Chapter 18: The Path of the Master

The Jedi Temple on Coruscant had stood vacant and abandoned for decades following the Jedi purge, and only modest efforts had been made to maintain the building as a monument. Visitors were not allowed inside, but the plaque at the base coupled with a few interpretive services served as a memorial to the storied order. Luke Skywalker had made the decision to relocate the Order away from the seat of galactic power both to remove the distractions of the bustling planet but also to underscore the Order's independence. Since then, the building had served no function – until the day following Leia Organa's resignation.

Maintenance droids hummed about the building as Ben Solo walked through the halls of the temple. He had explored here as a child, imagining Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Mace Windu preparing for great adventures against the droid armies of the evil Separatist forces. He had been disappointed that he would have to train on Yavin-4, partially because of the history of the old temple, but also due to the absence from his family. The reminder of the absence and what it had cost him reopened his anger at his mother's deception anew. As he felt the echoes of the past reverberating through the temple, he worked through calming techniques to allow his anger to subside.

He felt even more desire to disown his anger than usual, given what he had learned about his grandfather's destiny. He had attempted to call to the ghost of his grandfather to demand an explanation, but there had been no response. It had been a customary practice among the Deceased Masters to appear in times of great need, and it was just one more piece of resentment that Anakin had, apparently, not considered this moment to be of great need to him.

Ben reached the door of the temple and pushed it open. Inside the circular room sat the twelve chairs of the Masters, which had been replicated in the Great Chamber on Yavin-4. The room was clean – pristine even – and Ben imagined that the old order of Jedi Masters had just vacated the room after reaching a decision regarding a great battle in the Clone Wars. In the center of the room stood a holo projector, and he walked toward it to switch it on in anticipation of the appointment he had set with the Jedi Masters on Yavin.

The holoprojector whirred into life, projecting the forms of ten Jedi onto the seats arrayed in a circle. Ben noticed that Luke was not there, and in his place sat Master Rancisis, who now took the de facto leadership role within the Order. Ben bowed to the Jedi, who returned the bow. Master Rancisis addressed Ben, offering his greetings. "Welcome, Jedi Solo. The Council hopes that you are well."

"Thank you, Master. I share the same hope for you," Ben replied stoically.

"We seek to confer with you about the matter of your mother and uncle," Master Rancisis explained, "as well as your future within the Jedi Order."

Ben swallowed, feeling apprehensive about what consequence might await. "I understand, Master Rancisis."

"First, we must share some updates," said Master Melso, adopting a business-like tone. "We wish to inform you that the Jedi Order has reached an agreement to rejoin the Galactic Republic. We have been asked to oversee security for the special election to fill the vacated Chancellorship. We shall be relocating to Coruscant within the next five standard days."

Ben nodded, wondering inwardly. The Jedi had moved quickly to undo Luke's insistence on maintaining neutrality from the Republic, and Ben suspected that this was done under the influence of Master Rancisis. Ben scanned the other Masters to see their reactions. In addition to Luke's absence, he noticed the absence of Master Junda. Melso noticed Ben's observant stance, and he added, "We also wish to inform you that Master Junda has left the order in protest for our decision to excommunicate Luke Skywalker."

Ben was taken aback, not just by the reference to Luke but by the decision to excommunicate him entirely. Ben felt a grim satisfaction at the decision, but he sought to keep his reaction obscured.

"Do we sense ambivalence in you, Ben Solo?" asked Master Kcaj. Ben read a challenge in the question, and he understood that the Masters were harboring their own doubts about his commitment.

Ben steeled himself with a grim determination. He had made his decision to separate from his family and disown his legacy, and he recognized that this was the moment to act. "Yes, Master Kcaj. My mother and my uncle never told me of Anakin Skywalker's true fate. I idolized him as any child would idolize a grandfather renowned for his daring in the Clone Wars. But at this revelation, I have renounced my family. I renounce my attachment to my legacy. I commit myself fully to the Jedi Order."

"And to the Republic?" asked Master Melso.

"And to the Republic," Ben affirmed.

Master Rancisis nodded. Then he continued, saying, "We intend to fill Master Junda's seat with the Jedi Heryn Ji'vula. She awaits trials to assume mastery, but her knowledge and wisdom are unimpeachable. We are considering you for the final seat."

Excitement coursed through Ben, although he sequestered the emotion so as not to appear eager. He had long coveted a spot on the Council, and even with his new disdain for his uncle, he still envisioned himself leading the Order one day, creating his own legacy as a guardian of justice in the galaxy. "What does the Council envision?" Ben asked.

"We recognize your skill. We recognize your bravery," said Master Kcaj.

"But one challenge remains," added Master Melso. "Can you renounce all of your attachments?"

Ben was slightly perplexed, and he asked, "I thought I had."

"Not all," corrected Master Rancisis.

"There is the matter of your apprentice," Master Kcaj said.

"We warned you not to accept the responsibility. We cautioned against her volatility. The news delivered in the Senate yesterday affirms our concerns," said Master Rancisis.

"Do you renounce her apprenticeship?" asked Master Melso.

Ben swallowed. His feelings on Kira had been confused and conflicted. He knew that she did not know where she came from, and he saw much that was good in her. He cared for her, loved her even, after a fashion. He did not relish the consequences of disowning her training, but he suspected that, if Luke were excommunicated, Kira would soon be, too. After a moment's hesitancy, Ben affirmed, "Yes."

Master Kcaj scrutinized him, conveying skepticism on his placid, alien face. "And do you renounce your attachment to her?"

Again, Ben fought against conflicting emotions. She had been like a sister. They had always been deeply connected. Luke and his mother had long nurtured their relationship, normalizing his feelings and attachments. He decided to acknowledge the truth along with his commitment. "Yes. It will be difficult. I will need guidance. . . but, yes. I renounce my attachment."

"Then one final task awaits before we will confer the rank of Master," Master Rancisis explained. "Republic intelligence reports that she attacked security forces during her escape from Coruscant. They have labeled her a threat to the Republic. They have tasked us with apprehending her and bringing her here for abolition."

The word 'abolition' shook Ben. Only once had the Jedi Order sought abolition with a Jedi, which occurred when an early recruit of Luke's fell to the Dark Side. Luke had hunted him down to Dantooine. Following their duel, Luke captured him and brought him back to Yavin. Using an ancient procedure, the Order had severed the Jedi from the Force – permanently and irrevocably.

Ben took a moment to recover. Knowing that the masters could sense his conflict, he concluded to be honest about his feelings. "Yes, it will be difficult. I will need guidance. However, I renounce my attachment and will fulfill my duty."

"I shall guide you in this matter," said Master Melso. "May the Force be with you, young Solo."

Ben bowed, and the transmission ceased. He stood, alone, in the heart of the Jedi Council chambers. The sun was sinking over Coruscant, and the golden light washed over him. He looked out the window, knowing Kira could be anywhere in the galaxy. He had promised he would help her become a Jedi, but that was before learning the truth of who she was. She had been like a sister to him, but she was also the daughter of a mass murderer. There was nothing of the mass murderer about her, but he also recalled the burst of lightning that erupted from her hands during her trial. Attempting to block out the confusion, his eyes swept around the room, and he imagined himself sitting on the Council, conferring with the other Masters about threats and intrigues. He imagined training disciples, imparting his knowledge, righting the wrongs perpetrated by his mother, uncle, and grandfather. He knew that Kira would see this as a betrayal, but he accepted that there was no other choice. And as he considered the pain and confusion she felt from her dreams and traumas, he began to understand that perhaps it would be better this way. Severed from the Force, perhaps he might finally be able to free her from her pain.

Ben turned from the chamber and left the room en route to his quarters. He would meditate, and then, he would do what he promised Kira he would not do.

***

Master Rancisis reached out through the Force to deactivate the holoprojector, and Ben's image vanished from the chamber on Yavin-4.

"Excellent," said Master Melso.

"I doubted his commitment, but I am pleased," said Master Kcaj.

"He is undoubtedly unbalanced at this moment. Great care you must take, Master Melso. He will need guidance," explained Master Rancisis in his wheezing voice.

"I look forward to doing so," said Melso, relishing the mentorship role.

"And now, one last unpleasant task awaits us," said Rancisis. He nodded to a pair of Jedi at the entrance to the chamber. "Bring me Skywalker."

The pair of Jedi left the chamber, then emerged moments later alongside Luke Skywalker. They led him into the chamber and up to the mosaic around which the Masters sat. Skywalker stood in the center, surveying his former charges with a neutral expression. He had accepted his fate and was prepared to meet it. He knew that he could potentially face abolition, as he knew that with the Republic overseeing the Order, and with Rancisis being weak of will in the face of external pressure, that there was a chance he would be vilified and made a scapegoat for various ills. Already, he knew that he had become the object of politicization, as he was blamed for maintaining neutrality and thus neutering the Republic's ability to deal with corruption. The media's narrative had solidified: had Luke joined the Republic and allowed his Jedi to root out corruption, the Constitution would have been unnecessary. Many were beginning to question his motives, drawing up the conjecture that a Constitution that cemented the power of the Skywalker family was the end goal all along. Already, Bolsko and his friends were drawing a link between the Order's neutrality and a plot to usurp democracy. Luke found it laughable, but he also knew all too well from experience that if one repeats a lie often enough, it soon becomes the truth.

"Skywalker, we bring you before us to announce our decision," said Master Rancisis. "The Republic has requested your presence for questioning in your role in covering up your ancestry, conspiring against the Republic, and training a dangerous Force sensitive related to the Sith Lord Darth Sidious."

Luke nodded, refusing to speak.

"Have you anything to say for yourself?" asked Master Melso, his voice rigid and tight with anger.

Luke nodded in his direction, keeping his mouth shut. He could sense Master Melso's anger rise briefly before the Master managed to sequester it.

"This council has not ruled out abolition, and it may ultimately be the Republic's intention should you be found guilty," Master Kcaj stated. "Please understand that any attempt to resist this process will be viewed as an admission of guilt."

Luke nodded once again, remaining neutral and passive.

Master Rancisis surveyed him, and Luke could not discern the complicated mixture of subtle emotions behind the old creature's eyes. They had respected each other, sparred with each other, disagreed, and collaborated. They had not been friends like he had become with Obi-Wan and Yoda, but they had earned each other's trust – up until now. Master Rancisis had lost many friends due to the purge, and despite his insistence that he held no attachment, Luke suspected Rancisis was feeling echoes of pain and anger at the revelations as old wounds were made fresh. The Thisspiasian held his gaze a moment longer, weighing his words. Then, apparently deciding not to speak to his feelings, he said, "Very well. Lead him away."

The two Jedi that escorted him approached his side again, indicating for him to leave the room. He walked out of the room without looking back at the Masters, feeling a hollow sense of betrayal still numbed by the shock of Bolsko's allegations. He stepped out into the warm, humid jungle air, looking around, sensing that this might be the last time he would feel the warmth of this planet and sense the depth of the Force generated by its abundance of life.

As the guards escorted him to the shuttle outside the Temple, he felt a curious sensation steal over him. There was a familiar presence, far away, but distinct; unique. A sensation he had only felt with one other person; it was a presence so intimate and so well-known that it could only originate from one person in the galaxy. As he walked, he felt the presence grow, until suddenly, he heard her call his name through the Force: Luke.

She had reconnected to the Force, from which he deduced two things: she was no longer Chancellor, and she was ready to fight. If she was ready to fight, she had deduced enough about what now was clearly a conspiracy against democracy, and she was prepared to resist. And if she were going to resist, she would need help – his help.

Luke stumbled, deliberately, coming down hard on his knees, feigning dizziness. He knew that some of the Masters had come to watch his departure, and he sensed their alarm as he fell to the ground. His left hand touched a button built into his cybernetic hand. He knew now he only had to wait.

The two Jedi escorting him attempted to wrench him back up to his feet. They were not particularly gentle, and he continued to sway to stall for time. He picked up the faint whine before anybody else did, and he tensed himself for what came next. Just as the Jedi had begun to move him toward the transport directly ahead, they suddenly stopped at the sound of an approaching ship.

Luke's X-wing streaked across the sky directly toward the temple, flying out of the sun to obscure its approach. As the ship approached, Luke wrenched himself free, then through the Force, sent a shockwave outward that reached the foot of the temple. His Jedi guards were thrown back 30 meters, hitting the ground hard. Luke leapt into the air and landed lightly on the nose of his X-wing. The ship flew past the temple with Luke clinging to the front. R2-D2 slowed the ship's momentum, and Luke fell back into the cockpit. He took the controls, then gave the ship full throttle before the Jedi could man their escort craft to pursue him. With no planetary defenses or patrols, Luke had a clear path to space. The moment he left the planet's gravitational field, he pulled back the hyperspace lever and vanished into space.