The shuttle's engines hummed as it descended into the atmosphere, the sound of the thrusters being the only noise breaking the silence between Jaden and Admiral Novak. The vastness of Coruscant grew larger beneath them as the shuttle made its way toward the planet's surface. Jaden remained still in his seat, his hands resting on his lap, eyes focused on the city below. It stretched endlessly in all directions. Admiral Novak remained at the controls, his eyes constantly flicking between the console and the window. The landing alarms beeped once as the shuttle began its final descent. Novak's hands moved quickly, guiding them toward their destination.
"We'll be landing soon, Jaden," Novak said, breaking the silence.
Jaden nodded, his gaze fixed on the view. His thoughts were scattered, the gravity of what awaited him weighing heavily in his chest. Meetings, the pre-trial—all looming on the horizon. He couldn't quite silence the knot of uncertainty in his stomach. The shuttle pierced the clouds and continued its descent through the atmosphere. The layers of the city became more detailed as they got closer. Towers, transportation lanes, and structures visible from above, each layer of the city stretching farther and farther down.
"We're almost there," Novak said, his voice calm as he adjusted the shuttle's course.
Jaden took another breath, trying to steady himself. He didn't speak, he just waited as the shuttle dipped lower, the platform coming into view. The shuttle touched down with a soft thud, the engines powering down, and the hum of the engines died away. Jaden unclipped his seatbelt and stood, stretching slightly. He moved toward the exit as Novak powered off the systems.
"We're here," Novak said, giving a final glance at the console before getting up.
Jaden gave a quiet nod. Without hesitation, he walked toward the shuttle door. The doors hissed open, revealing the landing platform and a team of security personnel waiting for him. Jaden stepped out, taking in the feel of solid ground beneath his feet. Jaden glanced at Novak one last time.
"Thanks for the ride," Jaden said.
Novak gave a brief nod. "Good luck, Jaden."
He held his hands out to the escort that already had their weapons drawn at him. He didn't know what they'd been told, but he didn't see any point in antagonising them. They approached him slowly and placed energy cuffs over his hands before shoving him forward.
"Take it easy, hit him again and I'll have you scrubbing every inch of the senate walls," Admiral Novak growled as he watched from behind.
"Yes sir," they replied, though it seemed they were not happy about it.
Their boots echoed sharply against the metal ramp as they descended the shuttle platform and crossed toward the waiting transport ship. The heavy durasteel door hissed open, and Jaden stepped inside. The guards wasted no time securing him, strapping him into a reinforced seat while the rest took their positions around him, their rifles held at the ready. The air inside the transport was tense.
Jaden leaned back, keeping his breathing steady as he scanned the guards. He could feel it—waves of suspicion and anger rolling off them like heat from a furnace. Most kept their eyes fixed ahead, but one in particular locked his gaze onto Jaden. The guard's hands clenched around his blaster rifle, his knuckles white as though he might pull the trigger at any moment. The intensity of his hatred was palpable, radiating off him like a storm cloud.
"Separatist scum," the guard spat, his voice sharp. "You thought you'd gotten away with it, didn't you?"
Jaden's eyes met the man's. "I'm not a Separatist," he said, his voice calm but firm.
The words barely left his mouth before the butt of a blaster rifle slammed into the back of his head, forcing him forward against the restraints. Pain flared at the point of impact, but he refused to give them the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Shut up!" another guard barked, his voice tight with anger.
The first guard leaned in closer, his face contorted with rage. "You can't fool us," he hissed. "We've heard the reports. We know what you did—the atrocities you committed. I hope they execute you."
Before Jaden could reply, the man drew back his fist and drove it hard into his stomach. The force of the blow knocked the wind out of him, and he doubled over, held in place only by the straps securing him to the seat. He gasped for air, but still, he didn't cry out. He wouldn't give them that. The guard didn't stop. Another punch followed, and then another. Jaden gritted his teeth, enduring each hit. He'd been through worse—far worse—but he could feel the anger simmering inside him, threatening to rise.
The guard raised his arm for another blow, but Jaden straightened and looked him directly in the eyes. "If I were what you think I am," he said, his voice low and controlled, "what you're doing right now would be very unwise."
The words froze the guard mid-strike. The others tensed, their rifles shifting slightly as they prepared to act. They had no idea how close they were to crossing a line they couldn't come back from. Jaden felt the steady hum of the cuffs on his wrists, the low-voltage shock meant to disrupt concentration, but it barely registered. His focus had been tempered by war, hardened in the fires of battle. He reached out with the Force, letting it flow through him, and caught the guard's arm in midair. The man's fist stopped inches from Jaden's face, trembling as if it had hit an invisible wall.
The rest of the guards leapt to their feet, raising their rifles and aiming directly at him. Jaden didn't flinch. Instead, he turned his attention to them, extending his influence outward.
One by one, their weapons shifted, the barrels turning away from him and toward each other. The guards stiffened, panic flashing in their eyes as they tried and failed to lower their rifles. Jaden could feel their fear, their desperation as their fingers hovered too close to the triggers.
"I could end this right now," Jaden said, his voice quiet but carrying a weight that made the space feel smaller. "I could kill every single one of you, take control of this ship, and leave this planet. That's what a Sith would do."
The tension in the air thickened, but Jaden didn't let it linger. He released his hold, and the guards staggered back, their weapons lowering shakily. Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they kept their distance, none daring to approach him again.
"But I'm not a Sith," Jaden said, his voice calm once more.
The guards remained silent, exchanging uneasy glances. No one spoke for the rest of the journey. Jaden leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes briefly and letting out a slow breath. They didn't bother him for the rest do the journey and when the shuttle landed they kept their distance.
Jaden stepped out of the shuttle and was immediately struck by the size of the crowd waiting for him. It wasn't like the send-off aboard the Defender. This time, the gathering was made up entirely of Jedi. Robes of brown and beige filled the landing platform, their hoods drawn back to reveal calm but unreadable expressions.
Among them, however, stood two individuals who stood out sharply from the rest. They weren't Jedi. Their fine clothing, polished accessories, and upright postures marked them as nobility or high-ranking politicians. One was a tall, older man with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. The other was a shorter woman with a slender frame, rich chocolate-brown hair that cascaded in soft waves down her shoulders, and a face that looked flawless under the Coruscant sun. Her outfit was finely tailored, adorned with delicate embroidery that hinted at wealth and status.
Jaden's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than intended. He wasn't someone who paid much attention to appearances, but even he could acknowledge how striking she was. As he approached, the woman's expression shifted to one of displeasure—not at him, but at the guards escorting him.
"Why is he restrained like this?" she asked, her voice sharp and demanding an answer.
"He is a prisoner, ma'am," the lead guard replied, though his voice sounded noticeably less certain under her gaze.
"No," the woman said firmly. "I don't think so. I won't have him paraded around in cuffs before he's even had his pre-trial." She crossed her arms and turned to the guard. "Remove them. Now."
One of the Jedi stepped forward, his expression calm but disapproving. He was an older man with brown hair streaked with gray, swept back behind his ears. His brown robe hung loosely around him, and his hands were clasped behind his back. A younger woman, perhaps Jaden's age, stood at his side. Her hair was tied back in a tight bun, and she tried to mirror the stern expression her master wore, though Jaden could see the uncertainty behind her eyes.
"Are you sure that's wise, Lady Amidala?" the Jedi Master asked, his voice measured.
"I'm certain, Master Drallig," she replied without hesitation. "Now, please, uncuff him."
The guards hesitated but eventually obeyed. Once the cuffs were off, they quickly stepped back, keeping a noticeable distance from Jaden. The woman approached him with a warm smile.
"I'm Padmé Amidala," she said, her voice softer now. "I've spoken a great deal with your apprentice, Aubrie, over the past few weeks. I've been looking forward to meeting you. Please, walk with me."
Jaden nodded and fell into step beside her, though he remained aware of the Jedi trailing closely behind them, as well as the older man who had yet to speak. He offered Padmé a small, polite smile.
"I've heard a lot about you from her as well, Lady Amidala. I'm grateful for the help you've given me. I have no doubt I'd be in a much worse position if not for you." He dipped his head slightly out of respect.
"Please, just Padmé," she said with another smile. "I have a feeling we'll be working closely together for some time. I'll need to document your testimony and gather anything else that might help our case."
Jaden gave a short nod. "I'll do whatever I can to help."
"Good," Padmé replied. Her smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression as she continued. "I should explain what happens next. The pre-trial is scheduled for tomorrow. Originally, they wanted to place you in a cell for the night, but I managed to convince them otherwise. If you're agreeable, you'll be staying with me until the hearing, though you'll have Jedi guards as an added precaution. It's only for tonight. Once we win the pre-trial, you'll have far more freedom."
Jaden was honestly surprised by how lenient that arrangement sounded. "That's more than agreeable," he said. "To be honest, I fully expected to be locked away the moment I arrived."
"That was their plan," Padmé admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "But I wasn't going to let that happen."
They walked in silence for a moment before Jaden glanced at her. Something didn't add up. There was no obvious reason for someone like Padmé Amidala to go out of her way to help him. He studied her face, but her expression gave nothing away.
"I don't mean to be rude, Padmé," he said finally, "but why are you helping me? It seems like a risk, especially with so many people looking for an excuse to bring me down."
Padmé stopped and turned to face him, resting a hand lightly on his arm. "Because you deserve it," she said without hesitation. "I've heard the stories, Jaden. You're a hero. You saved thousands—maybe millions—of lives. You shouldn't be punished for that, no matter what those in power might want."
Her sincerity caught him off guard. The way she spoke reminded him of what Aubrie had told him before—how there were still good people in the galaxy, people worth trusting. He let out a small chuckle and returned her smile.
"Thank you," he said.
"Save your thanks until after you're free," she replied with a soft laugh of her own.
Before they could continue, Master Drallig cleared his throat behind them, bringing the lighthearted moment to an abrupt end. Padmé turned back, her smile fading into something more reserved. She let out a quiet sigh before looking at Jaden again.
"Before we go to my home, there are people who want to speak with you first," she said, her tone more serious now. She avoided his eyes for a moment before meeting his gaze.
Jaden already knew who she meant. He turned to look at Master Drallig, who stood a few paces away with the other Jedi. "The Jedi Council," Jaden said, his voice flat.
Padmé gave him a small nod. "I'll be waiting outside the temple for you," she said.
Jaden exhaled slowly and then looked back at Master Drallig. "Let's get this over with," he said before stepping away from Padmé and following the Jedi toward the temple.
...
Padmé watched as Jaden disappeared into the temple alongside the Jedi. Her hand drifted up, resting over her chest as she clenched her fingers tightly. She let out a slow breath. He wasn't what she had been expecting. In truth, she hadn't known what to expect at all, but it certainly wasn't someone so calm—so humble. Aubrie had spoken highly of him, and Padmé had read enough reports to know he was capable of great feats. According to Aubrie, he had saved an entire planet from destruction. That wasn't the kind of story she heard often, even in her line of work.
Her eyes lingered on the temple doors where he had vanished, and she thought back to the moment he stepped off the shuttle. The Jedi around her had stiffened. She'd seen their subtle shifts in posture, their hands drifting closer to lightsaber hilts, and the slight tension in their expressions. Even Master Drallig, as composed as he was, had seemed uneasy. That kind of reaction wasn't common—not among Jedi. Whatever Jaden's connection to the Force was, it ran deep.
And he was handsome too.
Padmé blinked and immediately shook her head, pressing her fingertips to her temple. That wasn't a thought she needed right now. He was younger than her—at least five years, if not more. But beyond that, she had a responsibility to him. She was representing him. This was a professional arrangement, nothing more.
Still, she couldn't ignore the small flicker of warmth that had settled in her chest when he smiled at her earlier. Padmé let out a frustrated sigh and smacked her cheeks lightly, earning a curious glance from Bail Organa as he approached from behind.
"Are you alright, Padmé?" Bail asked, stepping up beside her. His voice was calm, but his sharp eyes didn't miss much.
Padmé jumped slightly at his sudden presence but quickly straightened her posture and cleared her throat. "I'm fine," she said, her voice slightly higher than intended. She smoothed out her dress and tried to compose herself. "I just haven't eaten much today. I think I'm a little lightheaded."
Bail raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he gestured toward the nearby transport platform. "Then let's get lunch while we wait for him to finish with the Jedi."
Padmé turned her head slightly, stealing one last glance at the temple doors. She couldn't see him anymore, but the image of his sharp features and calm demeanor stuck in her mind. She took a steadying breath and nodded before walking with Bail toward the transport. "Have you spoken to Master Windu about their support on the pre-trial?" Padmé asked, trying to shift her focus back to the task at hand.
"I have," Bail replied. "The Jedi Council doesn't seem united on this issue. Some of them believe Jaden is innocent, but others aren't so sure. They're worried about what his powers could mean."
"Of course they are," Padmé said, her voice laced with frustration. "They see someone strong in the Force, and their first instinct is to control him or label him a threat."
"That's not entirely fair," Bail replied. "The Jedi are under pressure too. This isn't just about Jaden—it's about the Senate, the courts, and the public. People want someone to blame for the deaths of nearly two dozen Jedi."
Padmé stopped and turned to face Bail. "Then it's our job to make sure they don't turn him into a scapegoat," she said firmly. "He's not the villain they're looking for. He deserves better than this."
Bail gave her a nod. "And he'll get it. But Padmé, don't forget that this isn't just about clearing his name—it's about proving the system can still be trusted. If we fail, it won't just be him who pays the price."
Padmé didn't reply right away. Instead, she let Bail's words sink in as they boarded the transport. The weight of the situation wasn't lost on her. Jaden's freedom was important, but so was the larger message this case would send. Corruption had spread too far, and if they didn't stand against it now, there might not be another chance.
————————————————————-
Jaden stepped into the Jedi Temple, his eyes immediately drawn to the towering columns and wide hallways. The stone walls were smooth, marked with faint carvings of Jedi symbols and inscriptions. The floors were polished, reflecting the light of the overhead fixtures. Despite the armed Jedi surrounding him, Jaden couldn't help but take in the details. The architecture felt ancient, yet it was well-maintained, showing the care the Jedi put into their surroundings.
He noticed robed figures moving through the halls. Some glanced in his direction, their expressions guarded. Others didn't spare him a second look, focused on their own tasks. Padawans trailed behind their Masters, carrying training sabers or datapads as they moved between lessons. A few of the younger ones hesitated, stealing curious glances at him before their Masters ushered them along. He didn't want to make any trouble, but the guards weren't exactly making him feel at ease. The constant prodding to keep moving was a clear indication that they had no intention of letting him linger. He could hear their soft voices reminding him to stay in line as they navigated through the hallways. They weren't as harsh as the guards who had escorted him on the shuttle, but their presence still made it clear he wasn't free to roam.
One of the Jedi, a young man with short-cropped hair, shot him a stern look when Jaden paused to take in the sights. "Please, keep moving," he said, his tone polite but firm. Jaden gave a slight nod and continued walking.
As Jaden and his guards walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple, they were stopped when a woman stepped in front of them. She had long honey blonde hair that flowed down her back and delicate, elfin features. Her smile was warm, but it was her long pointed ears that were most striking. Jaden felt a momentary pause in his steps as he studied her.
"Master Fey," Master Drallig greeted with reverence, bowing deeply, followed by the rest of the Jedi escorting Jaden.
"Master Drallig," the woman replied, her voice calm and friendly. "It's been too long, last I was here you were a Padawan. I was pleased to hear you had been promoted to Master." She gestured for him to rise, a friendly smile on her face.
For the first time since Jaden had seen him, Master Drallig smiled softly. "It was thanks to your guidance that I became a Padawan," he said. "I'm honored to see you again. May I ask what brings you to the Temple today?"
Master Fey smiled again, her gaze shifting slightly to Jaden. "I've come to escort Jaden the rest of the way," she answered.
Jaden couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. He had never seen the woman before, and she clearly didn't know him. His mind raced with possibilities, though none of them seemed to make sense. Was she a part of the Jedi Council? Or was she simply a Jedi with enough influence to have the guards step aside? She didn't seem like someone who would be involved in his fate, and yet here she was.
Master Drallig didn't seem concerned, though. "Of course, Master. Do you require assistance from us?"
"No, we will be fine," she answered. There was no hesitation in her voice, and the Jedi Masters and Knights stepped aside, bowing in respect before leaving them alone.
Jaden watched in mild surprise as they walked away. He wasn't sure why, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Master Fey wasn't someone to be taken lightly. It was clear she had some kind of influence or authority, considering she had dismissed a group of Jedi with ease.
As they continued down the corridor, Jaden eyed her carefully. "I'm not sure I know you, Master Fey," he said, his voice firm, as he tried to gauge her intentions.
"Of course not," she replied with an easy smile. "We've never met before, Jaden."
"Then I'm curious as to why you want to escort me," Jaden pressed, his suspicion growing.
Master Fey gave a small shrug. "I simply felt the need to greet you, and so I did."
Jaden narrowed his eyes slightly. "Aren't you worried that I might try to escape?" he asked, testing her reaction.
"No," she replied simply, her tone still light.
Jaden blinked, a little surprised by her response. No? It didn't make sense to him. Even the most confident of Jedi would have some level of caution when dealing with someone in his position.
He couldn't help but think, 'This woman would make the worst prison guard in the galaxy.'
"You ask interesting questions, Jaden," Master Fey said, her smile never wavering. "I like that. But we shouldn't keep the Council waiting. Hopefully, they'll be quick with you, and then I can show you around the Temple." Without waiting for a response, she gently took hold of his arm and guided him forward, urging him to move. Jaden was taken aback by her casualness, her touch light and friendly, and for a moment he hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He had been expecting a much more formal or guarded interaction. But Master Fey seemed to view this whole situation with a different perspective, as if she genuinely had no concerns about him.
————————————————————-
Chancellor Palpatine stood at the window of his office, gazing out toward the Jedi Temple. He knew that Jaden would have arrived by now. The fact that Jaden was not yet confined to a cell irked him. It would have been far simpler to deal with him that way, to silence him in a controlled environment, but he could not push too much just yet. Padmé Amidala still trusted him, believed him to be an ally, and he would not risk that trust or his larger plans for the sake of one individual. Jaden would die, that much was certain, but Palpatine would not involve himself directly in the matter—not yet.
"I trust you've familiarized yourself with the necessary databanks and schedules," Palpatine said, his voice low as he turned to face the young woman sitting before him.
She was around eighteen, with blonde hair that fell neatly around her face. Despite her age, her posture was straight, yet a slight look of frustration marked her features as she sifted through multiple datapads, each filled with information she had yet to fully absorb.
"Sorry, Chancellor," she said with an apologetic tone, "It's a lot to go through."
Palpatine's smile never faltered, but inside, the girl's innocence and unwavering kindness disgusted him. He could not comprehend such weakness—especially not in someone who could be of use to him. His lips curled in a false, reassuring smile as he spoke. "It's no problem, my dear Vaylin. Your mother asked me to look after you, and that is what I shall do."
"I'm grateful for everything you've done for me," Vaylin said, bowing her head in a display of humility.
"Don't even mention it," Palpatine replied smoothly. "Now, run along. Your first assignment has arrived. Report to Senator Amidala when you're ready."
Vaylin nodded and stood, bowing once more before leaving the office.
The smile that had once graced Palpatine's face vanished the moment the door clicked shut behind her. He felt a surge of anger. Vaylin's existence, her weakness, enraged him. Despite all his efforts to break her when he had awakened her from the tank, she had remained unyielding. He had tried to mold her into the perfect tool—an instrument of destruction—but it hadn't worked. Yet he had made do with the situation.
His mind turned to the solution he had devised, one that was as clever as it was cruel. Using Sith alchemy, he had split Vaylin's personality. One half held her core, the light part of her—an innocent, naïve girl who had no memory of the atrocities she had been subjected to. The other half contained her full knowledge of the Force, her dark side, and all the horrific experiences she had endured. He had created a way to switch between the two personalities with a single phrase, one that only he knew. To each side, he had implanted false memories—on the light side, she remembered her mother as a friend, someone who lived on an Outer Rim planet. On the dark side, Palpatine was her Master, the one she was completely loyal to.
She would be the instrument of Jaden's downfall. Her power in the Force was immense, more so than that of his previous apprentices. In time, she would be able to kill Jaden, fulfilling her purpose and furthering Palpatine's grand design. Palpatine turned back to the window, a wide smile forming on his face once again as he thought about the future.
Nothing would prevent the coming of the Emperor.
(AN: So Jaden is at the temple and has met two women that will be in his future. We have also seen a glimpse at Vaylin, an actual canon character, well kind of. She's a clone of Vaylin but will inherit her memories so kind of like star killer. She's is incredibly strong in the force and much better trained, Jaden is gonna have a lot of trouble with her. But she won't be the only enemy as there are many hidden in the shadows. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)
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