Eeth Koth has been my comfort charcter for quite a long time, and still is now (and I hope still will be in the future also, bc I cant imagine me existing without my love for Eeth anymore).
So, I've decided to share my most prominent master Koth headcanons that I've accumulated at this point
As promised, I'm posting only general ones, without any specific implied pairings or other relationships!
note: (due not so much info about Eeth in Canon and Legends (unforgivably little actually), maaaaybe I'm projecting some of my own mental stuff on him, but eh, this is unevitable I guess :)
Have fun reading these!
1. Change of the profile
In his youth, Eeth was a Jedi Guardian, a.k.a "Jedi-on-the-front-line", and carried a blue lightsaber. But after the death of his master, followed by him joining the High Council, Eeth calmed down his inner rambo and changed his profile to a Jedi Consular. And so he chose a path of a diplomat, built a green lightsaber (with a hilt very similar to his dead master's one, as a remembrance) and eventually became famous in the Jedi Order exactly for his ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. (that's why no big missions on his part before the Clone Wars era apart from his participation in the Yinchorri incident)
2. The acceptance issue
Eeth pays a lot of attention to his appearance: carefully brushes his hair, makes sure his clothing is perfect, and so on.
Some consider this a simple whim, but in fact this will to have an ideal appearance is a consequence of some issues Koth now has because of his difficult childhood. Due to the fact that Eeth spent his first four years as a ragged orphan in the filthy slums of Nar Shaddaa, he sometimes feels as if he doesn't deserve to be in such a clean and nice place as the Coruscant Jedi Temple. (And the fact that his membership in the Order at first caused a lot of controversy among the Council masters only worsened this fear)
That is why Eeth tries his best to always look as perfect as possible - to be suitable for the beauty of the Temple and to not feel himself a stranger in its walls.
3. Long meditation hours and self-reflecting
He does meditate on his issues quite often, in order to get rid of every irrational fear he has, like the one described in the previous headcanon. Usually he does that in the evening, after all the tasks are completed - he gives himself time to reflect on what happened during the day, what he did and said and how the others reacted. This does help, but still some thorns can be very hard to get out of his hearts. His favourite meditation place is his own quarters in the Temple, where he can have a nice view on the evening/night Coruscant, which is somehow more relaxing to him than the gardens in the Room of Thousand Fountains.
4. A little peek into the apartment
Eeth’s master-quarters in the Temple are decorated with effort and thought. The most significant part are the long heavy thick and soft curtains, that, if closed, take all the light in the room away, leaving the nice pleasant semidarkness atmoshphere. Also Eeth has a lot of various cushions around the whole apartment, along with an enormous supply of aroma candles!
5. The tragedy of the Padawan
Eeth's first and only Padawan learner was Sharad Hett.
Sharad's will to quit the Order deeply hurt Eeth, even if he didn't say that out loud, as he put a lot of effort and dedication in his promise to be the best master possible for Sharad. Also he lowkey agreed with the accusations of other masters telling him he was responsible for Sharad's departure because Koth failed as a teacher - so he does feel himself guilty of failing both Sharad and the Order.
After the Hett's incident, he actually vowed to himself not to take any more Padawan learners, so as not to let anyone's expectations down again. (And, like master Saesee Tiin, chose to put his efforts into other fields rather then teaching)
(these panels still hurt me somehow qwq
Sharad made Eeth cry, for kriffs sake!)
6. But he's still very friendly to kids
Despite the unpleasant exprienece with his own Padawan, he did let go of his initial frustration and now he is quite happy to give younglings and young padawans some general lessons! Also sometimes he takes other masters' students to group trainings or supervises them during the Trials of Knighthood. And young Jedi do love master Koth a lot - because he's soft and very patient, and does allow them some liberties :)
7. The social butterfly
Eeth is a "social butterfly" or a "caretaker" (ESFJ mbti-type)
He is used to being among a large number of people, but even though it seems that he gathers these people around him, in fact this is not true - his natural charm and outgoing personality allow him to easily make new acquaintances, interact with friends and encourage conversations, but he more follows his more assertive companions, adapts his behavior and words to them in order to create the most comfortable atmosphere possible, than directs them himself.
In other words, he offers the fun, but enjoys more the others' reactions to it, than the fun itself!
8. Sweet tooth!
Eeth LOVES sweet things! He generally likes all sorts of sweets, starting with various desserts and finishing with sugary tropic fruits. (Gaining weight? Naaah, the zabraks physiology allows him to consume a lot of food because of the higher metabolism due to the zabraks having two hearts. And also he does a lot of physical exercise in the training halls. So it's not a problem at all!)
9. And he is sweet himself too
This love for sugary things is not only for sweet treats actually, but also for the scents of cosmetics too! (And he does use a lot of that stuff). That is why Eeth usually smells of something nice, either caramel, or vanilla, or fruity etc.
This is often favorited by his colleagues on the Council, who definitely enjoy the pleasant aroma Eeth always brings with him to the Council meetings.
10. Energy drinks!
He got badly used to them during the Clone Wars era, because he really needed an additional energy resource when staying up all night brushing through various diplomatic documents and strategy plans. Caf wasn't much of a help because it just turned out to be not strong enough for the zabrak, so he eventually replaced it with cheap but more effective sweet energy drinks. It doesn't really matter to him which drinks to buy exactly, but the meiloorun-flavoured ones are among his favourites.
11. Form of lightsaber combat
Form III - Soresu!
I actually did a separate essay analyzing why Eeth’s form of combat is definitely Soresu, but if keeping brief: he uses Soresu mixed with some Ataru moves. Ataru was his initial style, advised by his master due to Eeth’s small complexion and natural agility & flexibility, but after changing his Jedi profile to a Consular he also adopted the main Consulars’ style - Soresu (usually called “the diplomat style”, “the most peaceful among the seven'' etc.). Koth’s Soresu moves can clearly be seen in the “Grievous Intrigue” episode in particular. Also Koth’s stance in the "Intrigue" is different from the famous Kenobi's "point-fingers" thingy simply because Eeth's pose is not an opening Soresu stance, but the brace-ready stance, which in Soresu is described as “having much in common with the "Ataru guard," with the hilt held at waist height on the dominant side in a two-handed grip for greater control, extended vertically upwards”
12. The double-bladed saber
Eeth wields a double-bladed saber almost as well as a regular one.
And in fact, it was Darth Maul who has inspired Eeth to try this kind of a weapon - after the High Council sent him to lead the investigation on the question of a zabrak sith on Naboo in 32 bby, he got genuinely interested in the possible perks of two blades in his Soresu and eventually mastered the double-bladed saber on quite a level. But he still sees this only as an interesting training option, but nothing more. So the double-bladed saber stays in the Temple and is used only in the Training Halls, but never on the battlefield.
13. An earring (yes, in the singular form)
Eeth has one of his ears pierced (right one), and he actually has several different earrings, mostly simple, like basic metal rings, which he usually picks every morning according to his mood. But to be honest, this earring thing is purely only for himself - because you can’t really see his ears under his usual three-ponytails hairstyle.
Though, he did abandon wearing earrings during the Clone Wars era - because since the war began and the potentially dangerous missions became more frequent, it wasn’t really a right place and time for such things, especially knowing that the Separatists can use some specific traps (like the ones they used to magnetize Jedi lightsabers on Lola-Sayu). The prospect of losing the whole ear due to such a trap is not the most pleasant one indeed.
14. HUGS (and other tactile activities)
Eeth very very VERY much loves hugs!
And for him, tactile contacts are more than just a way to feel comfortable - for him it's a vital part of the whole communication process. This issue dates back to his master, Kosul Ayada, who was a herglic (a race that is actually not very good at speaking Galactic Basic), and therefore helped himself with gestures and body language. And spending a lot of time around master Ayada, Eeth also got used to supporting his verbal dialogue by body language and tactile contact.
That is why while speaking Eeth actively gestures, grabs the other's hands, squeezes shoulders etc. And the hugs are his way to express sympathy and also to feel safe and appreciated!
15. Driving skills
Master Koth can drive, and actually quite well. And by driving I mean not spaceships, but smaller things that stay on land, like speeders.
And because he is a diplomat who often attends various meetings with senators and ambassadors, he also has a personal speeder, allocated to him by the Order for the ease of attending senator events and other diplomatic ocasions.
(But he does use it for other personal purposes too, because why not to, if there is an opportunity)))
(A panel of Eeth casually driving a speeder like a damn pro is one of my fav Eeth comics crumbs,,,,,,)
16. Singing
Eeth enjoys singing! But he usually keeps this thing to himself, making the quiet manthra-like singing a part of his meditative prep - it helps him to settle down his tangly thoughts a bit and tune his mind and body for the actual meditation.
(the hc was inspired by Hassani Shapi’s singing in one of his films, because Shapi’s voice is really beautiful and I’m sad they didn’t give him even a single line in the Phantom Menace when filming Koth’s Council scene)
17. Space soap operas...? (not so serious, sometimes treated as crack, but sometimes not)
Koth (secretly) likes soap operas on the late-night HoloNet, and often stays up to watch a new episode of something before going to bed. His favourite series is called “Lekkus of love” (my imaginary in-universe show I usually use in my sw writings) and it's about a twi’lek girl’s life, filmed in the style of our “Magnificent Century”, with lots of romantic intrigues and twists.
18. LOTS of feelings
Referencing the previous one - Eeth is very emotional, actually! Yes, he’s a Jedi and he knows how to keep his mind clear, but he’s still sensitive enough to actually cry over sad episodes of "Lekkus…" because “Poor Ai’sha, she worked so hard to get her man’s attention, but he still chose that togruta girl? This is outrageous, this is unfair! :ccc”
Also this can be in fact explained biologically. He's a zabrak, and zabraks are supposed to have a hot, blazing, higly-emotional nature (to match their home planet, Iridonia, wich is also boiling with acid seas and all that - otherwise they won't survive)
19. Podracing as a favourite sport
Eeth enjoys podracing. He first got into it back on Nar Shaddaa, when he heard a lot about racing and stuff from smugglers and bounty hunters (and at that time he even dreamed of becoming a cool podracer - but that was of course before he was taken to the Temple).
Now he doesn't dream of podracing that much, but still can and actually does enjoy watching annual championships via HoloNet. He also tries to keep in touch with the latest news in the podracing world (that interest he shares with the young Anakin Skywalker, and they do sometimes occasionally discuss podracing when they both have free time)
20. Horns
Eeth doesn’t really trust droids with trimming his horns, so he usually does that by himself, in the freshener, and that always takes a while. Also unlike a lot of male iridonian zabraks, who prefer to keep the tips of their horns comparatively sharp as a sign of their brutality and masculinity, Eeth chooses to make the tips humbly rounded and smoothed.
21. A pet? (Also not so serious - but sometimes it IS the most serious hc!)
Eeth has a pet loth-cat! The loth-cat is a she-cat, and she's big, fluffy and always on her own mind. Agen Kolar sometimes points out that the loth-cat is very similar to her owner in a lot of little things, like the way the cat purrs when being hugged and how she is obsessed with being clean and ideal too.
The loth-cat is also a bit jealous of her owner’s attention, so she will every time make herself comfortable on his knees when Eeth is meditating or working with documents to show that this is HER man. (especially when smb comes over to Eeth’s apartment - that's the case when she just NEEDS to state who’s the real boss here).
22. Participation in the first battle of Geonosis
I headcanon that Eeth was not directly on the Petranaki Arena actually during the first battle of Geonosis in the AOTC. Since he's not on-screen in that symbolic circle of survivors but is still stated as a participant, I assume that instead of being a part of the main group, Eeth joined Yoda on his trip to Kamino. Maybe not directly on the planet but still somewhere there, helping to gather clone legions to guide them to Geonosis.
(p.s. I know that Eeth's on-screen absence is because of Shapi being replaced with another actor and the new character turning out not at all alike to TPM Koth, but this little hc actually kinda fixes the hole without ruining anything…?))
I can't really rank the SW movies, but I can sort of put them in categories. I wrote a bit about each one because I've never seen a list in an order like mine, though if you're asking me to be rational that is something I know I cannot do.
(This is really long)
1. The ones I love the most:
Attack of the Clones
🍐 favorite characters, favorite planets
🍐 my soul is anchored to early naughts high-key cheesy emo, à la Raimi Spider-Mans
🍐 most Jedi per square inch
🍐 it's pretty and it kicks ass
🍐 the romance is the A-plot for ONCE
🍐 AND it's a "dark middle chapter" that pulls no fucking punches, the whole Tatooine sequence is just hnnnnggrhhh BRUTAL
🍐 the only "dark middle chapter" in which the person explaining the Jedi way (Anakin) doesn't believe in it and the person listening (Padme) doesn't want to join but just cares about him
🍐 morally ambiguous organized religion/monasticism/chivalry are interesting and personally important subjects to me, a Catholic feminist who majored in Medieval Studies
🍐 the hinge between two time periods I love, "Obi Wan trains Anakin" and "the Clone Wars"
🍐 sets up both Clone Wars shows and both KotORs
Return of the Jedi
🐻 SO much fun, SO much imagination
🐻 like RotS, both the silliest and the most tragic in its trilogy (and imo it pulls it off)
🐻 the ending -- Luke tossing his lightsaber, Palpatine killing him, Anakin saving him -- I just -- gahhhh that's what it's all about, dude😭😭😭 It makes me love the Jedi SO MUCH!
🐻 Luke's plan to rescue Han is as bonkers as Dooku's plan to begin the war and I'm obsessed
🐻 Leia's hair down and Luke in black👌
The Last Jedi
🍸 absolute masterpiece of tragedy and hope
🍸 it's so SMART and has this wisdom that brings me so much comfort facing personal failures and societal horrors
🍸 "That's how we win -- not by fighting what we hate, but saving what we love" -- Rose the Queen of Themes
🍸 the cave scene in which Luke summarizes the prequels and Rey summarizes the original trilogy is so validating
🍸 "Where's Han?" [cut to Kylo]
🍸 all the transitions but that one ^^^^ especially
🍸 best visions in the movies (Rey's mirrors and Luke's twin suns)
🍸 Yoda is the best ghost and wisest teacher as he deserves😭
🍸 Leia Vader parallels are my biggest weakness
Revenge of the Sith
🔥 I can't handle this one
🔥 it's straight up Camelot and Lancelot is my favorite invention in all of fiction, and here he is as an evil space wizard
🔥 I literally can't listen to this soundtrack and drive because I get too sad
🔥 they hate each other SO MUCH ahhgggg, NO other characters come close to this level of emotion
🔥 the Matthew Stover novelization is even more beautiful
🔥 this meta-level tragedy, the dramatic irony of a guy who has been evil since 1977, a name similar to the Greek goddess of inevitability, the swirling destiny of his "prophecy" and his doom, but still I'm like "DON'T DO IT ANI" as if he ever had a chance
🔥 they play the fucking ANH medals theme at the end of the credits and it blows my mind. Absolutely brilliant
🔥 can you believe that only RotS and TLJ have shirtless scenes in them
2. The ones I also really love:
The Phantom Menace
😈 best soundtrack. All the prequels have the most thoughtful and interesting music in my opinion, but I could go on forever about TPM's.
😈 my favorite musical piece in all of SW is the Baby Anakin theme. It's so terribly sad; it sounds to me like rivers and waterfalls. They use it several times in AotC, too. The end of the melody transitions into the Imperial March😭
😈 Duel of the Fates is the actual star of the movie, of course; the words are a Sanskrit translation of a medieval Welsh poem. Ask me about how the lyrics apply to the fates of Qui-Gon, Maul, and Obi-Wan because I've FIGURED IT OUT
😈 also the cleverest piece in SW is Augie's Municipal Band, the parade theme, which is the Emperor's theme from RotJ in major key and sped up
😈 speaking of Palpatine, this is his best movie and I've basically sold my soul to him so👏👏👏we stan
😈 I've probably thought and written the most about this movie and the time periods around it, the training of Maul and Anakin. If you can believe it😅
Empire Strikes Back
☁️ it's the best one
☁️ the "dark middle chapter" that sets the standard for AotC and TLJ
☁️ "Luminous beings are we"😭
☁️ Bespin Leia is the best look in the movies
☁️ "The evil lord Darth Vader, OBSESSED with finding young Skywalker"😂 Ani has a reason to live again, oh no
A New Hope
🤖 the only one you need
🤖 an actual piece of magic on Earth
🤖 Old Obi-Wan is heartache personified
🤖 bow down to Tarkin
🤖 best droid movie
Solo
🎲 the other kissy movie
🎲 SO much fun; John Powell puts so much energy and excitement in his music
🎲 how does this random movie have the best character designs after AotC
🎲 GIRL DROID!!!
🎲 really different point of view on the central theme of family
🎲 that cameo tho
🎲 where's my sequel
Rogue One
🌠 the most visually beautiful SW movie; it fits into the tradition of beautiful 70s sci-fi movies like 2001 and Star Trek TMP, which focus on the hugeness and wonder of outer space
🌠 can Cassian and Rose please overthrow the government
🌠 I have a real theater poster of this one in my room :D (I also have one of TLJ)
🌠 does so right by Vader
🌠 makes the Rebellion more complicated, just like the prequels did to the Jedi Order
3. The ones I don't like:
The Force Awakens
The Rise of Skywalker
I want to like them, especially TFA, but I find it difficult. I feel like they lack confidence as stories, and they don't take things like death and faith very seriously. Many planets explode, but they are grieved even less than Alderaan is in ANH. And if you just pray hard enough, God will help you out. It bothers me that THAT was the culmination of Rey's spiritual journey, versus the more relatable and dramatic endings for the male Jedi protagonists Luke, Anakin, and Ezra.
I have rewatched TFA a few times and I like parts of it, like the scavenging setting in the beginning and how handsome everyone is. Some of Maz's lines justify the borrowed plot in an interesting way. And I've thought of some headcanons to make TRoS more okay, because they did so wrong by Palpatine but not necessarily by "the Sith" as a Borg-like force of evil that, I guess, consumed him. So despite JJ's best efforts, I'm trying to make this work.
CHAPTER 15: ANAKIN’S REPORT --- The Dark Side of Obi-Wan Kenobi - Part 1
Summary: Anakin understands Obi-Wan's doubt in the Jedi Code. But how is one doubter supposed to save another? He must now report his findings to the Council. Is that somehow a betrayal of Obi-Wan's trust?
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CHAPTER 15: Anakin’s Report
Coruscant – Jedi Temple
Anakin hesitated outside the Jedi Council chamber for a long time. He knew Yoda and Windu were expecting him, waiting for his report on Obi-Wan, but something deep in his gut told him that sharing the details of his master’s experiences on Mandalore was a kind of betrayal. Kenobi had given him permission to divulge the necessary elements, but Anakin still felt protective of his master’s privacy.
Then again, the very reason he agreed to make the report was due to Obi-Wan’s uncharacteristic anxiety and anger; his master was unbalanced, and that was a very dangerous position for a Jedi. Anakin was not sure he could help Kenobi, was not sure he could pull him away from the edge, but if Skywalker confessed what he knew, the Council might be able to heal his friend. Perhaps the more experienced elders knew how to prevent a Jedi from falling to the Dark Side.
How is that even possible? Anakin suddenly thought angrily. Obi-Wan is incorruptible. He would never turn to the Dark Side.
Skywalker thought about his master’s life, all the pain he had absorbed, silently processed, and released into the Force without ever burdening his Padawan. Obi-Wan was an expert at repressing and hiding his emotions. He and Anakin rarely discussed their feelings unless it directly regarded a mission’s success. He always assumed Obi-Wan would be fine, that he worked through things his own way.
The only time Anakin felt Obi-Wan had been unsteady was after Qui-Gon’s death. The months that followed had been confusing and emotionally taxing; Anakin had been trying to overcome his fear – fear for his mother’s wellbeing, fear of the horned creature that had murdered Master Jinn, fear of his uncertain future – all while Obi-Wan silently mourned Qui-Gon. Kenobi had been angry, short tempered, and wracked with guilt, but he always tried to hide this from little Anakin. Skywalker had found Obi-Wan to be generous and attentive, but he was difficult to please and sometimes cold. It was a temperamental, rocky beginning to say the least.
When Anakin was still young he occasionally asked Obi-Wan about Qui-Gon, but the Jedi would give a half-hearted smile and tell his Padawan that losing Master Jinn was the will of the Force. The feeble explanation was meant to imply that all was as it should be, but even as a young boy Anakin could feel the depression that consumed his new master.
Now, a grown man, Anakin understood Obi-Wan had been trying to conquer his own emotions while providing a stable refuge for a little slave boy recently separated from his mother. Skywalker suddenly realized the burdens his master had been forced to balance; Obi-Wan had been knighted and immediately took on a Padawan; Anakin was years behind all the other students so Obi-Wan spent nearly every waking moment teaching and training his new charge.
He must have felt so alone and exhausted…
And now Satine had died the exact same way as Qui-Gon, killed by the same monster, killed in front of Obi-Wan.
Anakin suddenly balked at the idea that he and Obi-Wan might once again slip into the confusing, awkward, strained pattern that had plagued their relationship after Master Jinn’s death. He realized how much he depended on Kenobi’s reliable, consistent personality. Obi-Wan was always strong, tempered, and faithful. Anakin was the reckless one, the hot-tempered, unforgiving, overly emotional student who nearly drove his master into an early grave. What would happen to them if Obi-Wan suddenly decided to no longer control his own emotions?
Have I always taken him for granted?
He felt a chill run up his spine as Obi-Wan’s shared memories came back to him. Anakin pressed his hands to his temples and rubbed fiercely, trying to calm his feelings. Stepping into the chaos that was Obi-Wan’s consciousness had been truly disturbing; watching the horror that his master endured was upsetting, to be sure, but the accompanying feelings had been overwhelming – the insatiable rage, the hopelessness, the self-loathing were palpable companions to Kenobi’s experience. Obi-Wan was consumed with an acidic, corrosive, deep-rooted sense of betrayal. Skywalker could feel that his master felt abandoned by the Jedi Code, that in his greatest moment of need it was no longer any comfort to him. It was a feeling Anakin understood well. His own doubts had gnawed at him for months, and he feared he would be little help in bringing Kenobi back into the fold.
The chamber doors suddenly opened startling Anakin from his pensive state.
Master Windu stood before him with an expectant look on his face. “Were you planning to stand out here all day?”
“Forgive me, Master.” Anakin bowed respectfully. “I was trying to collect my thoughts.”
“There is no time for that, I’m afraid. You’ve been summoned by the Chancellor.” He stepped aside, indicating that Anakin should come in. “We need your report before you leave for the Senate.”
Skywalker quickly entered and stood in the center of the room. Only Yoda and Windu were present.
“What have you learned?” Yoda asked from his tiny chair.
Anakin clutched his hands behind his back and took a deep breath. “Obi-Wan has suffered unthinkable cruelty,” he said. He hesitated for one final moment before instinctively deciding to discuss Kenobi’s relationship with Satine. “He has also experienced a loss so devastating that he questions whether he should remain a Jedi.”
Both Yoda and Windu’s face betrayed their deep concern. “Is this related to the Duchess?” Yoda asked eagerly. “What did you learn of her?”
The young Jedi’s head lowered. “It’s far worse than we could have imagined.” Anakin took another deep breath to steady himself before continuing. “Satine and Obi-Wan had an intense…” he fumbled for the correct word, “…attachment when they were young. Though my master has always stayed true to the Jedi Code it is my understanding that their feelings for each other remained very strong.” Anakin watched the two Masters’ faces, gauging their reactions. “Darth Maul learned of their attachment and he captured the Duchess in an attempt to lure Obi-Wan into a trap. She was murdered in front of him.”
Yoda suddenly placed a hand on his heart, his voice breaking with emotion. “Dismaying this is.”
Windu shook his head in disbelief. “I’ve never heard of such barbarism.”
“Masters,” Anakin’s brow became tight with concern, “during his imprisonment Obi-Wan was tortured brutally, both physically and mentally. Maul forced his way into Obi-Wan’s mind, making him relive Satine’s death over and over.” His throat became dry and he swallowed thickly. “I… I think Obi-Wan blames the Jedi Code. I think he feels he’s sacrificed everything for a life that has dealt him relentless heartbreak.”
Yoda stroked his chin, deep in thought. “In grave danger is Master Kenobi.”
“There’s something else.”
Windu looked exasperated. “What more could there be?” he said sarcastically.
“Satine’s murder was identical to Qui-Gon Jinn’s. Darth Maul stabbed them both in the abdomen while Obi-Wan watched. They both died in Obi-Wan’s arms. I don’t know if the Council was aware how devastating Master Jinn’s death was for Obi-Wan, but his heart was twisted and miserable for a long time afterwards. I truly fear for him now.” His voice became more frantic as he continued. “No matter what the Code demands, we are only human. Satine was the love of Obi-Wan’s life. This loss has snuffed out all the brightness in my master’s heart and nothing remains but anger and thoughts of revenge.” Anakin was almost pleading now. “If there’s anything we can do to help him, please tell me what it is. I’ll do anything. I can’t watch him suffer like this.”
“Hmmm…” Yoda mumbled to himself. “Your feelings for your master are strong. Understandable this is, especially considering the father figure he has become. But dangerously attached you are.”
“Don’t you think it’s unnatural that the Code teaches us to repress our feelings? Repression only leads to eventual destruction.”
“The Code is there to protect you, Skywalker,” Windu said sharply. “If Obi-Wan had indeed stayed true to the Code, the Duchess would never have been used as leverage against him.”
“Obi-Wan is not to blame here,” Anakin nearly roared. “There is no Jedi who controls his emotions more rigorously than my master. The Code does not say we cannot have these feelings, it says that we must control them. Obi-Wan is the truest Jedi I know. He’s flawed and he knows it. But that is proof of the measure of his resolve!”
Yoda held up his hands to quell Anakin’s rising ire. “Correct you are, young one. Master Kenobi has unmatched power and honor. But compromised he was by his feelings for the Duchess.” He turned to Windu. “Clearly in need he is. We must support him until we know he is out of danger.”
“Of course,” Windu said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“What can we do?” Anakin asked.
“Patience is required,” Yoda proffered. “Remind him of his strengths. Meditate with him when he has regained his health. Help him release his negativity and anger into the Force.”
“He has always struggled so much with his anger,” Windu said under his breath, curling his fingers over his chin.
“Hmmm, yes…” Yoda nodded in agreement.
Anakin looked bewildered. “Obi-Wan? Angry? The only time I’ve ever felt Obi-Wan get angry was after Qui-Gon died.”
“He has learned to guard against it. You knew him not when he was a youngling. Even as a Padawan he struggled with anger.”
“I can hardly believe it.”
“Much you still do not know about your master,” Yoda said wisely.
CHAPTER 10: OPPORTUNITY --- The Dark Side of Obi-Wan Kenobi - Part 1
Summary: Maul's not the only Sith interested in Kenobi. The ultimate Sith Lord gets word that our handsome Jedi might be feeling a bit vulnerable.
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CHAPTER 10: Opportunity
Coruscant – Senate Building
Chancellor Palpatine sat behind his desk across from the usual bleeding-heart-committee that included Senators Amidala, Organa, Mothma, and Chuchi. As they droned on, he nodded politely, his fingertips steepled together in front of his mouth. That afternoon they were bringing another bill before the Senate and he had been forced to listen to their preparatory ramblings for nearly an hour. Externally, Palpatine appeared to be diligently listening but, in truth, he was deep in thought about a conversation he had the night before with the Jedi Council. And besides, if the senators said anything of real importance, Mas Amedda would fill him in later.
Word had reached him through his personal guards that a Jedi had been gravely injured on Mandalore. Palpatine was well aware that his previous apprentice, Darth Maul, had been entrenched there with Death Watch, and part of the Chancellor could not help but wonder if the injured Jedi was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thirteen years ago on Naboo, Kenobi had cut Maul in two and left him for dead; Palpatine was certain Maul wanted vengeance. Curiosity overwhelmed the Chancellor so he reached out to the Jedi Council. Through gentle and careful prying he had confirmed Kenobi was indeed injured, but the Council was cagey and distrustful, refusing to elaborate. He patiently decided to change his approach.
As the meeting drew to a close and the committee stood to return to their respective chambers, Palpatine raised a finger. “May I have a moment of your time, Senator Amidala? Regarding a personal matter?”
“Of course.” Padmé returned to her seat.
The Chancellor waited until all the others left, then he got up and came around the desk, taking the seat next to Padmé. “I have had most distressing news,” he said, his voice growing strained, his face pinching into a well practiced looked of anxiety. “The Jedi Council confirmed to me last night that General Kenobi is injured, but they refused to provide me with details.” He looked at her with sad doe-like eyes. “You are friends with General Skywalker. Has he confided anything to you?”
Padmé looked reluctant. He could tell she knew something so he gently pressed on. “I ask not as the Chancellor but as a concerned friend. General Kenobi and I have worked together for years. The Council’s secretiveness makes me worry that perhaps his wounds are sever, in fact so severe he may not survive.” He let his voice crack and quickly stopped speaking, seemingly overcome with emotion.
Padmé reached out and took his hand. “I understand your frustration. The Jedi Council can be very difficult. But I’m sure their reluctance to share information is for good reason.”
Palpatine patted her hand. “You are right, of course, my dear. It’s just that the Republic has lost so many good soldiers, so many priceless lives. They weigh heavily on my conscience.”
“What a terrible burden you must carry,” she said kindly, giving him a reassuring smile.
He looked down shaking his head. “Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of our finest. If…” He took a deep breath, playing his part well. “If he dies I may never forgive myself.”
Padmé looked at him for a long time before speaking. “I don’t know much, Chancellor, but Master Skywalker did speak with me. I think he needed someone to talk to; he was very upset and rather frightened.” She watched as the Chancellor’s eyes became wide and fearful. “You are right to assume General Kenobi’s life is in danger.” She suddenly had to clench her jaw shut to keep from crying. Obi-Wan was one of her oldest, dearest friends.
Palpatine squeezed her hand. “You’ve known him a long time.” She nodded, still fighting her emotions. “Oh, my dear,” he sighed, “the Jedi are not emotional beings and therefore do not understand what we suffer.”
Padmé sniffed and finally composed herself. “Personally, I find emotion and attachment teaches empathy and tolerance.”
Palpatine nodded agreement. “You have considerable wisdom for your youth.”
“Thank you, Chancellor.” She stood to leave and Palpatine followed her to the door. “If I learn anything more I promise to let you know.”
He gave her a relieved, grateful look. “Thank you, my dear, thank you. If there’s anything at all that General Kenobi needs I will provide it.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You are very kind.”
After she had left, Palpatine sat in his personal chamber and stared out over Coruscant through the massive panoramic windows. It was a beautiful day; sunlight glinted off the buildings, traffic sped by, life carried on in this shining city. But the Chancellor saw none of it. His eyes were wide and unblinking in a trancelike state as he sat deep in thought.
Obi-Wan Kenobi consumed his mind. The Jedi’s negotiator: diplomatic, devoted, possibly fanatical. Sidious admitted to himself that Kenobi was formidable, as least to most. However, nearly a week ago the Dark Lord had felt a disturbance in the Force, a perverse glitter of pleasure and dominance from his old apprentice, Darth Maul. If Kenobi and Maul were together, what had transpired to send such intense sensations coursing across the Force?
Sidious considered reaching out to Dooku; perhaps his current apprentice knew more about Mandalore than he was letting on. But the Dark Lord suddenly decided against it. He would keep this matter to himself; an idea had begun forming in his mind, an idea that sent shivers up his spine. What if he caused Kenobi’s fall? Though the Sith has been carefully grooming Skywalker to become his apprentice, he could not deny the opportunity Kenobi presented – never before has such a perfect specimen been coupled with the perfect despairing circumstances. If a Jedi as powerful as Kenobi could be turned to the Dark Side, then there would be no limits to Sidious’s power.
He rubbed a finger methodically over his chin, a cruel smile twisting his lips. Forcing Kenobi into submission would only work if the Jedi was in complete despair; he would have to be physically and mentally defenseless in order to make the necessary master-apprentice connection, and, most importantly as well as most unlikely, Kenobi’s faith in the Jedi Code would have to be shaken. Obi-wan would only turn to the Dark Side if he were no longer certain that he wanted to be a Jedi. The Dark Lord knew he needed more information before he could proceed. Anakin would certainly be useful in ascertaining Kenobi’s status. He would call the boy to his side as soon as possible.
