Dawn was breaking outside the windows of the Jedi Council Tower. Another day was beginning, and the Masters gathered for yet another meeting…
Shaak Ti slowly made her way to her seat. Sinking into the chair, she looked around at the assembled group. Most of the Jedi were absent—some constantly departing or arriving, as the situation demanded—but everyone invariably tried to be present, at least in hologram form. Just now, literally a few hours ago, Mace Windu arrived.
First, the Council listened to Obi-Wan Kenobi's report. He stated that victory was only a matter of hours away. Most of Muunilinst had been secured, and his padawan, Anakin Skywalker, was now leading the assault on the final Separatist outpost—the so-called "fortress" in the heart of the capital, where the Muun leadership had taken refuge.
Many hopes were pinned on this operation, and they appeared justified. Losses were minimal, and everything had been completed not only on time but—thanks to Kenobi's decisive actions—two days ahead of schedule. There was no longer any doubt: the Separatists would suffer enormous damage.
Next, the Masters listened with interest to Mace Windu's account of the battle on Dantooine. Despite the overwhelming superiority of the droid forces and the destructive seismic tank—a peaceful mining machine repurposed by the CIS into an instrument of war and devastation—the battle had been won.
"We lost three regiments of the 187th legion out of four, along with nearly all of our combat equipment," Windu reported calmly. "We destroyed at least three hundred thousand combat droids. I would also like to draw special attention to the actions of three Padawans from the AgroCorps—Zak Tardi, Wos Sunnot, and Durin Levedru. They successfully repelled a large Separatist assault on the local AgroCorps academy. However, the academy was destroyed in the process, and I made the decision to transport them to Coruscant. I believe they are ready to become full-fledged Jedi."
"And yet," said Saesee Tiin, "you yourself performed a truly heroic deed. According to the report, you destroyed most of the enemy force—and you did it alone."
"There is no need for honors," replied the Korun evenly. "I do what needs to be done. I take no pride in it."
"Important, this victory is for us," Yoda said, covering his eyes thoughtfully. "We could not afford to lose Dantooine. Not without reason did Count Dooku show interest in this planet."
After that, the Masters discussed the general situation across the fronts. Things were not going badly: there were victories, yes, but the pressure from the Separatists remained immense. Many Outer Rim worlds had already fallen under their control, and each day the number continued to grow.
General Grievous, commander of the droid armies, was proving especially brutal. His forces seemed to be everywhere at once, and the Jedi simply could not keep pace with his relentless strikes. There was no question of tracking him down himself. The battle on Hypori had made one thing painfully clear—the Jedi had underestimated their enemy. Even two High Counsil members and four Masters had not been enough to defeat that monster.
Lost in these thoughts, the Togruta unconsciously ran a hand over her left leg—the one injured during that very battle…
"Honorable Council," Windu's voice cut through Shaak Ti's thoughts. "I would like to discuss this escapade by Knight Vikt before the Senators and the Chancellor. I consider such behavior unacceptable, and his actions unworthy of a Jedi. Only my extreme astonishment at the time prevented me from speaking out immediately. Grand Master, I believe—"
"Thinking, I have been," Yoda interrupted, raising a hand. "Long and deeply. What could have led to this. Master Vokara Che will present the details. Under her supervision, this young Jedi is now, together with his Padawan."
Shaak Ti focused inward.
What could have brought Vikt to the Healing Halls? He didn't appear to be injured. Or…
At that moment, a blue-skinned Twi'lek entered the chamber.
"Master Vokara," the Council members greeted her.
"Honorable Council," she acknowledged.
"Tell us, what can you?"
"Yes, enlighten us," Windu requested.
"Master Plo Koon, did I not warn you that these Jedi needed our help?"
"Yes, but—" the Kel Dor began, only to be cut off.
"Then I am not surprised by what happened. What is surprising is that Vikt did not ignite his saber and cut that senator into pieces. And his padawan showed more restraint than anyone could reasonably expect." Vokara spoke bluntly
The Masters exchanged astonished glances.
"What do you mean by that?" Eeth Koth asked.
Vokara began to demonstratively bend her fingers, one by one.
"General exhaustion—more mental than physical. Mental disorders, especially acute ones, in the Jedi. The Padawan suffered as well—but the Jedi himself managed to work on her: both physical injuries and psychological trauma. I don't know how, but he managed to stabilized her condition. He, however, was held together by nothing but the will of the Force. Nothing else. And he was walking on the edge… for far too long. At first, I believed the Darkness I sensed came from that wound, but that turned out not to be the case. After the therapy session, two healers needed help themselves. One of them even vomited," the Twi'lek woman reported in her usual blunt manner.
Everyone silently digested what they had heard.
"Forgive me, Master Che," Even Piell tilted his head slightly. "Are you saying that he nearly succumbed to the dark side of the Force?"
"Yes. That is exactly what I am saying," the woman replied.
Kit Fisto, who had remained silent until now, raised his head.
"You said he walked the edge, not stepping on it… Does that mean—?"
"Yes. It was not a single incident. At least twice—though I believe it was far more."
"But he didn't…" Shaak Ti asked anxiously.
"No. The Light is still within him. I don't know how, but he managed to hold back. Nevertheless, it did not pass without consequences. It will take at least two weeks for both the Jedi and his padawan to recover, so I strongly advise against sending them to war during this time—or even allowing them to leave the Temple at all. Moreover, the Council's review of his actions should be postponed. Right now, you would only say things you shouldn't."
"Grand Master, what is your opinion?" asked Oppo Rancisis. "How did he manage it?"
"It is difficult to understand," Yoda replied slowly. "One thing is certain: though this Jedi may be weak in some ways, extraordinary strength of spirit and determination he possesses. Follow the Healer's advice, we must. Two more Jedi we cannot afford to lose—especially such talented ones."
Master Windu leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.
"And yet, I believe this Jedi is too impulsive. I do not believe he is capable of properly teaching his padawan."
"Are you suggesting we transfer padawan Tano to another Master?" the Kel Dor asked in surprise.
Shaak Ti was just as startled as the others. Such things happened very rarely—especially when the Master was still alive…
"Yes," the Korun continued calmly. "A more experienced and disciplined Master should train this Togruta. She is too sharp, defiant, and disobedient—and Vikt indulges her. Perhaps someone like Kit Fisto or Aayla Secura would be more suitable…"
"I'm afraid that's impossible," Vokara Che replied.
This time, Windu raised an eyebrow in genuine surprise.
"Why?"
"A Force-bond has formed between them," the Twi'lek answered.
Shaak Ti was taken aback. Such bonds were not unheard of, but they most often formed between particularly powerful Jedi. The Council had expected such a connection to develop between Kenobi and Skywalker, yet for some reason it never had. And now—here it was…
"Hmmm," Yoda opened his eyes. "Clearly, the Force itself has joined Master and padawan. Resist it, we cannot."
"And yet, it is a grave responsibility," Windu objected.
Shaak Ti silently agreed. Bonds of the Force were not purely a blessing. Yes, through such a connection, two Force-sensitives could influence one another—sharing emotions, thoughts, and images across vast distances, achieving heightened coordination in battle. Through such bonds, the Force flowed more freely, sometimes allowing one will to support another, or, conversely, to rely on their strengths.
But it was a double-edged blade.
The Togruta knew this from personal experience.
Such a bond had once formed between her and her own Padawan, Fe San. They had reached an unprecedented level of mutual understanding. It was precisely because of this that Shaak Ti had requested the Council's permission to train Fe in an unorthodox manner—retreating with her padawan to her homeworld of Shili. She trained her well. The girl passed her trials with ease and became a Jedi Knight.
Which made her death all the more painful.
Those wounds in Shaak Ti's heart had not healed to this day…
"I will think on how this problem may be resolved," Yoda concluded at last. "Think on it, I will. Hmm-m~"
"I assume the Council is adjourned?" asked the holographic image of Ki-Adi-Mundi.
Everyone nodded in agreement.