Read Online The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes - Free Book Online Page B

fingers. Within the countless hallways and corridors, the lecture halls and exercise yards, libraries and meditation chambers were all designed with an intrinsic grace and flow. Within them, even the least gifted were sensitized to contemplate that Force binding the universe into a single organism.
    The Council itself met in chambers less prepossessing but no less dignified than those of the Chancellor. Its arched walls and hangings had been created by the galaxy’s finest craftspeople. Such richness would cost a fortune to reproduce, but most of the furnishings were gifts from rulers and merchants whose lives, wealth, and honor had been protected by Jedi skills over the millennia.
    Obi-Wan had long since grown accustomed to the opulence, and gave it little notice as he stood at ease before the Council, awaiting their pronouncement.
    Master Yoda’s wizened head tilted slightly sideways as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto consulted with them.
    “These are confusing times,” Obi-Wan said. “In many ways, our former mandate has been suspended, and much of our authority curtailed.”
    “Strife changes many things,” Yoda said. “Unpredictable these Clone Wars prove to be.”
    “But now I am sent on a sensitive diplomatic mission, involving treaties on multiple levels—such complexity that we require a barrister just to sort them out.” Obi-Wan considered his next words carefully. “I have never refused a mission, but must tell you honestly that I feel ill prepared for this… this maze of commerce and politics.”
    Master Yoda frowned. “Worry I do. No longer may Jedi look to the words and actions of Masters past for their guidance. Strange new times are these.” The other Jedi in the room nodded in agreement. This subject had been debated long and hard, but in the end, the Jedi were obliged to fulfill the Senate’s and the Chancellor’s wishes.
    At the moment, Mace Windu’s face resembled a somber mask sculpted of onyx duracrete. Of all the Jedi, it was Master Windu who held status closest to that of Yoda. “I agree, but the Republic has never been tested so severely. If asked to accept new roles, we must respond. If we cannot protect the Republic, to whom should the responsibility fall?”
    “It augurs well that Palpatine still seeks diplomatic solutions,” Kit said.
    “Then why not send diplomats?” Obi-Wan asked, realizing as he did that he already knew the answer: diplomacy was only the first layer of the Chancellor’s response. Palpatine knew that a Jedi’s mere presence was a durasteel fist in a furred glove.
    “The war goes well,” Master Windu said, “but we are forced into too many unfamiliar roles. If we are not careful, we may lose our clarity of purpose and intent. Too often, lightsabers are required where once words alone sufficed.”
    Yoda nodded. “Once, Jedi had only to appear to quiet a crowd. Now common brawlers we become.”
    “It is the matter of Antar Four, and even the Battle of Jabiim,” Windu said. Those grim memories triggered a murmur of regret.
    “There have been more victories than failures,” Obi-Wan reminded them.
    “I agree,” Master Windu said, “but the maintenance of social order requires both myth and reality.” Once upon a time it had been difficult for Obi-Wan to comprehend Windu’s meanings. The Master Jedi’s profound meditations lifted him to a realm few could dream of, let alone experience. But in more recent years Obi-Wan had begun not merely to appreciate these pronouncements but almost to anticipate them. “And the myth has been fractured: only the reality remains. This situation on Cestus is delicate, and involves these Force-sensitive droids. Ultimately, a swift and clear resolution would save many lives.” He leaned forward and fixed Obi-Wan with a gaze that might have cut diamonds. “Whatever misgivings you may have,” Master Windu said, “you are asked to accept this mission with your usual integrity and commitment. Master Kenobi, Master