Masterlist

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Chapter Two

Ellia Bel Iblis

Some Senators, like Padme Amidala from Naboo, Mon Mothma from Chandrila or Bail Organa from Alderaan, were known for their courage and diplomacy, and their ability to remain calm under even the most intense scrutiny.

That would never be said about Ellia Bel Iblis from Corellia. Born in the Bottoms, Ellia had scratched and clawed her way to the top, through Corellia’s incredibly corrupt political system as an aide until she was lucky enough to be adopted by Senator Bel Iblis. She would never be written in history as a calm woman who persevered. Ellia was scrappy, like the planet she represented, and there was nothing she would ever do to change that. She was known for loudly making her opinion known, for standing up for what she believed in, and for actually working to make her system a better place, unlike many of her Senate counterparts. She was in Corellia more than she was in Coruscant most of the time, trying to speak with as many constituents as possible to see how she could help.

Ellia stormed down the halls of the Senate-owned building toward her chambers, her fists clenched angrily. Senators and aides alike nearly dove out of her way, as Ellia was not known for slowing down when she was in a mood like this.

How dare he take the Chancellors side? That Jedi didn’t even know her that well. He had no idea how hard she worked to get where she was. And then to side with the Chancellor—which, by the way, it was Coruscant’s worst kept secret that she absolutely loathed him—without even asking her opinion… She shook her head angrily again, frowning to herself as she tried to calm down.

Men were all the same—they all thought they knew better…and she truly was disappointed in how this one had turned out. She had hoped he might be a bit different. It didn’t matter how pretty Kenobi was now, or how blue his eyes were… or how genuinely kind his smile seemed…woah hold on. She shook her head quickly, stopping at her door. There was no way that she would be thinking this way about a Jedi, no less the Jedi she had spent years getting over.

She stepped through the doors to her private chambers, grumbling angrily as she walked through her office, moving to her room. She pulled the dress off, tossing it onto the chair nearest to her bed, and grabbed her leggings and a soft tunic, opting to go barefoot instead of pulling on her normal boots. Yawning, she pulled her hair up in a ribbon, making sure it wouldn’t fall in her face. She grabbed her holopad and walked to her balcony, falling down onto her couch dramatically. She heard squeaking behind her, the tell tale sign of her protocol droid IG-T4.

“Why must you treat such beautiful clothes this way, my lady,” the droid whined, and Ellia grinned a bit, leaning her head back so she could see the droid.

“You know these clothes are wasted on me, IG,” she called. “If I could dress in street clothes to go to Senate meetings, I would.”

“Don't remind me,” IG grumbled, hanging up the dress and straightening up her clothes. Ellia chuckled to herself and settled back on the couch, watching the traffic fly by her patio. IG waddled out to the living room. “May I get you anything?” The droid asked.

“A glass of whisky, please IG,” she sighed, placing the holo on her table and running her hands through her hair. The droid stood there for a moment.

“I was expecting you to say tea, or biscuits, or perhaps dinner before we break open the Corellian alcohol on a weekday,” it replied. Ellia slowly looked up and glared at the droid, who turned on its heel as quickly as it could. “Whisky it is,” it mumbled and Ellia wondered to herself how it was possible that droids could somehow be so useful and also so cheeky at the same time. She looked back at the holopad, reading through the most recent edit to the bill, rubbing her temples. One would think that trying to impose limits on how much money bankers could extort via interest rates from working class families would be an easy enough bill to pass. Apparently not.

She heard the door chime, and IG set her whisky on the table, wobbling to the door to check who it was. “My lady, have you done something!” It nearly gasped, peeking through the peephole. “There is a Jedi here!”

“Why is your first thought that I’ve done something, IG…Have you no faith in me?” Ellia asked, grabbing her glass as she pushed herself up walking toward the door.

“Senator, all due respect, I know you very well,” IG responded, moving out of her way. Ellia shrugged a bit and pressed the door key, and it opened with a quiet swoosh. The Jedi from before—Obi-Wan Kenobi—stood there, his hands hidden in his cloak, a small pack on his shoulder. He stood quite a bit taller than her than he did years ago, with shoulder length auburn hair, a short ginger scruff on his chin and blue eyes that somehow seemed wise beyond his years. He met her gaze and bowed slightly.

“Representative Bel Iblis,” he said, his clipped accent giving enough away to show he had been raised here on Coruscant, close to the surface.

“Just call me Ellia, Kenobi,” She stated, watching him. “The Chancellor did us the honor of reintroducing us, but I’m not going to make you use formalities.”

“Ah. Yes. Well… there was a lot going on in that meeting,” Kenobi admitted. “I wanted to make sure I was polite and memorable.”

“How could I forget the Jedi that will be a thorn in my side for the foreseeable just as he was all those years ago?” Ellia took a sip of her whiskey, smirking at the slight pink on Kenobi’s cheeks. “Well, come in, make yourself comfortable.” She sighed, stepping back and walking to the living room.

“Can I get you anything, Master Jedi?” IG asked politely. “Apparently we are skipping dinner and going straight to the alcohol today, but I can get you something if you’d prefer a non liquid diet.”

“IG!” Ellia gasped, whirling to glare at her protocol droid. The Jedi didn’t bat an eye, instead smiling at the protocol droid.

“If you have some water, I’ll take that for now. Thank you.”

“Mm,” IG hummed as it waddled off. “Water. A concept.”

“IG, I will melt you down and sell you for parts,” Ellia called, her face burning.

“Well you can't melt me down and sell me for parts,” IG responded. “It would need to be one or the other.” It disappeared into the kitchen. Ellia stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath, then she turned to the Jedi.

“Apologies. I didn’t take him for his oil bath last week and I’ve been paying for it with attitude ever since.” She motioned to the couch across from her, and the Jedi settled down, smiling a little.

“Not to worry. I’ve dealt with my fair share of cheeky droids,” he chuckled softly. “I just wanted to come and check in to see what you need; perhaps try to break the ice and share a little more—“

“There is no need,” Ellia responded. “I know all I care to know about you.” The Jedi blinked as IG came back into the room with a glass of water and a plate of different cheese and biscuits. The droid set the plate down and then refilled her whiskey, walking off.

“Have I done something to offend you?” Kenobi asked, watching her. “Or is there something from when we last met?”

“You have not recently done anything, no. I just do not like Jedi being involved in my business when it is something I can clearly handle,” Ellia stated, frowning.

“I am only here to provide protection—“

“I grew up on Corellia. I should hope I would be able to take care of myself.” She cut him off. He nodded a bit.

“The chancellor seems worried—“

“The Chancellor can put his opinions up his wagyx—I am a grown woman capable of taking care of myself.”

“Yes but the Senator—“

“The Senator, as much as I love him, is a worrier about me specifically. I assure you, I am fine.”

“I am only here—“

“You are here to get in my way and I have no intentions of allowing the Chancellor to—“

“Do you have any intentions of letting me finish my sentence, my lady?” The Jedi asked, and Ellia leaned back on her couch, gritting her teeth together tightly, her hands balling up into fists gripping onto the fabric of her tunic. “I only mean to say that I will trust your judgment and only go where you tell me I should. I understand that sometimes, the Chancellor has… opinions… that might not fit in with his representatives’ wants or needs. Perhaps we can come up with some sort of compromise, where I still am present for important events, but otherwise I stay out of your way? For example, tonight I plan to stay and make sure nothing happens, but I have no intention of being in your way in any sense of the word.”

Ellia stared at him for a minute. “The Negotiator has made an appearance,” she chuckled and finished her whiskey. The Jedi nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

“That is what Jedi do, is it not?” He asked.

“It should not be,” Ellia stated, pushing herself up and walking over to her small bar, pouring herself some more whiskey, pouring a second glass and carrying it back over. She slid the second glass over to him, and he nodded in thanks as he picked it up and took a small sip. She hid her smirk behind her glass as he coughed a bit after sipping. “Jedi are peacekeepers, and that is where their role should end.”

“Jedi are servants of the Republic.” Kenobi said. “We fight for peace when necessary.”

“Ah yes,” Ellia scoffed, sipping her whiskey slowly. “Fighting for peace. That makes sense to me.”

“You still seem to have a very…negative view of Jedi.” Kenobi said, watching her. “May I ask why?”

“Because the Jedi overstep,” She said leaning forward. “You think that you’re Senators and lawmakers, when in reality, you believe your Code puts you above the law. You do what the Code demands, rather than what your Republic requests.”

“The Jedi are not above the law—“

“Then why is it that when a Jedi does something wrong, he is not held before the Senate for trial? Why do you have a Council that makes decisions for your whole order, that protects Jedi who have overstepped? Why are you traveling with Bail Organa and helping him write policies for clans that you have no involvement in, when it should be Bail’s job to figure out treaties?” She cut him off. He took a deep breath and she delighted in the fact that she might be making him slightly upset. She had always had the ability to push Obi-Wan’s buttons. He stayed quiet for a moment.

“I understand you might not agree with our tactics.” He said softly. “But it is meant with the best intentions. And I don't think it's fair to treat me with such animosity when I am only trying to help.” Ellia felt her face flush with shame, knowing he was right. She finished her glass and stood, taking a breath.

“I didn't mean to take my opinions out on you,” She said, clearing her throat. He nodded, smiling a little.

“It’s no trouble,” he said. “I appreciate when someone feels strongly about their beliefs, even if it’s not something I believe in personally.” There was a small silence for a moment as Ellia sipped her drink and Kenobi looked out at the traffic passing her balcony. “How have you been?” He asked softly. “It’s been a while since we’ve last seen each other.”

“Other than the death threats, I’ve been just peachy,” she snorted and Kenobi laughed a bit. “Seriously though, I’m much better than I was.” She said softly. “I’m working a lot more and I’m a lot…I’m just happier than I used to be.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” There was another silence, this one a bit more comfortable. “Anyone special in your life?” He asked and her head snapped up as she just stared at him.

“Not since you,” she said quietly and met his eyes, refusing to be the one to look away. A hint of pink touched his cheeks and she tried not to notice how pretty he looked with a blush on his pale skin. “On that note, I think it’s time for me to retire to bed, Master Kenobi.” She said softly, and he nodded and stood up, looking away quickly.

“Would you like for me to stay on watch, my lady?” He asked.

“If it would give you a sense of accomplishment, then yes. Although I will have you know that my security team is very thorough,” she said, setting her glass on the bar and heading to the master bedroom. “If you would rather enjoy a warm bed for the night, or after your watch, there is a guest bedroom through that door.” She motioned to a small door off to the right of the balcony. He nodded, bowing a bit.

“Thank you, Representative,” he said softly. “Have a good night's rest.”

“If you’re going to be sticking around, get used to calling me Ellia,” she called over her shoulder, pressing the keypad for her bedroom.

“Alright…good night, Ellia,” he responded gently. “And you don't need to call me by my last name…you can just call me Obi-Wan. We were friends once, and I would like for us to…perhaps get to that level again.” She turned and met his gaze, tilting her head slightly.

“Good night, Kenobi,” she said quietly and stepped into her room, the door sliding shut behind her.

Sahsahlah, or “The Land of Wise Fools”

Chapter 1

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan stepped off the ship, squinting in the bright Coruscant sun. The sixteen hour flight from Alderaan in the dark spaceship that he and Bail Organa had traveled in had caused his eyes to be a little sensitive to the light, but as usual, it didn’t take him long to adjust. He looked around, pulling his brown robe around him as he walked to the edge of the landing platform, looking over the city he had spent so much of his life in. It was a bit surreal to be coming back now, as both an adult and as a Knight, although somehow it did feel like home.

“Obi-Wan,” Bail called from the elevator at the side of the landing platform. “Will you be joining us?” Obi-Wan, torn from his thoughts, turned and smiled at his friend.

“In a moment,” Obi-Wan called. “I’ll meet you up there.” Bail nodded and turned, closing the doors to the elevator. Obi-Wan admired Bail Organa, with his strong commitment to his people, and his rational mind. These past few months had been filled with days of peace talks, watched over by Obi-Wan of course, but Bail had obviously done the brunt of the work.

“Obi-Wan!” He heard a child’s voice call his name and turned just in time to catch a scrambling Anakin Skywalker. The boy had grown at least two inches since he had last seen him, his legs and arms getting to the point where they were too long for his body. Even though he had grown, he still barely came up to Obi-Wan’s chest, his sun-kissed blonde hair turning a bit more brown in the light of the Coruscanti day. Obi-Wan hugged the smaller boy, chuckling as he ruffled his hair up fondly, setting him down on the ground.

“Good to see you, Anakin,” he said and the boy scowled up at him, running a hand through his hair to try and fix it. “You’ve grown,” he added, chuckling softly.

“It’ll be my life day next week, and I’ll be twelve” the boy said, finishing fixing his hair and beaming up at him. “Master Qui-Gon says next year will be a really big birthday.”

“Ah yes,” Obi-Wan nodded. “Your thirteenth birthday is an important one in the Order, and will require much preparation. Hopefully Master Qui-Gon will actually remember yours,” he chuckled teasingly as the older man approached.

“Funny, I seem to remember your gift saving your life,” Qui-Gon retorted gently, chuckling as he walked over. “Welcome back to Coruscant, Obi-Wan. Your old quarters are ready for you in the Temple if you should need them.”

“Thank you, Master,” Obi-Wan grinned at him and they embraced for a moment. Obi-Wan pulled away. “Do we have any more information on our assignment? All I know is that it involves a Senator—the Chancellor sounded rather panicked when he holoed.”

“Unfortunately, I’m not aware of his thoughts on this—I believe Ani and I are to shadow you as you take the lead on this meeting, Negotiator,” Qui-Gon smiled teasingly at him. Obi-Wan felt a warmth come to his cheeks as Qui-Gon patted his back gently as the three of them headed towards the Chancellor’s quarters. Even though he was no longer a Padawan, it always felt good to know he had Qui-Gon’s respect, and that it was well earned. “Anakin is learning about the Senate and the history of the Republic currently in his classes,” the older Jedi added, “and Master Yoda thought that this would be a good learning experience for the young one.”

“Master Qui-Gon says you’re really good with politics,” Anakin chimed in, scrambling to keep up with the older men’s longer strides. “How come? They seem so boring. I keep falling asleep in class when we’re talking about it.” He grimaced and rubbed his knuckles gently. “Then Master Yoda makes me regret it and I have to write so many papers…”

“It’s just something that is interesting to me,” Obi-Wan said, slowing down so the boy could keep up. “I’ve always been curious about people and communicating. I’d rather hear people's thoughts and concerns rather than fight everything out. Most people just want to be heard.”

“But fighting is more fun,” Anakin grinned mischievously up at him. “And some day, I’ll be better at duels than even you!”

“We’ll see,” Obi-Wan chuckled as they entered the elevator. “You have to come up to at least my shoulder first,” he teased and ruffled the boy’s hair up again. Anakin whined a little and fixed his hair back again, grumbling under his breath. Qui-Gon chuckled softly and shook his head at the two of them.

Obi-Wan shifted as the elevator door shifted open and he and Qui-Gon stepped out, Anakin trailing behind. The chancellor looked up and the group of Senators around him turned, making way for the Jedi. Obi-Wan recognized Bail of course, Orn Free Taa from Ryloth, Garm Bel Iblis from Corellia, and Nee Alaver from Stewjon. Among them, however, was someone Obi-Wan did not recognize immediately. She sat nearest to the chancellor, lost in thought as she stared out the large window behind the chancellor's chair. Her shiny white-blonde hair lay in an intricate braid down her back. She wore a long blue dress with a lacy print that bared her collarbones, adorned with thin shoulder straps, and sleeves that did not cover her pale arms but still fell down to her fingertips. She blinked a few times as the Senators around her shifted, and she pushed herself up from the chair, straightening, making eye contact with Obi-Wan.

Ellia?

It felt like time stopped the second their eyes met; he could count every freckle on her face, see the stray eyelash that landed on the top of her cheek, notice the way her skin fit perfectly into the tight dress she wore. He could feel her heartbeat increase as they looked at each other, and he wondered if she felt the same way as she did at that moment. Too afraid his voice would betray him, he nodded at her and she did not respond, only staring at him, a frown on her plump lips as she tilted his head.

Skin pressed against skin as the loud bass moved the entire club, but neither of them could hear anything; they were only caught up in each other, their lips moving together like they had been kissing all their lives, fingers gripping cloaks and hair and skin and whatever they could to just hold each other as close as possible—

“Chancellor,” Obi-Wan said respectfully, taking his attention away from the woman before his thoughts entirely betrayed him, and bowing to the man behind the desk. Qui-Gon and Anakin followed his lead behind him. Obi-Wan had never liked Chancellor Palpatine, even when he was a Senator.

“Master Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi,” The Chancellor smiled, his thin lips somehow always making even the most sincere smile look like a sneer. There was something about him that was untrustworthy. Qui-Gon would say that it was because he was a politician and that he should be expected to be a bit untrustworthy, but Obi-Wan felt different around him than he did around other senators and politicians. Palpatine made Obi-Wan feel uneasy, so he kept the chancellor at arms length.

“I’d like to introduce you to Representative Ellia Bel Iblis from Corellia. Or, perhaps it’s not really an introduction—I’ve been told you’ve worked together before?” He motioned to the blonde haired woman, who nodded at Obi-Wan finally.

“Yes, years ago, when I was still a Padawan, on a mission to Corellia. My lady, it’s good to see you again,” he said, bowing again. She stared at him, her green eyes piercing, just as they were all those years ago.

“Kenobi,” She smirked just a little and Obi-Wan felt his heart rate pick up a bit. “So they call you the negotiator now,” she said. Her voice was not at all like the rest of the senators and aides that lived on Coruscant for so long. She still had that signature slow Corellian drawl, just like her father. “The Jedi who would be a Senator.” She added and Obi-Wan blinked for a moment.

“I don't believe I could ever be on the same level of a diplomat as you or any of the Senators in this room, my lady,” Obi-Wan answered carefully. She clearly had grown in her dislike of Jedi, that much was clear.

“No,” She said quietly, her eyes trained on him for a moment. “But you certainly do try, don't you?” Bail hid a chuckle behind a cough and Obi-Wan glanced at him, feeling his cheeks turn a bit red as Senator Bel Iblis sighed at Ellia and said something to her quietly. Obi-Wan chose not to respond as she turned to the Chancellor.

“Chancellor Palpatine, I must, once again, object to bringing the Jedi into this situation,” Ellia said quickly, jumping on the awkward silence in the room. “Myself and my bodyguards have been able to handle this—“

“Representative Bel Iblis, with all due respect, that was before a bomb threat was called into the Senate building this afternoon.” Chancellor Palpatine sighed. “Master Jedi, Ellia has received multiple death threats recently, and I am concerned for her safety.” Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak but—

“If you are concerned for my safety, then perhaps we should get the bill my father and I wrote to a vote instead of continuing to allow the Banking Clan to take advantage of poor families in my system and in other systems who have no other way to get credits,” Representative Bel Iblis interrupted angrily. Her father started to speak but Ellia continued, not allowing him to get a word in edgewise. “You know this is Nix Card and his cronies trying to frighten my father and other Senators into dropping our bill, and I won't have it. This is an attempt at intimidation, clear and simple,” she stated, slamming her hands down on the chancellor's desk loud enough that Anakin jumped. “Your Excellency, if you truly wish to help me, then add our bill to the next Senate session, so it may be discussed and voted upon.” She pleaded. The chancellor sighed again and pushed himself up, moving closer to her and taking her hand in his. She immediately stiffened and Obi-Wan thought to himself that everyone in the room would be able to feel her discomfort.

“Ellia, you are important to Senator Bel Iblis, so you are important to me,” the chancellor said, his voice as gentle as he could muster. “Regardless if this is an intimidation tactic by the Muuns, which it may very well be, your life could be in danger and it is not a stretch to ask for Jedi assistance.”

“And I thank you for that, Chancellor, but there is no reason to involve Jedi-“ She started, pulling away and discreetly wiping her hand on her skirt. Obi-Wan tilted his head, noticing how she seemingly spit the word out. The chancellor cut her off.

“And the Jedi are trained as warriors and protectors of the Republic, and of its servants,” he turned in a swish of robes to Obi-Wan and his former master. “Is that not correct, Master Jedi?”

“That is correct, your Excellency,” Obi-Wan said carefully. “But if Representative Bel Iblis would rather that we not get involved, I believe it best to abide by her wishes.”

“Ah, there’s the smooth talker I was warned about,” the senator mumbled under her breath and Obi-Wan frowned a bit.

“Of course, if the Senator thinks it might be a good idea to have some added protection at this time, then perhaps that is the correct course of action as I believe him to be the senior in this matter,” He added and Ellia turned, her green eyes glaring daggers into his soul. Obi-Wan noticed her hands balled up into fists and for a moment, he truly thought she would take a swing at the Chancellor. Or perhaps at him, who really knew? He turned his gaze to her father, who looked over at her.

“I’m sorry, Ellia,” Senator Bel Iblis said softly. “Your safety is my number one priority. You will have the Jedi escort.”

“Father—“ she pleaded but the chancellor clapped his hands together once.

“That settles it,” he said almost cheerfully. “Master Kenobi, it would put peace in my heart if you would accompany Representative Bel Iblis until we get all this horrible business sorted out.”

“Chancellor, I really must object,” Representative Bel Iblis started but the Chancellor shook his head.

“The decision has been made,” He stated firmly. She sputtered angrily then turned, storming out, her blonde hair flowing behind her almost as an exclamation point to her anger as she rushed out the door. Bail moved closer to Obi-Wan, chuckling softly.

“Have fun with that one,” he said softly. “They don't call her Senator Spitfire for nothing.” Obi-Wan ran a hand over his chin nervously as he glanced at Senator Bel Iblis, who offered him an apologetic shrug.

“I still don't understand politics,” Anakin sighed forlornly and Qui-Gon chuckled as he led the young Padawan out.

Sahsahlah, or “The Land of Wise Fools”

AN: It’s been a really long time and a lot has happened since I last tried writing, but I figured I might as well give it another try. My goal is to have this finished and posted by the end of the year, but that might shift a little with time! As always, please comment/share if you like my work!!

A Long Time Ago, in A Galaxy Far Far Away…

Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi have killed the Sith Lord Darth Maul, although his master’s whereabouts are still unknown. Defeating Maul ended with Obi-Wan passing the trials and becoming a Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon is currently training Anakin Skywalker. Instead of taking a Padawan, Obi-Wan is a Knight in his own right, opting to go on more diplomatic missions alone, working on his negotiating skills and making connections within the senate. A year after Maul’s death, Obi-Wan is well known throughout the galaxy for his skills at debate, as well as his lightsaber prowess. Obi-Wan, to many younglings and Masters alike, is the perfect Jedi Knight, although he doesn’t feel as though he has earned that title. Obi-Wan has been called back to Coruscant in order to help solve a mystery. The young Representative from Corellia has had multiple death threats regarding her and her father’s work involving the Banking Clan, and the new Chancellor, Palpatine from Naboo, is worried for her safety. As Obi-Wan heads back to the planet he once called home, he senses more is happening than he might be first expecting and is more than a little surprised when he sees a face from the past…