Knight of the Old Republic Episode II: Redemption | By : hatochiisai Category: 1 through F > Criminal Minds Views: 2738 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
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Knights of the Old Republic: Episode II
Ahmose Inarus Disclaimer: I do NOT own Criminal Minds, and I most certainly do NOT own Star Wars. SLASH WARNING!!! H/R
Chapter 16
PLANET: CORUSCANT LOCATION: HALL OF THE GALACTIC SENATE TIME: MORNING
The Senators from the planets across the Galaxy all filed into the Senate chamber upon hearing the tone that signaled the commencement of the day’s meetings. The delegates for each planet stepped into their docked hovercraft, and all focused on the center of the chamber, towards the Supreme Chancellor, Apob Ledyfai of Alderaan. He raised his hand, and the senators were silent.
“Our first order of business,” he called, his voice echoing through the cavernous chamber, “is regarding the news that the fugitive known as Darth Livion is on Coruscant, and is in the custody of the Jedi Order. At this time, the chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Telos.” The Telosian Senator’s craft moved out to where all the senators could see, and the woman moved to her podium, looking around. “My fellow Senators.” She called, her voice projected throughout the entire chamber. “We all remember the day, not even a year ago, that my predecessor, Mardyk Jogsy, stood here before you. Until he was murdered in cold blood by the one known as Darth Livion. There were a few dozen witnesses, including several Jedi. The Jedi Order does not dispute this. Darth Livion should be made to pay for his heinous crime! But instead, the Jedi are hiding him away, and according to my sources, have no intention of leveling him with any kind of penalties at all!!! This is unacceptable!!! How can he be let off without penalty for such a brazen assassination?!? To let this go without consequence, the Jedi are condoning his actions! They are sending out the message that a Dark Jedi could slaughter any one of us in this chamber, and should they capture that Dark Jedi, his deed would go unpunished! It may as well be open season on the Senators of the Galactic Republic, and the Jedi are prepared to shelter the assassins!!! What say you, Jedi?!” Over the roar of shouts that came from her accusation, the Supreme Chancellor called out, “The Chair recognizes Kitata Ree, Grand Master and Head of the High Council of the Jedi Order.” The attention of the Senate turned to the little hovercraft that hosted the Jedi, whenever they needed to take part in any proceedings of the Senate. It left its dock, and the four members of the Jedi Council there to represent the High Council stood, Kitata Ree, Raahn Syr, Tarash Virr and Amna Kao. With them were the five Jedi that made up the Council of Reconciliation. They were in charge of politics and diplomacy, and normally, they handled the Senate on their own and it was their duty to resolve conflicts with diplomacy. Whenever a conflict needed to be settled, it was they who dispatched Jedi Ambassadors. They all watched as Grand Master Kitata Ree scrambled up onto his little stool, and looked around at Senate. “Supreme Chancellor.” The tiny Chadra-Fan chattered. “Honorable representatives of the Republic.” And he bowed deeply. “The rumors are true. The one known as Darth Livion is currently incarcerated at the Jedi Temple. And it is true that we have no intention of allowing his execution.” The Senate exploded with noise. “Order! ORDER!!!” The Supreme Chancellor bellowed, and once things calmed, Kitata Ree resumed speaking. “The Jedi do not execute prisoners.” “Then turn him over to the Republic Police and we will see to his execution!” The woman from Telos thundered. “Let justice be done!!!” “And what is execution, but a form of revenge?” Kitata Ree asked. “The Jedi do not seek revenge. Vengeance comes from anger and hate. Vengeance comes from the Dark Side. And just as we do not seek it, neither can we permit it. You ask of this out of anger and the lust for revenge. You are allowing the Dark Side to taint you. And as it taints one, so it will spread.” “We do not care to hear you preach the Jedi beliefs!” Argued the Senator from Ryloth. “We are here to see justice done. Not only for Mardyk Jogsy of Telos, but for one of your own! The Jedi Watchman of Ryloth! He killed Aliki Naas!!!” And the Senate burst into an angry storm again. The Jedi remained silent and dignified. “ORDER!!!” Bawled the Supreme Chancellor. “WE WILL HAVE ORDER!!!” As things finally quieted down, Raahn Syr leaned over Kitata Ree and spoke, his voice rumbling through the chamber like thunder. “The Senate would also be wise to remember that the Jedi Order does not answer to the Senate. It is autonomous, and any Jedi who has committed a crime is under the jurisdiction of the Order, not the Senate. And so it is the case with Darth Livion. The High Council will deal with him as WE see fit.” The Senate exploded at that announcement, and Kitata Ree gave Raahn Syr a slight glare. Master Kao rolled her eyes, then stepped forward. “If I may…” The clamor faded at her soft, but firm tone. “I am Master Amna Kao. And Aliki Naas was my Padawan Learner. She was like a daughter to me. But she gave her life willingly to Darth Livion, for she had foreseen that her death would lead to his redemption. And so it shall. It was with her death that the Sith truly began to lose their hold over the one you call Darth Livion. He has turned his back on the Sith, and the Dark Side. He returned to the Jedi Temple and surrendered himself to the Council freely and peacefully. He seeks to redeem himself. He is Darth Livion no longer. And as such, I will no longer call him by that name.” “Nor will I.” Tarash Virr said. “Nor I.” Raahn Syr agreed. “And as it has just been said.” Tarash Virr added, “The Jedi Order is autonomous, and we are not under the authority of the Sentate. We will hear your arguments, but bear in mind that the final decision is NOT the Senate’s to make… It is the Order that will decide the fate of Spencer Reid, and never will we act in a manner that leads to the Dark Side of the Force.” There was another explosion of anger and protest from the Senate. The Jedi waited patiently for it to die down, though Raahn Syr flattened his ears back to his head and his whiskers bristled as the Supreme Chancellor hollered over the din. But finally, things grew more orderly, and the Supreme Chancellor called for Senators to present their arguments on the case. “The Chair Recognizes the delegate from the sovereign System of Onderon.” He called. And so the rest of the morning went . There was an obvious divide. About half of the Senators agreed that as a Jedi Knight turned Sith Lord, Darth Livion was indeed under the jurisdiction of the Jedi Order, and it was not the right of the Senate to try and take custody or try to dictate what it felt the Jedi Order should do with the boy. The other Senators seemed of the opinion that the moment one of their own was killed by Darth Livion, he had entered the jurisdiction of the Senate, and the Jedi should hand him over and then bow out gracefully and allow the Senate to do with the boy as they saw fit.When the Supreme Chancellor called a recess for lunch, the five Masters of the Council of Reconciliation went to try and smooth things over with the Senators who were against the Jedi. And as they did this, the four representatives of the High Council returned to the Temple, and they went to the cell block. Reid was sitting on his cot, silently eating his own lunch, staring off into space. He paused, then turned and looked at the four Masters. He immediately set his food aside and stood, bowing.
“Masters.” He greeted. The energy field of his cell dropped. “Do you know where we have been?” Kitata Ree asked, walking up to the boy. Reid respectfully knelt to be on eye level with the Grand Master. “I do not, Master. I spent my morning in meditation, and remembrance of a friend who gave his life to save mine.” And he bowed his head in a show of grief. A tiny clawed hand came to rest on his head. “Rejoice that Darth Dualath’s act redeemed him, and he is one with the Force now. Now it your turn to be redeemed. But first, you must show the Senate that you CAN be redeemed.” “I heard Strauss say yesterday that they are calling for my execution.” Reid said, looking at the Chadra-fan. “Members of the Senate are fighting the matter of jurisdiction.” Amna Kao said. “And are arguing for custody.” “I see.” Reid said, then turned his head and coughed into his hand for a moment before looking back at the Masters again. “In my meditation, I could feel great anger and conflict rising from the Senate Chamber.” “We have been hearing arguments at the Senate since it convened this morning.” Master Kao continued. “Now it is time for them to hear from YOU.” “… what?!” Reid blurted, eyes wide. He coughed again as he seemed to choke on his own tongue. The Masters waited until it passed. “You will speak to the Senate.” Tarash Virr said. “And you will tell them your story.” “Oh no… no no no…” Reid jumped to his feet and backed away, holding his hands up and shaking his head. “I… I don’t do public speaking.” “This is a form of diplomacy.” Raahn Syr said. “And it is something that all Jedi must be versed in. You will do this.” Reid stared at him in horror, but then slowly lowered his eyes and bowed. “Yes, Master.” And so when the two Shadows arrived, Reid allowed them to cuff his wrists and lead him from his cell. He was guided out of the Temple and onto the transport that brought them to the Senate. Reid’s eyes widened and he gulped. Master Virr turned his head towards the young Miraluka half breed. “… I don’t want to do this.” Reid admitted in a soft, shaky tone. “You must.” Master Virr said. “Do not be afraid. I will be with you. And remember…” “Fear leads to the Dark Side.” Reid finished, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “I’ve had more of the Dark Side than I can stand.” “Good.” Master Virr said as they disembarked, and headed for the docked craft. Reid sat down at the back, with the two Shadows flanking him. But only Master Virr and the Council of Reconciliation came with him. The other Masters disappeared into the crowd of Senators as they all returned from lunch. And then the Supreme Chancellor appeared, and called the Senate back into session. With a grave look, he turned and said “The Chair recognizes the accused, Darth Livion.” A shocked hush fell over the Senate chamber, quickly followed by low murmurs as Reid stood and moved to the podium of the little craft, the Shadows still by his side. He fought to control his nervous tremors as he looked around, eyes wide. And he wanted to run and hide. You can do this. He gasped softly as Hotch spoke to him. I am with you. We are ALL with you. And Reid smiled slightly, sensing that his team was near. And so he took a deep breath, lifted his head high, and began to speak. “Supreme Chancellor. Most honorable representatives of the Republic. I stand before you, humble, penitent, and no longer sure of anything in this… vast universe that we live in. I am no longer certain of who I am. Though I know who I want to be, and I know who I wish I had never become. I do not know what my future holds, but I know what is in my past, and that no matter how much I wish I could, I cannot change it. All I can do is hope that my future will give me the opportunity to atone for it.
The team was waiting when the transport set down. The High Council disembarked, but a cry went up when Reid appeared behind them. JJ ran to him, and he grinned and caught her in his arms, holding her tightly. Within moments, he was surrounded by the team, weeping in his joy. “The Senate backed down.” Eesa K’Tal announced, placing a hand on Reid’s shoulder. “They leave him in the hands of the Order.” “What is to be done with him?” Hotch asked, desperately longing to hold Reid in his arms. “He will report to the High Council first thing in the morning.” Bre Mong said. “Until then… we will feed him.” Reid blinked. “It is dinner time. Eat. Rest. And when you come to us in the morning… please be clothed appropriately.” And she eyed his black and red garments before walking away. Reid looked down at himself and flushed slightly, but then grinned as Garcia hugged him tightly. “Come.” Hotch said, and Reid turned and looked at him. “I have your clothes.” Reid nodded and followed, and the team respectfully let them go. They reached Hotch’s quarters and stepped in, then closed the door and locked it behind them. And then they stood there, and stared at one another. “… I’ve waited for this moment for the past two years.” Hotch finally said. “And now… I don’t know what to say.” Reid stared back at him. “… I missed you.” “I missed you too.” Reid said softly. “Aaron… I… I’m sorry.” And he lowered his eyes. Hotch frowned. “Sorry?” “I never wanted to hurt you. And about Haley, I—“ Reid gasped as he was cut off by strong arms wrapping around him and pulling him tightly into a broad chest. “Don’t.” Hotch gasped. “I have forgiven you a hundred times over for everything. Can you ever forgive me for… letting them take you… letting them keep you for so long… not getting to you sooner…?” “Oh Aaron, no…” Reid cried, shaking his head. Then he looked up at the man and smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive. Because this wasn’t your fault.” Hotch blinked, his memory going back to when they had said their goodbyes before Reid was taken away by the Sith… "Spencer… no… it's too risky. Do you know the chances of redeeming yourself after you Fall to the Dark Side? If you do this, I may not be able to save you…" "And if I don't to this, I won't be able to save YOU. I… I have to do this, Aaron… I love you." "Don't…" "I'm sorry…" Reid whispered. "Please… forgive me. For everything." And he glanced at Haley's body. "… There's nothing to forgive. Because it wasn't your fault." Hotch told him. "But if I lose you… I'll never forgive myself." Hotch gasped. "There's nothing to forgive." Reid told him in a gentle tone, a sad smile on his face. "Because this isn't your fault." Hotch stared. "It's mine. All of this. Everything. Now I have to face the consequences." Hotch stared at Reid, then bowed his head, and kissed him. Reid let out a soft gasp, curling his arms around the man’s neck and arching into him. When they parted, tears were in his eyes. Hotch just smiled down at him. “Get cleaned up. I’ll get your clothes.” Reid nodded, and went to do so. In the bathing room, he glanced at himself in the mirror. Then, startled and terrified, he looked back. His own reflection stood there, looking pale and petrified. But he was staring at the wall behind himself… for a moment, he could have sworn he had seen somebody behind him… For a moment… he swore he had seen himself… as Darth Livion… But nothing was there now. Shaking his head, he fumbled at the pouch on his belt and withdrew one of the vials of Vi’Tani nectar. Hands trembling, he quickly emptied the contents into his mouth with a soft moan. He sighed as the warmth rushed through him, and then he stripped himself and bathed. When he emerged from bathing, Hotch was standing there. Reid smiled at him, and reached out to accept the cream colored clothing. The simple pants and layered tunics felt alien, but comforting on his skin. He buckled the belt tightly around his slender waist and tucked the pouch he had been concealing into it. Then he pulled on the dark brown boots, fingers running over the soft leather. The pair stared at one another, and then embraced tightly. And then Hotch offered Reid his Padawan Robe. Reid pulled it on and smiled, running his hands over the rough fabric as if in welcome. And then he accepted his Lightsaber. “Thank you.” He said. “For keeping it for me.” “It was my talisman… a part of you that I could hold on to.” Hotch said. “It was the daily reminder of my hope.” Reid smiled, securing his Lightsaber to his belt. Then he looked up at Hotch again. The man smiled, running his fingers over a pale cheek, and then fingering his Padawan Braid. “That was mine…” Reid whispered. And they embraced again, sharing a shy kiss. It was clear that neither one was sure about where their relationship was now. They broke the kiss when they were interrupted by the growling of Hotch’s stomach. Reid blinked and looked down, then grinned. “Dinner?” He asked. “Dinner.” Hotch nodded. Their walk to the dining hall was a quiet one. Reid could feel the eyes of everyone they passed on him. He felt like he was on display. “Don’t worry.” Hotch murmured to him. “I know what you’re thinking. They aren’t gawking at you like you’re a stain on the Order… they see you as a great triumph over the Dark Side. You are a miracle. This is your home and this is your family. And we are all happy to have you back.” Reid smiled up at him, then yelped as he was tackled in the doorway of the dining hall by the team. “I was only away from you for half an hour!” He squealed as he was dragged over to sit with them. At first, Hotch didn’t think he had ever been happier. He had Spencer back! But as the meal continued, he noticed… Reid seemed very nervous. His smiles didn’t quite reach his eyes… and he ate very little. Finally, he couldn’t stay silent any longer. “Spencer? Are you okay?” Reid blinked at him. “You’ve hardly touched your dinner.” Hotch pointed out, and Reid looked down. “Oh… Not really hungry.” He said, pushing his plate away. Hotch frowned slightly. “What’s bothering you?” “… I don’t deserve this.” Reid finally said. “I deserve to be handed over to the Senate.” The team stared at him, eyes wide. “At the very least, I should be locked up in a cell. How… How can I be trusted?!” “You’re in the Jedi Temple.” Rossi chuckled. “What could you do?” Reid drooped. “Come on now kid, I’m not saying I think you’ll do anything. I’m just making a point.” “… I… would like to go now…” Reid mumbled, standing from his seat. As one, the others did too. They ended up in Hotch’s sitting room. The man guided Reid to sit on the little couch beside him. “Spencer… what’s really bothering you?” “… I don’t deserve your forgiveness… People are dead because of me… some of them I killed myself! How can the Order forgive me?! How can YOU!?” He looked around at the team. “I… I betrayed you all… And how do I even know this is real?! For all I know, I could wake up any moment and…” “It’s not a dream, Spence.” JJ said gently, taking his hand as she sat on the sofa on his other side. “Sometimes… I wish it was.” Reid whispered. “Why?” Morgan asked. “Because… then Amanda would…” and he trailed off. Silently, the team offered him comfort over the repairing Bonds that she shared with them. “Amanda and Tobias were my… only friends for two years. We were… very close. And now Amanda is dead and Tobias… I left him behind. He’s submissive to his brothers… and they’ll be so angry… they’ll hurt him…” “Will they kill him?” Emily asked. “No. You can’t kill one without killing all three…” “… Really?” Rossi mused, looking intrigued. “So… we only have to take out one of them…?” “NO!” Reid shouted, leaping to his feet, and the team’s horror, a swirl of darkness flared up in him. “David Rossi, don’t you dare!!! You will NOT do anything to hurt Tobias!!!” “Hey… easy, kid.” Rossi said, holding his hands up defensively. “I’m not going to hunt him down… but we may need to know that later…” Reid seemed to deflate before their eyes, and he dropped back down next to Hotch and JJ. His face fell into his hands. “… I don’t know if I can do this…” He gasped. “All I wanted for the past two years was to come home… but now… I… I just want to be back in my apartment… with Amanda and Tobias…” “That was where you felt safe…” Hotch soothed, running a hand up and down Reid’s back. “It’s okay. You’re safe here, too.” “… I’m scared.” Reid admitted, curling up and seeming to shrink. “And that’s okay.” Morgan said, gently. “No! No it’s not!!!” Reid cried. “Fear leads to the Dark Side!!!” “But it’s also human.” Gideon said, gently. “And if you are afraid to feel fear… well then… you are LIVING in fear. And you are that much closer to straying down the Dark Path again.” Reid stared at the man, shock in his eyes. But then he bowed his head, hiding them in his knees which he was hugging to his chest. And as he began to cough between sniffles, Hotch rubbed his back.
Two hours later, Eris Strauss, Eesa K’Tal and Tarash Virr approached Hotch’s room. When they opened the door, they found Hotch’s entire team in the little sitting room. They were all asleep. Seaver was sprawled out on the floor by the chair where David Rossi sat, head back and snoring. Emily was asleep lounging in her chair, Morgan on the floor leaning against it, and Garcia cuddled up against him. JJ was nestled in the corner of the sofa, and Jordan was asleep on the floor near her. And on the other side of the sofa, Hotch and Reid were fast asleep leaning into one another, Reid curled up in an impossibly small ball, his knees tucked into his chest, arms wrapped around his torso and head tucked down. Hoch’s arms were draped around the small body, and JJ was leaning her head on Reid’s arm.
“I told you.” Master K’Tal said, smiling at the sight. “I’m not wholly convinced he can be trusted…” Strauss sighed. “I sense much fear in him.” “Of course you do. His last two years have been filled with fear. Stop being paranoid and give him time.” Master Virr snorted, also smiling as he Saw the team. “This is where he needs to be, not locked up in a cold cell all by himself. We’re not going to be sending him out on any missions for quite some time. He needs to settle in. He will remain here where the Order can watch him. So calm yourself.” “I don’t know about you, but I will sleep well tonight, knowing the Padawan is back where he belongs.” Eesa K’Tal said, closing the door and walking away. “As will I, Eesa. As will I.” Master Virr agreed, and after a moment, Strauss headed to her room as well.While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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