Courscant, the centre of the Republic. The city-planet the Jedi used to call home. The first and last time I was here, Kir opened my eyes even though he himself could not see. Far from the injured Jedi i first met nearly a year and a half ago, he looks determined to make a statement; the dark green robe with white and green armor make him stand out even amongst Jedi. He is a Corellian Master, maybe one of the last active outside the system, and he wants to make sure that everyone present at the meeting is fully aware of that.
I examine the lightsaber he gave to me on Kaon, I've not really had time to look at it beyond the initial layout of buttons. Who ever built this knows their way around lightsaber construction even if it's not built like any I've ever seen. My best effort at construction is now a useless pile of melted components.
"I didn't know that Corellian's made a habit of making spare lightsabers."
It's more to make conversation on the flight to the Senate plaza.
"We don't as a rule ; that was my fathers lightsaber. I don't even know where it came from. It's not his first one, that is on Corellia, I donated it to the War Memorial along with most of his things. This was different though, special. I asked him where he'd gotten it, and he'd refused to tell me. Only that it had been a gift.
I know your lightsaber is completely useless after Kaon; you can have it if you want."
Is he simply being practical about the situation or is it something more? The fact that part of me is hoping its not just practical is concerning, Jedi should not have emotional attachments.
***
"Master Shan, Adil.. Chancellor Saresh; My apologies for being late."
The Supreme Chancellor smiles, and it's genuine. Not the fake smile you see in holovids.
"Not at all Master Dulius, although you where not so formal on our last encounter."
"Last time we met you where the governor of a backwater planet and I was a young and headstrong Knight.
I assume that any offer of dinner as way of apology would be politely refused again?"
I have a sudden wave of jealously rolls through me.
"There is no emotion there is peace."
Satele looks at me slightly quizzically and so does the other Jedi in the room.
"This is Vel'eemma, she was on a Kaon during the attack."
I suddenly realise that I'm the focus of two powerful Masters and the Supreme Chancellor.
"Indeed; I read the report Duli filed. You saved twenty-four people there. Considering what you were up against that is an impressive feat."
The third master in the room has an Alderaanian accent. It's not strong but it's reasonably clear.
"It's your report that is most interesting to me Kirain.
You said that you found the smuggler who brought in the Rackghouls."
"What was left of her. Yes.
She was obviously tortured. I can only guess that an imperial team got there first. The details are in the report."
"So how did you know where Lorrick was?"
What is it that Master Shan is driving for here?
"I have a... Contact in the Empire. He managed to get me the information."
Adil simply nodded as if the news of Kir's contact wasn't anything new to him and Satele has this look she gets when she doesn't like something.
"I don't want to know. I wasn't even aware of the existence of the Spectres until Masters Me'ahr and Shan contacted me.
The question remains though what are we do about this breach of security?"
"It's simple; We recruit her."
Wait, what?!
"You know the rules Duli, you get to look after her until she proves herself"
