The Never Ending Disappointment of Star Wars Battlefront

Eight months ago we finally received a new Star Wars Battlefront game. The anticipation was just about as intense as I have seen when it comes to new video games.

I can remember other big video game releases in which it seemed like everyone was beyond excited for its eventual arrival.

Unfortunately, when the game dropped the enthusiasm would inevitably follow as over time more of us began to realize how disappointing the gameplay was.

As it has been mentioned a million times Battlefront is a carbon copy of Battlefield.

The lives of the characters are expendable, there’s no real strategy to playing and luck seems to be more valuable than skill.

What’s even more maddening is I believe Battlefield games are 10x better than Battlefront!

The fact that the environment is in play as in some buildings and other materials are capable of being leveled is fantastic.

In the world of Star Wars Battlefront, you shoot a powerful rocket launcher at small crates and nothing happens besides a small little black mark.

In Battlefield you get the fantastic option of customizing your weapon’s add-ons to increase its power. In Battlefront whatcha got is what ya got…

Not to mention the fact that Battlefront was released with four maps!

To be fair, the expansion packs have been very entertaining and interesting to say the least but you know what? You had to dish out some serious dough for that! Not cool!

Just look at this graphic as this version of Battlefront is compared with the old one…

How ridiculous and offensive is that? The obnoxiousness is endless!

Maybe one of my biggest gripes with Battlefront is the fact that there are so many useless game modes.

The way I see it, if it’s not supremacy, sabotage, occasional walker assault and once in a blue moon fighter squadron, it’s not worth playing.

It’s also pretty clear that the original blueprints for Battlefront as in games one and two that were released in ’05 and ’06 were consulted for about 10 minutes…

What irks me too is the changing of the way bases are captured.

In the old days of Battlefront, the game would start and you could immediately go after your opponent’s main base. Not only was it more difficult and took longer to convert to one of your own but if you did complete the task of taking the base, you would have a serious advantage.

This game gives you one option: one base at a time…

Awful. God awful.

The creativity, the strategy and the free-flowing play all went out the window.

This version of Star Wars Battlefront has about only one advantage on the old ones and that’s graphics and sounds.

There’s no denying the stunning aesthetics of this game. The colors are vibrant, the explosions are epic and the sounds throughout the game are very impressive.

But besides that, I honestly can’t think of much more they got right.

Okay maybe the additions of new hero and villain characters such as Dengar, Nien Nunb, Greedo and Lando are awesome, I won’t deny that.

But man, DICE really dropped the ball on this one.

As the DLC continues to be released, I find myself constantly thinking “will they just change the game to the old one already?”

I know I’m slightly ranting here but I also find it mind-numbing that the old school classic look of the scoring bar was taken out completely.

It was so simple yet so effective and perfect. The system now with just bases and time is played out.

I also think some of the Hutt contracts are useless and too difficult to get.

The quest you must endure to unlock some of these items are painstakingly annoying!

I just want to unlock new guns and use them in the heat of battle, not randomly throw smoke grenades or kill an enemy as I’m standing in this specific area or something.

It takes away from the overall idea of you’re playing the video game for fun and not a contest to win.

What separated the new and the old Battlefront games in my eyes however is the fact that one had a form of a story mode or a player vs computer ability as the newer one had an extremely repetitive and boring survival mode.

The recently added game mode of skirmish is severely lacking. It seems that even when DICE goes to fix its problems they still can’t get things right.

For example, I played skirmish walker assault last night and you know what happened? I got the hero icon right away and played as Nien Nunb…I ended up surviving the entire game and going 189 and 0…

You might say that sounds fun and maybe it was at first but you know what? It was pathetically boring.

I guess what I’m trying to say is Battlefront I and II were 10/10 games for me and so many others. This new Battlefront, even with the updates is so weak and seems to stay on the same level of disappointing.

It’s way too one dimensional as it’s lacking so much material that was there over 10 years ago!

They could have simply taken the old game, upgraded the graphics and added some characters and boom! All would be good.

Another crazy mishap that Battlefront boasts is the restrictions of having original trilogy-based characters only…

Now I understand that supposedly DICE was not granted permission to use Episode VII characters but what happened to the prequel heroes and villains!?

It’s well documented that many Star Wars fans took exception to Episodes I-III (which is crazy in itself) but the characters in those movies are epic and deserve to be everywhere.

From Darth Maul and General Grievous to Plo Koon and Mace Windu, it’s painful to not see them in this game.

Just spoof up the graphics and let the awesomeness commence!

As for now, I guess we’ll just have to settle for what we’ve got: a mediocre moneymaker that has the title of “Star Wars” on it.

I’ve always been an eternal optimist but in this case it’s pretty difficult.

Here’s to better games in the future! Please!

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

Official Sith Pacify Power Rankings: #11

The 11th character for the Official Sith Pacify Power Rankings is…Mace Windu!

Mace Windu Overall = 94

The Korun we know as Mace Windu exemplified the true nature of the Jedi.

As a member of the High Council and second in command to only Yoda, Mace Windu was about as epic as epic can be.

His understanding of the times were revolutionary as he saw to engage and bring peace by force, if the situation called for that.

Not only did he personally create one of if not the most complicated, diabolical and dangerous lightsaber combat styles in Vaapad (Form VII) but he is universally known as the strongest duelist within the Jedi during his time.

Although he was spectacularly scintillating with a lightsaber, he was almost just as powerful with the Force.

Born with the innate ability to recognize shatterpoints within individuals as well as inanimate objects, he was able to perceive the fault lines and directly influence them.

It was at the Battle of Genosis in which Windu was forever changed.

In witnessing the vanquishing of hundreds of Jedi Knights, he returned from the Outer Rim as a broken man.

Never again to be the same, Mace Windu fully embraced the attitude of warrior in which he selflessly went out and explicitly performed his duty all in the name of the Republic.

Three years after the Battle of Geonosis, Mace Windu would be infamously struck down by a ironic combination of Darth Sidious and Anakin Skywalker.

Characteristics

• Swordsman (Strength, 98/100)- There have been some pretty damn good Force-users with a lightsaber but Mace Windu is right up there with the best. Not only was he able to create a new style of lightsaber combat, but he mastered it! So many tried to follow him in this path of perfecting Form VII yet some turned to the Dark Side as others perished. Not only was he an amazing duelist, he had an awesome saber with a unique amethyst crystal!
• Ways of the Force (Strength, 94/100)- Mace Windu is a warrior, make no mistake about it. It’s no coincidence that his abilities portrayed in the Force benefit his combatant-like status. His usage of the Force during combat was the perfect compliment to his style. It truly accentuated his prowess with a lightsaber as well as his experience of the martial arts. But what sets him apart from other strong Force-users is his shatterpoint capabilities. This skill allowed Windu to save lives, win battles and topple oppressive regimes.
• No Nonsense Attitude (Strength, 90/100)- It’s worth noting that Mace Windu didn’t care what people thought of him. He was about his business and with such temperament came the indispensable ability to read people. I think he is viewed as a stone-faced, cold man when in reality that may be true yet he is so much more and deserves such recognition. His repertoire includes discipline, intelligence, experience and trust.  All these traits played a major role in the outing of the Dark Lord, Darth Sidious. Of course Anakin’s confirmation was the final straw but many other top ranking Jedi began to suspect the Supreme Chancellor’s office in having ulterior motives. Windu was staunch in his criticism of the Chancellor as the Clone Wars dragged on. I think it’s remarkable how he never really trusted Anakin with all his being throughout their time in the Jedi Order and yet in the end, it was Skywalker himself who directly had a hand in his death. His suspicions of Palpatine were unduly confirmed with Mace’s loss of life to the man himself.
• Loyalty (Strength, 92/100)- As a Jedi of superior status, Mace Windu boasted the strongest and most intense dedication out of any Jedi within the Order. He was all about service and understood that his life was just a small cog in the mighty machine that is the Republic. He regarded the Republic as his number one love and ended up being martyred in his attempt to protect it.
• Trust (Weakness, 67/100)- It’s ironic and rare for a strength to be a weakness as well. Mace Windu was a prolific judge of character in people but he went too far with Anakin Skywalker. It is my opinion that so much conflict and tumultuous terror could have possibly been avoided. Of course it’s impossible to know for sure but if he just gave Anakin the assurance and faith that he so desperately desired, who knows what could have happened.

Intangibles 

• Vaapad (Strength, 99/100)- Mace Windu’s most deadliest weapon was his invaluable and dynamite-like usage of Vaapad. Very few Jedi are able to take advantage of their emotions and manipulate them to their advantage. Mace Windu was one of these individuals. His usage of the fighting style gave him a dominance over practically any opponent he ever faced. This skill was truly the difference maker in Mace Windu’s nature of engagement.

Final Word

This one was very tough for me. When I originally started to compile this list, I had Mace Windu in the 5-7 range. Unfortunately, I had to bump Windu up but his accomplishments still will receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. I don’t know how many people have realized that Mace Windu was a slash of his lightsaber away from being one of the most influential and important Jedi of all time. If he did kill Sidious in their duel, he’d be vaulted to incredible heights. Sadly he lost and the Galaxy fell into darkness. Nonetheless, the legend that is Mace Windu will never be forgotten. From his iconic stare, to his artistic skill with a lightsaber, Windu is a pillar of light through and through.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Disney Got Wrong

When Disney took control of Star Wars, many fans were reasonably troubled.

Some who didn’t like the Prequels and many of George Lucas’ ideas (these people annoy me) welcomed this new change of direction.

But for the most part, people were a bit wary.

For me, it was a frightening concept to relinquish the mindset of George Lucas no longer being in control.

What calmed this transition for many of us was the announcement of Episodes VII, VIII and IX.

Since before Disney, we weren’t sure if there would EVER be another Star Wars movie!

However, with this announcement many fans, myself included, were worried on how the movies would come out.

But as time went on and some concepts and ideas were leaked, which were extremely few, we all exhaled and were able to relax.

As of now, about a month and two weeks after the release of The Force Awakens, life with Disney at the helm of Star Wars seems pretty darn good.

No complaints right?

Well, I have one…

At some point last year the following statement from Disney was released.

It was announced relatively recent that as of As of April 25th, 2014, the only previously published materials that are considered canon  are the six Star Wars films and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series and film, while the Expanded Universe is no longer considered canon^[1] and was re-termed as the “Legends” brand. Most Star Wars material released after April 25, 2014—with some exceptions—is composed in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, making it part of the “new canon.”

The good people of Wookiepedia documented that quote which allows us to discuss it.

Before I continue, I have to say this.

First off, I love what Disney has done to Star Wars.

The years leading up to George Lucas selling Star Wars to Disney were cold, lonely times for new material in many different facets of entertainment.

Since Disney took over, they have fully exploited many different revenue streams which in turn has provided maximum enjoyment for the fans.

Now back to this Canon stuff.

The fact that everything before April 2014 is no longer Canon is deeply troubling.

There are so many powerful novels that have been absolutely astounding and now that they’re basically gone is agitating to say the least.

One of the greatest books I have ever read, Star Wars or not was Jame Luceno’s “Darth Plagueis”.

Through his words we learn Palpatine’s rise to power, we discover who this shadowy figure in Darth Plagueis is and we see how their relationship ends.

So now that this is no longer Canon, where do we go from here?

Are we supposed to pretend that Plagueis and Palpatines’ idea of ruling the Galaxy together with Palpatine being the face and Plagueis being in the shadows never existed?

Are we supposed to ignore the fact that Palpatine gruesomely murdered his mother, father and siblings just because they didn’t get along?

How does that work Disney!?

What about all the fantastic tales told during Matthew Stover’s novelization of “Shatterpoint”.

Is all the emotional journeys experienced in that story no more?

If so, and it sure seems that way, what do we really know about Mace Windu?

What about Drew Karpyshyn’s “Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan”?

Is Revan just Star Wars mythology now!?

What about Malak and Malgus, Bane and the Sith Emperor Lord Vitiate?

Are they all no more??

It can’t be!

This is so uncharacteristic of Disney.

Well, maybe not.

I believe the thinking behind this essential wiping out of everything before Episode I is to be able to remake and thus profit from the “new” material.

And I get it.

That’s all fine and dandy except for one small detail…

The most dedicated and educated Star Wars fans have no clarity on what is what now.

You see, clarity is the key word there.

Why is that you might ask?

Only recently did we discover this…and this is important so pay attention.

Some of the material before April 2014 is real and thus considered Canon.

But what!?

How are we supposed to differentiate between Canon and Non-Canon?

I can understand the reasoning behind this as they must be trying to add to some parts that have been previously concluded.

For instance, Supreme Leader Snoke.

Many say that he could be Darth Plagueis.

Well if you’ve read the novel you know that that’s impossible since Plagueis died!

But since it’s no longer Canon, it now is possible.

Regardless of Snoke, in my opinion it is just a giant, sorrowful mistake to say all of this isn’t Canon.

THAT is what Disney got wrong.

Now it’s very immoral to basically tell all the wonderful writers that created such masterful work in Star Wars novelizations that their work is no longer real…

BUT, this is a business after all.

Still, one would think that these writers must feel spurned right?

I know I wouldn’t like to be told that my work is now being disregarded in the grand scheme of things.

You see this could hurt Star Wars in the long run.

Maybe some of these writers feel some type of way towards Disney and decide they no longer want to write about Star Wars.

In the end the fans would suffer.

Now I’m sure if Disney dangled a giant wad of cash to these artists they would reconsider.

But even so, how strong would the material be if their creator’s heart isn’t in it?

That’s what I would think at least.

Well in the end, Disney will do what it wants and that’s fine.

But I would just like some clarity and a defined list on the novels that determines what exactly is still Canon if any of it is.

That’s all.

I’m a huge fan of all the Star Wars novels. I read them every single day.

I would just like Disney to be a bit more responsible and consider the many artists and their work that they just uprooted and hung out to dry.

In my opinion, the fans suffer the most.

And that’s just a shame.

Apparently Leia agrees.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

Why Star Wars Rebels Has Failed to Reach the Popularity of the Clone Wars

Star Wars Rebels returned last Wednesday  from an absence that lasted a couple of months.

Now that everyone has seen the midseason trailer, it’s safe to say the excitement has returned.

Here is the main point. Star Wars Rebels has been a good show but it’s very much below the bar set by Star Wars The Clone Wars.

The level of entertainment that Star Wars: The Clone Wars represents is about as captivating and compelling as anything Star Wars related.

From the very first episode in TCW, the action is tremendous.

But it’s not just all about the action that made this TV series absolutely sensational, it’s the vast and far-reaching storylines that accompanies all the extensive combat scenes.

We see so many different individual backstories that range from Obi-Wan and his past lover, Yoda and his struggle to keep the Order intact, Asajj Ventress trying to find belonging all the way to the many individual worlds in the Galaxy that try to pick sides during the tumultuous times that are the Clone Wars.

THAT is what is at the very core of this show. That is why TCW is so very special.

So, what’s wrong with Rebels?

Let’s get to it.

The Time Period

Rebels takes place 14 years after “Revenge of the Sith” which means the Galaxy is in a relatively quiet lull.

Since those who oppose the Empire and all that it represents are either dead or among the shadows, the opportunity for action is slim.

It’s hard to match TCW series and all its awesomeness when that show takes place right in the middle of a gruesome and bloody war!

The Characters

You see TCW benefited greatly from being in the height of the most complicated, ironic and calamitous time periods within Star Wars history.

Practically every single character was able to be utilized throughout TCW.

Even Darth Maul and Qui-Gon returned to action.

As for Rebels, it’s a different story.

The main characters are, well, I’m just going to put it out there.

They’re pretty bland.

When you compare it to TCW, Rebels doesn’t even come close.

The Lack of Death

I’m a firm believer that TV shows in which the main cast remains alive and well regardless of the circumstances can be great.

I also believe that shows in which no character is safe at any time well, I believe these shows are the extraordinary.

Besides the top players in TCW like Anakin, Kenobi, Mace, Yoda, Palpatine etc. it was fair game on everyone else.

That risk, that idea that any character can be eliminated here or later is what kept the viewer on the edge of his or her seat.

Now with Rebels, it is exceedingly different.

We have seen only one main character die. Literally just one…

Besides the Grand Inquisitor, no other character that has been presented to us has died.

Now there is hope for this trend to end as we only recently discovered that Ezra’s parents, after much speculation, did indeed meet their end.

This might seem cold but that’s what makes good entertaining TV.

In order for Rebels to get on the level of TCW, we must see more of that, we must see more death.

The Slow-Paced Episodes

Throughout the 121 episodes in TCW, I would say only about five episodes were slow.

With that being said, Rebels is almost the opposite.

Now I want to be clear on this.

As I said before, there is a major reason for this. With a major Galaxy-wide conflict going on, TCW would of course be more action-packed.

Nonetheless, the entertainment value tends to suffer if the material is a bit slow.

Thus far, Rebels has been a bit slow.

In order for it to catch the vaunted level of enjoyment TCW has given to us, Star Wars Rebels must pick up the pace.

Why There Is Hope

I might be coming off a bit harsh on Rebels but believe me, I’m a huge fan.

With that being said, I do believe there is strong reason to be optimistic.

Before I continue, I must be fair.

This show has been awesome, it is a great show.

But as the title of this article states, it has not reached the point of TCW…yet.

If you’re reading this than you’re a Star Wars fan.

In that case, I’m sure you’ve seen the midseason trailer for Rebels.

That trailer is exactly why we should expect an uptick in the entertainment.

Things should start to get real crazy for our Rebellion friends.

As the show starts to introduce new and old characters, it certainly is starting to feel a lot like TCW.

From Princess Leia to my personal favorite Darth Maul, we’re in for a treat!

So hold on, be patient and understand this.

From a logical standpoint, Disney is calling the shots and if there is any company within the world that knows how to make money and gather excitement, it’s the Mickey Mouse corporation.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good is a Point of View…or is it?

When I think of the word “good” I think of justice and triumph over evil.

Well, apparently when Chancellor Palpatine thinks of the word, he imagines absolute power and a Galaxy belonging to him.

The scene this post refers to takes place in Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

The setting is at the Galaxies Opera House, one of Palpatine’s favorite venues.

Anakin meets the Chancellor here and thus continues to be corrupted by Palpatine’s propagandist ways.

This brings me to my point.

You see, during this little meeting, the Chancellor and Anakin discuss the Jedi, the Dark Side and even Darth Sidious’ Master, Darth Plagueis.

Palpatine tells Anakin that “All who gain power, are afraid to lose it, even the Jedi”.

Anakin then goes on to defend the Jedi Order saying “The Jedi use their power for good”.

The next line in the conversation is where Palpatine shows his true colors.

His retort to Anakin’s comment is “Good is a point of view Anakin”.

Now to dissect Palpatine’s words is not too difficult. In fact in doing so allows us to see who this man is quite freely.

Normally a man of secrecy, Chancellor Palpatine shows us what he really represents…and it’s not pretty.

You see, when it comes to getting what he wants, Palpatine will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Whether it’s the cold blooded murder of a billion lives on an innocent unsuspecting planet (Alderaan) or the “conform or die” attitude the Empire displays.

This is what he means when he refers to good as a point of view.

In the mind of Palpatine, good means “do anything necessary to get what you want”.

To understand Palpatine’s new order and new Empire, it’s very important to understand this.

Just think about it, do you really think this man thinks it’s a “good” thing to take over the entire Galaxy by force practically enslaving everyone not named Palpatine? Of course not.

He’s a nobleman who is well educated and lived a life of public servitude as a politician.

The irony in it all is that the Jedi Order had it all in front of them the whole time.

If they only trusted Anakin as well as their own intuition, they would have sniffed out the corrupt Republic leader’s plot to overthrow the Jedi and save the Galaxy and all its inhabitants.

As I write this, another thought comes to mind…

What if Palpatine was right when he was talking about the Jedi?

If you recall back to the duel between Sidious and Mace Windu, as the Jedi Master’s blade is at the Dark Lord’s throat, the Sith says to Anakin “The Jedi are taking over!”

Yes, they were taking over to ensure a safe transition to peace for the Republic, but does it really matter?

Was this scene foreshadowed by Palpatine’s statement of “good is a point of view?”

I think so.

It sounds hard to believe but hear me out.

What if Mace Windu killed Palpatine, returned to the Jedi Council and said it’s their time to take over.

Now let’s say, three months down the line, the Jedi are still holding the peace as they’re reigning over the Republic.

Why would they ever give it up? Would they really trust an independent politician for the post? Perhaps they would choose Senator Bail Organa.

Now here’s the problem.

If they did choose Organa, don’t you think he’d basically be a figurehead? Would the Jedi really let him be?

I doubt it.

I think they’re too bold and intricate to allow someone else to make their own decisions out of the fear (and paranoia) of another “bad egg” to come along.

This is why I think what Palpatine said to Anakin in that suite at the opera house has a bigger meaning than just the Sith.

I believe that scene is designed to let the audience in on a little hint, no one is safe from the distinction of good or bad.

After all, a taste of power does funny things to even the most honorable individuals…

-Sith Pacify out

Story Saturday: Picking up the Pieces

The winds were howling outside his window. The room was encased in bleak darkness that seemed impenetrable.

Obi-Wan Kenobi tossed and turned on his bed. His mind was everywhere and yet nowhere, wandering through the galaxy, searching and exploring.

It had been 10 minutes since Kenobi’s eyes left the same spot he regularly stared at. The space on the wall where the concrete swooped up and lifted itself in what was like a peaking island among the waves.

As the minutes began to progress into hours, the young Jedi began to drift off into a demoralized sleep.

Obi-Wan found himself sitting across from his Master in meditation. The image of his master immediately gave Kenobi a sense of calm and created a feeling of perfect serenity.

Qui-Gon Jinn opened his eyes and stared piercingly into Obi-Wan’s.

“He is the chosen one Obi-Wan, you must do what I cannot.” Qui-Gonn said firmly.

Kenobi knew his Master was referring to the freed slave boy that Qui-Gon raved and proclaimed was a savior to the force.

Confused and distraught, Kenobi’s voice felt like it was chained and suppressed, unable to respond.

Finally, mustering up his strength, Kenobi hesitantly replied, “But, Master…you are here. Will you not train the boy?”

All at once, Qui-Gon’s chest arced forward, a grimace of pain on his face as a crimson blade perforated the Jedi Master.

As the blade remained in his midsection, Qui-Gon’s expression of fear disappeared. In its stead, a solemn smile as his eyes met his apprentice’s.

Out of nowhere, a horned monster came into view behind Qui-Gon’s head. A smile of smug content crossed his face.

The last thing Obi-Wan remembered was his own voice shrieking in a mix of astonishment and agony.

Flying up from his bed, Kenobi almost smacked head-first into a young boy leaning over him.

“Master Obi-Wan sir, I heard you yelling from outside. Are you alright?” the youthful Anakin Skywalker timidly said.

Catching his bearings, Obi-Wan scolded his new apprentice for barging in unannounced.

Anakin originally tried to reason with the older Jedi but thought better of it and bashfully apologized.

It had been two weeks since Obi-Wan’s Master was killed. He promised Qui-Gon he would train the boy but he repeatedly questioned his ability as well as the youth’s readiness.

Later that afternoon, Obi-Wan wandered the Jedi temple looking for Master Yoda. He needed some guidance on his dreams.

The loss of Qui-Gon haunted him.

More and more Kenobi found himself calling on the force to help him get through his days as he had little to no sleep since his master’s death.

Kenobi was walking towards Yoda’s usual meditation quarters when he sensed a presence around him that was seeking his own counsel.

All in one motion Kenobi flung himself around to find little Anakin standing behind him, looking up at Obi-Wan with a puzzled look on his face.

“Master Obi-Wan sir, what should I do? I meditated like you asked. Can I walk around with you?”

Feeling more and more annoyed at the boy, Kenobi took a deep breath and steadied himself in the force.

“You really must listen to me more carefully Anakin. I told you to remain in the chamber until I joined you. How are you supposed to learn the ways of the force without centering your mind?” said Obi-Wan with his voice rising.

He could see the boy’s shoulders physically slant and could feel his acknowledgment of his actions.

As much as Obi-Wan disliked his orders to be disobeyed, he knew the boy was just a curious youth.

“Anakin, please do as I say. I only want what is best for you now please, go back to your meditation chamber.”

The boy then responded with a comment that caught Obi-Wan off guard.

“But why? I keep seeing the same images. I keep seeing Master Qui-Gon too.”

At that moment, the boy paused, then looked up at him and said, “Master Obi-Wan, why did Master Qui-Gon die?”

Unsure what to say, Obi-Wan shifted his stance on responding and scolded the boy instead.

After, Anakin reluctantly went on his way to return to his studies.

As Anakin was walking away, a thought came to Kenobi…

What if Anakin was suffering too? After all, Anakin was promised by Qui-Gon to be trained…by him.

Obi-Wan knew he had to provide some kind of comfort, but he just couldn’t.

Kenobi had never been a soothing presence and since he too was suffering from the loss of Qui-Gon, he might be little help to Anakin.

Obi-Wan continued his search for Yoda when it was Yoda who found him.

A inquisitive look was on the aged master’s face.

Yoda told Obi-Wan that he and Master Windu desired his presence.

But for the first time, Yoda told Obi-Wan something he’d never heard before…the conclave between him and the Jedi masters was to be off record.

Obi-Wan walked calmly with Yoda in his usual slow-paced fashion.

As they arrived to the meditation chamber, Master Windu was already waiting.

The Korun master, standing at 6’4, gazed at Obi-Wan with a stoic look. He knew Kenobi was the only Jedi alive to best a Sith.

Not even Master Yoda had encountered a Sith in battle in his long extensive past.

As the three of them ventured inside the chamber, Master Yoda stopped short and paused.

Studying him closely, Master Windu could feel his next move.

“The boy, you feel him too?” Windu said to Yoda.

“Yes, his thoughts, his presence, near they are,” proclaimed Yoda.

Obi-Wan butted in and said, “Well, Masters, I instructed Anakin to meditate. I’m sure he is in his chamber .”

As Obi-Wan finished his sentence, he immediately began to worry and hope that Anakin had obeyed him and would be in deep mediation.

“Obi-Wan, your padawan, bring him here,” Yoda announced.

Kenobi lifted himself from his meditation cushion and made his way to the door. As he activated the door, he was taken back by Anakin’s shocking presence.

Skywalker was standing behind the door, with his head pressed up against the metal, listenting.

The two masters watched him as well as Obi-Wan’s look with great interrest. Seeing how Kenobi would react to his padawan’s actions would be a curious scene.

As Obi-Wan looked down on Anakin, he felt his own face warming and his embarrassment growing.

Obi-Wan knew this was most certainly a test from the Masters as well as an important learning experience for Anakin.

Kenobi began to scold Anakin as he told him exactly what he did wrong and precisely what he should have done when Yoda abruptly interrupted him.

“Anakin, sit with us, you may,” said Yoda in his usual wise manner.

Anakin, without saying a word, apprehensively walked over to the seat beside Yoda.

Now that everything was seemingly settled, Yoda carried on with why he summoned Obi-Wan.

Yoda explained to Kenobi that he had felt his mind through his own meditations. The old master understood what Kenobi was feeling.

“It is understandable that you’re upset, Obi-Wan. But tell me, have you had further observations on your fallen Masters assailant?” Mace Windu said clearly looking for more of an answer than his words let on.

As Obi-Wan took in the question, his thoughts shifted to the dreams he had earlier in the day….

His original thought was to hide that information from Anakin’s ears but thought better of it when he felt Yoda and Mace’s contemplating eyes on him.

As Kenobi retold the tale in great detail, leaving nothing out, Yoda continued to stare at him with no reaction.

When Obi-Wan finished his description of the ordeal, it was Anakin who broke the silence…

“I saw that evil man too, in my dreams, that is,” Anakin shyly stated.

With great anticipation, Master Yoda altered his gaze from Obi-Wan to Anakin. A grim look on his face, Yoda made his intentions clear.

“Young Anakin, know of this, I did. Forseen it, I have. Your reaction is what Master Windu and I required,” Yoda stated prophetically. “The Sith, they have returned, wary we must all be.”

To that comment Mace responded, “A cloud has formed over us all, we must proceed with caution.