One hour later, Ezra, Kira, and Qi'ra enter a conference room, which contains a large, round table, with a holographic display in the center. Hera, Leia, and Lando are already seated at the table, along with a few other people. Ben is standing behind Leia, with Kyle next to him. Ezra starts to walk toward the table, but Qi'ra puts a hand on his shoulder.
"Careful, Ezra. The two older men at the table are Senators Kalim and Garrath. They are prominent members of the centrist party, and no fans of the Jedi. I would not be surprised if they attempt to make a scene." Qi'ra says.
"What the hell are they doing here?" Ezra asks.
"They happened to be off of Hosnian Prime when Starkiller Base hit. They were travelling on a government transport that fell under First Order attack. One of Lando's ships arrived, and rescued the survivors, including the two senators. Lando decided to bring them here." Qi'ra answers.
"What's the centrist party?" Kira asks.
"A political party that supports a stronger central government and military, as well as greater executive power for the head of state." Qi'ra answers.
"So, they want the Empire." Kira says.
"To a certain extent, yes." Qi'ra says.
"Why were these people allowed to be in the senate?" Kira asks.
"The Republic is...was a democracy. Not everyone held the same views, but when it became necessary, they put aside their differences for the common good of the galaxy. Yes, there were flaws, but it is far better than an Empire with no freedom at all." Qi'ra says.
"Of course. I agree." Kira says.
"The frackers should be in the damn brig, instead of being allowed to run free." Ezra says. Kira looks at her father with disbelief.
"Now now, Ezra. They are elected officials, and, they have broken no laws." Qi'ra says.
"Republic officials. Their government is gone. This new alliance is supposed to be a fresh start. These...radicals should have no part in it." Ezra says.
"This is to be a democracy, Ezra. All voices shall be heard. Even the unpopular ones. Sometimes, we must play the hand we are dealt." Qi'ra says. Ezra considers Qi'ra's words.
"Of course, you're right." Ezra says.
"From what I understand, we are waiting for a few more arrivals. I am going to take my seat, and attempt to placate the senators, so that they are more...agreeable." Qi'ra says.
"Good luck." Ezra says. Qi'ra nods, then, heads to the table, and takes her seat next to one of the senators. Ezra and Kira remain at the entrance to the conference room.
"I think you have a little time." Ezra says.
"For what?" Kira asks.
"To talk to Ben. If you wanted to." Ezra answers.
"You sure?" Kira asks.
"Go on. I'm going to wait for Ahsoka." Ezra says.
"Okay." Kira says. Kira heads for the table, while Ezra remains at the entrance alone.
A few minutes later, Ahsoka enters the conference room, accompanied by a dark skinned woman in her sixties. The woman is dressed in the white uniform of a Republic admiral. The two new arrivals approach Ezra, who is still standing by the entrance to the room.
"Ezra, there you are! Look who I found." Ahsoka says, motioning to her companion.
"Admiral Larte." Ezra says, bowing respectfully.
"Master Bridger." The admiral says, bowing in return. Ahsoka gives Ezra and the admiral a puzzled look. The admiral suddenly embraces Ezra.
"Miara. It's been too long. When we didn't hear from you, we thought…" Ezra says.
"Sorry about that, Ezra. I couldn't risk the enemy tracking my fleet. We were near Corellia when Starkiller Base attacked the Hosnian system. I ordered my ships to set course for the outer rim, and we spent the next five days in hyperspace, maintaining comm silence, other than Fulcrum transmissions. Ahsoka asked me to make my way here, and to bring any survivors I found. I have...seven ships under my command, including one super star destroyer, and two mark I star destroyers. As far as I know, I'm the only surviving flag officer of the Republic fleet. By the way, I hear congratulations are in order." Miara says.
"Congratulations? For what?" Ezra asks.
"For getting your daughter back. This is wonderful news. Not just for you, but for all of us who knew her. That's her, behind Leia, isn't it?" Miara asks.
"Yeah. That's her. She's her mother's daughter. A natural pilot, probably better than me." Ezra says.
"Looks a great deal like her mother, doesn't she?" Miara asks.
"Yeah." Ezra answers. Miara puts her hands on Ezra's shoulders.
"I know you still grieve for Juno. Losing someone is never an easy thing, and, we don't ever really get over it. Trust me, I know. It has been thirty years since I lost Kaeden. I miss her just as much as I did the day she gave her life, stealing the plans for the second Death Star, but, I go on, because...that's what she would want me to do. I may be an old woman now, but, I...will not stop, I...will not rest, until the Empire is no more." Miara says, voice wavering. Ahsoka puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Miara. It's because of Kira that I actually give a damn again. I want to see my daughter live in a galaxy free of evil. She's had enough wrong done to her in her life. She deserves to know what it's like to live in peace. I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens." Ezra says.
"It will be good to see you in action again, Ezra. However, I seem to have gotten a little old to fight at your side like the old days." Miara says.
"Nonsense. Ahsoka still fights." Ezra says.
"I may be four years younger than her, but Ahsoka is a complete badass, and, she has the force. I don't. I'm too old to do much good in a ground fight. That's why I'm an admiral now. I can just sit in my office and give orders." Miara says. There is awkward silence for several seconds.
"Since you're here, I figure you're on the council." Ezra says.
"Oh, yes. Leia asked me. She said she wanted military and civilian leaders working together in the new alliance." Miara says. Ezra and Miara notice that Ahsoka appears fatigued.
"Are you alright?" Ezra asks.
"Yes, Ezra. I'm just...tired. I need to sit down, I think." Ahsoka answers. She slowly walks to the table, aided by her staff, and takes a seat.
Ahsoka's not fully recovered. She shouldn't be here. Ezra thinks.
"It's her choice, Ezra. Ahsoka will rest when she's ready to." Kanan's disembodied voice says.
You're right. She'll only listen to me if she wants to. Ezra thinks.
"It looks like Leia is about ready to start. We should get to our seats." Miara says.
"Yes, of course." Ezra says. Ezra and Miara, who are the last council members to remain standing, head for the table, and take their seats.
