The Glass Abyss: Mace Windu Contemplates the Return of the Sith
The death of Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace was more than just a tragic loss for the Jedi Order; it served as a brutal awakening, a stark reminder that the Sith, long believed to be extinguished, had returned to the galaxy. This seismic event, barely hinted at in the film, is explored in profound detail in Steven Barnes’s upcoming novel, The Glass Abyss, which follows Mace Windu in the immediate aftermath of Jinn’s funeral. This excerpt offers a unique perspective on the Jedi Master’s internal turmoil as he grapples with the implications of this resurgence, his feelings about Qui-Gon, and a final, unexpected request from the deceased Jedi.
The novel begins with a poignant contrast. The idyllic beauty of Naboo’s royal cemetery, "lush and green and peaceful," sharply juxtaposes Mace’s inner conflict. The setting, a place of honor for Naboo’s warriors, ironically highlights Qui-Gon’s unconventional nature, a subtle foreshadowing of the internal struggles within the Jedi Order itself. Mace’s internal monologue reveals the true weight of the situation: "His face may have been peaceful, but his heart roiled with the realization of the real implications of Qui-Gon’s death: the return of the Sith."
While outwardly participating in the funeral proceedings, Mace finds himself distanced from the heartfelt eulogies delivered by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan’s words, though sincere and true, offer little comfort. Mace, known for his practical and pragmatic approach to the Force, focuses on the strategic implications: "So their adversaries were not the immortal monsters some feared, but creatures of flesh and bone. Flesh could be seared, and bones broken…" This observation, though seemingly straightforward, highlights a crucial shift in the Jedi’s understanding of their enemy. The Sith are not mythical beings, but tangible threats that can be defeated through tactical prowess and combat.
This pragmatic lens is further underscored by Mace’s interactions with Master Yoda. Even a subtle hint of Yoda’s disapproval is enough to pull Mace back to the present. This moment underlines the inherent respect and the implied tension between Mace, a powerful and independent Jedi Master, and Yoda, the Grand Master, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Jedi Council.
The ceremony continues, with the symbolic act of raising lightsabers, a moment of unity amidst immense grief. However, even this ritual fails to fully engage Mace’s emotions. His detachment stems not from coldness, but from his analytical nature, observing the political undercurrents woven into the ceremony. Queen Amidala’s speech, while heartfelt, is ultimately viewed by Mace as political maneuvering: "Even in one so young, the familiar cadences of politicking had been learned by heart. Politicians were necessary, he understood, but politics was not his natural mode of thought and emotion." This observation reveals Mace’s inherent distrust in political machinations, believing it to be a far cry from the Jedi’s path of selflessness and unwavering commitment to the Force. He further reflects on the dangers of power and influence within the Senate, asserting that "Power might not corrupt absolutely, but it was like sun and rain, facilitating the growth of whatever lurked in a soul’s shadows. Mastery of the Force was already temptation enough." This sentiment showcases a profound understanding of the corrupting nature of power, a theme that will undoubtedly play a significant role in the unfolding narrative.
The only part of the funeral that truly resonates with Mace is the final Jedi ritual, the cremation of Qui-Gon’s body. This moment of collective meditation, focusing their energy on Qui-Gon’s transition into the Force, taps into Mace’s inner calm, a state frequently misinterpreted as detachment. The ritual reflects the core tenet of Jedi belief and offers Mace a moment of genuine connection with his fallen friend. It’s clear, then, that this calm is less detachment and more a focused composure cultivated through years of rigorous training. While enemies had mistaken this calm for weakness and paid dearly resulting in the loss of those enemies, more future battles will shape Mace further.
However, Mace’s peace is short-lived. The concluding lines underscore the gravity of the situation: "Something was coming, he had no doubt. The return of the Sith portended greater conflicts ahead. And the Jedi had just lost one of their stoutest allies." This revelation sets the stage for the events of The Glass Abyss. The death of Qui-Gon is not just a personal tragedy but a critical turning point signifying the onset of a new era of conflict and uncertainty for the Jedi Order.
The excerpt then concludes with Mace withdrawing from the public mourning, preferring solitude to the expressions of grief. This is consistent with Mace’s personality, highlighting his preference for action and introspective reflection over overt displays of emotion. He leaves the spectacle, not insensitive to the loss, but driven by a sense of anticipation and an understanding that the impending conflict demands his immediate and undivided attention.
The novel promises a thoughtful and introspective exploration of Mace Windu—his struggles with Qui-Gon’s unorthodox approach to the Force and his internal grappling with the return of the Sith. Yet it also promises a thrilling adventure, as Mace embarks on a mission, driven by a final message from Qui-Gon himself, introducing a previously unseen planet, Metagos, and the challenges it will present. The Glass Abyss looks to reveal a dimension of Mace unseen in the films while providing a critical bridge between the events of The Phantom Menace and the larger saga of the Clone Wars. The return of the Sith is inevitable, but the path to confronting this new threat will be profoundly shaped by the complex emotions and strategic decisions of Mace Windu, one of the Jedi Order’s most formidable and enigmatic members. The novel promises to delve deeply into the internal conflicts within the Jedi Order, a vital counterpoint to the broader galactic conflict that is rapidly approaching. This promises to be a significant contribution to the Star Wars canon, offering a deeper understanding of events between films and one of the most respected Jedi Masters in the order.
