A/N: This will be a fairly long story, if it pans out. Definitely AU, but I'll try to stick to canon when possible.
Story takes place post-KotOR II, and ignores any developments made in TOR or any novels since then. Perhaps in the future I'll actually get around to playing TOR.
Star Wars KotOR: The Order Reborn
Coruscant-Four Years Previously.
The sounds of the Grand Convocation Chamber of the Galactic Senate were unusually boisterous as the new Supreme Chancellor entered the room.
Lorne Danakar had joined the Republic Senate three years ago as the junior representative from Corellia. Arriving with no allies, no wealth, and no real power, he had attained all three with such rapidity that nearly every being in the galaxy now knew his name. A man of average height, Danakar was not an imposing figure. There was a hunch to his shoulders, and his face was mostly covered by the breathing apparatus required by his condition. Had these been his only traits, the Senator would have remained in obscurity.
The main reason he had risen to power was his voice and talent for oratory. Some of the most jaded, stubborn individuals had been known to change their minds after hearing his reasoning on a debate. Couple that with his piercing blue eyes, and tenacity, and he was a force few could match.
As he finally reached the center of the chamber, the applause stilled somewhat, as Lorne raised his hands to make a speech, which would be transmitted live across the Core Worlds, and recorded to be replayed in the Outer Regions later.
"Fellow Senators of the Republic, I come before you today, humbled, by your trust in my abilities. It is here I will make a solemn pledge to the people of the Republic. I pledge to restore our Republic to its former glory. This is the Republic that defeated Exar Kun! This is the Republic that defeated the Mandalorians! This is the Republic that crushed Revan and Malak's Sith Empire! And this is the Republic that will continue to stand against all threats, no matter what they be, for ten thousand years!"
The chamber roared, and Lorne smiled behind his breath mask. He had them now.
"Let us no longer be a Republic of squabbling, of petty disputes. Let us rebuild the Jedi Order! Let us rebuild the Republic Navy! Let us stop these terrible wars before they happen!" He paused to allow them to cheer a bit more, and then continued.
"Every one of us must be prepared to sacrifice all that's necessary in order for this to come about. What I am proposing will be difficult. It will be painful, and it will take time. Some liberties we may have taken for granted will, out of need, be curtailed. I ask that you remember that all these sacrifices are for the good of the Republic!"
With that, and after yet another round of applause, the Chancellor turned and left the chamber.
Leaning on the railing of one of the upmost observation platform, Bastila Shan frowned. She turned to face her companion. "'Some liberties we have taken for granted will, out of need, be curtailed'? Exactly what, I wonder, does the Chancellor mean by that?"
Next to her, Rachel Antilles shook her head. "I think we'll find out eventually. But we've got to work with the man. You know the offer he's made us."
Bastila frowned. Yes, she did know the offer. Danakar had come to see them personally.
The remnants of the Jedi had been located on Dantooine, in the old Enclave. The world was still small enough that they didn't attact much attention. Danakar had come and revealed part of his grand plan to them. At least, the parts concerning them.
He had told them that the Republic had allocated massive sums of credits to rebuilding the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Asked them to return, to be part of his plan to rebuild the Republic to its former glory. Told them that the Senate had authorized the creation of the Jedi Council again, and that their position as enforcers of the peace was essential to the galaxy.
He certainly has everyone else convinced. she thought. The applause had only now started to abate as the Senators began to disperse.
"Well, we'll accept the offer. We really can't afford not too. But I still don't trust him." Bastila said.
"That may be, but unless we have more than mere distrust, we're obligated to work with him. His intentions seem honest enough, and you yourself have admitted that he meant what he told us. Focus on the present for the moment. Come on, let us take the speeder to the Temple site. We need to be on hand to direct some of the repairs."
Rachel turned and began to walk away. Bastila lingered for a moment longer by the railing, taking in the scene.
No, she thought. While she hadn't sensed any deception from him then, it didn't mean he hadn't been deceiving them. There was something about the Chancellor that bugged her. She couldn't quite say what it was, but she didn't think he'd told them the whole truth. He was still hiding something...
