I sat on the couch in my private coruscant apartment. Anakin, Barriss, Derren and Seris, stood before me with intense eyes.
"Cain we have something we want to discuss." Seris said.
Her stare was intense but her face was stoically cold. I couldn't read or feel the emotions of the others like before, which had me nervous. I didn't know why they wanted to meet at my private apartment.
It's been a few month since I told them about my so called visions. From the Sith being part of the republic and why I haven't told them, and especially the council. When I told them about the clone army they were shocked and questioned me like crazy.
"Your saying theirs going to be a war and your not trying to prevent it" Barriss asked.
"The Sith are behind it's creation, while the Jedi are the once that are gonna suffer the most. Why not involve the council or even tell someone you trust?" Seris said.
"Cain I know your always thinking ahead, but I think you really are way in over yours. Sith in the senate, Jedi in a war with clones fighting against machine and the outer rim who wants to be free from the corruption of corrupt businesses and corrupt politicians. But its all just part of the Sith's plan, and you been secretly using your money from your book writings to get senators and officials between all the rims to help you build a secret alliance against the Sith. That's a lot to take in and your only 13 man. Derren said, sounding confused and frustrated.
Anakin stared at me without saying anything. "Are you telling me I was meant to become some great evil Sith. A pawn and a slave just to find myself from one master to the next. Never knowing peace. Did you become my friend just to stop me from becoming a monster?"
I answered all of their questions one at a time. "
The Jedi, well the council to be more specific are to rigid. I could tell and show them the truth. It doesn't mean they will listen. They hear the words of a child and ignore them even after the facts are there. Saying I should trust them and do as I am told. They hear the words come from a teenager, and think I am naive, and tell me to trust them. But there way hasn't worked either. I made these choices and this path because the Jedi order needs to evolve. and like a wise man once said. The future is not a river to carry us. It is the ocean in which we drown, if we are notprepared. And the Jedi are not ready and neither is the galaxy. Or else none of these things would be allowed to happen. Slavery, Wars, Corruption, Greed, starvation. The Jedi do nothing but listen to the Republic. A organization that has risen and fallen more times then the Jedi order itself."
I paused and breathed in and out and then calmed myself.
"Anakin I became your friend because, I saw your story and believed you deserved better. Everything I said and did, was genuine. Your a great person who can do a lot for the galaxy. But I knew the current Jedi order will hinder your growth. That's why I tried to speak to Qui-Gon."
Anakin eyes open slightly wide after hearing that name.
"He was the father you needed to grow into the man I know you can become. Obi-wan is good but not enough. So I wanted to be a friend that kept his friend on the straight and narrow. I wanted to make sure you never felt isolated or alone. I let you know loving your mother or others is never a problem. And that if the Jedi order doesn't fit you then I will create a new one that will.
That made everyone look at me with confusion.
"So you would leave the Jedi order and start your own, without the councils approval?" Seris asked.
"Yes I would. I been finding like minded Jedi over the years. Some Like Aayla Secura, Etain Tur-Mukan, Tholme, along with Serra Keto and Sha Koon. Even you all agree with some of my ways of doing things. I'm saying it's perfect but things need to change, and I can't do this alone. I need you guys to trust me and keep me from losing myself, because this isn't easy. Political fires, and back alley deals. That's not who I am. I'm a straight forward kind of guy. Point me towards the bad guys and show me why they became a bad guy and I will fight both."
Everyone just looked at me as I finished talking.
"Cain we just need some time to think." Barriss said.
That was about six months ago. Between training and missions that took weeks if not a month or two we were never all at the temple at the same time.
Then suddenly Seris tells me everyone wants to talk but not at the temple. I told them we could use my apartment. And here we are.
Seris went to retrieve something from the door. and came back with the hiss of the front door closing behind her. Everyone else still looked so serious.
Then Seris and Barriss spoke together while holding the hidden item behind their backs.
"Happy Birthday Cain!" Everyone said at once."
In that moment my mind went blank. I felt like I couldn't think of anything to say let alone move.
"My birthday? But technically I don't have a birthday remember, and aren't you guys still mad at me?"
Derren just chuckled. " I'm not gonna say I wasn't upset by the secrets you were hiding. But I understand why, and nothing you said was wrong. Especially the part about how others would treat you being a kid trying to introduce change. Adults can suck at times."
Anakin just stood close to me with a grin on his face.
"You said a lot of true things, and after thinking. I can say I didn't like the way you started to do things. But I will admit when I'm with you, I fell like anything is possible. I feel like if you were by my side I could take on a whole army with just my lightsaber."
I smiled slightly. "Dude I'm into girls just so you know."
Anakin just laughed. "Same here. But I'm serious your a true friend and the closes thing to brother I have besides Obi-Wan. So next time trust me."
I nodded. "I will, this wont happen again."
Then Seris spoke. "So your saying the Sith have infiltrated the Republic Senate, and the Jedi need to change if not start over all together? So who will run this new order you ?"
I chuckled. "Oh hell no. I hate leading people, let alone teaching others unless I have to. I honestly see you guys as my equals, but starting and running a new order are two different things. I have plans and idea's. As you could tell from our dealing with Death Watch it's not perfect. Plus I don't think I be good as a leader. More like a wonderer who travels the galaxy and helps others. If I had you by my side leading would be so much easier."
Seris's ears twitched slightly. "Well your not wrong. You should have at least told me about the Sith thing. I could have told my family so they could had Corellia officials keep a ear to the ground."
I smiled. "I have a whole network of officials who are working with my secret identity already, Including Corellia. But your right hopefully from now on, with your guys help I can start to make some more plans and putting them into play."
The Barriss interjected. "Of course Cain. We are in this together now, but I do have one big question. What are you planning to do with the clone army?"
"Everyone's eyes focused on me when she said that."
"Yeah speaking of which what is your big plan for all this? Is it just to beat the Sith and stop this war from coming?" Derren asked with his mouth half full of cake.
Seris flicked his forehead. "OOwww
"Don't speak with your mouth full."
I guess I left out what this whole big plan was for anyway. From getting trusted senators and officials from all of the Rims. And Death Watch and Mandalore.
"Well I want to take over the army and wage a war on the criminal syndicates and slavery. Start a new Jedi Order that works with the people directly, and off of Coruscant. Create a new Unifying government between the Mid Rim, and the Outer Rim, and the Core Worlds. I am still thinking about names, but the United Galactic Alliance sounds good so far. That's basically everything, besides expanding into the unknown regions and advancing technology."
I looked back towards everyone and the had questioning expressions on their face.
"Cain, I need you to explain that before I say anything. Why do you want the army to be built if it will be used to kill the Jedi?" Seris said.
Oh right I did actually leave out a lot of context. They are looking at me like I am crazy.
"Sorry I should be clear. Instead of a army of clones from one guy. I want it to be a army of hybrid clones from many different donor's. Like Jedi, Mandalorian, even aliens. Along with gene therapy to make them strong, smart and long lived. They will be trained in more than just war, but academics, engineering, and all other facets of life. I want to use the army to fight the criminal organizations that have polluted our galaxy, and for them to also help make a better system for the people that will be long lasting. I want to get rid of slavery. And when this war on crime is done the clones will choose there own life."
Anakin then spoke. "But wont the clones basically be slaves for your crusade. Not that I disagree with what your trying to do. But I don't like the idea of Slaves being used to free other slaves."
Good question Anakin. You really are growing. In the original canon he never expresses that the clone army is slavery. But he was the most empathetic because of his own experiences. I'm glad to see this version of Anakin is different.
"Your not wrong Anakin. It is almost exactly slavery. The only difference is I offer the hybrid clones a choice on the path they want to walk. They will be bred for combat and advancement for galactic society, but they are also part of it. It is their duty and when they are done serving they will be free to pick whatever path they want to. Should they choose not to fight that is fine as well but the will be a paid worker to help with more clones. whether construction, entertainment, farming, or training. I want to give them a choice as much as possible. It's not perfect I know but it's better then no choice at all. I don't want chained slaves, I want people who are willing to follow me because they believe in my ambitious dream."
Anakin just stared at me, taking in everything I said. Then Seris spoke.
"What about this Galactic Alliance? Are you gonna run it ?
I shook my head. "No I will not be running it. The Alliance will be led by a council of three. One is the Grandmaster of the new Jedi Order, the other two will be a military leader, and a leader of the people. It doesn't matter if they are human or alien. But no businessmen or corporations. The three will run and control the alliance with the same amount of power. Just with different uses"
Barriss spoke next. "You said the Jedi listen to much to the Republic. So now you want them to run this new government. Won't that be even worse."
I shook my head. "Barriss have you ever heard of the 'Pius Dea Crusades'?"
"Not really, it sounds familiar."
Then Seris spoke. "The Pius Dea Crusades were a series of devastating, human-centric wars that lasted for nearly a thousand years. These crusades were led by a militant religious sect known as the Pius Dea. They took control of the Galactic Republic's government and used its military for xenophobic campaigns against non-humans."
I nodded. "Yes. have you ever heard of Biel Ductavis?"
"Seris nodded. "He was a Jedi Master and a key figure in the history of the Old Republic, particularly during and immediately after the crusades. During that time in history, the Jedi Order grew disillusioned with the Republic and initially renounced its allegiance, choosing to fight against the crusade independently. After the Jedi fought and defeated the Pius Dea forces, they arrested the sect's Supreme Chancellor. Ductavis was installed as the leader of the Galactic Republic to help rebuild the government. He is regarded as a successful and positive example of a Jedi taking on a political leadership role."
"Exactly there is a good example there. There are some other examples, but I' am saying we should be a guiding light. No more politics. We reflect to the Force before making any serious moves. While the other leaders worry about politics and logistics, we will worry about the people of the galaxy. The way it should have always been."
Barriss just stared seeing the fire lit in my golden eyes.
"Okay Cain. I hear what your saying and I am on board as well."
I smiled and hugged Barriss, "Thanks I appreciate it."
That's when Seris tapped my shoulder, and coughed
"Ahem... I'm also on board with you as well. I mean I always was I just wanted the others to be as well." She then gestured her arms open. She was showing me she was waiting for a hug. Her face was slightly turned away. I could see she was blushing and her ears were twitching.
I was smiling brightly. She was so cute, acting all shy. I brought her in for a close strong hug.
I could feel everyone's eyes on us, as they smiled.
Then Anakin spoke. So what's going to be different about this order you want to make, and where will it be?
I looked at him still hugging Seris, who held on tight to me with her eyes closed.
"In the order I want to form, you will be able to be married, and have families in and out of the order. You will be able to learn all aspects of the Force. Light and Dark, and learn how to not let your emotions control you and how to not fall to the dark side. To stay in true balance. The first time temple will be Tython. When I find it again at least then we will branch out to other worlds of significance to the Jedi and the Force."
"WHAT?" Everyone said in surprise. Even Seris lifted her head from my chest, in surprise.