The Council
Quinlan put in a request to be put in charge of the Coruscant Guard. He knew he could be fine out in the field, but he still struggled with his emotions on occasion. It would be better to be in a position that should give him the least amount of guilt to deal with. Besides, the Coruscant Guard would need a Jedi to help them out, especially in the first few months as they adjusted. As far as Quinlan could tell there was not much training for investigation.
So when he was called up to the Council room, he expected it was about that and whether it had been approved or not. When he walked in, he found Kit was there, as were Depa and Qui-Gon. He was very confused.
“Good, everyone is here.” Mace leaned forward. “We have our ways of selecting new members of the Council, including accepting the recommendations of the resigning members for their replacement. Master Billaba, holding a seat the longest, you may speak first.”
Quinlan was standing straight and tall, at attention. Did Mace just imply that he and Kit were there to take the now empty seats on the Council? He kept the emotion off his face, tightened his shields a little, to hide his surprise and give him some time to process without an audience
“When we resign from the Council,” Depa began, “we are asked for a recommendation on who to fill our seat. The remaining members of the Council do not always agree, but they do take it into consideration, depending on what the Council needs at the time. When I meditated on the topic, I realized I needed to recommend someone who could be calm and collected in the face of danger, who could take charge at a moment's notice without blinking, and who many senators already trust.”
She stepped in front of Kit. “Surprisingly a few names showed up when I thought about it, and I ultimately decided on you, Master Kit Fisto, as my recommendation for my replacement. The Council has accepted my recommendation. Congratulations, Master Fisto.”
Plo spoke next, from his spot. “Master Fisto, will you accept the offered Council seat?”
Kit was surprised, but recovered swiftly. “I am honored to have even been considered. Of course I will take the seat.” The Force was dancing around with the rightness of the decision. Kit smiled at Depa. “Thank you for the recommendation, Master Billaba.”
“You've earned it, Master Fisto. Go ahead, and take your seat.” Depa gestured at her empty seat.
Kit took in a deep breath and sat down carefully, but confidently. The others pretended not to notice. All, even Master Yoda, remembered the first time they sat down in the circle as a member of the Council. They hadn't quite been certain it was real. So they would always give the newest members the same courtesy they had received of no attention.
“Master Jinn, it is your turn.” Mace gestured at Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon turned to Quinlan, smiling at him. “When asked for our recommendation, one of the specific things they requested we consider is not just who would fit in the Council, but who could fill our specific role, who would have a similar voice to my own. Who impart similar opinions, and wisdom. I have always been unorthodox, those who don't know any better used to say I was always at odds with the Council. I often found myself suggesting things completely opposite of what many in the Council believed, and opening debates. Challenging their views. When looking for someone who could fill the role, I was looking for someone many might consider unconventional, not serious enough for the Council. Someone I know won't back down, but won't be too stubborn either. The Council does still need to be able to move forward, after all. ”
Qui-Gon stopped in front of Quinlan. “I went looking for the right master that fit those criteria. There was one master I kept coming back to, despite all the arguments as to why he would not be a fit I know many will have, including age. One master who not only fills the criteria I laid out, but Master Billaba's as well. And so, my choice was you, Master Quinlan Vos, as my replacement on the Council. They have accepted the recommendation. Congratulations, Master Vos.”
Ki-Adi spoke this time. “Will you accept a seat on the Council, Master Vos?”
Quinlan let out the breath he had been holding as he dealt with the shock. He nodded. “I would be honored to have a seat on the Council, especially so young. I will accept. Thank you, Master Jinn, for recommending me.” The Force curled around him, delighted that he accepted, and teasingly reminding him that he had known since he was a padawan. Which was true, but he still hadn't expected it now, not at this age, and not as they were entering a war.
“You earned it, despite your age. Take your seat.” Qui-Gon gestured at the empty seat.
Quinlan smiled and walked over, sitting down, sinking into the soft cushions. The chair was actually a bit more comfortable than he expected. It was... strange, seeing things from this perspective. What was intimidating at times, being surrounded, as a padawan, and even later on as a knight and master, was actually rather comforting, he could easily see everyone with little effort this way. He didn't quite feel like this was real, like he should be sitting in the chair that Qui-Gon had held for years, but here he was. He had made it onto the Council.
Now entirely relieved of Council duties, Qui-Gon and Depa left. Quinlan glanced around the circle, still hardly daring to believe he was here. At the age of 37. Mace had the record at 35. Very few were ever appointed before 40. It was said that the absolute best Jedi were all appointed to the Council by the time they were 45, and more so by 40. Kit was 41, so he was also young for the Council, just not nearly so obviously so.
“We'll make sure you get the information you need about how we work,” Shaak assured them. “But for now, with you here, we can make some final decisions regarding the war and assignments.”
“First, I think we need to rearrange the seats a little,” Saesee spoke. He turned to Quinlan and Kit. “While it doesn't really matter where everyone sits, everyone has their preferred seat, usually because they prefer the chair. We like to keep those who do smaller meetings in the same area, close to Yoda, so that there's not usually gaps. With the war, it's going to mostly be those who are more likely to be on planet in that section. Quinlan, I think you should take my seat next to Ki-Adi, if you are planning on being in charge of the Coruscant Guard.”
Quinlan stared at him. He wanted to protest. “That does make sense... If that's the best place, then I guess that will be where I sit. And I was planning on the Coruscant Guard. Thought that's why I was called here.” He smiled. And then Saesee stood up, and they switched seats. This was weirder. Being right in the middle instead of closer to the end. But... There was a good reason for it. He would get used to it. But he liked the other chair better.
He then got to watch with amusement as the rest of the Council argued over their assignments, and how likely they were or weren't to be on Coruscant. It was nice to be on this side of it and see how much Yoda cackled at the chaos, how Mace just leaned back and ignored it all, since his seat was not moving.
Kit was hesitant to join in, since he wasn't sure how to fit in, but he found it just as entertaining, exchanging looks with Quinlan where they were both trying not to laugh. The fight never got physical, but the bickering did get to be a bit childlike.
As everyone adjusted to their new seats, Mace finally leaned forward again. “Now younglings, if you're done, you can figure out which seat you want out of storage later, for now we need to get back to finalizing who is in charge of what part of the GAR.”
“There are to be ten Systems Armies, led by a Jedi High General,” Plo stated, “and we need to decide who will lead each of them. The Chancellor has requested that each of them be led by a member of the Council.”
“Lead one, I will not. Not meant, for me, it is. Find other ways to contribute, I will,” Yoda said.
There was silence, as they contemplated who the other Council member would be that would not be taking charge of an entire tenth of the GAR.
Finally, it was Oppo who broke the silence. “I find myself... uncertain about this war, about leading in the war. It may be best if I took up other responsibilities besides leading an army.”
Mace nodded. “Then we will get started with the remaining ten of us as the Jedi High Generals of the Systems armies...”
Quinlan found his head spinning as they each took a number (he ended up with the Fourth), and then they discussed who they would be in charge of, what kind of specialties they wanted in their systems army, and vetoing Jedi they weren't comfortable being in charge of.
This discussion lasted a few hours before they decided to call it good. They had just about everyone assigned, with a few yet to be determined, but that was better than before, where the only ones assigned were the ones they immediately had to send out. Thankfully, the Separatists seemed to be scrambling a little to be ready to fight, despite their battle droids, as they hadn't expected the Republic to pull a clone army out of nowhere.
Quinlan joined Kit in the storage to see if there were any chairs they would prefer and a couple of the others joined them to see if there was one they liked better now. Once they had the chairs, they put them into place. Quinlan sat down again, to look out at the Council room. He then turned sideways to fling his legs over the arm of the chair and sighed happily.
“Perfect.”
Kit laughed at him. “Of course you would like that Quin. What are you going to do now?”
“Well, I got a message from Qui-Gon that he's arranging dinner tonight, supposedly about his resigning the Council, since we haven't actually done anything for that even though he announced that like a week ago, but really it's about me being on the Council, oh, and you and Nahdar are invited. So I guess I'm going to tell them all at the same time. I'm basically ready for the Coruscant Guard, I've been making preparations since I heard about their creation... So I think I'm going to see if Michi is available to give him the news.”
Kit nodded. “I think Nahdar and I would love to join you for dinner. I need to tell him before then, and we need to finish our discussion on what we'll be doing since he's preparing for his Trials, only a few months away. But other than that, we do not have plans. I'll let Qui-Gon know myself.”
Quinlan gave him a quick hug. “Well, congratulations to you.”
“And congratulations to you. You know, when we first became friends, I never thought we could be the youngest members of the Council one day.”
“At least we're not breaking records,” Quinlan responded teasingly. “This time. Now we just need Obes on the Council and our terrible trio will be able to cause real chaos.”
Kit laughed. “It's just too bad this is happening in a time of war.”
“Well, we'll just find ways to cheer everyone up, then. I'll see you later.”
“See you later.”
They went their separate ways. Quinlan walked with more of a bounce in his step than usual. He had until mid morning the next day for the announcement to go out. That long to tell everyone he wanted to know first. He should probably let Bant know. And Vokara. And he had a lot to go through, an office to settle in and organize, and arrangements to make for the Guard.
He was going to be a lot busier than he thought he would be, but it was worth it, and it was where he was meant to be.
He waved cheerily at Bant as he passed through the Healing Halls into the mind healing department. Bant waved back, she was clearly curious. He would definitely have to tell her on his way out.
It didn't take long to reach Michi's door. Michi mostly did consulting these days, coming in to help on difficult cases. Quinlan had actually transitioned to a different mind healer years ago, but Michi was always going to be the one who had helped him the most. The one who suggested he aim for the Council in the first place.
Quinlan knocked on the door with the usual pattern he used and waited.
“Come in, Quinlan.” Michi called.
Quinlan entered and closed the door behind him.
“You're happy.” Michi observed.
Quinlan beamed. “I really am. I wanted to tell you the news first. I'm telling everyone else at dinner, and Qui-Gon knows because of course he knows...”
“Rambling, Quin,” Michi teased, getting up. “What is it?”
Quinlan took a deep breath in and let it out. “I've been appointed to the Council on Qui-Gon's recommendation! I'm on the Council and I'm only 37! I did it!” He danced around the room.
Michi watched him fondly. “Congratulations, Master Vos. I'm proud of you.”
Quinlan grinned and hugged him tightly. “Thank you. Thank you for believing in me all those years ago, thank you for suggesting it in the first place. I could not have made it this far, this quickly without your help.”
Michi returned the hug. “You did all the hard work yourself. You just needed a little help and support. Thank you for telling me.”
“Of course.” Quinlan smiled at him. “You're the one who suggested it, I had to tell you that it happened.”
Michi hugged him again. “Of course you did. You ready for the war?”
Quinlan grimaced. “I don't think anyone is ready for the war. But we discussed how it was going to work today, figured out assignments and everything. It's a huge responsibility, but after everything I've done over the years, I don't see it being a problem. And anyways, I know it's going to be hard to go out in the field, so I'm actually primarily in charge of the Coruscant Guard, I shouldn't be out in the field as much as others.”
“And you'll take care of yourself?”
“Of course. I'll stay in contact with my mind healer, and stay on top of such things.”
“Good. May the Force be with you.”
“May the Force be with you.” Quinlan half bowed and left. Now he had to tell Bant. And Vokara. She was already having to adjust how they ran rotations with the war, and now she was going to have to adjust more.
He found them both together. “Excellent, Vokara, I need to talk to you, Bant you might as well come along, it's something I wanted to tell you anyways.”
Vokara sighed. “It's not more bad news, is it?”
“It's bad news for you, I think.” Quinlan followed her to her office and sat down next to Bant.
Vokara leaned onto her desk. “I have to remove you from the healing rotations because of the war, don't I?”
Quinlan smiled. “Actually... I'm staying with the Coruscant Guard, but I'm not going to be available for a rather different reason. I was just appointed to the Council today, so I'm afraid it's going to be hard to schedule any shifts.”
Vokara and Bant both stared at him. Bant reacted first, squealing and hugging him.
“That's amazing Quinlan! Congratulations! Does Obi-Wan know yet? I can't believe you're actually on the Council!”
Quinlan laughed and returned the hug. “Obes doesn't know yet, telling him and everyone else at dinner tonight, but the announcement will be out tomorrow morning so I wanted to make sure you knew ahead of time. I can't believe it either! Kit is on the Council as well!”
Vokara smiled at them. “Well, that is good to know. I'm pleased to have two on the Council who are far more familiar with how we run things here in the Healing Halls than the others. It will make ensuring we have adequate supplies and support easier. Especially with the war.”
“Oh, yeah, that makes sense.” Quinlan leaned back. “I'll have to see everything I need to do with the Guard, and how my Council responsibilities work out, how time consuming they are, and then I'll know more about whether I can continue helping. For now, I think I should be available for the occasional emergency and to do relief shifts when healers are overworking themselves.”
“That is why you are perfect for the Council, Quinlan,” Vokara told him. “Because you know how to make plans ahead of time even on little information that can be adapted once you know more.”
Quinlan smiled. “I suppose that's true. I just want to make sure I can continue helping out as much as I can. It's bad enough even some healers are getting pulled to be generals in this war. I know they can fight, but that's not what they want to do, or they would be more like me.”
Vokara nodded. “Unfortunately, with the war, field healers need to be generals, with their own troopers to lead. It's not ideal, but we're all going to make it work. If you need anything for the Coruscant Guard, you can have it, just sign off on it, so we know where our supplies are.”
“Of course.” Quinlan checked the time. “It looks like we're approaching dinner time, so I better get going. May the Force be with you.”
“May the Force be with you.” Vokara and Bant echoed.
Quinlan hugged Bant one last time before he left, still feeling rather cheerful about being on the Council. He'd always wanted to make a difference, to do his best to help people stay safe. Quinlan had done a good job of that over the years with his choice of path, but now he was in a position to truly do more. To really make a difference.
Quinlan bounced a little on his feet, distracted when he saw Ahsoka sniffling on a window seat. He made a quick detour over to her. “Initiate Tano, is something wrong?” he asked gently.
“Master Quin!” She hugged him.
“What is it, Ahsoka?” he asked again, noticing the drying tears on her cheeks.
“It's just... I'm fourteen, I shouldn't even still be here, and now there's war and I'm never going to be a padawan.”
Quinlan wrapped an arm around her. “You know you're still here because between your scores and the fact that you're a togruta who just started puberty, they were willing to give you a little longer. And the Council isn't going to send anyone into the Corps any time soon, not with the war. Not many want to bring a new padawan out into a war. I'm sure something will work out.”
Togruta tended to start puberty a bit later than humans and even others, and when they started it, it hit hard, and the worst of it took place over a few years rather than spanning most of adolescence. This also meant they started to mature mentally and emotionally a little later as well though they caught up fast.
Ahsoka sighed. “I want Ani or Master Obi. They've always been really nice to me and I dunno things feel right around them but that's not gonna happen.”
“Who knows? Ani has his Trials in a week, I think. He'll be Knighted then. Trust in the Force, what does that tell you?”
Ahsoka huffed, but checked anyway. “I'm going to be a Knight and... one way or another both Ani and Master Obi will teach me?”
“Well, there you go. You just need to be patient and you'll find out what it means eventually.”
“I don't like being patient. Waiting sucks.” Ahsoka pouted, crossing her arms.
Quinlan grinned and patted her shoulder. “I knew when I was a padawan that I'm going to be on the Council. That was twenty years ago, almost. That's a long time to wait.”
“It is! How do you know it's worth it?”
Quinlan chuckled. “Because you need to have faith that it will happen, and when it happens, it will be worth it because it's what you wanted. And you know how I know?” He leaned in at her nod and whispered. “Let me tell you a little secret. I got on the Council today! They're announcing it tomorrow so not many people even know right now.”
Ahsoka gasped. “But you're not old!”
“No, I'm not, but I am older than Master Mace was when he was put on the Council. So, my waiting paid off, I got on the Council even sooner than I thought! My goal was reached. You just need to wait and be patient. Maybe you will get what the Force is telling you, just not in the way you expected.”
Ahsoka nodded thoughtfully. “Okay. That makes sense. Um. Can you visit at all until I am a padawan? The creche is getting lonely... all of my clan are padawans, and so's almost everyone else, even some of the ones younger than me.”
“I will do my best. I'll still be on Coruscant since I'm going to be in charge of the Coruscant Guard.” Quinlan gave her a hug. “Now I'm sure you're getting hungry. It's time for dinner, after all, go on.”
Ahsoka beamed at him. “Thank you for the help Master Quin!” She paused. “And congratulations on getting on the Council.”
“You're welcome and thank you, Ahsoka.”
She ran off, only pausing to yell over her shoulder, “Force be with you!” before taking off.
Quinlan shook his head in amusement as he stood up to finish making his way to Qui-Gon's quarters. Ahsoka with Obi-Wan or Anakin... Yeah, he could see either happening. Anakin would be the sort to take on a padawan early, and Ahsoka would be one Quinlan could see handling the war. On the other hand, Obi-Wan did love teaching and hoped to take on another padawan someday. But time would tell. Ani still had to get through the remainder of his Trials after all.
When he entered the quarters (using the access code that still worked), he was unsurprised to find that almost everyone was there. Dooku and Qui-Gon were bickering over the soup side while Obi-Wan and Feemor quietly finished it right under their noses. Anakin was showing off his prosthetic, which he planned on modifying once he learned more about what into making prosthetics, to Aayla, Idris, and Del.
The younger padawans were watching with fascination. They were just missing Shaak, as Feemor's partner, Tholme, Kit, and Nahdar.
Obi-Wan finished up with the soup, ducked away from the bickering as Feemor got between them to inform them that the soup was done. “Ani, Idris, can you get the table set, please? Almost everything is ready.”
Both padawans grumbled but got up to set the table.
Obi-Wan hugged Quinlan and sighed. “Qui-Gon's keeping secrets,” he grumbled. “This can't just be about him resigning from the Council. He wouldn't have waited so long even if it wasn't official until today, and this is more than just the usual lineage, but less than it would be if it was about the resignation.”
Quinlan grinned. “You know Qui-Gon. It's probably either something that's going to be completely surprising or something small and unimportant.”
“I don't know which I want with the war,” Obi-Wan admitted. “I just got my orders today. The 212th with Commander Cody, thank goodness he actually gave his name, and we're leaving in a few days.”
“Oh, yeah. I'm with the Coruscant Guard. It's going to be fun. I have four commanders. But they only gave me their numbers so I don't know names yet. And I'm not going to remember those numbers.”
Obi-Wan winced. “You're taking on a huge responsibility with the Guard, you ready for that?”
Quinlan chuckled. “You have no idea. It's better than putting myself on the battlefield all the time, putting myself in a position of always having to be careful what I touch.”
“Yeah, I'm not looking forward to that and you're far more sensitive to it than I am. I think it's a wise decision, and you'll be good for them. Keep them on their toes, teach them how Coruscant really works.”
“Yep.” Quinlan grinned and waved at Shaak who smiled at him knowingly before going to greet Feemor who had given up on breaking up the usual Dooku-Qui-Gon argument.
Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes at Quinlan. “You're happier than I expected considering everything. You're keeping secrets too.”
“Not for long, Obes, just be patient.” Quinlan paused. “Actually, speaking of patience... I talked to Ahsoka before I got here. She's not dealing with loneliness well, and apparently the Force is saying that both you and Ani will train her. I don't know what that means, and neither does she but well... she is fourteen.”
Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully. “I had felt like I or Anakin would train her back when we were in charge of her clan. I wasn't sure how it would work out, considering her age. Now... I'm fairly certain Anakin and I are going to work together frequently, he's been assigned his own troopers. I guess the Council has full confidence in him. So if he did take her on in a few months, I would be able to help him out to start, and eventually I would fall back into the role of grandmaster which has its own brand of teaching... So that would be how we could both teach her. The idea of being a grandmaster so soon is... weird, though.”
Quinlan snickered. “Better you than me,” he teased. “Although I do think that it would suit you. Something to think about, at least. And mention to Ani. I know he still visits her.”
“I think he's been in denial that it would ever be possible for him to train her. I'll bring it up to him soon,” Obi-Wan promised.
Tholme had already entered and was chatting with the others, having broken up the bickering. With Nahdar and Kit entering, everyone was there, and food was just about ready. Nahdar was looking a little shocked still, but recovered enough to tell the other padawans and Aayla about how he would be taking his Trials in three months, and he and Master Kit had decided he would stay in the Temple to prepare, and maybe he'd get some quick experience with command here and there leading up so that stepping into the role of general would be smoother. That wasn't what had actually surprised him, though, Quinlan was sure.
As conversation turned to Qui-Gon's retirement and who was replacing him on the Council, Quinlan and Kit started exchanging amused looks. They were very close to spoiling the surprise before Qui-Gon could say anything, but they just stuck to pretending to be more interested in their food than usual. Some of the guesses were funny, and neither of them were anywhere near the list of possibilities, even though Kit was well respected by more than just the Council, and Quinlan to a lesser degree despite his age.
Qui-Gon had decorated the cake and refused to let anyone see what he put on it, so he stood and started talking as he brought out the cake, still without uncovering it. He had that look on his face. Shaak was hiding a smile by taking a drink of her water.
“As you all know, today was the day my resignation from the Council was made official. The reason for that was mostly because they like to add in the newest members of the Council when the old ones resign, rather than having a gap of a few days or more, especially during times like this. Which means I know who the new Council members are, just like Shaak does...” He uncovered the cake, revealing that it says Congratulations Quinlan and Kit!
There was silence for a moment as everyone processed what that meant. Quinlan grinned widely as they looked between him, Kit and the cake. Kit was smiling as well, pleased with the reveal.
“So, let's welcome the newest members of the Council, Master Vos and Master Fisto.” Qui-Gon raised his glass for a toast.
This delayed the explosion of noise as everyone scrambled to toast them. Then everyone started talking at once.
Quinlan was tackled by Aayla and Obi-Wan, both extremely happy for them, and Tholme came up from behind, squeezing his shoulder affectionately. Quinlan glanced up to see Tholme smiling proudly, and nothing needed to be said between them.
“My master is on the Council!” Aayla laughed. “This is amazing Quin! I'm so happy for you.”
Obi-Wan was laughing. “You were involved in the discussions weren't you? That's why you were evading the conversations about the war. And on the Council at 37! Mace holds the record at 35! Quin, that's amazing! I can't believe it!”
“Me either!” Quinlan grinned in response. “It's still sinking in, I think, but I'll get used to it. Going to be fun seeing everyone's reactions once the official announcement goes out tomorrow- mid morning.”
Obi-Wan hugged him again. “Gonna tell our family?”
“We already told them that with the war starting we won't be in contact, just in case. I don't want to break that, even if I know they'll be thrilled. They'll just have to wait to find out.”
“You're right, that is the best choice. Gonna be interesting to see how you fit in on the Council.”
Quinlan smiled. “Oh, I think I'll fit in quite well. Although... You're not bothered that I'm Qui-Gon's replacement?”
“No, I'm not, Quin. You're a better replacement for his brand of wisdom than I. And besides, I'm 35, it'd be insane if I not only got the youngest master record, but tied for youngest on the Council with Mace Windu.”
Quinlan chuckled. “Okay, okay you're right about that.”
And then Obi-Wan stopped being a willing buffer against the chaos of excitement and questions. But Quinlan wouldn't have it any other way. He loved the chaos, liked seeing the glimpses of Feemor scolding both Shaak and Qui-Gon for being so good at keeping this from him, Ani teasing Aayla and Nahdar, and Dooku being both amused and proud while talking to Kit.
.
Quinlan was getting ready for bed after a wonderful night. He still could hardly believe he had gotten onto the Council.
It was too bad he wasn't going to get a cuddle pile after that party, but he could live with that. He was 100% on his affection for now, so it would be good enough, and he could always seek out cuddling in the creche when it got bad.
He was humming to himself as he climbed into bed when his comm buzzed with a message. He picked it up and immediately frowned.
Hello, Quinlan
Who is this? How did you get this number?
You may call me Sidious, and I have my ways.
Quinlan stared at his comm, then shook his head, going straight for the block.
I wouldn't block me. I have your number, I can contact you whenever I please. And if you don't respond, I'll just have to pay you a visit.
What do you want from me?
For now? I wish for you to remain in contact with me, so that we can talk. Do not tell anyone about this.
I see. And if I do tell someone?
You will not like the results. I will find a way to kill them.
Very well.
Quinlan was definitely going to tell the Council. He'd just learned how to access the private reports for things that no one wanted to leave the Order, and preferably kept between the Jedi involved and the Council. They would keep it secret and help him navigate this situation. It seemed Sidious really was after them to be his apprentices. After two years had passed with no contact, Quinlan had thought Sidious had been promising something he didn't intend to follow through on. But he did. And now Quinlan had to tread carefully.
Good, Quinlan, good. Congratulations on being appointed to the Council.
...how do you know that? It's not been announced.
I have my ways of knowing these things. You are young for the Council.
I'm aware.
Young, brimming with so much potential. And already on the Council. It is proof that I was right to keep an eye on you for all these years.
Wonderful.
Oh, you will see. You belong with me. And I will get what I want.
You won't have me.
Oh, but I already have an in. You're not as resistant as you're pretending.
What are you talking about?
You're responding rather quickly for someone who is not interested.
Quinlan stared at the comm and tossed it on the bedside table. He laid back on bed and wished he was having a cuddle pile tonight.
Sidious was playing games. He wanted Quinlan. He was not going to get Quinlan.
But it was the Dark side, and any good master knew that everyone had a breaking point. All their training, all their effort into mastering themselves... that only pushed their breaking point further and further out. But pile too much on them... like a determined Sith Lord might and they would break. They would Fall. And it would not be pretty.
Quinlan did not want to Fall. He did not want to be pushed to the breaking point. But this was war, war that the Sith had a hand in. He was going to find his breaking point, like it or not. He didn't want to. He couldn't let it happen.
But how long could he last?
The comm buzzed insistently.
Quinlan sighed and picked it up again.
Quinlan, it would do you well to respond within ten minutes when I am talking to you.
Why? What's the point?
Oh, wouldn't you like to know.
I'd like to sleep now.
Oh, I suppose this time I can let you get your sleep. But I will not always. Enjoy.
Good night.
Quinlan put his comm away and rubbed his face. He thought about the whole conversation. Sidious wasn't trying for manipulative comments. Yet. But he would. This was him getting himself set up.
Quinlan was not looking forward to the war and what was to come.