Kel Dor and the Kaleesh

Epilogue: Close to You

Plo Koon and Emi Takori walked side by side holding hands into the temple's central chamber. Emi wondered how Plo Koon managed to persuade Asajj Ventress to stop General Grievous from continuing to go after her. Remember not all conflicts have to be resolved with your weapon, her master had once told her.

"Master Plo, where are we going?"  She asked him,

"The Baran Do council wish to speak with us Emi, especially you, it seems your actions have caught their attention."

They walked down the winding corridor until they came into a round room where four Kel Dorians sat in individual chairs, Ton Ko was one of them. 

"Step forward Emi Takori," He beckoned,

Emi let go of his hand and walked into the center of the circle. She once again felt like she was back in the council chamber on Coruscant, only with less people surrounding her, and hopefully they were more trustworthy than the Jedi council.

"You've done us a great deal, saving our people from the clutches of the Separatists. When we heard from Plo that they only came here to steal our rare minerals for the desire of weapons of mass destruction, we hoped to keep our people safe, but thanks to their assassin, they wanted to enslave us to do their dirty work for them. If there is anything we can do to repay you...."

Emi interrupted, "I do not seek any rewards or reputation from you, but I thank you for your kind words. You must know that Master Plo played a part in this as well, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have made it safely back here. He and I, we both have our talents in getting a job done right. So please, don't give all the gratitude to me,"

Plo Koon felt touched by her words, 

"An interesting end to a conflict on this planet, no doubt, but our people will need the time to cover, some have lost their loved ones," A shorter Kel Dor next to Ton Ko said,

Emi nodded. They were right, no matter how severe the damage was, any race would feel traumatized from any invasion. 

"I understand, and if you like, the Republic can send you anything you need if you like?" Emi asked,

"That will not be necessary young one, but we appreciate your concern. Should you return to the capital, we wish you a safe journey," 

Emi lowered her head respectfully to the elders and walked back to Plo Koon who stood in the doorway. "Now, I would like a word with you Emi," He said, offering his hand. She took it and followed him down the corridor.

He didn't speak at first as they walked past the several families reuniting, all seemed well to Emi and she felt proud inside to save the people of the one she loved. They came out onto the same balcony once again, the grey sky was starting to clear up and the sun's rays peeked through the clouds out West. It was setting soon, and the beams made the mountains shimmer in the light.

Emi admired the horizon for a while, enchanted, it was better than the view from Coruscant. She felt lost in any scenery no matter where she was, but this view was the best to her.

"Emi, there is something I must tell you," Plo Koon said, standing beside her,

She turned to look at him quietly,

"You heard what the elders said that my people need time to recover right?"

"Yes, I did hear that,"

"While you were helping the hostages in the mines, many of our villages had fallen, many lives lost. I cannot describe to you how horrific it was. The council will want to know about this, so I need you to present to them what the Separatists were up to. They may not seem pleased to learn that you have been here, but I am truly hoping they will eventually start to see faith in you from this day on, once you tell them,"

Emi's heard thudded and then she spoke, "I will tell them everything, they're going to want to know either way why I've been missing, but I get the feeling there's something else you're not telling me Plo,"

Plo Koon sighed, "These are my people, and I care for all of them. They will have trouble carrying on and need someone to support them,

"What are you saying Plo?" A concerned look came on Emi's face,

"Emi, I will not be coming back with you to Coruscant. My people need me here for the time being, until they can recover. You must go back without me and present to the council what has occurred,"

Emi felt tears in her eyes, what if I can't do this without him? How can I? She quickly wiped them away, this wasn't something to be sad over, remember your promise, she told herself.

"It is all right to be upset dear Emi, I am very proud of you. You have come this far, and do not worry, I will be in contact with you if you need me to. What you have done today shows that you have matured as a Jedi, and you are truly learning our ways. The council will hopefully recognize that once you tell them. Do not worry about individuals such as Master Tiin, only focus on presenting the situation,"

Emi paused briefly and then spoke after a few seconds, "Plo......what about us?"

Plo Koon stepped closer to her and took her in his arms, "I thought you would never ask," He replied, and then he gently stroked her upper back just below her neck.

Emi waited for his answer as she embraced him, so on the Venator was not the last time after all. Then he spoke,

"I shall stand by side always dear Emi, but remember your promise. Do not let this affect your ability to thrive as a Jedi, I know what will happen to you if the council finds out, and they will without a doubt punish me as well, even if I hold a seat there. Your duty must always come first,"

Emi leaned against his chest and listened to his heartbeat, "I won't tell anyone no matter what happens. I'm good at keeping secrets,"

Plo Koon tapped into his comm without releasing her, "Wolffe, send the gunships to pick up Emi. I will be staying here with my people until the time comes that they recover from the trauma,"

It took a few seconds for Wolffe to respond, and Emi assumed he was shocked that his own General was temporarily staying behind, "Understood General Plo Koon, we're en route now,"

Plo Koon then turned back to Emi and took both her hands into his. He leaned forward and his forehead was touching hers once more.

"I love you dear Emi, always, and I promise I will return once my people have recovered,"

Emi felt her heart pounding, stay strong for him, know that he will not be gone forever, you must continue on.

"I love you too Plo," She whispered,

Then the gunship rose up at the edge of the balcony before them, Emi gave him one last loving look and then climbed on board the gunship. Plo Koon nodded respectfully towards her and his clones. Emi could spot the look of love on his face and she managed to smile.

Plo Koon, I am always close to you, I will be waiting every day until you come. I'm with you, your care, your love, your heart's with me. You are forever with me. She thought, and Plo Koon could sense those words in her mind and heart. Then the gunship turned and departed towards the horizon leaving Dorin.