Fight or Flight

After the Fact

I walk behind Padme with Jehsak, Ben, and Anakin, waving to the crowds of Naboo locals who are cheering incessantly. Queen Amidala walks in front of the group, head held high and proud, and Senator Palpatine trails behind her. "Relax." Ben whispers to me. "There's nothing to be concerned about." I sigh, and visibly relax, but inside I'm hyper-alert. Something is off, and waves of darkness flow of the glorious senator. We continue walking up until we reach the border of Gungan property and Naboo land. Captain Panaka raises a hand to silence the crowds so that everyone can hear.

"We are gathered today to celebrate two things!" Padme's voice rings out around the throngs of people. I stand with Jehsak over to the side of the Queen, eyes scanning the scene in front of me. "First, we shall honor the Jedi who rid this planet of the Trade Federation's attack!" Cheers rose up, and Ben bowed to everyone, motioning to Anakin to follow suit. I turn to Jehsak and nod, and we all bow to the crowd. "Second, we wish to seal the deal we have made with Gungan tribes. When we were in dire need, they came to our rescue and fought the droid army. We wish no harm to these people, and so we present to you, Boss Nass, The Globe of Peace." Cheers rose as the leader of the Gungans accepted the ancient Naboo relic.

"You aren't calm." Ben whispers next to me.

"How can I be? There is still a Sith Lord out there and I'm concerned that he's on this planet." I shoot back, eyes scanning the crowds.

"Well, can you at least look normal? The queen is going to get on edge if you keep looking on edge!" Jehsak mutters.

"Fine. But know that I am not one to take orders from a padawan." I speak through my teeth. Jehsak nods, looking a bit ashamed, but rather proud for speaking up for himself. I sigh and place a fake smile on my face and continue to do so throughout the celebration. After it's over, the group heads to the palace, and moments later, are seated in the council chamber. I look around to see Mace Windu, Master Yoda, Ciren, Ben, and several of the primary leaders of Naboo sitting around, smiling, blissfully unaware of the Sith Lord in their midst.

"I am resigning my position as Senator." Palpatine speaks up. "Chancellor Valorum has been replaced by me, at the kind request of Queen Amidala."

"The galaxy should be in good hands." Mace Windu points out, and I try my best to catch eyes with Ciren. He shakes his head slightly when he sees my face, and I roll my eyes in return. "The Jedi must return to Coruscant, as we have our internal matters to discuss."

"And some of us have padawans to train." Ben observes, speaking up for the first time. I smile at his nerves.

"Agreed. We will be leaving in the morning."

"Very well. We thank you for your kind service in helping liberate Naboo. Master Jinn's sacrifice will not be forgotten." Padme speaks up, ending the meeting, and the Jedi heads out of the chamber.

"Master Shano, a word with you, may I have?" I turn to my former master and nod.

"Of course Master." I turn to Jehsak, who nods. "I'll meet you a bit later to work on some of your training. You are prone to being quite impulsive." Jehsak looks sheepish and bows, leaving me and Master Yoda alone in the hall.

"Bothering you, something is." I sigh, as Master Yoda has this uncanny ability to tell what is wrong with me. "Something wrong has happened?"

"Not as of yet Master. I fear for the galaxy, however. My dreams are not beneficial to me, and I am concerned for the Jedi council."

"What see you, in these dreams?"