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On the remote dusty world of Iktotch, home to thousands of Iktotchi monasteries,
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Two Jedi knights emerge from the tall brush forest on kybuckback…
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…to find a group of Iktotchi monks…
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…being terrorized and pillaged by a band of Mandalorian pirates.
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As the Jedi leap off their kybucks and hit the white sands of the clearing, they are met with heavy fire from the mischievous bandits.
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Seeking to make quick work of the assailants, Master Sifo-Dyas rushes a rapid firing gunman…
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…disarming him with one fell stroke of his sword.
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Meanwhile, as the downed Mandalorian is captured by the monks,
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Sifo-Dyas’ young apprentice Nouk Kii finishes a bandit he had managed to subdue.
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The Mandalorians are too disorganized to compete with the formidable Jedi.
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Seeing their imminent defeat, the remaining pirates make their getaway.
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But one surviving Mandalorian has been taken captive.
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Serris, chief cleric of the monastery, declares “Thank the Maker, you have saved us!”
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“These pirates had already sacked eight monasteries in this region alone.”
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Sifo-Dyas replies “They will be back, we must pursue them.”
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“It is too dangerous Master Jedi, the approaching dusk will bring out many lethal creatures.” warns Serris.
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As hungry florn lamproid worms begin to emerge from the sands, he suggests “You best join us for the night, we shall break bread together.”
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So as the Jedi accept the pontiff’s invitation…
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And the Mandalorians scram back to their ship…
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On Coruscant, capital system of the Republic,
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In Professor Aristote’s private offices,
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Professor Aristote and Professor Palpatine recite an ancient Sith poem as they demonstrate the power of Sith lightning against their Holocron.
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Tell me your greatest strength…
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So I will know best how to undermine you.
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Tell me of your greatest fear…
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So I will know which I must force you to face.
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Tell me what you cherish most…
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So I will know what to take from you.
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And tell me what you crave…
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So that I might deny you.
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Meanwhile, in the office of the Supreme Chancellor…
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Chancellor Dristarg and Jedi Master Yoda are meeting with representatives of the Trade Federation.
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The chancellor begins “I understand you have begun deploying security forces for your drilling teams on Iktotch, even as the Iktotchi have not yet agreed to the terms of your contract, Viceroy.”
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Gunray retorts “Our offer is more than fair, Chancellor. Moreover, the recent pirate raids on their monasteries illustrate how they should be grateful for the security we can provide.”
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Master Yoda declares “To ward off the pirates, Jedi have been sent.”
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Vice-Chancellor Valorum and Senator Maximillian of Naboo chime in, Valorum pointing out “Regardless, if the Iktotchi do not wish to profit from their world’s resources, that is their right. The incidental security provided by the Trade Federation ought not be the deciding factor.”
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Viceroy Gunray’s associate, Chairman Vee Ancho, whose spice mining company is bidding for the contract, offers a retort “They would be fools to turn it down, the sands of Iktotch are richer in spice than those of any other world.”
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“Nonetheless,” responds Gloval “It is their choice, they are a sovereign system and members of the Republic.”
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“But Senator, they don’t even have a central government, just loosely affiliated monasteries. The clerics we’ve met with have not negotiated in good faith, or to the benefit of their people. They are hopelessly stuck in their antiquated ways.”
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“Be that as it may, the Republic must insist that you hold off on setting up your equipment until the negotiations are finalized, Mister Ancho.”
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Yoda offers “Report back, Master Sifo-Dyas soon will. Valuable, his insight will be.”
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“Yes, of course. We would never do anything without the approval of the Jedi.” Gunray says in a slightly sarcastic tone.
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Meanwhile on Iktotch, underground in the caves of the monastery,
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The monks roast a wild toydarian to share with their guests.
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Master Sifo-Dyas inquires “What plunder could the Mandalorians have possibly hoped to find in these monasteries?”
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Serris responds “We are custodians of the Holy Ark, the resting place of the tablets upon which our holy scripture was engraved by the Maker.”
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“The pirates seem to have learned of our possession thereof, and have been raiding monasteries in search of it.”
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“With all due respect your Holiness, it is very unsafe for you to keep such a priceless artifact with no protection here,” Sifo-Dyas remarks as he sips the spiced worm wine offered by his hosts.
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“The Maker will protect us, it is He who sent you here to thwart the pirates.”
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“Well, at least we have a prisoner, we shall take him back to Coruscant to stand trial, and find out where these pirates’ base is.” concludes Sifo-Dyas.
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After the meal, Sifo-Dyas talks to his padawan about the day’s events.
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Master Sifo-Dyas scolds “Nouk, I don’t think it was necessary for you to have killed the Mandalorian. You allowed your fear to get the best of you.”
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Nouk reluctantly answers “I… I’m sorry Master… I…”
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Seeing that his young padawan is shaken up over having killed his first sentient, Sifo-Dyas reassures him “Sometimes killing an opponent in the midst of aggressive negotiations is unavoidable. But we must do our best to subdue them without resorting to lethal force.”
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Nouk Kii regretfully asks “Master… do you think the Mandalorian I killed is now one with The Force?”
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“Refer to your early teachings Nouk. As Master Yoda would tell you, we all join with The Force upon death.” He then concludes “Now let’s get some sleep, we have a busy day tomorrow.”
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Meanwhile on Coruscant, in Professor Palpatine’s apartments,
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Professor Aristote and Professor Palpatine discuss their plans over Corellian tea.
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Professor Aristote opines “I believe the time has come for us to share our findings about the Sith with the Jedi, Professor.”
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“Perhaps that might be a bit too hasty Professor, after all you’ve only just begun to understand how to manipulate the midichlorians, something the Jedi have absolutely no concept of.” replies Professor Palpatine.
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“Nevertheless, I do not wish to keep them in the dark about the Holocron and what we’ve been able to achieve with it for very much longer. I sense we are at risk of succumbing to the temptations of the Dark Side…” Aristote says.
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“There is no cause for concern Professor. I suggest you proceed with your study of the midichlorians first, you are going to Tatooine for a dig, are you not?”
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“Yes indeed. And while there I intend to experiment with The Force and its ability to CREATE LIFE. Perhaps you would care to join me?”
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“I’m afraid that I cannot Professor. I must go home to Naboo, it is time to begin my campaign to take over Senator Gloval’s seat in the senate. The people of Naboo deserve better representation than they’ve gotten these past years. I would however be most grateful if you could share your findings with me upon your return, though.”
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