palpatine. The man seemed nice enough and always gave off an air of generally wanting to help, but something about the man always rubbed Obi-Wan the wrong way. It was never something he could put his finger on, just a gut feeling that seemed best to put out of mind.

"We're here," Anakin said, parking the vehicle before jumping out and leading the way in, greeting the operators by name. They were quickly escorted to a fairly private corner booth near the back of the restaurant.

"So, you have been here before, what is good?" Labooda asked Anakin.

"Their bantha churly is really good here. Very warming and flavorful."

"Just be careful about how spicy you get it. This little hellion likes his food hot," Obi-Wan said, giving Anakin a grumpy look.

"I don't know what you mean, that is just normal for Tatooine food," Anakin said with a grin that was trying far too hard to look innocent.

"So you like spice?" Tanya asked, giving Anakin a very calculated look. A look that Anakin returned with a challenging look of his own.

"Oh dear." Obi-Wan gave Labooda an exasperated look that said he knew exactly where this was heading. "Best get a round of lasti for everyone."

"What is lasti?" Labooda asked, unfamiliar with the cuisine of the outer rim.

"It is a drink made from bantha yogurt. I learned the last time I let Anakin order for me that it is very good at cooling the mouth from the inferno these two are about to have."

"Are we ready to order?" The waitress asked, having just arrived at the table.

"Bantha churly. As hot as possible." Anakin answered with a challenging look at Tanya.

"Same." Tanya agreed without a second thought.

"I will also have the bantha churly, but as mild as possible," Labooda said.

"Same, as mild as possible, and a round of the sweet lasti for everyone," Obi-Wan ordered.

The waitress gave them a smile before going to fill their orders.

"What did you do at the end of the fight to cut me?" Tanya asked Anakin.

"Well, I thought that if I couldn't push you away with the Force, I might be able to push through you instead. So instead of creating a wall of Force, I made a line that I sent at you."

"Hmm." Tanya picked up one of the disposable napkins and looked at it before swiping her fingers at it, causing a cut line to form on it. "Useful."

"Speaking of useful, what was that thing you did? It looked like there were two of you and Anakin's blade went through one of them," Obi-Wan asked.

"An illusion. All I do is create a construct of light that mimicked my appearance while having it move in a different manner. Creating shadows to make it look more realistic was the part I had issues with for a while, but I think I have it to a usable point."

"Considering how you managed to trick Anakin with it, I might need to learn it myself." Obi-Wan favored Anakin with a smile. "I need to have a few tricks myself to keep an edge on my padawan or he might just win a duel one of these days."

"You can count on me besting you Master," Anakin said as the food arrived.

The churly was chunks of meat and vegetables in a thick fragrant sauce that clung to the meat with a glistening orange colored hold, served alongside charred flatbread that Anakin waited to eat towards the end of the meal to sop up the sauce, the rest following the lead of the Tatooine native in how the meal should be eaten. An impromptu contest of who could go longer without touching the sweet, cold, thick, milky blue drinks started between the youngest two diners. The competitive staring created a thick tension between them while the two Jedi Knights gave exasperated sighs at the childish antics.

—-

"A proposal you have?" Yoda asked Mace Windu as most of the High Council was gathered for a meeting.

"Yes. One of our Padawan has chosen to research how to combat the slavery in the outer rim."

"Another one?" Even Piell huffed.

"A bit different from most." Mace Windu sent a copy of the proposal to the data pads of the other Council Members. "Instead of going after the slavers directly for crimes or directly freeing the slaves, she is going after the underlying economic reasons many slaves end up becoming slaves in the first place."

"Because slavers take people and force them into slavery."

"If you flip through graph 3-2, you will see that according to our own data gathered by various Jedi going undercover to stop a slave trade ring that a majority of slaves either voluntarily enter into slavery to cover either their own or a loved one's debt or were originally the child of slaves and had no other choice but to become slaves as well. Those forced into slavery by criminals make up a relatively small 19% of slaves. By uplifting at risk populations we might be able to weaken the slave markets indirectly."

"Looks like this proposal is creating an entire society," Ki-Adi-Mundi noted as he looked through the proposal. "Entertainment, relaxation, laws, multiple suggested investors, local defense forces. I do have some questions about some of these proposed future income sources to keep the project going in the long term. Specifically that it appears one of our padawans seem to have an interest in legalizing gambling and certain forms of adult specific entertainment. Are you willing to divulge the identity of the padawan in question?"

"It is Padawan Degurechaff that wrote this proposal."

"Ah, the reincarnated one. That explains it. She must have seen some of these tactics have a positive effect in her last life then."

"If she had such positive results in her last life, then why is there still slavery?" Piell asked.

"It has been thousands of years since the Je'daii and the Sith had a long history of enslaving populations during their crusades, and the Hutts have long stymied any attempts to deal with the slave trade in their area of space. Obviously any positive results had a backslide in the intervening years."

"If that is the case, then what are we going to do? This proposal appears to leave very little room for our involvement."

"We provide funds and write into the contracts that are being proposed for the resort and casino and other related businesses that the Jedi Order has the right to check on the wellbeing of the employees to insure they are being provided for properly. Otherwise, we let this play out. Our priority for this proposal should be the wellbeing of the general population of Ryloth and that the day to day operation of the governance and businesses involved are, as is our tradition, not our concern."

"So we go with this proposal, but who do we send to arrange the matters?"

"Why isn't it obvious? Tanya is already well established with this proposal, so we let her take the lead and offer advice and guidance when she asks for it."

Yoda looked around the room before nodding to himself. "A decision we have reached." He tapped his walking stick on the ground before they moved onto the next item on the agenda.

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Being called to the Jedi High Council chamber was an interesting thing. From what Master Labooda has told me, this is common when being given a mission, although the situation also gave me the feeling of being summoned to the principal's office. Master Labooda was with me as I meditated before the meeting and she was going to be going in with me since, if she was right and this was a mission, it would be my first mission for the Jedi and it would be unusual to send a Padawan on their own.

The fact they asked for me specifically and not for my master with me in tow did raise a lot of alarm bells, but I could not think of what I might have done wrong. I have kept up with my training, while I liked Master Labooda well enough, I felt that we were managing to keep a professional enough distance in our personal lives considering that we were also roommates. Perhaps they found out about the damaged and bloodied clothes from my spar with Anakin and were concerned about it. The cut was already healed without a mark, it had not been very deep to begin with, and it was painless when it had occurred. Really, injuries are expected in practicing any martial art and making a big deal out of it is irrational. Best to take it as a sign to improve and move on.

The council doors opened smoothly, if not for the Force letting me know something was happening, I would not have even known that the doors had moved at all. To a Force User, this display is rather mundane, but I could very easily see it being used as an intimidation tactic against those not used to being around objects moving with no obvious reason.

Master Labooda and I enter the round chamber and stand in the center of the circle of chairs filled either with a member of the High Council or with the holographic image of a member.

"We have reviewed your proposal for combating slavery. There are a few questions we have for you about it and the choices you made within it," Mace Windu began without preamble, just letting me know they have already seen the first draft, and that I would need to defend my proposal before it was ready. Not ideal considering I was trying to get second opinions on any issues within it to be able to adjust the proposal or know what I would need to defend before I got to this stage, but I should be able to manage. I would just have to utilize the skills I had when I was in sales in my last life to spin the situation to my benefit.

"Of course Master. What questions do you have?"

"First, you appear to be advocating for the creation of a casino and the increase in drug extraction from the mines. Mind explaining your reasoning."

Of course a religious organization would focus on the aspects that appear the most sinful first without looking too deeply at human nature and how vices always make profit no matter the legality. A rather irrational aspect of people, but an easy enough situation to deflect from the sin to the profits and the good that can come from it.

"Of course. Ryloth has a very limited amount of possible exports to grow its economy, so what resources it does have needs to be exploited as thoroughly as possible. Ryll spice is an important part of many medical drugs, so increasing production increases exports. I am also suggesting the funding of refineries being built on the planet to reduce costs in transporting high grade refined Ryll by minimizing the distance needed to be traversed by the product from extraction to refinement."

Sure some of the Ryll will likely end up falling off the trucks either before or after refining and end up in the hands of dealers selling for recreational use, but a careful accounting of the products should minimize the losses. Not that I was planning on mentioning how we were going to be filling the recreational drug market with more goods. No, best to keep to the medicinal uses of the drugs and how we are providing an increased supply of high quality medicines.

"This should help provide a base level of funds that should be fairly stable, but an economy specialized so far into one thing is in extreme danger of collapse should demand for one reason or another drop. Given the limited number of products capable of being produced on Ryloth, the solution is to create a service focused economy, particularly one with a focus on tourism. There is a degree of risk involved, but by getting the Republic to give the Ryloth sector freedom to set up casinos and other low risk, high traffic establishments, we can create an ecosystem that should flourish during times of economic prosperity. The Ryll trade should help shore up the economy during economic downturns because no matter how bad the economy is doing, people will still require medicine."

"That is a, uh, interesting take on medicine, but how are you going to deal with the Hutts?" Master Plo Koon said through his breathing mask. "They have near complete control over all gambling establishments in the Galaxy."

A reasonable question considering how competitive the luxury pleasure market can be. It probably would be a problem if not for an elegantly simple solution to sidestep the issue.

"By inviting them to be involved."

"Elaborate please," Master Windu ordered after a moment. I suppose I should have realized that I would need to go in depth with my explanations to defend my proposal. Foolish of me to forget that.

"They own and operate nearly all the casinos already, they have expertise and connections that would be highly valuable to utilize. Invite them into the initial pitch, offer them a chance to help finance as an investor. Should they refuse, hire them as consultants on the best practices to run a successful casino and pay to have them on retainer for additional advice. They will be incentivized either way to help the project be a success."

"And if they decide to not involve themselves and instead sabotage the project?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. A reasonable concern considering the millennium long history of the Hutts being considered criminal scum. A bit unfair considering that the Hutts did not operate within Republic space and instead had their own galactic nation state with its own separate laws making what they did legal within Hutt Space. Perhaps morally and ethically dubious to some, but legal all the same. If they wanted to prosecute the Hutts for perceived crimes, laws would have to be created and enforced within the areas the Hutts operate in.

That being said, it would be a good idea to incorporate failsafes should the Hutts choose to be bold by deciding that Republic law does not apply to them when acting in Republic space. These same precautions should also prevent any other characters with a more flexible interpretation of who the law applies to from getting up to any questionable activities, which should help the security minded traveler choose the correct location for their relaxation destination.

"If they don't want to play fair and make a profit, then we just need to make sure that their sabotages fall by increasing security operations and ruin casinos financially by attracting all the customers to our locations. If they don't want to collaborate, then let the invisible hand of the free market choose the victor."

"How do you plan on financing this endeavor?"

And here we arrive at the heart of any institution's motivation, money. Where to acquire it and how to effectively utilize it to achieve goals and quite even more money. Of course an organization like the Jedi would not have been able to acquire the wealth they have by being overly generous, so by making it clear only a small amount would be required from the Jedi due to a number of alternative backers, I should be able to eek out a much greater funding from the Jedi so they do not appear uninterested in the end result of the project. And by getting the Jedi to invest more, the other companies should invest more to have a larger stake in the joint venture.

"The senator from Ryloth has already promised to provide some aid. I'm sure he has a few wealthy contacts willing to invest. In addition, the Trade Federation would be the perfect partner for transporting the Ryll spice to market, as well as possibly being able to expand into a luxury transportation industry to take customers from certain key hubs to Ryloth and back. The Techno Union would be ideal for providing equipment for the security forces and mining operations, and if we can cut them in on the profits then the cost for the equipment should be reduced as it would be them investing into the operations rather than them providing for a customer. Failing that, bulk orders usually result in lower per unit costs. And then there are the Banking Clans who should jump on the opportunity for a new revenue stream either through loans or through a stake in the company itself."

That should be enough to get the Jedi interested in providing the funds, now just to recommend it so there is no doubt about their willingness, "I would suggest the Jedi Order also invest financially into this enterprise to give the other parties extra confidence that the Jedi plan on sticking through the early stages of development where profits are likely to be non-existent and will stick with this for the long term."

"Hmm. Agree to this, we can. In charge, you will be. Require regular reports, we will."

Not surprising that I would be put in charge of setting this through. The reward for a job well done is more work after all. It will be challenging, but if I do well enough then promotion to Knighthood should be assured, bringing me one step closer to being able to "study the Force" on a beautiful tropical planet with plenty of beaches. Actually, I might even be able to use this little mission to visit a few possible planets under the guise of recruiting experts in providing luxury accommodations.

"And what role shall I have?" Master Labooda asked, reminding me rather harshly that indeed I am only a Padawan, an apprentice who has limited freedom in action.

"You are to continue to guide and mentor Tanya as her master," Master Windu answered, "but it is the council's opinion that as she has shown such initiative that Tanya should take the lead in proving the viability of her proposal. You have the freedom to curb any reckless decisions she may make and we are going to leave you in charge of making requisitions for this project."

I'll have to be careful not to abuse my role as the project head to keep Master Labooda going along with my suggestions. She is very clever and knows me well enough to know if I were to try dragging out this project for my own benefit. Having her constantly looking over my shoulder will force me to minimize my ability to gain fringe benefits on this project. A few I could probably spin as being important to the project, but too many and she will likely start vetoing all of them.

"Very well Master Windu. Is there anything else the Council requires from us?"

"I do. A quick question for a curious mind." Ali-Adi-Mundi asked, leaning forward in his seat, "What made you decide to write up this proposal?"

A fairly reasonable question about motivation. One I have a ready and true answer for, even if it doesn't go into how close the treatment of slaves reminds me of the way communist governments treated their own populations.

"On meeting some acquaintances of Master Labooda, the fact that in a society as advanced as the one we live in there is still slavery came up and I found the idea very unpleasant that a more permanent solution hasn't been established yet."

"Thank you. That will be all."

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

The first thing necessary for a successful project was to draw up a time table of when certain key milestones should be completed by. Not knowing how long certain aspects of the plan would reasonably take, I chose to give myself a generous five years till the opening of the casino and resort.

The first hurdle on the path was going to be getting the Senate to approve of the legal exemptions to the gambling laws because without a legal way to have a casino, the entire plan will take a serious blow and I would have to figure out some other profitable industry that would attract wealthy tourists out to Ryloth.

To help overcome this first hurdle, I would need to have already gotten over the second hurdle of getting interested investors to state their support for the plan. Which requires them to know that the plan will go through.

A catch 22 situation where both hurdles need to be overcome at the same time for the other to be overcome. Luckily, there is a rather elegant solution to this conundrum, get both parties involved in the same meetings so any interest fuels confidence in the other side that they are not wasting their time. And a few of the individuals that I need are already necessary for both hurdles. Corporations being granted senate seats is just begging for corruption, but for now the situation benefits my goals, so let the corruption flow.

On getting the legal work implemented and the financial backing, the next step will be location choice and architectural design. Both of which would be best done with local help. I made a note to contact the Ryloth Senator to see if he knew anyone who would be a good choice. A firm would be the best option to provide several designs that will both fit the local architectural design aesthetics while being grand designs agreeable to the aesthetics appreciated by the rich and powerful of the galaxy.

While the designs are being worked on, the implementation of new extraction technology into the mines of Ryloth and the construction of refineries in a decently out of the way part of the planet so as to not remind the tourists that there are other things besides pleasure and relaxation on the planet could begin. With some negotiation, I might be able to convince the Trade Federation, who will be the primary profiteers from the Ryll, to reinvest their profits back into other aspects of this economic rejuvenation to speed up the process of being able to also sell goods to the locals.

The next milestone would be the setting up of a local militia and police force to protect these projects from short sighted individuals and the local population from the few slavery raids that do occur. I'll need to ask around for recommendations on who to choose to do most of the setup and lead the forces until a local commander can be put in charge without the whole enterprise collapsing in on itself.

The final major milestone will be the actual beginning of the construction. This is the part of the project that gives me the most concern about the timetable. In my last life, construction seemed to be a fairly swift affair, but I was never involved so I can not say for sure how long building a resort should take. The advanced technology of this galaxy should further speed up the process, but for all I know the luxury buildings actually take a lot longer to build because the wealthy can afford to spend time on slower methods that result in better end results.

All I can do is set the opening as a tentative five years and note the possibility of it taking longer due to variability in construction speed.

Now to plan the gathering of the important movers and shakers that will be able to actually get this project off the ground. A semi-formal party would probably be best. Time to research party planning. yay.

—-

With Obi-Wan having left on yet another mission that Anakin was not allowed to go on, an excess of free time fell into the Padawan's lap. Free time that he was unable to fill with spending time with Tanya and her Master due to Tanya being busy with her own mission. They were able to occasionally spar in the morning, but that still left so much of the day to fill.

While Anakin was assigned educational datapads to work through by Obi-Wan when he left, the datapads were easy to do and finish quickly giving the young man far too much free time.

Anakin kept up a very steady routine of practicing in the star fighter simulator, practicing his lightsaber forms, practicing his Force abilities to the limit, and tinkering in the droid workshop, but there was only so much of that he could do before getting bored and restless. Master Kenobi would have suggested Anakin work on his meditation, but that was boring and sitting around listening to how much the initiates and padawans in the temple viewed him as an outsider was exactly what he was trying to avoid.

So, Anakin often found himself out of the Temple in the Senate Building, either helping Chancellor Palpatine by running a few errands or just talking with the man. Today, the pair were in Palpatine's office having an early dinner that was delivered.

A classic Shaak Pot Roast, a popular dish on Naboo that many found as comforting as it was filling. Hunks of deep red shaak meat slowly roasted over a bed of root vegetables to let the very fatty meat to render out the fat into the veggies, a glug of blue Tarul wine providing just enough moisture for the veggies and meat to not burn before enough fat renders out to help keep a steady temperature in the cooking vessel. Along with the meal, Palpatine had a classic vintage of Tarul wine that was pressed and aged in barrels made from actual, natural wood that he claimed paired beautifully with the meal.

"Perhaps you would like to try some?" Palpatine asked, angling the opened bottle, a squat clear glass that curves from a wide bottom to a very slim neck, to pour Anakin a glass.

"I am not sure I should." Anakin shook his head, his eyes focused on the bottle.

"Now my boy, you are considered by the Jedi to be old enough to carry a lightsaber and thus old enough to kill for the Order. Surely a little something to drink would not be an issue." Anakin fidgeted in his seat, no response coming as he tried to think of what to say. "How about this, we'll add a bit of water to dilute it and you can drink that."

Anakin leaned back in his seat as his shoulders relaxed. "I think that should be alright."

Palpatine smiles as he pours a half glass into Anakin's cup, grabbing the decanter of water he kept on his desk to top up Anakin's drink. "Here you go. What do you think?"

Anakin's face scrunched up at the unexpected flavor of the drink. "It's sour."

"That would be a fermented flavor. You get used to it and learn to appreciate it. And it really helps cut through the fattiness of the pot roast while the fruitiness of the wine brings out some of the sweeter flavors of the dish."

The pair began to tuck into the meal, Anakin nodding his head at the homey flavors. "It's not bad. And this is something Padme enjoys?"

"Oh yes. It is a dish that everyone on Naboo eats. Some more often than others, but it is a comforting dish. Much like that terrine you had me try not so long ago."

"I see. I didn't realize that royalty would eat a dish like that. I would have thought she would only be eating fancy foods that require three different spoons to eat properly."

"Oh she does. I know she usually eats well made specialties from across the Republic, but she likes to focus on what the common person deals with and regularly has her chefs prepare more common and basic fare so she can understand her people better."

Anakin's face lit up with a goofy smile. "She is such a wonderful person."

"Indeed. I'm certain you will get to see her again." Palpatine's smile was kind, his eyes focused on Anakin's joyful expression with a calculating glint to them.

As the two continued their meal, Anakin's commlink went off, surprising the young man.

"You best go ahead and answer that." Palpatine instructed.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes my boy. Go ahead. It could be important."

"Ok." With a nod, Anakin pulled out and activated the comm. "Anakin here."

"Ah Anakin. Thank you for picking up. I was hoping to make a request of you," the rough, high pitched voice of Tanya coming through the link.

"What can I help you with?" Anakin asked as he set down the fork he was eating with.

"You said you are close to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, correct? I have a need to get in contact with him. If you would be so kind as to introduce us, I would greatly appreciate it."

Anakin gave Palpatine a look with a raised eyebrow that was returned with a nod.

"Actually, I was just having dinner with him. If you want to talk to him he is right here."

"I apologize for interrupting, but that would be lovely."

Anakin passed the commlink over to Palpatine so Tanya could hear what the Chancellor said more easily.

"How may I help you Jedi...?" The Chancellor began before trailing off with no name.

"Padawan Tanya Degurechaff, sir. I am arranging a meeting of several senators and businessmen to make a proposal. Anakin has spoken very highly of you and I was hoping that if I could gain your support as well, that the process would go smoother."

Palpatine nodded while his face became a mask full of concern.

"I am not sure if I can. It is important as Chancellor to remain as impartial as possible, but I am willing to hear you out. What is this proposal about, Padawan Degurechaff?"

"It is a proposal for a new business enterprise on Ryloth in the mining and entertainment sectors with the goal of reducing the rate of slavery among the Twi'lek people of Ryloth."

Palpatine froze for a moment before saying, "You have my attention."

"I am sorry sir, but a comm call is not a very appropriate venue for discussing this, so I cannot go into too much detail at this time, but to summarize quickly, it is my hope that by opening up a luxury resort and casino on Ryloth filled with fairly paid local employees that we can kickstart the economic health of Ryloth and reduce the number of individuals who sell themselves into slavery."

Palpatine nodded his head, his face schooled carefully into a diplomatically neutral expression. "I am very interested to hear the full proposal. When is this meeting?"

"I have it scheduled in two weeks. Anakin, would it be alright if I have you pass along the details once they are finalized?"

Palpatine returned the commlink so Anakin could answer the question, his gaze focused on the small device, a grin hidden behind hands he had intertwined in front of his face.

"Uh, yeah sure. Um, if this is to reduce slavery, why are you creating a resort instead of going after the slavers?"

"The slavers are a symptom of the problem and not the problem itself. Going after the slavers is equivalent to taking pain medicine when you have a broken bone. Sure the pain is gone for now, but your bone is still broken and the pain will eventually come back."

Anakin nodded his head at that explanation. It made sense that there would be more to him being born a slave than just slavery being a thing. "Ok. Thank you."

"No, thank you. Both of you. I am sure this project will go a lot smoother with your assistance, Supreme Chancellor." Tanya ended the call as the two men sat in silence for a moment processing the conversation they just had.

"How did you come to know her?" Palpatine asked, basking in the silence.

"She was one of the initiates on the Gathering mission I went on some time ago. Remember the one I mentioned taught me to fly?"

"I thought that was a male initiate?"

"Uh, well, she has a very masculine feel in the Force to me. Actually, her Force presence kind of reminds me of you."

Palpatine focused his attention fully onto the young man sitting across from him. "Really now? How so?"

Anakin looked off to the side as he opened his mouth to speak, his hand reaching out to touch something neither man could see. "There is a feeling. Detached. No, but that is the word that comes to mind. A detached feeling, like you both look at the world through a glass. And a calculated approach to things. Like there is circuitry in your minds."

Palpatine kept up a smile during the explanation as his shoulders tensed. "Oh, and what do you think of this feeling you get from us?"

Anakin shook his head before looking at Palpatine. "I don't know, but I would like to think of both of you as my friends, so it is not a bad thing."

Palpatine's shoulders sagged a little as he relaxed before reaching out and placing a hand on top of Anakin's. "Anakin, my boy. Of course we are friends."

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Rudolf Fischer's office was a desk in a corner of the open room he and the various other aids, researchers, and gophers who aided the officials of the Correlian system worked in. At least, Rudolf liked to think of his desk as his office. A place where he can focus on his duties and accomplish tasks necessary for the good Senator to make policy and party and whatever else it was that senators got up to that kept them from actually reading the bills they argued about on the senate floor.

Now though, he had to leave his little piece of land to visit his boss's office, exiting into the main waiting area before walking into a room with only a single desk in the middle and plenty of room to walk around. A single, large, durasteel desk mostly empty of work except for a small stack of flimsies and datapads off to the side. The shelves lining the walls are filled with scale models of various ships, the ones depicting current Correlian lines of production in the most prominent locales. And seated in his large, well cushioned seat was Senator Iblis.

"You called for me?"

"Yes. Close that door behind you please. I would like to keep this meeting private for now."

Closing the door Mr. Fischer stood in front of the desk, his back straight, his hands gripped tightly behind his back. "What is going on, sir?"

Senator Iblis motioned for Rudolf to take a seat as he leaned back into his chair, a glass of brown liquid with a hint of gold in his hand. "Well, an associate of mine sent me a rather interesting proposal that will require the senate to enact certain measures. You studied finance and financial law, correct?"

"Yes sir. What sort of bill is this?"

Garm Iblis slid a datapad across the desk. "It isn't a bill per say. Rather it is a bunch of interconnected proposals, a rather ambitious plan, to help the slavery issue in the Ryloth sector. I want you to look over the theory in this proposal and let me know how feasible it is. Everything looks fine to me, but I can't help the feeling that it seems a bit ridiculous no one has tried this before if it would work out."

"I will give it a look over and let you know as soon as I can." Rudolf turned on the datapad to begin a brief skim of the proposal.

"See to it. Put aside all your other projects for now. I need that information before a meeting next week and I want you to be as thorough as possible."

"Yes sir."

—-

Ziro Desilijic Tiure, or Ziro the Hutt as he was better known as on Coruscant, was the person people in the core world go to when they want to get in contact with the Hutt cartels or the Grand Hutt Council, depending on the legality of their business. Setting up a meeting was a typically fairly simple process as Ziro mostly stayed in his night club and it was rare that such business warranted extra setup.

But when a Jedi calls ahead to arrange a meeting, well that requires something special. It was a rare occurrence indeed when the Jedi gave forewarnings of a visit. Rarer still when it was not related to some crime they were investigating. Now Ziro was no fool, he knew that Jedi do not just make social calls with Hutts. No, the Jedi wanted something. What that something was, Ziro could not say. As far as Ziro knew there had not been any conflict within the criminal underworld that warranted the Jedi's attention and there had not been any recent lost Jedi artifacts found in Hutt space.

Well, no sense worrying about it was Ziro's opinion as he closed the club down for the meeting. At least, closed to the general public. Ziro could not imagine skipping out in meeting the Jedi with some lovely eye candy around and a few drinks at hand. Just alcohol for now, Ziro was sure a clear head would be needed and his normal cocktail preferences might leave him buzzed for the meeting. No, best to stick to alcohol and stay sober.

"Presenting his most magnificent, Ziro the Hutt," the artificial vocals of one of the protocol droids Ziro kept around announced as it led in two humanoid Jedi. Both females if Ziro were to make a guess, not that gender ever really mattered to him. Such a limiting concept to be constrained to only one gender and it only being socially acceptable to be with another specific gender. Ziro much preferred being able to take on aspects of both and be with any being he set his eyes on.

"And who do I have the honor of hosting this evening?"

"Presenting Jedi Knight Sar Labooda and Jedi Padawan Tanya Degurechaff.

The two Jedi bowed respectfully before the shorter blonde one holding some sort of box stepped forward and passed the box to the droid. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Ziro the Hutt."

"Now now, no need for such formalities. What can I help you with? Hm, what's this?" Ziro waved off the need to use his title before accepting the box and opening it up carefully.

"It is my understanding that in Hutt culture it is traditional to exchange gifts as a sign of a desire to conduct honest business with each other."

"Hm, what? Oh yes, tradition. I did not expect a non-Hutt to understand that. Oh, is this a statue of me?"

Indeed inside the box was a rough figure of a Hutt painted with bright green eyes and purple skin and very distinct yellow markings that closely matched Ziro's own tattoos.

"Yes. Carved from real wood and I have been told the paint was made with naturally sourced pigments. I apologize if the quality is not to your standards, but I was uncertain what would be appropriate and I was unable to give the artist a lot of time to work."

"Oh, I do like it, your artist did an excellent job catching my good side," Ziro said, taking a close look at the figure before passing it and the box to the droid and tasking the droid to put them in his office. Readjusting himself on his dias, Ziro focused in on the small Jedi. Taking the lead in this situation shows that the small blonde one must be Knight Sar Labooda and the tall one must be the Padawan. Ziro did not keep up with the Jedi, but she would have thought a Padawan of that age would have been kicked out by now. Unless both were actually not human and instead some near humans that aged at unusual rates.

"I will pass along the compliment. Now, getting down to the purpose of this meeting, the Jedi are interested in attempting a novel method of helping the most at risk populations by creating new economic and financial benefits. Specifically, we are looking to start up several businesses on Ryloth and would like the Hutts expertise involved in a couple of them."

Hutt expertise. My this little Jedi was full of surprises. First giving a bribe, even if an unusual one, under the pretense of respecting tradition. And now saying such flattering things. Well, never let it be said Ziro does not appreciate brown nosing and bribery.

"And what expertise could the Hutts provide your little project?"

"The Hutts have several highly regarded casinos within their business portfolio. One of the planned businesses is a casino to employ a number of locals while bringing in a lot of tourists to bolster the local economy and we would like the Hutts' assistance in properly setting up and running the casino."

The Jedi are looking to muscle into the gambling business? And they want the Hutts to help? Ziro knew those Jedi couldn't be as pure and idealistic as they pretended, but this was something else.

"And what, pray tell, would the Hutts be getting out of this arrangement?"

"Should the Hutts choose to financially back the project along with a few other potential investors during a business meeting next week, then the Hutts will have a stake in the ownership of the casino. If the Hutts wish to not involve themselves financially in the project, then any Hutt who chooses to advise the project will be fairly compensated in a consultant role. We would prefer the Hutts backing the project financially so that you are invested in helping to make the operation as profitable as possible."

Well, at least Jedi Labooda knew how to talk about the game. And teaching her Padawan such tactics would prove beneficial in the future, if this was the direction the Jedi were choosing to go in.

"And what would you Jedi be getting out of all this?"

"We will of course be receiving a fair share of the profits in proportion to our investments, most of which will then be reinvested back into this and similar projects, and be the ones to ensure the employees are treated fairly and compensated a fair wage that covers their personal expenses to an acceptable level."

Ah, keeping to their idealistic beliefs, while trying to actually make money off of their squeaky clean image. This must be the doing of that old frog they call a leader. Play a long game to maximize the money they could make on a good image. Well, if they want to play this game and deal the Hutts in on the profits, the Hutts will be happy to profit off the Jedi's backs.

"Alright, I'll have to make a few calls before I can promise anything, but you have my attention."

The Grand Hutt Council is going to love this. And Ziro will get all the credit for setting it up and brokering the deal. If everything goes well, then perhaps this will even weaken that damn brat nephew of Ziro's position as clan head.

"That is perfectly alright. I hope that this business venture will be to both of our benefits. We will be hosting a meeting in about a week where I will be going in depth on the plan. Hopefully you will need no further convincing afterwards."

"I will be there. You can count on it."

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Gathering together various influential people from a number of companies and senatorial subcommittees who can get this project going was surprisingly easy. The senators Garm Iblis and Orn Free Taa provided a great deal of assistance in contacting and introducing several of the individuals on my behalf, of just providing the contact information for others.

The planning of the meeting was going to be much more difficult considering that it was important to impress and schmooze with these individuals in order to get them on my side with this project and actually back it financially and materially. So the meeting was going to have to be a casual one, which requires catering. Asking Master Labooda about these issues, she let me know there was a public meeting hall that occasionally got used and several companies already contracted to provide for such events.

This led to a valuable lesson in Jedi bureaucracy. A bit of paperwork, a note on several calendars, and an explanation of what the requisitions were for and who was approving the expenses.

As a Padawan, I did not have authority to approve any expenses. One of the benefits of promotion through the ranks was what expenses could be instantly approved under your own authority. Padawans needed their Master's approval for any expenses they wished to requisition. Knights could requisition most personal items with no issue, but would need a mission reason to requisition anything expensive, like a ship. Masters could requisition just about anything and would only get in trouble if they got excessive in their requisitions or something went digging into why a Master was requisitioning certain items.

This increase in trust for moving up in the ranks made a certain amount of sense, but was also entirely disconnected from how financially responsible a person actually was. In order to move up in rank was not connected at all to what a person was bringing to the Jedi Order in terms of financial improvement or spreading their ideals.

It was connected to completely separate criteria. Initiates become Padawan through a series of tests that show ability to memorize the Jedi code, meditate, and use the force before a Knight or Master takes them on as an apprentice, a fairly low bar to pass and I suspected the being taken on as an apprentice was the thing that slowed most down in advancement.

Padawans took the Jedi Trials which were far more difficult to pass and covered a wide range of things. The details on a few of the trials were kept deliberately secret due to the necessity of facing the unknown while performing them, but others could be looked up easily enough and I was sure I could pass a few of them readily enough, but was still years away from being ready to pass all of them.

The final promotion from Knight to Master was possibly the simplest in terms of personal requirements, but could be the hardest to achieve depending on other factors. Get a Padawan to pass their Trials. Once I achieved the rank of Knight, Master Labooda would also be promoted to being a fully fledged Master Jedi in her own right.

I would need to begin looking for a good apprentice as soon as I became a Knight if I wanted to climb the ranks swiftly. Someone already capable on their own that I could help get the last few things they are lacking down before watching them pass their trials and I can leave for a nice retirement, I mean 'Exploration of the Force' expedition.

But that was years away and anyone I might find now would be snatched up by Knights looking for promotions and Masters who enjoy helping others reach their potential.

Looking at the task at hand, I began to double check that everything was set for a social gathering, meeting, and business deal that I had been setting up. I would need to wear a more formal robe for the event. While Jedi were permitted everywhere to wear our traditional and simple clothes out of respect for our religious beliefs, there were subtle differences between robes meant for day to day wear and robes meant for special functions.

Namely the fit of the robe in question. Day to day robes were generally loose fitting and very comfortable, almost like wearing pajamas or comfortable work or clothes all day. Formal robes, however, were generally tailored to fit more closely to the body to give a better impression of the Jedi's body. It would take a good eye to notice the difference at a casual glance since the material and overall cut was generally the same, but at an event like this I was sure to come across several who would be looking far closer at my clothes and would notice whether or not I was wearing a tailored outfit or not.

That same critical eye would also necessitate that I polish my boots to a fine shine instead of the worn look I had allowed them to achieve. Might be a good idea to get back into the habit of regularly cleaning and polishing my shoes like I had done in my last life. While the life of a salaryman who worked in an office building and only dealt with internal employees allowed me to not have perfectly polished shoes everyday, I knew it was important to signal to my bosses that I knew how to care for my appearance down to keeping my shoes clean and shiny.

With the list of party requirements fulfilled and the event set up with RSVPs having been received, the only thing left was to take care of my outfit, so I got up to visit the tailor droids to get the properly fitting robes that I would likely be able to wear only a few times because I was still growing.

—-

Senator Garm Iblis adjusted the jacket of his suit as he and his wife strolled from the parking dock to the Jedi Temple.

"Stop messing with your coat or you will just end up embarrassing me," Drinna Iblis reprimanded, grabbing Garm's hands to stop him before correcting his jacket.

"I don't like it."

"That fly boy jacket might be fine in the Senate Chamber when your fellow senators are so far away and can't see you and the commoners may like it, but people that actually matter will be here and you will not embarrass me by looking slovenly." With a nod at her husband's looks, Drinna began walking again, a hand lightly on his arm, her back held straight and her chin turned up.

A scowl briefly appeared on the senator's face before fading into a more neutral stance, the only tension a slight furrow in his brow. "Of course dear. Just remember that getting this project done will be very good for my reelection chances. So do watch what you say here."

—-

As the representative of Ryloth, it was imperative that Orn Free Taa was early to the meeting to greet the various representatives and guests as they arrived. Personally, he would have preferred to be fashionably late to enjoy a good meal before getting down to business.

The little Padawan and her Jedi Master did a wonderful job setting up the meeting hall for a group of tasteless monastery hermits. The tables had tastefully white clothes covering their surfaces and legs, and they actually outsourced the music to an actual live band instead of just having silence or someone playing chimes or whatever it is the Jedi listened to while meditating so much. The hors d'oeuvres however were a bit lacking.

Par for the course, the small finger foods the Jedi had on offer had nearly no seasoning and so bland looking that it was easy to forget what was eaten soon after it was swallowed. Just once, Orn would like to go to one of these social events with food worth remembering the event for.

The drinks at least had some taste to them, even the water had citrus and menthol herbs floating among the ice in the drink dispensers on the side tables. The other three drinks included a sweet sparkling berry juice, a wine that was full bodied and pleasantly dry with a long finish, and a cocktail that tasted vaguely fruity behind a wall of rums. While delicious, Orn would need to be careful not to overly indulge lest he agree to something he should not.

Like getting too involved with his current assistant. She was a pretty little thing, ambitious to get more power for herself, but her eyes were set on getting that power through Orn. The sort of power hunger she displayed reminded Orn far too much of the wives of several junior senators he had met over the years, junior senators that disappeared or died through accidental circumstances leaving behind wives with significant wealth. These wives Orn noticed quickly moving onto other wealthy individuals that often met similar fates.

No, it would be best to replace her as soon as possible. Luckily Pampy, his other assistant, was a very discreet woman capable of keeping a search for a replacement hidden. This meeting was an excellent time for Pampy to work, leaving Orn alone with his red skinned, Lethan Twi'lek assistant.

"So nice of the Jedi to be working to help our people," she said, her hand rubbing my arm as she stood closer than was strictly professional for an assistant, even one that has shared the same bed before. She was attempting to mark her territory in a rather clumsy fashion that was not appreciated by Orn.

"Indeed. That Padawan has a wonderful eye for potential solutions to problems. I hope to follow her career closely." Orn's eyes scanned the room as he spoke, a small smile and gleam in his eyes as he spotted his escape from his assistant.

"It is probably her youth. The young can be very creative. Perhaps I could show you some of my youthful creativity later." The last sentence was whispered into Orn's ear as a pair of soft, round shirt fillers pressed into him.

"Now now, we are here for business. How about you go talk with our hosts while I go talk with the Chancellor?"

With that, Orn left his assistant behind to make sure the Chancellor was on his side with this project. The man had a gift for getting the projects he wanted done while not connecting himself too tightly to any of them and if he could help with this, and perhaps help stamp down any rumors, no matter how true, of certain relations with his assistant after she left his employ, then Orn would owe the man significantly.

—-

The Jedi are such fools. To play so easily into my hands like this. The common citizen knew the multi system corporations that held seats on the senate floor were corrupt and not to be trusted, along with several of the rich investors and senators invited to this party. To just gather them all to their temple in a very public way, not requesting any secrecy from any of them, would only tie the Jedi closely to the corruption the Sith have been planting and building in the Senate for ages. So closely, with the right tabloids running the story, that some of the common rabble would begin souring on the Jedi reputation of being beacons of justice and light in the galaxy before the war I was brewing up would tarnish it forever.

A galaxy that needed Order and Control from a ruler that knew what was Necessary. A ruler like myself once I become Emperor over everything. Necessary for my own benefit. Order for my vision. Control to work my Galaxy.

This little project might help a few Twi'lek have a nicer life for now, but it would tie the Jedi to the idea that they don't care about what people are doing or who they are doing. No, they want money and to pretend that they are helping the poor.

Yes, this little project of theirs will go ahead. I will make sure of it. And that they get all the credit they deserve and all the credits are properly documented to show just how much the Jedi are making from this and how little is being spent to improve the lives of others.

Might take a bit of work to get the corporations to agree to minimize how much the Jedi spend here outside of the immediate casino, but a few laws about investing in housing for the poor being tax deductible should help their worries. Especially with loopholes allowing for profit from said housing being tax free.

The Jedi will not die from this, but the public will begin to no longer miss our desire for their return once the war begins.

—-

Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, had listened to the proposal from the tiny Jedi. He asked the questions he needed and got answers that promised him much profits, all while the Jedi seemed to show no animosity towards himself or the other corporate representatives. This little project held much promise, but first he needed an answer from the largest guest at the event.

What was the stance the Hutts would have over this? Fighting them was not a profitable endeavor. Indeed, making enemies of the Hutts would only hurt the Trade Federation as the Hutts had enough smugglers, mercenaries, and other individuals under their employees that attempting to blockade them would drain the coffers while the Hutts continued their operations with only minor inconveniences. No, the Hutts would have to be all in on board with the project for the Trade Federation to agree to anything.

"Ah, Ziro, a moment of your time, if you will?" Nute asked, coming up to the large figure who was getting a refill on his drink.

"Of course Nute. How can I help you?" Ziro said while spreading his arms wide before directing the Nemoidian off to the side of the room, away from so many ears.

"That Padawan made a very interesting case for the Jedi's proposal, but I would like to know what the Hutt stance on the matter will be."

Ziro looked towards the small figure of Padawan Degurechaff who was currently talking with both Senator Orn Free Taa and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine with narrowed eyes. "Yes, the little Jedi is very interesting. She must be rather experienced if her Master is letting her do all the talking."

"I've learned not to underestimate them. They can be... tricky to deal with." Gunray nodded his head as he thought back on his previous dealings with Jedi close to seven years ago during his failed blockade of Naboo.

"So I learned," Ziro agreed before looking back at Nute to answer his question. "The Hutts will be investing into the project under the condition that our consultation is compensated for appropriately."

"You would charge them to make your investment profitable?" Nute was surprised at the audacity of the requirement.

"Who else would you get to help set up the casino? We are involved in every casino in the galaxy worth visiting."

"Shrewd. Very shrewd. I believe we will find this arrangement very profitable." Nute grinned as he realized that he could learn a thing or two from the Hutts on how to bolster his personal profits. And this project was a perfect opportunity to be able to openly work with them while still gaining good publicity.

—-

Sar Labooda was exhausted. The party meeting thing that Tanya had set up ended an hour ago, but she needed to write up a report of the going ons of the event. Everything that she had seen, heard, and done while there. Tanya was diligently filling out her own.

Diligently and with no complaints when Labooda mentioned they would need to fill it out. Labooda had meant in the morning, but Tanya decided immediately was the best course and the Master could not be seen slacking when their Padawan was doing their work without complaining. If Tanya had complained even a little, Labooda would have been justified in stopping occasionally to check on Tanya's progress, but the young girl just went ahead and began to work.

The party was overall enjoyable for a mission. Any mission critical party that did not result in needing to use her lightsaber to protect someone from assassination was.

It was just so difficult having to talk numbers and money with so many businessmen. Most of those who she knew from the Force were more interested in seeing herself with her legs spread wide for them rather than actually hearing what she had to say. Thankfully everyone kept their hands to themselves tonight.

It was moments like these that made Labooda wonder if Tanya was in fact fortunate to be so blind to the emotional resonance in the Force. Moments when the oily feeling of other people's lust would coat her skin as they looked at her not as a fellow sentient worth taking seriously for both her intelligence and her deadlines, but as a toy for their pleasure that can be tossed aside when they are done.

Hearing a door close, Labooda realized she had allowed her thoughts to distract her while tired and Tanya had finished up her report and headed to bed. Picking up the datapad Tanya has left for Labooda to review, the Master wondered, for the umpteenth time, who was actually the more experienced Jedi in their relationship. What was left to teach the Padawan who was negotiating with multiple heads of state and businesses at once as one of the interested parties?

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

The process of the senate making a free gaming zone in the Ryloth sector moved smoother than I expected. I carefully chose not to look too closely at the mouth of the gift horse because the corrupt machinery in the senate was working towards my goals.

The other reason for the ease of the zone's establishment likely had to do with the gambling laws in place already. There were four classifications of games recognized by law.

Class One was the vast majority of table top, virtual, card, and child games. Games played either for fun or the participation of playing resulted in profit either regardless of results of the event or the specific rank of placement at the end of the event. Basically playing sports or games for the fun of it or as a professional athlete.

Class Two was non-banked gaming. Games where the gambling was entirely between the players and the house was not involved. Poker would be the classic example from my previous life. I believe Sabacc is the local equivalent, but I only heard brief mentions of it and it may be more similar to blackjack and thus more similar to Class Three.

Class Three is banked gaming. These were games against the house. Roulette, blackjack, slot machines, and the bread and butter of casinos.

Class Four is banked betting. This was betting on results of sports events, races, and other activities and then just waiting and watching the event unfold as others competed in games and sports.

Class One was legal across the Galaxy and was only listed as a category for legal purposes to clarify and classify specific activities as being legal or illegal in various areas based upon interpretations of whether the game in question constituted gambling or just general gaming.

Class Two was legal on a Republic level with only some systems choosing to outlaw it, but that was a system by system choice.

Classes Three and Four were mostly illegal with only select systems or even only select districts on select planets being given permission for the legal establishment of such gaming. The process for the exemption was typically rather slow and rarely given due to the locations that already held such exemptions fighting hard to prevent other exemptions from being created and cutting into the lucrative market.

That events were moving swiftly along instead showed that a bit of careful arrangements beforehand would always make everything go smoother. It was always best to arrange things properly and do the job right the first time rather than having to fight to fix previous mistakes previously, regardless of if one was putting together furniture or making business deals.

Looking through the news reports on current events, it would seem that a protest in the outer rim had gotten violent and had to be forcefully put down by the Judicial Department. Looking a bit deeper to double check my understanding of the situation, it would appear the Judicial Department worked under the Office of the Supreme Chancellor and acted as the police and effective military force in the demilitarized Republic. In their capacity as general purpose peacekeepers, they had been sent in after the protesters began to disrupt local emergency services from being able to do their duty to disperse the crowds.

Oh, apparently a Jedi had gone along to mediate the event to try and keep everything peaceful and to listen to what the protestors were protesting about. Everything had been going fine until an unidentified protester set an explosive off, killing the Jedi, several Judicials, and a number of protestors, enraging the other protestors who began to attack the Judicials. The descriptions of the following events were distasteful enough to make me decide to not view the connected videos, nor the still images taken on the scene.

There was no description to narrow down who was the Jedi that died and the organization was large enough that I had probably not had the chance to meet them. Falling in the line of duty was considered honorable and a good reason to perish, but I made a mental note to avoid dealing with protester situations considering the violence that seemed to attach itself to such movements. I would much prefer perishing somewhere close to the ocean many years from now instead than in the middle of the street trying to talk angry people down to a rational level.

Just to be safe though I would have to look carefully to see if my fellow Jedi are acting particularly upset at the news. It would not do to appear uncaring at a coworker's death when everyone else was upset. Best to modulate my emotions to conform to the mood of those around me to better blend in and signal I was truly one of them.

Even if that rumor of me being a reincarnated Je'daii was spreading around the temple. I did nothing to dissuade such rumors considering it was half correct. Just that my previous life was of a Japanese Office Worker rather than as some proto-Jedi wannabe. I did not know how best to handle the situation, but so far everything seemed to be going fine. For a while longer, I will let everyone believe whatever they like and hope that it does not end up coming back to bite me.

In more positive news, Zeltros was offering a discounted trip to visit their paradise planet for a week of fun, parties, and pleasure. A quick search found that the week was during their off season, explaining the discounted rate, but this would be a good chance to visit as a research trip to discover what they do to be so attractive to tourists. And possible things to not do, depending on how the trip goes.

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Sar Labooda took a moment to enjoy the flight out to Zeltros. No matter how mature Tanya may appear, she was still a young girl that should not be exposed to the pheromones of the Zeltrons alone.

Tanya was right that it would be a worthwhile planet to visit as an example of what a luxury vacation location can provide. She had a point that the Jedi had little experience in the hospitality industry. That did not mean she got full rein to go out unsupervised as a Jedi while so young. That was a line too far.

Labooda was too lax with her last Padawan. He had been a promising student, but rather than treat him as a student that needed guidance, she had treated him as a little brother. As family to occasionally advise and mostly spend time watching grow and develop.

His fall was nowhere near as glamorous as most fallen Jedi. He didn't get a taste for the dark side and spiral out of control. That would have hurt, but it happened enough that Labooda could have learned from her failure and moved on. Perhaps even manage to talk sense into him before he went over the edge into fully embracing the dark side.

No, he fell for a pretty face. A pretty face that offered him the chance to try death sticks. Labooda did not think she would have to warm or watch out for it. By the time she realized something was wrong Labooda's first Padawan was in a ditch, his lightsaber missing. The autopsy revealed it was an overdose.

The path Tanya was walking worried Labooda that her new Padawan would decide to try out the more sinful aspects of the galaxy and indulge herself, losing herself to addiction. So far, Tanya had been a model of restraint while dealing with the Hutt and being at events filled with temptations to try alcoholic drinks, always restraining herself to the non-alcoholic options. It worried Labooda the way Tanya's eyes seemed to focus on the drinks so much, having to tear her gaze away at times. Almost like she had already had a taste for it and was missing the chance to indulge herself.

This trip would be a test of Tanya's control over her desires. At no point would Tanya be allowed out of sight to ensure she did not fall the same way, even if it took a lot of effort to stay physically hidden. Luckily the tiny Padawan was deaf to sensing those around her.

Looking at Tanya, Labooda gave a smile as she reaffirmed her promise to not fail her Padawan again. Tanya had fallen asleep on the bed in their cabin on the cruise liner they were taking to get an idea of the experience the customers would have from leaving their home throughout the trip to returning home. A rather insightful observation that customer experience research would aid in making a business that resulted in positive reviews on a consistent basis.

The younger girl seemed to favor a shorter hairstyle that was very low maintenance. Brushing the Padawan braid behind Tanya's ear and out of her eyes, the longest bit of hair Tanya had that signified her rank within the order, Labooda began to adjust the small figure of her Padawan into a more comfortable sleeping position.

With a flip of the light, Labooda gives Tanya one last smile before going out to check the late night activities on the ship to add extra information to her report on the amenities observed as being desirable by passengers.

—-

The cruise liner had a rather quiet night life on board, housing only a single bar with a few people having a late night drink and a small dining room that had a single couple having a quiet meal. Upon reflection, Knight Labooda decided that it made sense that people would be willing to forgo a lot of extra resources on a relatively short trip within the core sector.

From Coruscant to Zeltros by cruise liner was a short, two day trip. Closer to one and half, leaving in the morning and arriving mid afternoon the following day. The trip out to Ryloth would be far longer with the distance being from the core out to near the edges of the outer rim.

Sar Labooda returned to her room far earlier than she expected, wrote a note that her explorations on the transportation felt inconclusive of what would be worthwhile for a long distance trip, and went to bed.

—-

Arriving onto Zeltros the Jedi pair were immediately beset with the bright, pleasantly warm air, music that seemed ever present, and the red to pink skinned locals wandering around in clothes very appropriate for the beach, enjoying the sun, or lounging next to a pool, and not much else. The sky was a lovely light shade of orange and the space port had a beautiful view of the yellow sanded beaches and the pink waves washing ashore.

Having had lunch on the ship and not having a need for nourishment for now, the pair made a beeline for the hotel they would be staying for now. They had chosen a relatively affordable option on the idea that the truly wealthy would have a very different experience from the average vacationer and it was the standard experience the pair of Jedi were trying to better understand.

The check in process was pleasant enough, the line moving quickly before the key card with the room and floor number imprinted on it was in hand and their rather meager bags were taken off hand to be delivered to the room so the pair could choose whether they wanted to explore first, go to the room, or just spend a bit of time at the pool.

A comment about not having a swimsuit made shopping the top priority for the pair. A quick question with an employee of the hotel directed the pair towards a shopping district only a short walk away where clothing of all sorts, along with various gift shops, could be found.

Neither being particularly fashion conscious, the pair selected the first shop that contained a wide selection and that did not cost the same as a brand new speeder.

Sar Labooda chose a black two piece with a high waisted bottom and halter top that left most of her belly exposed. Tanya chose a blue and white striped one piece with short sleeves that covered her shoulders. Both were rather conservative compared to even most of the day wear many of the people around them wore, never mind how much skin was put on display when most of the locals and fellow tourists alike chose to get ready for a swim.

The pair took their purchases back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the day there, mostly beside the pool, before preparing for an early start the next day.

—-

Sar Labooda was awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of someone shuffling around the room. Barely audible over the music streaming into the room from outside, but enough to alert her.

"Hmm, where are you going?" She asked, figuring it was Tanya getting up.

"To find somewhere quiet. It is too loud in here. No soundproofing in the walls, and there is a party going on outside while I'm trying to sleep." Tanya was growling, a scowl on her face as she gathered up a few items into her bag.

"Be careful." Labooda laid back down and closed her eyes.

Once she heard the door open and close, she rolled out of bed and threw on some clothes while grabbing her lightsaber. She kept a careful note on Tanya's position as she did so before sneaking out to follow the younger girl, stealthing along with just a hint of the Force to keep people's eyes off her activities.

For a while, it was easy to follow Tanya without her or anyone specific noticing. Tanya was not keeping an eye out for people tracking her and the crowd was thick enough, even late at night, that no one would notice two people heading in the same direction, one trailing behind. Labooda would have lost Tanya in the crowd if not for the Force keeping Labooda up to date on the much shorter girl's position.

After a while, Tanya reached a beach and began traveling along its shore, making her way further and further away from where people were until she found a rocky outcropping that no one was currently at. Pulling out a towel, Tanya sat on the beach and pulled out a datapad and a small light and began to read.

The sky above was clear, the stars shone bright, the pair of moons two slivers of grins cutting into the dark night. The only sound the soft crashing of waves hitting the sandy shore.

They stayed like this until the sun just began to rise over the horizon. Tanya read while Labooda kept a secret eye on her Padawan, careful to stay hidden so Tanya would not know she was being watched, that the trust they had in each other would not be broken from a misunderstanding.

Once Tanya saw the sun begin to rise, she packed her things away and began her trek back to the hotel, Labooda watching her path until Tanya reached the entrance to the hotel lobby, where Labooda made a Force jump to the balcony to their room and used the Force to unlock the sliding glass door to slip in and quietly slip into bed just moments before Tanya entered the room herself to lie down. The morning was one of the few quiet times on Zeltros where no loud parties were occurring.

Their morning plans shot from a desire for sleep, the pair rested until the afternoon, where they began the routine they would follow for the next few days of sleeping through the morning, exploring the hotel and local area and occasionally enjoy the beach or pool in the afternoon, and Tanya finding a quiet place at night away from the parties and nightlife while Labooda secretly followed.

On the return trip home, Labooda would ask Tanya for her thoughts on Zeltros.

Tanya's response was, "Nice place to visit, I suppose, but it is a bit loud for my tastes. I would have preferred to just have a chair on the beach and some quiet over all that partying."

 

[Half_Baked_Cat]

Anakin did not like the amount of time his Master was away. Tanya's Master was always around her and able to help her become more powerful. More capable. Better able to protect others. Obi-Wan's constant missions were holding Anakin back.

Trying to distract himself from these thoughts, Anakin decided to look up the proposal Tanya had created to help the slave issue on Ryloth to figure out how he could alter it to help Tatooine. To help his mother.

The file was easy to locate in the archives, having been entered into the system only recently, and with slight nerves Anakin opened up the file and began to read. It took only two minutes for Anakin to close the file. Anakin was able to read basic just fine and he understood the individual terms used in the proposal, but the way they all were arranged just gave Anakin a headache as he tried to derive meaning from the word goulash. Why couldn't it be written in plain basic? Just say that the goal is to help prevent slavery instead of all this talk of uplifting and economic opportunities.

Shaking his head, Anakin opened the file again with an empty text document to the side to make notes on relevant ideas that could help Tatooine. The process was slow and took several days, but he managed to get through Tanya's proposal and all the major points.

A deep scowl was on Anakin's face. The entire point to Tanya's proposal was creating jobs and encouraging people to spend money on Ryloth, adding funds to the local economy. The problem was Tatooine had nothing beautiful to it. It was just a giant wasteland full of sand. It was a rest stop for those of questionable morals to make repairs and refuel their ships.

The only resource that could be exported that wasn't already was the sand. Anakin made a note that maybe selling sand could make a few credits for someone, but that was only going to make the owner of the machines money. An individual could not package enough sand on their own to earn a living.

So, with nothing to encourage travelers to visit, and nothing new to export, Anakin pulled up a map of various trade routes and the major resources that passed near Tatooine that might need refining or other production. Maybe a factory on Tatooine could provide needed jobs. A few possibilities opened up.

Anakin turned back to review Tanya's proposal again, tightening the layers of his robes around his body to try and warm up a bit. The temple, ships, and everywhere Anakin went was just too cold for him. Kenobi allowed Anakin to keep their room a few degrees warmer than the rest of the Temple, but that only took the edge off the chill and did not get to comfortable levels.

Distracted by his thoughts of how cold he was, the word 'entertainment' grabbed Anakin's attention. Tanya was building an entertainment industry out of nothing on Ryloth. Why not do the same on Tatooine? The difficulty was Jabba had a lock on most of the current entertainment on Tatooine, although most of that entertainment was illegal within the Republic. Then again, the Republic has no jurisdiction on Tatooine anyways.

Which leads to many of the problems with the plan. Trying to create any sort of new industry on Tatooine currently would require getting the senate to care enough about planets in the outer rim that are not part of the Republic.

Shutting everything down in frustration, Anakin headed to the training rooms to burn off his anger with lightsaber practice.

—-

Spending time on Zeltros was fine. The people were friendly, the service excellent, and the weather beautiful. That said, I made notes that sound proofing would need to be a high priority for the rooms at the resort. No need for guests to bother each other with various noises made by those on vacation, nor to be kept up from the sounds of the casino or the daylife or nightlife happening outside the resort.

More importantly, I knew Zeltros was not a planet I would want to retire to. Too many people in too close proximity. I had enough of that in my last life commuting on the trains, walking through streets that were nearly shoulder to shoulder full of people, and living the city life. I was looking for something a bit calmer and more relaxed for when I get my little retirement setup on the Order's credit. I liked the salty breeze coming from the ocean and the comfortable warmth of the sun in the afternoons, so a beach paradise would be nice, just one with fewer people around.

Speaking of retirement, I could see my connection to future retirement up ahead, showing his devotion to working hard for his own advancement by having clearly just finished up a thorough workout in the lightsaber training hall.

"Anakin, it's good to see you again," I said to the young man, a smile plastered onto my face. A friendly smile at seeing a companion again would make him feel closer to me which will be beneficial in the future.

"Tanya. Welcome back. How was your trip?"

"It was good. Learned a few things that will be useful." All true, but the things I learned would likely not be appreciated being discussed. "What have you been up to?"

"Actually, I have been trying to get your proposal to work with Tatooine, but I am not having much luck."

He is trying to modify my proposal? Is he trying to steal credit? No, that would be foolish. The High Council already knows I wrote it and assigned me to make it work. Either way, probably best to get him off the topic.

"Oh? Maybe you should put it to the side for now. The Council gave me permission to test this idea, so any further attempts should probably wait until we have-"

"I can't wait." His tone was harsh and his first was slammed against the wall. I could see a lot of tension in his shoulders with how he was hunched over. A quick look around showed me we were alone in the hallway. I approached carefully. Whatever set him off needed to be resolved if he was going to be useful to me in the future. Jedi did not let anger control them and if Anakin was displaying such clear signs of frustration, that could hamper his path to being a member of the High Council.

"What's wrong?"

"My mother. She's still a slave. She is still on Tatooine and a slave."

Anakin remembers his birth mother?

"Your mother is a slave?"

"Yes. Master Jinn freed me and brought me here, but we had to leave my mother behind."

Anakin was a slave? How old was he when Master Jinn found him? Old enough to understand what being a slave means.

"And nobody has tried freeing her?"

"No."

This must have been bothering Anakin for some time. There must be something the Jedi can do to protect my investments in him.

"Where is your Master?"

"Away. He left me behind to go on another mission."

Left alone without a parental figure Anakin wants. He needs a replacement. Even if just temporary. Who can I use? Master Labooda! She's an older woman. Women have maternal instincts. She'll know what to do.

"Ok. Come with me." I grab Anakin's hand and begin to drag him along.

"Where?"

"We are going to see my Master. There must be something we can do."

He doesn't resist as I pull him along and thankfully he doesn't talk much, giving me time to think.

The obvious solution to the problem is freeing his mother to ease his concerns, but doing so requires that we first gain ownership of his mother. I don't know how much a slave is worth, let alone trying to buy such a specific slave. How much money would need to be requisitioned to free her? How do we spin it to others so Anakin and my future avoid trouble?

—-

Sar Labooda was engaging in an activity that she had lately spent much less time on than she would have preferred: drinking a cup of herbal tea while reading the latest archeology reports and journals to be published.

Uncovering the mysteries of the past one dig at a time to discover lost knowledge and explain the current state of various civilizations was a passion of hers.

Labooda paid the door opening and closing no mind, Tanya being a responsible enough Padawan that she would not need to be watched over while in the Temple.

"Master Labooda, we need some advice," Tanya's voice called out, causing Labooda's head to snap up as it was rare that Tanya asked for anything and 'we' implied there was someone else.

The someone else being an older boy that was holding her Padawan's hand as they stood together in the entranceway.

"How can I help you?" Labooda asked with a smile on very thin lips.

"Anakin's mom is still in slavery."

It took a moment for Labooda to process that request, having expected a very different issue.

"What?"

"Anakin's mom is a slave on Tatooine and he is worried about how she is doing." Tanya dropped Anakin's hand and took a seat, her words explaining the issue with no emotions, as though she was giving an oral report.

"Where is Knight Kenobi?"

"He is on a mission." Anakin's voice was soft and he seemed to be trying to hide in his robes.

"That Sith-Slayer is always so busy," Labooda muttered to herself while motioning for Anakin to take a seat himself. "Anakin, you are concerned for your mother's safety, correct?"

Anakin gave a small nod, a shimmer in his eyes that Labooda carefully ignored.

"That concern could grow into fear, and could start you down the path of the darkside." Seeing the young man hunch into himself, Labooda changed direction. "But there is something we can do to help you deal with this. If your mother was free, would that ease your concerns?"

"Yes." The anger out of Anakin was more seen in his lips moving than actually heard.

"Then we are going to figure out how to free her and when Knight Kenobi gets back the two of you will go together to free your mother."

"You are going to help my mom?" Anakin's voice was stronger as he looked to Labooda, a tiny smile trying to appear on his lips.

"Yes. The darkside of the Force is a dangerous path to go down. Helping each other avoid that path is an important part of being a Jedi. We cannot do everything ourselves."

Putting the Archeology papers aside, Labooda began working with Anakin and Tanya to brainstorm possible complications in attempting to free Shmi Skywalker that they could then plan to account for.