I’ve been reading this awesome Star Wars fanfic, The Protégé, written by @spell-cleaver, and it really inspired me to draw some fanart! This scene is from chapter 4, where Luke and Leia are having some bonding time XDD

If y’all are interested, the fanfic’s premise is that Luke is raised by the Naberries, becomes the Senator of Naboo, and is sent to work in the Senate while Padmé is Empress and Vader is her bodyguard. The political intrigue and character relationships are amazing! Thank you so much SpellCleaver for your work!! While I wait in anticipation for the next update, please accept this humble offering as a token of my appreciation <333

Misc quotes about the Jedi Order.

"The one exception to Coruscant's predominant art deco style is the Jedi Temple. Lucas wanted the place where the Jedi to have a sacredness to it, as well as a daunting dose of grandeur. As a result, the Jedi complex is a bit Gothic, a bit pyramidal, and a but Chinese Forbidden City. - Jonathan Bresman, The Art of Star Wars: Episode I, 1999

"In contrast to the corporate coldness of the senate building, the Jedi Council architecture was designed to suggest a place of worship, a place that was both religious and monumental. For reference, Chiang took pictures of monuments from various cultures, then exaggerated their shapes and heights in his drawings." - Laurent Bouzereau & Jody Duncan, The Making of Star Wars: Episode I, 1999

NOTE: Just pointing out that the Temple isn't meant to represent an "ivory tower indicative of the Jedi's arrogance", but a place of worship which contrasts with the building housing the arrogant corporate elite.

The symbol of good in the galaxy, the sacred Jedi Temple is a hybrid of Gothic, art deco, and ancient Chinese and Egyptian architecture. [...] Inspired by the TransAmerica pyramid and the rest of the San Francisco skyline, Chiang and Natividad designed the temple complex to be distinctly different than the rest of Coruscant." - Jonathan Bresman, The Art of Star Wars: Episode I, 1999

"At one point during the Episode I design, we were thinking of the Jedi as lone samurai. They were going to be like a police force. But they evolved into the peacekeeping force they are in [The Phantom Menace]." - Iain McCaig, The Art of Star Wars: Episode II, 2002

"George wanted the Jedi Knights to represent the variety of sentient life in the Star Wars universe. We decided to use and upgrade many of the character designs for the Podrace arena crowds from Episode I." - Doug Chiang, The Art of Star Wars: Episode II, 2002

"The emperor's outpost on the [Second] Death Star is a tall spire. It's reminiscent of- when you see the first three trilogies- of the Jedi temple. In this case, the- there's one spire on the Death Star and the Jedi temple's got five spires." - George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode VI, Commentary Track, Special Edition DVD, 2004

NOTE: I love this one, personally: a symbolism that indicates the Jedi find strength in unity, while the Sith are all about putting themselves above everybody else.

"[The Jedi] should be a much more diverse group. You should have aliens in there, more exotic-looking people. [When casting background for Attack of the Clones], you gotta mix it up more." - George Lucas, Creating the Worlds of Star Wars - 365 Days, 2005

NOTE: This is in reference to something that had been done for the casting of Jedi extras in The Phantom Menace: they simply grabbed ILM staff and put Jedi robes on them. George explained that they need to vary the looks, which is partially why he decided to add Aayla Secura to the next film, played by - you guessed it - an ILM production assistant named Amy Allen!

"An additional redress of the Jedi Council chamber was the original Mace Windu office. But this set was abandoned when we moved the scene to a more monk-like meditation room. George didn't like the idea of Mace sitting at a big executive desk, because the Jedi seemed too terrestrial-based, too much part of a bureaucracy." - John Knoll, Creating the Worlds of Star Wars - 365 Days, 2005

NOTE: Look at that, George went out of his way and discarded a whole set-up simply because he wanted to make it clear that Jedi are not mired in bureaucracy, they're spiritual as all hell.

"One of the things that Dave [Filoni] has been sort of adamant about is that the Jedi are not super-heroes, they don’t have these, like, limitless powers, there’s certain things they can do and certain things they can’t." - Killian Plunkett, TCW: “Hostage Crisis” Featurette, 2009

Star Wars the Clone Wars: Bloodline

The Essence of Time : Chapter 1

Timeline: 22BBY

Summary: 10 Years passed since the Invasion of Astra; After her daring journey through life at this point with her little sister Cersi, Her newly acquired skills suddenly became valuable bringing GenoVera head to head with her greatest enemy. War. 

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: angst?

Rating: SFW

Notes:

*Kriff- A curse word in the StarWars universe

The city was never dull. The glistening lights from the mega structures that sprout from deep within Coruscant core shouted with color as thousands of air speeders and starships flew just above the skyline; twinkling, as dawn began to rise. Vera entered into deep thought, peering into the distance.. watching. Since the clone wars began nearly 2 months ago, Vera's constantly reminded of what war brings and the pain she felt since and sadly, continued to grow. Since the Invasion of Astra, echos of her thoughts buzzed about uncertainty for what the future will hold and it often plagued her mind but everything here was untouched by it. Coruscant was her freedom, and she intended to keep it that way. 

Peering through the windows of the GAR headquarters, the room she was in was so quiet- you could hear a clip fall on the floor. Her mind began to bubble as to why she was ever called here in the first place, 'The Galactic Army of the Republic huh?', She thought to herself wondering if her identity was finally uncovered. The silence was almost enticing, slicing down to her nerves. What would the Galactic Army of the Republic want with a civvie doctor? She stood still, arms folded, gazing upon dawn... contemplating how she ended up in this position and as she began to drift off into deep thought, the blaster door swished open introducing the grand entry of 3 Jedi Knights who walked into the room. Vera turns, nerves pinging, preparing to introduce herself. She placed her hand gently over her chest and slightly bowed, "Dr. Vera Cross, its a pleasure to meet you-", the Jedi knight with golden hair and a well trimmed beard steps up to her first engulfing the opportunity to show his honorable side, "Im very pleased to meet you Doctor. Allow us to introduce ourselves-", he softly grazed his chest with his hand, "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi.", before turning to another jedi who seemed oddly familiar, "This here is-", being abruptly interrupted by the Jedi he began pointing too, "Anakin Skywalker-", the Jedi exclaimed as he gently grabbed Veras hand and raised it to his lips, "-a pleasure to meet you", he bends nearly eye-level to her, his icy blue eyes peering into hers as his wavy hair falls gently across his temples. 

'Did he just kiss my hand?..', she thought, shocked by the endearment wondering how many times this actually worked to gain favor. "Please excuse him-", a tall man with darker skin approached putting his hand on Anakin's shoulder, prompting him to let go of her hand. He seemed wise, maybe the wisest out of all of them. Skywalker released her from his gentle grip leaving Vera with slightly blushing cheeks, "-I am Mace Windu", the stoic man voiced. Vera nodded her head in respect to Skywalker and proceeded to shake Windus hand, "Its a pleasure to meet you all..", She calmly said still blushing from Skywalkers debut. 

"Im glad you're here Doctor please, have a seat", Master Windu voiced guiding his hand towards the table indicating that the meeting was about to start. Vera's whirlwind thoughts began to take hold leading to even more questions beginning with why 3 Master Jedi's arranged this meeting with her, specifically. After everyone took their seats, she was the only person on one half of a 6 seated table 'this is beginning to feel like a interrogation', Vera insisted at this point. "Now that the introductions are out of the way, Dr. Cross.. Im sure you're wondering why we asked you here to the G.A.R." Obi-Wan began his explanation, "You have an impressive background if I do say so myself..", he began to stroke his beard, "Yes, Miss Cross we asked you here because we are in dire need of battle medics-", Master Windu continued, "your experience fits exactly what we need to aid in this war." Veras buttons were already pushed. War, all everyone cares about it the war, something she sincerely despises. "Is this you trying to recruit me?", she interrupted annoyed that she had to cancel 3 surgeries today just to repeat her answer. "The Senate has already sent me a holo about this. My answer still remains. No, Im sorry". Her annoyance was already exceeding its limits as she stood up to bow to the Jedi trying not to be too disrespectful, "I apologize that you had to waste time calling me here, but my answer is firm and I want no part in the war. Please enjoy the rest of your day". 

She began to walk away as Master Skywalker grabs her shoulder. Looking back, the glare of a morning sunrise already made its debut to shine across a city made of iron and stone. 'sigh only a few more hours remain before I need to return to work. What else do they need from me',  "Vera-" he says almost pleadingly, "please hear us out". Vera turned and took a few steps back wondering if she should actually stay and hear them out or leave and get some much needed rest before her actual duties. "Listen, I understand I helped with the age acceleration for your troopers however I only helped and my skills are needed here on Coruscant, nothing more.", She proceeded to fold her arms to prevent Anakin from making anymore sudden moves. "Dr. Cross.", Master Windu States, "We need you to spearhead the Combat Medic teams. Our soldiers are still young and can use experience from a seasoned Doctor", Master Windu pulled out a holo protector out of his pocket projecting an entire rap sheet of her previous expeditions, "Even at your age, you were at the battle of Genosis... You fought for and protected a lot of our men and the republic. Not only that but you studied under the Kaminoins and aided in the development of the clones, even assisted in the evacuation of Naboo. Your expertise in training our medics will go a long way in the war. You will only be training and ranked under supervisory captain of the medical unit. Once you believe the troopers are trained enough you can return to Coruscant". The room was still. The three Jedi trying to convince her of the benefits it would leave not only them but her as well. Once they had finished talking about the entirety of the job they left Vera in her thoughts, 'Everything you done to help prevent war pulled you right into it... good job dummy',  

"Well..." Vera Continued, "This is a lot to ask. Is this.. time sensitive?", she questioned as the Jedi looked amongst themselves ,"Time is of the essence", Obi-Wan exclaimed, "If you feel as if you're not up to the task. We can search somewhere else", Master Skywalker said sheepishly. Overall, you can cut the tension with the knife. Vera felt slightly irritated at Skywalkers comment but she knew no other doctor on Coruscant had the experience she’s had. She may be 24 but the experience under her belt far exceeded the age she was at. It was very apparent that they wanted her and only her, otherwise she wouldn't be the only one here. "However-", Master Windu interrupted looking at Skywalker angrily "We would prefer you. No one else has the level of experience or knowledge we need...", 

'exactly, at least someone said it'.

Vera could feel the anticipation of them wanting her to say yes but still, she couldn't help but wonder If being in the military is the right step towards her true goal. 'Will this be beneficial to become head general surgeon when I return? Ill never have to leave again...', Her goals seemed limitless and the possibilities of opportunities will be more than endless if she returned a seasoned veteran. But then again.. its war and she swore she wouldn't put herself or her sister through that again. "I would like to have a few days to think about it. I'll contact you in 2 rotations?", Vera stated not knowing exactly what she'd be getting into and at that point, the twinkling lights were no more, just the golden warmth of the sun piercing the room while the silence seeped into the office. 'Damn its almost mid morning. so much for sleep'.  She unfolded her arms as the Jedi asked her to step outside of the room. Nodding in acknowledgment, she stepped into the hallway and leaned on the opposing wall from the door, admiring the aesthetic of the military building/  'I wish we had these lights in the hospital we would see so much better,  but of course the government spends more on war than their own people.' Everything was a hustle, chatter filled her ears and with the many clones and GAR personnel walking passed her she wondered if this could this be her new life? Seeing the same face every day watching these men throw away their lives and not being able to live by their own choices? Which was honestly something she understood the most. The project on Kamino... Hell she didn't think it would be for this. There was too much uncertainty which is why she and her sister left in the first place. 'kriff', she thought 'I don't know if I can watch these men throw their lives away...It just not right.'  However, she knew that in fact her skills can help them and it was the least she could do despite her rendering past. It would only be one squad she would train, they would teach others throughout the grand army. Would it be so bad to take a year from the towering sculptures of the Iron City? It was a dream of hers to travel the stars and see what not many others cant. She supposed that, it was indeed a benefit for herself yet would she be able to handle such things since her own experience with war? And as she stood there completely lost in her thoughts, she brought her eyes back up to gaze at the headquarters changing the subject in her mind to protect the fragility of her pain. 

Looking at all these clones, she couldn't help but think about how handsome they all turned out to be, 'Jango Fett was a perfect DNA donor'. She thought looking back at her experience from Kamino. She smiled bringing her head down thinking about the first generation clones. Despite their creation, each soldier walking past with their broad shoulders were each unique in their own ways. Different hair styles, scars, tattoos... Each and everyone of them carried their own. Which was oddly pleasing to her. 

Time seemed slow but it had almost been ten minutes, Vera checked her watch only to notice three men standing just a few feet from the door. She looked at them admiring their bulky figures of their plastoid, 'were they made to be so..buff, or is that the armor?', she thought taking glances here and there while she waits. Looking at the clones, she couldn't help but think about how handsome they all turned out to be, 'Jango Fett was a perfect DNA donor'. She smiled bringing her head down thinking about the first generation clones. Despite their creation, each soldier walking past with their broad shoulders were each unique in their own ways. Different hair styles, scars, tattoos... Each and everyone of them carried their own. Which was oddly pleasing to her. However, one did capture her eye among the 3 that stood close... He was, different, Much different than the others. He had blonde hair and his eyes were like beautiful honey pods, nearly Astrian in a way, which reminded her of her people. A wave of emotions began to overtake her some of which she didn't particularly understand. 'Wow', she stared at him completely 'he's so....-',  her thought swiftly cut off because this specific clone looked back at her, catching her eyes.. she quickly looked away and began to blush. 'kriff.. he totally caught me... is he? staring back?',  She for stood nearly 5 minutes embarrassed as she feels his gaze upon her but in all actuality he was just as curious of this new person as the other two.

 "Who's that Rex", said the man with the brown markings on his armor , "Not sure Ponds...", he responded. The other man with yellow markings took his helmet off, "To answer your question, her name is Vera Cross. She's a doctor and may become the next medic trainer", the two men looked at Commander Cody, shocked that the Jedi would want a civvie doctor instead of one of their own. What was the point of them on the front lines if they were going to hire people from general public? Rex and Commander Ponds smiled at each other, "well I hope she joins my battalion.." exclaimed Ponds mischievously grinning in her direction. "Don't get your hopes up brother, she doesn't look like the type to be into us", Rex said as all three of them glanced at her.

The door opens and all three of the Jedi stepped out. She stood at attention along with the soldiers who were nearby- "we will await your answer", Master Windu stated before bowing to take his leave. He signaled one of the three men, the one with brown armor, to follow him. The trooper walked passed her applying a sly grin, 'what in the world was that for?', Vera faced the other two Jedi, "I hope you consider this position Dr. Cross, you are very much needed and will be taken care of immensely", Obi-wan stated and bowed "Again it was a pleasure to meet you", he took his leave and began to walk towards the soldier in yellow signaling for him to follow as they headed down the hall. It was only Skywalker and... Damn, the blonde haired clone. Veras heart began to race as the young trooper walked up to Skywalker and her. This clone in particular.... Her eyes buzzed with curiosity the more she looked. Like why in the world was his hair blonde and why is he so... I don't know... stoic? He knew she was staring but shared the same curiosity and as the sun hitting the right side of his face through the broad open windows of the GAR, the glow of the afternoon sun accentuated his jawline adding definitive lines for her to look at... 'oh my..' Vera thought slightly intimidated by his size, she was very small compared to him and the Jedi but his features and his body language. She was attracted to him nonetheless. She couldn't help but stare and unluckily for her Skywalker noticed, sensing her admirability.

"Sir!", he stood at attention, perfect form, perfect posture... "At ease Captain", Anakin stated introducing his captain to her. Anakin smirked using the feelings he knew she had to his advantage "Captain Rex, This is Doctor Vera Cross, hopefully our new Combat Medic”, Rex nodded not uttering a single word. She began to introduce herself by gently placing her hand on her chest offering the same greeting as the Jedi. "Vera Cross, you can call me Doctor, Dr. Cross, or Cross", she place her hand directly in front of him, "Its a pleasure to meet you, sir", he responded shaking her hand before she suddenly stepped forward glaring at him, "Don't ever call me sir again... understood?", he looked down to her meeting her serious gaze. Slightly flustered that a woman of all people could be so frightening. Anakin smiled at the statement realizing that not only would she be a great fit for his team but a feisty women to keep his captain in check.  “My apologies doctor, duly noted", Rex responded sheepishly releasing himself from her grip to step back to Anakin's side who was determined to get Rex to open her perspective. "Captain Rex please escort the Doctor back to her speeder", Rex nodded and turned to Vera pointing his hand down the hallway, "This way.. Doctor", his low husky voice sent a shiver throughout her body noticing that even his voice was different than his brothers. She quickly learned in that moment that maybe calling her sir would've been better. Either way, he throws her off her game and she was not liking that fact at all. 

She proceeded to follow the Captain through the GAR. It was buzzing~ Trooper here, trooper there, Jedi conversing with other civvies who worked on behalf of the GAR, the headquarters was really something. Although the awkward silence between the two of them got to a point of discomfort, I mean he did catch her staring at him AND she did get on his ass for calling her sir but again... uncomfortable. "So Combat Medic huh?", he asks trying to break the ice and cut through the silence.  "Yes.. apparently", she responds not adding any further. They come up to the elevator and realize the gates are still quite a few stories away. "You should seriously consider", he exclaimed standing shoulder to shoulder, pressing the button to go downstairs. The seriousness in his voice made it seem like its more of a deep routed issue but then again... She suspected thats just how he is and if she was going to make a decision anytime soon, she needed to know. "Why do you need a trainer so bad? What the Kaminoins didn't teach you guys anything?"

He looked at her as she witnessed all the happiness withdrawn from his spark and could tell how annoyed he was at the comment, the fire in his eyes... She's definitely seen that before, "Were grown in a tube doctor-", he replies sternly making eye contact with her, "-you may have been there at the beginning of clone development, but you'll never begin to understand what we go through before we are thrown into a galaxy like this. Our training is holograms, our experiences is reusable droids and scripted battle simulations-", Vera tried to cut him off to apologize but the Captain was in the root of his statement and wasn't backing down, "Captain, I never meant-", he interrupted her, taking a step closer to ensure the seriousness of his words, "I understand that civvies will assume we get the best but you are wrong. We're created to serve the republic, we don't get choices like you. Don't assume otherwise- Doctor.", Vera felt defeated as she realized the truth in his words. Despite being genetically modified and created, they were made for one thing. War. They experience fear and pain, death and suffering the same as everyone else but no one acknowledges that. Being brought to life just to serve that purpose? She sighed... as her memories began to rise and the screams of her people echoed through her mind of that day. Sadness became her in that moment realizing that the clones... experience what she felt, everyday. She took a deep breath trying to reign in her emotions and apologized for her tone deaf statement, "Im sorry, I didn't intend to offend you. Your lives matter and training does come from experience. Better to learn if from a person with real experience than holograms". She looked down to her feet still picturing the images of her family fall. The pain was overwhelming and leaked out of her like bad B.O. Rex felt this pain and left the conversation how it was. 

-DING-

The elevator arrived with everyone who was inside scurrying away. He went into the elevator first feeling guilty of the conversation they had just seconds ago. He knew she felt his and his brothers pain it was written all over her face when he finished grilling her, which left him just as curious and between that moment and the front doors, there was only silence. He points towards the giant blaster doors just a few feet away from where they stopped, "Through the doors and you'll see security. They'll open the main Gates for you", Vera felt sadden by what transpired and she didn't feel right leaving things how they were but, she also didn't know how to fix it. Being in the civilian world proved rough for her especially with understanding feelings because she never really had them herself... besides sadness. She stared at the blaster doors before looking up to a softened Captain, “Thank you Captain Rex, I wish you well”, she took a few steps forward before looking back to see that he was gone, completely vanished into the crammed atmosphere of the GAR. 

Walking through the blaster doors, she paced towards the gates and the guards let her through as she proceeded to the parking area. "Im so stupid...,  she whispered to herself before jumping into her air-speeder gazing at the headquarters of the GAR. Something about that place gave her a piece of excitement she hasn’t had in a long time but most importantly, she wondered about meeting the Captain again even though he probably hated her at this point. 'sigh, maybe he'll forget about it but.. I guess it doesn't matter, I'll probably never see him again'. She pointed her speeder to the next airway, the sun at its mid peak and proceeded home. Will she join the GAR? Or will she walk away and continue to live the life she’s in now. So many questions with so little time. 

“Time is of the essence”, she whispered to herself as she began to speed away to her villa pondering on her next move. 

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