Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 08_ Ascension - Christie Golden [93]
“But surely we can do so without leaving Coruscant,” said Octa.
“I don’t believe we can,” Luke said. “Not anymore. Remember how Daala focused on the Jedi. She respected us and our abilities, but she wanted to be able to direct them at her will. Saba—you decided to act against her, and against Kenth, who also tried to act within that kind of mind-set. You did the sort of thing Jedi need to do. We can’t risk being trapped in our own Temple again, held hostage by a government that wants to make us a tool in their arsenal. We need to be separate, so that the only conscience and mandates that dictate our actions are our own. And that can best be achieved by putting physical distance between us and the seat of government, at least for some time.”
“Even if it means leaving the Temple?” asked Kyp.
“No,” said Saba forcefully before Luke could even reply. “This one will not leave. Nor will the other Barabelz in the Temple.”
So that was why she had reacted so strongly. Luke had heard about the strange mystery involving the Barabel Jedi, who had sequestered themselves in the Temple. He knew better than to probe further. He trusted Saba to do nothing harmful to the Order or other Jedi, and besides, he would probably only anger her.
Luke considered for a moment. “The Barabels currently in the Temple will be permitted to remain for … as long as is necessary. But I must have your word, Master Sebatyne, that they will not interfere with the fledging government, and as soon as they can, they will join the other Jedi.”
Saba sissed. “Trust me, Master Skywalker. They have no wish to set foot outside the Temple—nor to let anyone in—for quite some time yet.”
“Also, they can serve even so,” he said. “They can be watchful of the Temple, and make sure that it is not violated. It is our home, even if we can no longer live here. For now, to emphasize our unity, the Jedi should leave together, but I would not deny any Jedi entrance to our own Temple. Infact, Tesar and Wilyem and any others staying behind could do me two favors, if they wouldn’t mind.”
Saba cocked her head. “That dependz on the nature of the favorz.”
“One—remove the guard-grates from the water supply mains.” He gave her a quick smile. “Every slicer knows you need to leave a backdoor.”
Saba sassed. “This is truth,” she said. “And the second?”
Luke sobered. “Ask them to undertake guardianship of the Temple. Protect it.”
Saba considered for a moment. “Yes,” she said finally. “That would not interfere with their … other activities. And if they are permitted to be undisturbed, this one will accompany the other Jedi.”
“Please give them my thanks,” he said. “Are we in agreement with all that I have presented?”
They considered, then all nodded. Luke could sense that they were grateful to again feel part of a group being led, rather than dictated to. “Good. We’ll return to some of the details of those decisions in a moment. They are, of necessity, to be made public. What I have to say next—will be for your ears only.”
Vestara was silent, following Ben and Jaina through the Temple as they approached the library. Most of what she had seen so far was turbolifts and corridors. Jaina had wanted to see Natua first thing, to thank her for her hard work, and had told Ben that he and Vestara were free to explore the Temple on their own after that.
After a few moments, Ben broke the uncomfortable silence.