Unification

Part Eleven

“Geo,” Anakin Skywalker was saying, “Don’t lose heart- it is ordained.”

Geo looked at his sometimes friend, sometimes Master and sighed. “I have been patient for many years, Anakin, if not for you, I would not control myself. ” It had been several days since Joss and Liza’s wedding and Geo was more confused about Galaxa then ever.

“You must not forget that there are no guarantees, old friend. Gal is a child of the force, and it is ordained that we will unite- but that is all.”

“I know, Anakin,” he sighed, taking a deep swill from his snifter of Alderaanian Ruge. They were in his restaurant, at the top of the Downtown Hotel in Coruscant. They sat apart from the patrons, at a large table near the wall of windows. Geo recalled the day, many years ago, that Anakin had told him about the prophecy.

Since the day Anakin had initiated Geo, Anakin and Joss had trained him in the ways of the Force. He had kept it a secret from everyone, and used his newfound abilities on his ascent to power. Knowing that Galaxa was one of the Six only heightening his desire for her, contributing to a romantic fantasy that they were meant to be together. He equated it to the destined unions of his brethren, and would not believe that theirs was not also fated. It gave him a reason to rationalize his love for a woman who was afraid to love him.

“She is not going to be easily turned, Geo. She is the last of us for a reason,” Anakin considered. “Galaxa is older than the others, and she has never questioned the order as Joss and I have. Being a Jedi is so much her way of life that her turning will shatter her identity. She is steeped in the traditions.”

“She is conflicted, Anakin. I feel it.” He leaned forward speaking emphatically. “She doesn’t want to admit that.”

“She is finally questioning the order Geo,“ he corrected. “Keep up the good work.”

The friends exchanged smiles before they rose from the table in unison. Geo backpedaled into the kitchen gesturing a silent goodbye and Anakin headed out the front door.

***

Joss and Liza exchanged glances as Master Vale spoke. “You are being asked to appear before the Council. They have some questions for you.”

Liza instantly paled, her hand going to her stomach. Joss moved to stand behind her, his arms on her shoulders.

“I warned you Jossiah, there are always consequences to deal with.” Master Vale said softly as he stared at them, his eyes sad. He loved his former padawan like a son and had come to accept Liza like a daughter as well. She had been Joss’ constant companion when younger, always trailing after Joss and Anakin whenever they were home from missions.

“We shall see.” Joss said harshly, stepping towards the door, holding tightly to Liza’s hand.

~~

“Knights Kadeen and Simone.” Mace Windu said as they stepped into the Council Chambers. The ten members of the High Council watched them quietly as they stepped into the large medallion in the center of the circle.

Joss’ head was high, staring Master Yoda directly in the eyes. “Masters” he said softly, his eyes already molten silver. Liza bowed her head, letting Joss speak for them both.

“You have married.” It was a statement, not a question and Joss inclined his head slightly to Ki-Adi-Mundi, the tall being looking back at him impassively. That is not why they had been summoned. Master Mundi himself had four wives, as was the custom of his planet.

“And Knight Simone, you are with child.” Mace Windu continued, looking at her expectantly. She raised her head, slipping her hand into Joss’ before nodding.

“Grave this is. Strong in the Force the children are, stronger than the chosen one even.” Yoda intoned. He watched them, Joss staring at him angrily, Liza looking about ready to burst into tears.

“You will not take my children away from me!” Joss snarled, looking around at the Council. “I will not stand by and watch them raised by strangers, when their mother and I are perfectly capable of handling the job ourselves.”

“Know the laws you do, Jossiah Kadeen.” Yoda’s soft voice floated into the stunned silence.

“You can take your laws and go fuck yourself with them. You will not rip my family apart!” Joss hissed.

“Elizara, do you also share your husbands views?” Adi Gallia asked her softly, her eyes full of sorrow for the obviously upset young woman.

Liza squeezed Joss’ hand tighter before raising her head and looking the petite Master in the eye. “I do. My children will have a mother and father that they know and love.”

“You realize that this calls for your expulsion from the Jedi order?” Master Windu looked at them sadly.

“It has been a long time coming, Master Windu. I am surprised that I have lasted this long. You keep your henchmen away from my family and I won’t kill them. Do we have a deal?” Joss spat, the anger rolling off of him in waves.

“Jossiah Kadeen and Elizara Simone Kadeen your names will be stricken from the ranks of the Jedi Order. Do you understand the implications of this?” Master Adi Gallia asked them.

“We do and accept it willingly. This Council has had too much influence in our lives as it is, it shall be a welcome relief not to have to abide by your laws anymore.” Joss said, looking down at Liza and seeing her nod of assent.

“Then by order of this council, you are expelled from the order, forbidden to call yourselves Jedi. You will no longer be able to claim the protection that the Order can give you.” Master Yoda nodded as Master Windu made the pronouncement.

“So be it.” Joss said, spinning on his heel, pulling Liza along with him out of the Council chambers.

Morgaine looked at Master Yoda from her perch in the shadows. He nodded and they rose along with Master Windu to discuss this in private.

***

The view from Geo Astara’s palace was exquisite, but today the mood in his study was anything but calm.

“Expelled?” Anakin paced the room. “By what right to they dare expel you?!” He glared toward the High Holy Ten’s Tower, gleaming in the Coruscant skyline. Joss and Liza sat beside Acaciah, who glanced at her Holocron. It was near time for her to get back to the quarters she shared with her Papa Kenobi.

“I am not giving them my children, Anakin,” Joss said in a tightly controlled tone.

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” Anakin replied. “I would not either; that is why Acaciah and I have not tried to have any yet.”

“Anakin,” Acaciah interrupted. “Papa is growing more suspicious. I cannot be late.”

“Papa,” he sneered, eyes narrowing. “I swear that man delays your knighthood to spite me.” Acaciah didn’t know what to say to calm her husband. “You belong with me, and so do our future children,” he said, pulling her up from the sofa. “I think it is time the Council heard the truth.”

Anakin and Acaciah sped off toward the Jedi Temple, headed straight toward the Council’s Chambers.

The Masters of the Council might have heard Anakin Skywalker coming, but that didn’t stop them from jumping in their seats when the doors burst open upon his entrance, Acaciah at his side. Obi-Wan Kenobi was in discussion with them, and looked as if his suspicions had been confirmed when they entered together.

“Knight Skywalker and Padawan Sakarte’,” Mace Windu acknowledged their entrance.

“You expelled Joss and Liza-” Anakin began.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan interrupted. “I want you to take my daughter back to her room before you have this discussion.”

Anakin’s only answer was a stony glare; neither he nor Acaciah moved from the Chamber floor.

“Acaciah,” Obi-Wan continued. She ignored him. “Look at me.”

She raised her head and looked him in the eyes. “You are not my father,” she stated.

“I raised you,” Obi-Wan replied.

“You raised Anakin, too,” she shot back. “Does that make him my brother? Because it would be unfortunate if I were to marry my brother.”

“That’s enough, Padawan Sakarte’,” Windu said.

“You may as well call me Padawan Skywalker,” Acaciah retorted.

Obi-Wan’s face turned red.

Anakin smirked. “That is correct, Master Kenobi. Acaciah and I have been married for some time.”

“Our permission, you did not have, Jedi Skywalker,” Yoda stated.

“I had her mother’s consent,” he replied. “It is all very legal.”

“When did you do this?” Master Tinn inquired.

“We celebrated our third anniversary last week,” Anakin replied. A hushed murmur rippled through the room.

“Anakin, this is unacceptable conduct for a Jedi Knight; you will be expelled from the Jedi Order!” Windu stated. “As for your wife, as she is still a Padawan—“

“I will not stay here and suffer you fools if you expel my husband!” Acaciah snapped, interrupting the senior Master.

“Acaciah!” Obi-Wan was stricken. “Everything you have worked for—“

“Is a lie, apparently!” she retorted. “The Jedi do love everyone, except those who can feel love themselves!”

Anakin put his arm around her waist, drawing her close. He approached Windu and Yoda, leaning over them. “Stay awaym mym my family,” he said, his voice quiet and menacing. “When I leave this room I am going to gather Acaciah’s belongings and take her home.”

“Then by order of this council, you are expelled from the order, and further forbidden to call yourselves Jedi,” Master Windu said. “You will no longer have the protection that the Order can give you.” Master Yoda nodded his agreement.

“Save the sermon, learned Masters,” Anakin snapped. “I bid you and your hypocrisy farewell.” The Skywalkers left a saddened Jedi Council in their wake.

“Are you sure that was wise?” Adi Gallia wondered aloud. “Now we have four disgruntled former Jedi wandering the galaxy.”

Windu shook his head. “If the Chosen One will not follow the Code, why should anyone else? We will look like we cannot control our own Knights!” The Council lapsed into silent contemplation...

***

Galaxa was in the Naboo garden of the Temple, waiting for Morgaine to arrive. The scent of jasmine and mimosa was heavy on the air, and was contributing to a nauseous feeling that had been sneaking up on her all day.

Morgaine appeared quite suddenly, startling the already on edge Knight. Her robes were drawn tightly around her body, and her hood was uphe ahe air of secrecy was ever present when Morgaine was about, but today the mood was urgent.

“Put your cloak on and come with me,” she commanded.

Galaxa pulled her hood up over her head and her brown robes about her body, double stepping to keep up with the long strides of the Dark Woman. She just followed her in silence as she was led away from the Temple and into a taxi hover craft waiting at the hypo lift.

“My time is short, child. Listen carefully.” The Dark Woman was graveacinacing a hand on the younger woman’s shoulder heavily. . Galaxa ‘s eyes widened as she stood in rapt attention.

“You must take this craft, and go to Astara’s Palace. There, you will meet with your kindred.”

Galaxa was utterly bewildered, then dumfounded as Morgaine continued. “You will stay there until you understand.”

As if programmed, Galaxa complied, stepping in the vehicle. Morgaine was compelling her and deliberately numbing her senses.

Leaning over to her, the Dark Woman grasped her arm firmly. “You will never return to this Temple again. Never.” She kissed Gal’s forehead with a slumbering kiss, and Gal fell backwards slumping to her side. Hitting the craft, the Dark Woman indicated for it to leave.

She watched the craft speed into the fast moving traffic lanes with an electronic whir.
And then she vanished in the night.

***

When Gal had woken up, she was in Geo’s palace again, in the very same room that she had woken up in the day after his ball. She sprang to her feet, suddenly recalling her conversation with the Dark Woman, and she grew furious. Her thigh length tunic was the only thing she had on- it would seem that the droids had taken off her pants and shoes and other gear.

She looked around the room, noticing the familiarity of many of the items there. The Alderaanian silk tunic was there- the various pieces of jewelry, the big screen holovid- everything that Geo had given her and returned was in this room, as if waiting for her.

Galaxa had never felt such rage in her life. She finally found her cloak and threw it upon herself, spotting her boots and grabbing them as she exited the room.

As she roamed the hallways, she tried to put on her boots. She could smell her rage- so angry was she that she had felt faint.

“GEO!” she roared over and over, running down the long corridor with one boot on. Galaxa believed that he was behind this. “Geo! You piece of shit! Where are you? Geo!” Her voice echoed down the long corridor.

Anakin and Acaciah were sipping tea in the Great Room below. Unaffectedly, they continued with their beverage, while Joss and Liza sat nestled on the sofa together peacefully, his large hand resting on her slightly protruding belly, softly caressing it.

“I guess our girl is awake,” Acaciah offered indifferently, taking a sip of tea. Liza stifled a giggle from Joss’ lap and Anakin rolled his eyes heavenward.

“I hope Geo is paying attention. No telling what it will do to his case if she sees him.”

The four listened as they heard Gal’s uneven footsteps stop abruptly above them.

“You filthy slime ball!” they heard her yell. Moments later, they heard a thump and a crash.

Joss and Liza who were facing Anakin and Acaciah began to laugh. Behind the Skywalkers were the windows.

“There goes Galaxa’s boot!” Liza laughed, the bright sound pealing through the room.

Galaxa had stormed to the grand staircase and stopped. At the top of the staircase a large parlor with bay windows lay. It was there she had found the master of the house. Galaxa shook with anger and jealousy as she had watched him fucking the living daylights out of a whore. She ran down the staircase, sensing the Skywalkers, her awareness peaking as her anger flowed through her.

”Anakin! Acaciah!” she bellowed. Her emerald green eyes were clouded a dark jade as she stood there with one boot on, a shirt, and a cloak.

Acaciah appeared at the base of the red-carpeted staircase and smiled sweetly at her.

“A glass of wine, dear?” she offered innocently.

“Are you mad, girl? Don’t you remember what happened the last time you gave me a drink?” Galaxa screamed, looking down.

"Yes, and as I recall, a good time was had by all," Acaciah replied sweetly, a smile dancing on her lips.

Meanwhile, Geo had come up behind, ad, adjusting his loose pants while the now dressed brunette rushed down the staircase, cringing and sliding against the wall when she had to pass Galaxa. “Hello love,” he called to her. “You nearly hit me with your boot, but do not fear, you only broke the window.” Geo laughed, contentedly rubbing his bare chest.

“You are a filthy pig Astara. Don’t even try teatheathe the same air that I do,” she hissed, not turning to look upon him as she spoke.

Anakin joined Acaciah at the foot of the steps with Joss and Liza in tow. He was applauding sarcastically.

“Good job, Geo. You really know how to anger our Galaxa, here, don’t you?” He turned to Acaciah. “See, mi priana, didn’t I tell you that this would be fun?”

Liza snaked her arms around Joss’ waist and peered around his arm, still stifling her giggles.

Galaxa looked disgusted as Geo made his way down the staircase, her lip curling in distaste as her fury began to sate somewhat. “Nice outfit, darling.” Geo grinned, making an effort to take up as much of the staircase as possible, making her cringe.

Her anger grew cold as she absorbed the comfortable vibes of the people around her. Geo’s response was a slight laugh in Gal’s direction as he made his way down the steps and passed the group, walking off into the great room and lying on a couch. He lit an herbal cigarette and sighed.

The four continued to stare up at Galaxa, waiting for her to react. “Will someone please tell me what is going on?” she asked angrily. “ I cannot bear this anymore!”

“Come, Galaxa tri, all of your questions will be answered. “ Anakin held his hand up to her and waited.

Galaxa shifted her weight onto her bare foot and sighed.

“Ok, Anakin.” Galaxa continued her descent and took her friends hand, looking at the group skeptically. They lead her to great room where Geo was lounging. Galaxa sat as far away from Geo as she could, trying to ignore his presence completely.

Then they began to talk.

And the six would talk until the day was spent, until the sun had set, and well into the night.