Chapter Text
Dark shadows cover the skies of Coruscant, Venators preparing to leave to their varying destinations. Each one holds thousands of men. Men born and bred for one thing. War. To fight and die for the sake of the Republic and its people. To serve alongside the Jedi that have taken up the role of General. Those who have picked up their lightsabers and committed to defeating the Separatists and bringing peace back to the galaxy. A role many are not prepared for, nor for the sacrifices it will require.
Lena stood in the hall of the Jedi temple, her eyes watching the city skyline outside the window. Many ships flew by, average citizens going about their day, paying no mind to the flames of war that sparked on the sands of Geonosis. Despite the increase in large ships in the atmosphere above the planet, life went on as normal for most people. Not even the sudden expansion of the planet’s already extensive population had made a ripple. Lena wondered how long that would last.
Her hand drifted to her right side, a hiss of pain leaving her lips at the soreness caused by any sudden movement. While the surface of the wound had been healed in the bacta tank she had floated in after Geonosis, it still pained her. There were pain relievers that she could take if it got too bad, but Lena wanted a clear head for the approaching meeting she had with the Jedi Council.
“Master? Are you alright?” a voice asked from behind her.
Lena turned to see her padawan, Keebo, approaching where she was standing. The concern lacing her question was mild compared to the nervousness that radiated from her. Not only could Lena feel the intensity of the young woman's worries, but she could also see the ends of her long lekku twitching.
“I’m fine. Just a bit sore,” Lena said, waving her hand dismissively. “How are you doing? You’re twitching.”
Keebo grabbed one of her lekku and pulled it in front of her shoulder, rubbing her hands down it in an attempt to soothe the nervous twitching.
“We’re going before the council,” she said. “I think that’s a pretty good reason to be nervous.”
Lena reached out and grabbed Keebo’s hands, halting her movements. She held them firmly and looked directly into her padawan’s eyes.
"You don't need to do this if you don't want to. You are free to leave if you want no further part in this. I will not blame you or resent you for whatever decision you make."
Keebo shook her head.
“I’ve made up my mind. I’m committed to this path. I will stay at your side and accept your guidance.”
Lena nodded and gave her hands a final squeeze before releasing them. At the end of the hall, a door opened, and Master Billaba poked her head out.
“We’re ready for you,” she said warmly as she stood in the doorway and gestured into the room.
Lena gave Keebo a final glance, and at her affirmative nod, they both walked towards the open door and entered the Council chambers. Master Billaba retook her seat in the circle as the pair of them moved to stand in the center of the room and face Masters Yoda and Windu.
“How are you healing, Lena?” Master Windu asked.
“As well as can be expected. The bacta did its job. Everything else is up to my own body with the help of time and rest.”
“Something to discuss with us you have?” Master Yoda asked.
Lena's eyes moved around the room, taking in the faces of each council member. When she reached Billaba, she received an encouraging smile. Lena took a deep breath, wincing slightly at the pain it caused, before refocusing on the men before her.
"I understand that this is a time of great change. Not only for the Republic and the Order, but the galaxy as a whole. This war will bring much trouble upon the lives of every person involved. As I have been informed, the Jedi have been called upon to serve as Generals to lead the troops from Kamino.”
“That is correct,” Master Windu said. “Although, it is unlikely that you will be sent out into the field until your healing is complete.”
“Going out into the field is the reason behind our request for this meeting. After some deliberation, my padawan and I have decided that we would like no part in the leadership positions being assigned to the Jedi.”
A series of murmurs went through the room, council members turning to talk to one another, disbelief rolling off each one in turn. Lena raised her hand to grab their attention once more before bowing her head respectively to Windu and Yoda.
“I respect your decision to take on this role yourselves. As different people, it is expected that we will all have different stances on this matter. I know I am not alone in my opinion that the use of this clone army is a questionable decision. These men were created to fight and die in a war without their consent. This is one of the reasons we are declining the assignment.”
“While this clone army is unexpected and could use further investigation,” Master Koon said, “we have been left with little choice. This army is here and ready to go where we need it.”
“The choice to enter the war was not ours alone,” Master Tiin said, “but rather the decision agreed upon by the Chancellor and the Senate. As Jedi, we have a duty to serve the Senate and the Republic.”
Lena pursed her lips in annoyance at the implication of the Iktotchi master's words. Staying out of the war would be neglecting the duty of a Jedi.
“I feel that I have a duty to the people not only of the Republic, but of the galaxy as a whole. No matter what government they choose to live under, whether it be the Senate or the Separatist leadership.”
“Some have chosen neither,” Master Ti said, her holographic form flickering slightly as she spoke. “Such as Mandalore and Toydaria. Instead, they have chosen to remain neutral in this conflict."
“Is that what you suggest is the best course of action?” Master Windu asked.
“I cannot speak for the order as a whole, only for myself.”
“Spoke for your student, you have,” Master Yoda said. “Share your master’s view, do you?”
Keebo stepped forward from her position behind Lena.
“I agree with everything my master has said. She allowed me to make my own decision on this matter, and I have.”
The room fell silent as the masters thought about what Lena had said. Lena could feel various emotions floating within the room, ranging from disappointment to acceptance. She had known going in that she would get a mixed response. She still had more to say on the matter, but she had stated the starting base of her stance, which was the most important part.
“You are quite set on this decision,” Master Koon said, folding his hands in front of him.
“We are,” Lena said. “I apologize if this puts you in a difficult position. If it comes down to being a requirement, where we would be breaking some kind of regulation by not participating, we are both prepared to excuse ourselves from the order to prevent reproach upon others.”
“Let’s not be too hasty,” Master Fisto said. "As much as I admire your commitment to your decision, you have also committed to serving the order. It would be a shame for you to give up that connection for the sake of a war you oppose."
“If you do not intend to serve in the position of General, what role will you serve?” Master Mundi asked. “Surely you will not sit by and ignore the war?”
“Of course not,” Lena said. “Helping with relief, escorting Senators, serving as representatives of those in need. My duty as a Jedi has not changed. No difference in opinion on any matter will change that.”
“That may be so, but in this situation, things may be different," Master Windu said. “Our role in the galaxy is changing, whether we like it or not. Any Jedi not serving as part of the Grand Army of the Republic may be viewed differently by the official command structure than before.”
“Then we will adapt,” Lena said. “I wasn’t expecting this to be easy. I am more than willing to put in the work required by any position that I end up in.”
“And I will be at her side,” Keebo added.
Windu and Yoda exchanged a look, silent words passing between them before turning back to the two women. Master Windu leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on his folded hands.
“We will need some time to discuss this and come up with a solution. With you still healing, we have time before an assignment can be given to you anyways. Once we have something, we will be sure to communicate with you on the matter.”
Lena and Keebo bowed their heads respectively before leaving the chamber.
“That went smoother than I expected,” Keebo said.
“Nothing’s been decided yet, so don’t celebrate prematurely,” Lena said. “Even if the Council agrees, there are many other channels we need to go through.”
Keebo nodded in agreement before leaving her master’s side to go about her activities. Lena walked back to her quarters, her mind dwelling on the conversation from the Council meeting. Despite her advice to her student, she had hope that things would turn out in their favor.
A peacekeeper had no desire for war.