The Council Chamber was bathed in the colors of blood: the setting sun cast its last rays upon the towers of the Jedi Temple. The huge arched windows offered a view in every direction. The vaulted ceiling disappeared into shadow, and the glossy floor was adorned with concentric floral patterns.
At the center of the Chamber, located in the highest tower of the Temple, floated a massive three-dimensional map of the Galaxy. "Hot spots" and centers of Jedi activity glowed in different colors. The spherical projection shifted constantly, reacting to signals transmitted from a multi-point focusing array in the tower to a collimating disc, which in turn directed the beams to precise coordinates on the hologram.
Opposite the entrance stood Shaak Ti's chair. To her right sat Depa Billaba, a slender native of Chalacta, whose race was almost indistinguishable from humans. She wore a delicate ornament above her nose. Her neighbor was Kit Fisto, wearing his habitual smile, the rudimentary tentacles of varying lengths trailing from his smooth, hairless skull. Further along sat Agen Kolar. Behind him was the empty seat of Adi Gallia. Nearby were Oppo Rancisis and Even Piell—a Lannik warrior whose face was carved with deep scars. To Piell's right sat Saesee Tiin, an Iktotchi with horns bent forward, and Ki-Adi-Mundi, the strikingly tall Cerean. Yoda was sunken deep in his red chair, while Mace Windu—bald, broad-shouldered, and dark-skinned Korun—sat beside him. Between the turbolift and Windu's seat was Plo Koon.
"This is the first time I've seen Coruscant highlighted," remarked Oppo Rancisis, his eyes fixed on the projection.
Even Piell located the flickering point marking the Republic's capital, then shifted his gaze toward another section of the map, much closer to the Outer Rim. Another alarming light pulsed there—Lantilles.
"Coruscant should always be highlighted…" he began, but another light suddenly flashed, even farther away than Lantilles.
"Jabiim," Ki-Adi-Mundi read aloud, his tone thoughtful, and looked questioningly at Rancisis.
"Likely another planet that has joined the Separatists," Rancisis replied gravely.
"More and more worlds are being swallowed by war," said the hologram of Shaak Ti with quiet sorrow.
"Sad indeed," replied Master Yoda.
Yoda was an exceptional Jedi. He had earned his seat on the Council nearly a century after his birth. Blessed with longevity, he attained the rank of Grand Master at around six hundred years of age. For three centuries, the care and burden of the Jedi Order had rested upon his small shoulders. Until recently, all had been well.
But a few years ago, it became clear that the followers of the Dark Side of the Force—the Sith—had returned to the Galaxy. Worse still, the future itself was clouded, wrapped in shadows that even Yoda could not pierce. This troubled the ancient Master deeply. So too did the war, which had severely drained the Order's strength: nearly every Knight who was neither sick nor wounded was far from Coruscant, either on missions or commanding troops in the field.
"The Separatists have launched offensives across many regions of the Galaxy," said Depa Billaba, covering her eyes in fatigue.
"This will bring great suffering to civilians," another Master observed.
Windu nodded, expression grave. "I'm more concerned about reports of the Separatists' secret weapon," he said, making a restrained gesture with his hand. "We cannot ignore this."
Before Yoda or anyone else could answer, Adi Gallia entered the chamber.
"Masters," she greeted the Council with a bow. "I bring good news. Our agents have located the Separatists' secret weapon."
"That is heartening to hear," Yoda nodded.
Adi Gallia stepped into the center of the room and pointed to an unremarkable world in the Outer Rim.
"Raxus Prime. That is where the weapon must be sought."
Mace Windu interlaced his fingers and leaned forward. "Hmm. That's in the same region where the Separatists are advancing on all fronts. We must send reinforcements—troops and Jedi alike. We cannot afford to lose those planets. Perhaps we can still turn the tide."
Plo Koon nodded. "I hope so as well."
Yoda shifted slightly in his chair, glanced at Windu, then fixed his gaze upon Plo Koon.
"Who shall we send on this mission, hmm?"
"I have an answer," said Adi Gallia. "I would send Obi-Wan Kenobi with the young Skywalker. They have experience in matters like this. Besides, I intend to accompany them."
Windu gave her a sharp look. "Do you believe they can handle it?"
Adi glanced at Yoda for support.
At that moment, another point flashed on the holographic map.
"Rhen Var," Ki-Adi-Mundi read. "In the early days, a small outpost was stationed there to monitor the Confederacy's movements. Now it's under Separatist attack."
"What shall we do?" asked Plo Koon.
Yoda nodded decisively. "We must assist them at once. Obi-Wan will go on this mission. In the meantime, we must learn more about this secret weapon. Obi-Wan Kenobi—inform him of the Council's will. Master Adi, you will depart immediately with your fleet for the besieged systems."
Adi Gallia bowed her head. The members of the Council rose, exchanged farewells, and departed to see to their respective duties.
Only Mace Windu lingered a moment longer. He turned to the head of the Order.
"Something troubles you, Master Yoda?"
Yoda rested a clawed hand against his temple. "Hmm. Darkness clouds the future. Through this veil, I cannot see. It troubles me greatly. The war's end lies hidden. I feel the Dark Side stirring—concealed, waiting. And something else..."
He paused.
"The information given to us… about this weapon. What if it is true?"
"It's up to us to recognize it - it's up to you to go to the archives. Find information on this antiquity. If what we have learned is true, I will decide whom to send. The Separatists must be stopped. There is no place in the Galaxy for such a weapon."