Star Wars: Before The Dawn – Story Four
Coming Of The Dawn
By Jeff Walker
The Republic has reached a new dawn.
The bald, middle aged Caucasian man stood at the base of the Jedi Temple in his senatorial robes; the temple guards escorted him out after he had his meeting with them; a slight sneer on his face with a look of disgust as he glanced upward at the Jedi Council spire overlooking all of Coruscant.
The time has come to celebrate our alliance with each other and with the Jedi, whom have been our protectors and trusted friends since this collective institution began.
A handful of his aids bowed and helped him to the awaiting transport as he walked away from the building. The man settled into his seat as the vehicle lifted up and flew by the tower. With a sour gaze, he watched the building and shook his head negatively.
I know all of you embrace them and believe they should take more of an active role on our behalf. That for far too long they have been on the sideline of many interplanetary negotiations and should be our advisory ambassadors to represent the galaxy.
The enclosed speeder rose upward into the sea of flowing traffic high above; the man peered out the window again to view the landscape taking shape around the Jedi structure. The various off world beings set up shops and communities to be close to the temple; it made the senator angry and curse them under his breath.
I know there have been concerns from a small constituent of senators about the Jedi, believing that this is a mistake and that they will take over the senate. But my friends, I assure you – nothing like that is even remotely possible. The Jedi are peaceful and only want what's best for the whole of the Republic.
The small craft followed the quick velocity of the other vehicles and headed towards the Senate Building as it came closer into view. The man's aids handed him various tablets of documents to view and sign; the daily grind of being a Senator and a bureaucratic politician. It is was welcome distraction as it diverted his attention from the thought of the Jedi; while this might be a tedious and boring job to some, this dignitary seemed rather professional and well suited to the position.
We must all embrace the new dawn on the horizon. Which is why I have decided it is time for a celebration; one that will usher in a new era of peace and unity as we begin forward into new alliance.
On one of the holographic tablets, an image of the Supreme Chancellor shaking the hands with a Jedi Master made the senator quickly switch it off and throw it to the other seat. The aid picked it up without question and placed it on his lap. The vessel quickly headed over to the main senate building and docked at one of the numerous platforms jutting out of the massive building.
The expressionless senator exited out of the vehicle and motioned to his aids to stay behind. He then briskly stepped inside with the other senate members arriving, giving the odd one a polite nod and wave of acknowledgement.
The Great Dawn Celebration one that I have personally overseen, is a way to welcome – not only the Jedi to being a full member of the Republic Senate – but to give our people hope of a new beginning. And it is at the moment of this great jubilee that I have another announcement to give…
As the various delegates took their place into the docked orbital pods, they nodded to each other and display a false-like greeting of pleasantry. The balding man simply took his seat and gave no such acknowledgement to the ones beside his docked pod as they jubilantly greeted him. He detested such affection and remained stoic while in thought.
My friends and valued colleagues – it is with some sad reluctance that I announce my retirement from this office. I have served long and faithfully to the Republic, as you all have seen and expressed to me privately, but I feel the time has come for another to take my place. The Great Dawn Celebration shall be my farewell present to all of you and the Galactic Republic.
That announcement caused the reserved man to raise his head in interest. He folded his hands and brought them to his mouth with a slow tap. One could almost see the wheels turning in the man's eyes as he smirked in delight. As the Chancellor's speech concluded, he and the others gave a clap that echoed in the vast chamber of the senate.
Thank you. Thank you all. I know all of this comes during a rather dark time, the awful attacks on our various members who could not be with us to be here today will not go unanswered. I assure each and every one of you that you will be safe from –
Suddenly an explosion from the super-structure ceiling causes all to look up in horror. A massive plume of debris and smoke engulf the whole senate and caused a panic among the dignitaries.
Screams of horror fill the air as bolts of energy come streaking though the dust cloud and create more havoc as members flee their seats. The balding senator calmly left his seat as more bolts came close to his pod; this was exactly the moment he had hoped for as a delighted smirk crept on his face.
The sound of shots continued to reign down on the senate floor as guards quickly shuffled by the smirking man to engage the intruder; he seemed to stroll unconcerned and deep in thought.
"The time has come indeed…" He mused to himself.
There would be no better moment, no greater disaster to use to his advantage and bring about the demise of the Jedi's power in the senate once and for all.
COMING SOON -
STAR WARS: BREAKING OF THE DAWN
A full story including the characters seen in the four part micro-story – Before The Dawn.
