Captain Rex: Never a Time

Chapter 7: Jedi Temple

We had arrived before the 501st, apparently their last mission had taken longer than they expected. That wasn't very surprising. I headed to the Jedi Temple, hoping that my old home would clear my mind. I walked in, a familiar feeling washing over me, the musty smell of the old hallways reminding me of the many years I spent here. I headed towards the library, hoping to find answers for my current situation. On the way, I ran into a few old friends. We recounted where we had been, what was going on. One of them turned towards me. "I hope you aren't heading to your room. We had a new batch of younglings move in, so they took over unoccupied rooms. A Twi'lek boy stays in yours now." I thanked her for filling me. After the library, I would have to find somewhere to stay. I wasn't here that often to rent out any apartments, so I decided a hotel would work.

I walked into the library. It was almost like she could sense me coming, because there was Jocasta Nu, the Chief Librarian. "My, my, this is a face I haven't seen in a while." When I lived in the Temple, I had spent a lot of time in here. "Would you like to pick up where you left?" She asked, waving me to where I spent most of my time. I had researched the Force for years, practicing enhancing my own sense of it. In these battles, I had hidden most of what I knew. I did not want anyone to fear me, plus the knowledge of power was one thing, the use of such power was another.

"No, Madam, I am looking into another topic. Facing war, I wanted to read through the Jedi Code. Having it fresh in my mind ensures I know the boundaries." She nodded at that.

"Noble. I wish more would do the same." I wasn't lying, just hiding the boundaries I didn't want to cross. She was a close friend for most of my life, but I could not tell her my true intentions. "Here they are, take your time dear. Or, if you'd prefer, I can show you the digital archives."

"I would like both please." Having the digital copy would allow me to continue research outside of the Temple. She nodded and I handed her my tablet for her to download the archives.

"Most of these are allowed out of the Temple, but there are some I cannot permit. I can give you a list of what cannot leave." She turned and headed towards the computer. I looked through the table of contents of the various books, scanning to narrow down my search. I saw her unplugging my tablet and gathered the ones I thought could help me. I sat at a nearby table and she returned, setting my tablet down. She walked off; her footsteps silent. I focused on the books ahead of me. The outside world disappeared. The only thing was the books in front of me, and my need for knowledge. The Archives would tell me how to continue. They had never failed me before.

After some time, I found that love was not forbidden, just what comes with it. Possession, attachment, jealousy, entitlement. All of these clouded a Jedi's vision. It was questioned if one person had the ability to manipulate another's mind, would it be a fair relationship? This made sense, but it wasn't impossible. If these things were kept in mind, a relationship could flourish. That's how Aayla and Bly had been able to be together, they followed these ideas. Aayla did not allow these feelings to control her. There was hope for Rex and I. However, looking at this, I realized that Anakin did allow these feelings in. I should talk with him. Maybe ask Aayla to talk to him.

I had not realized how late it was. I could sense a disturbance flowing throughout the Temple. Something had happened. I returned the books I had been reading and put my tablet in my pack. I went out and caught the arm of a near Jedi who was rushing off. "What's going on?"

"Apparently the Senators were help captive by some bounty hunters. They took a prisoner named Ziro." That's not good. "Thankfully, Anakin Skywalker was there to protect them." I think I knew why he was there. I wondered when the 501st had arrived.