Shaak Ti returned to the Jedi Temple for the first time in a long while. Kamino was safe for now, so she had decided to visit Coruscant. Nowhere else made her feel as grounded as the Temple — it was, after all, the home of the Jedi.
However, today the Jedi Council was gathered to discuss a grim event. Shaak Ti listened closely to Master Windu's report.
As far as the Togruta knew, Mace Windu was the kind of being who rarely revealed his emotions. Years of training in the Order had tempered him even further, making him one of the strongest Jedi of recent generations. He had joined the Council at the age of twenty-eight and held that position ever since. All Koruns were sensitive to the Force — they were believed to descend from Jedi who had crash-landed on their world more than four thousand years ago — but even among them, his abilities was astonishing. Few alive could match him in combat, perhaps only Grand Master Yoda or Master Cin Drallig.
Windu had also developed and perfected his own variant of the Seventh Form of lightsaber combat — Vaapad. Along with Master Yoda, he had trained many Jedi, drawing on his deep knowledge of Jedi philosophy and history. He was also a renowned diplomat, responsible for much of the Order's foreign policy.
But now, from his expression, it was clear that the Korun was troubled.
"Depa's condition is stable, but she… she has been taken by the Dark Side of the Force. When I traveled to Haruun Kal to retrieve her, she was out of her mind and attempted to attack me. She failed. And then she tried to take her own life." The Korun exhaled heavily. "We managed to prevent this, but she fell into a coma afterward. I can't reach her."
Vokara Che stepped forward, confirming his words.
"Master Billaba is under our care, but I cannot say how long it will take to return her to normal life. It may take years."
Saesee Tiin turned toward Windu.
"I'm sorry, Master. Depa was your greateststudent. What could have driven her to this?"
"This war… It is brutal. The Order hasn't faced anything like it in a very long time. And on Haruun Kal, it was worse. The conflict between the Koruns and the planet's indigenous Balawai was fueled by the Separatists, who supported the natives.The war was fought using extremely brutal methods and, in accordance with local customs, was accompanied by torture and the extermination of unarmed prisoners and civilians. Cruelty, torture of prisoners, ritual killings—all of this took place there, and Depa simply could not withstand the onslaught of cruelty and malice."
The Healer continued:
"I must add that this is far from the first such case. We already have two dozen Jedi in our wards who have lost their minds because of the war or have succumbed to the Dark Side. I won't even mention the number of wounded or maimed."
A heavy silence settled over the Council Chamber before Ki-Adi-Mundi finally broke it.
"It appears Master Depa will be out of commission for a long time. Someone must take her place."
"The Council must remain whole," Even Piell agreed. "No matter what."
Yoda slowly twirled his cane between his claws.
"Which candidates will the Council propose?"
Adi Gallia exchanged a brief look with Kit Fisto before speaking.
"Perhaps Obi-Wan Kenobi is worthy of a place on the Council?"
Plo Koon nodded thoughtfully.
"Obi-Wan is an exceptional diplomat, and his other qualities also make him fit for the role. Many successful missions have been carried out under his leadership. And he is the only Jedi in the last thousand years to have defeated a Sith Lord."
"What say the Council?" Yoda asked.
The Masters nodded silently. There was nothing to debate — they had all witnessed Obi-Wan's accomplishments with their own eyes. Many knew him personally.
"So be it," Yoda concluded with a nod. "Obi-Wan must be informed. He must come at once."
Even Piell flicked one of his ears.
"And perhaps he is the one who should lead the operation on Jabiim. A Master is needed there — and this battle will be an excellent test for him."
Windu nodded.
"That would be the best course of action."
***
Ahsoka burst into the headquarters room, where her master stood leaning over the tactical table alongside several officers.
"Ahsoka. Perfect timing," Vikt said with a nod.
"What, is something happening?" the Togruta asked, surprised.
"Here, take a look." The Jedi stepped aside so she could see the holographic map. "There's a gorge here, seven kilometers from the base. We are now here, a few kilometers away... So, soon a column of droids will enter it, and in it there will be several proton cannons."
"The equipment can't fit through there, right?"
"Correct. The passage is too narrow. Juggernauts won't make it through, and sending light vehicles would be pointless — they'd have no room to maneuver."
"What's the plan?" Ahsoka asked.
"We take the speeders and fly there. We'll plant charges here and here" — he indicated two narrow choke points — "and then set up an ambush. We'll need sharp shooters."
"Are we going too?" the Togruta asked happily.
"Yes. Go get ready…"
***
Everything exploded below as the charges went off, droids scattering chaotically while Nationalists added to the confusion. Lying on the hillside behind a jagged rock, Ahsoka took careful aim and shot droid after droid. Her Master was beside her, firing his DS-15 with practiced calm. His shots were just as precise — and he didn't distinguish between human and droid targets.
"All right, detonate the finak charge, and let's get out of here!" his voice came through her earpiece. "We've done our job."
"Yes, Master!"
"Ahsoka. You did excellently. Only…"
"What, Master?" she asked as they ran for the speeders.
"Your makeup is smudged."
Ahsoka froze, instantly pulling a small mirror from her pocket.
"Where?" She inspected her reflection anxiously — only to realize, a few seconds later, that her Master was radiating amusement.
"This is not funny!" she protested, though she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips.
"There — that's better. You were walking around with a frown like I don't know what." The man suddenly reached out and gently tapped her nose. "That's much better. Well done."
The Togruta smiled again. Her Master exuded confidence, and she felt warmth spread through her chest.