The Chosen Apprentice/Chapter 20

“The absence of Senator Stokra of the Corporate Sector is deeply felt and must be fully attributed to the rebellious actions of vigilante Jedi,” accused Jevan Tulil’ya of Bothawui. “Surely this is the time to settle once and for all the role of the Jedi in this new constitution,” the Bothan continued, despite the voices of protest, “if the Jedi cannot control their members, then is it not up to us as a legislative body to ensure that they can?”

There were more shouts of protest as he finished, but there were several who clapped and cheered in support. Bail felt that he should say something, but would he just be shouted down? Fortunately, Danta stepped in.

“Naboo wishes to reminds thesa Bothawui not to speak lightly on thesa Jedi,” Danta intoned after he was recognised. “Help us theysa did in the wars, save many many lives thesa Jedi did and died some did to do thees.”

Yet Tulil’ya was not amused. “Yet even what the Jedi did during the war has to be brought into question,” the Bothan said. “Need I remind Naboo of some of the questionable acts that were attributed to the Jedi? And the deaths that occurred after—”

“Point of order, Senator,” interrupted Amedda. “The Chair wishes to advise Bothawui that the events of the Clone Wars are not up for debate. And neither is the notion of trying the Jedi for acts that can be best described as circumstantial.”

“Choose your words carefully, Chancellor,” threatened Tulil’ya. “This body is well aware that you hold your office because it suits the purposes of the Jedi Council.”

At this the Senate erupted into a chaos that not even Dekau could disperse. At the centre of it was Tulil’ya, the eye of the growing storm. Tulil’ya met Amedda’s eye without hesitation as the noise continue to grow in the Senate chamber.



It did not take long for Anakin to outline the facts as he knew them to the Jedi Council. There was also the report of the Senate security as well as Stokra’s long-winded allegations.

There were also some rather disturbing facts that needed consideration, such as the Twi’lek receptionist. Her body had been subject to autopsy yet there were no visible marks that caused her death. And then there was the body of one of the guards; apparently his windpipe had been closed. The official reports had been unable to account for this, yet Yoda knew otherwise. Only a trained Force-user could have done such a thing, the question was who?

Yoda set his mouth in a firm line as he viewed Anakin Skywalker. From the very day of his entry into the Temple he had caused trouble, and most of the trouble usually seemed to find him. Yoda knew that Anakin was not responsible for what happened to Stokra, yet who actually was behind the attack remained an unresolved question.

“Know you do that no proof we have of you not being involved, young Skywalker,” Yoda said gravely.

Anakin bowed his head in assent. “I am well aware of this,” he said, staring at the tops of his boots to avoid the Jedi Master’s penetrating gaze. “But surely someone had to have seen something?”

“Of course,” replied Obi-Wan dryly. “But anyone we ask will probably assume that it was you anyway, that’s the way it is with asking witnesses: they see what they want to see.”

Yoda shook his head. “Wrong to speculate on this we are,” he muttered, “focus we must on the actual attacker.”

“Could his actions expose him?” Obi-Wan asked. “Perhaps through arrogance he will reveal himself—”

“Unlikely,” disagreed Shaak Ti. “The attacker may even have been hired just to do this little stunt.”

“Master Yoda, may I request the Council to allow me to search for this attacker?” Anakin asked, his voice was hopeful, his face bordering on eager. Obi-Wan made to protest. but Yoda prevented him.

“Speak well, you do Anakin,” the Jedi Master approved, he looked to Obi-Wan. “Looks well it does for us, but limit your search to Coruscant you must.”

“I understand.” Anakin bowed his head again, feeling his elation rising. He had a mission finally, even if it did mean he stayed on Coruscant.

“Quickly you must move, Anakin if you are to succeed,” Yoda urged, “may the Force be with you.”



Yet when Anakin had gone, the conversation turned darker.

“Necessary it was for young Skywalker to search for this attacker,” Yoda murmured, “yet like this I do not, too convenient it is with Gunray’s trial.”

“And there’s still the question of the identity of the attacker,” added Obi-Wan., “we know he’s Force-sensitive, yet that barely limits it.”

“Could it be another Sith?” suggested Bant

The other Jedi Masters turned to look at her. While Obi-Wan wanted to deny this, citing that Sidious was the last of the Sith line, the existence of Darth Typhon had proven the Sith Lord’s sentiments on the supposed Rule of Two.

“Close our eyes to this we cannot,” averred Yoda, “yet curious it is that Senator Stokra was the target.”

“Yet who can know the mind of a Sith?” queried Nat Sem. “We were all deceived during the war away from where the Sith were hiding.”

“Bodes well this does not,” agreed Yoda in a low voice, “meditate on this I will.”