Later that day, in the conference room of the Resistance base, Ezra, Kira, Ahsoka, Qi'ra, Sabine, Hera, Leia, Lando, Miara Larte, Wedge, Senator Kalim, Senator Garrath, and a gray furred wookiee are seated at the table. C3PO is also present, standing behind the wookiee. Leia, who is at the head of the table, stands up.
"Now that all of our representatives are here, we can proceed with the next step. It's time to elect a chancellor, who will then appoint a supreme commander for our forces. We have...three declared candidates for chancellor- Minister Qi'ra, Admiral Larte, and Senator Kalim. Is there anyone else that wishes to run for the position or nominate someone?" Leia asks.
The gray furred wookiee stands up, and utters a series of growls.
"Ambassador Ferrar has indicated that he nominates General Leia." C3PO says.
"Thank you, ambassador, but I decline. It's time for someone else to lead." Leia says. Ferrar sits down, and Ezra stands up.
"I nominate...Empress Sabine Wren of Mandalore." Ezra says.
Sabine's the best choice. She's the leader this new alliance needs. Ezra thinks.
"I agree with you, but she'll turn it down." The disembodied voice of Kanan Jarrus says.
I know. Ezra thinks. Sabine stands up.
"Thank you, General Bridger, but I think someone else should take on this responsibility." Sabine says. She takes her seat, and no one else stands up. Eventually, Leia stands up.
"It seems we have no other candidates, so it's time for us to vote. The candidate with the most votes will be sworn in immediately, and they will serve as chancellor until the conclusion of our current war with the Empire. After that, there will be a proper election, where all citizens get a vote." Leia says.
"So, it's just the people in this room voting." Wedge says.
"That's right. We need a chancellor who can establish a provisional government and appoint military leaders. This needs to be done as soon as possible. General Calrissian, General Tano, and myself are all in agreement that this is the best course for us." Leia says.
"Works for me. So, how do we do this?" Wedge asks.
"You each cast your vote on the datapad in front of you. Once everyone is done, I'll call two officers in here, and they'll take those datapads away to count the votes. Anyone have anymore questions? If not, let's get to it." Leia says. She takes her seat.
Everyone on the council casts their vote. The datapads are taken away, and the votes are counted. Several minutes later, the officers return, and hand a datapad to Leia. She reads over it for a moment, and seems to be satisfied with the results.
"The votes have been confirmed. We have our new chancellor. In third place, with one vote, is...Senator Kalim." Leia says.
"Thank the force." Kira whispers. Ezra, who is seated next to his daughter, looks at her, and smiles.
Yeah, thank the force. If that ass became chancellor, he'd have a coup on his hands. I'd be leading it. Ezra thinks.
"In second place, with five votes, is...Admiral Larte. Finally, with seven votes, our new chancellor...Minister Qi'ra." Leia says. Everyone applauds. Qi'ra stands up.
"Thank you, everyone." Qi'ra says.
"Congratulations, minister. General Tano has written a brief oath of office, which she will administer. Would the two of you please come to the podium?" Leia asks.
Qi'ra and Ahsoka stand up, then head to the podium at the head of the table. Leia steps aside as Qi'ra and Ahsoka take their places.
"Minister, if you will, please raise your right hand, and repeat after me." Ahsoka says. Qi'ra does as asked.
"Of course." Qi'ra says.
"I solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance." Ahsoka says.
"I solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance." Qi'ra says.
"I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the laws of the Galactic Alliance." Ahsoka says.
"I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the laws of the Galactic Alliance." Qi'ra says.
"Congratulations, Chancellor." Ahsoka says. She shakes hands with Qi'ra.
"Thank you, general." Qi'ra says.
"Members of the council, may I present...Chancellor Qi'ra." Ahsoka says. Everyone in the room applauds, except for Ahsoka, who quietly steps aside. Qi'ra steps toward the head of the table, and faces toward the rest of the council.
"To those of you who voted for me, I thank you. To those of you who did not, I hope that I can earn your faith in time. I did not expect this honor, nor did I actively seek it, but I have been entrusted with it, and I will do my best to carry out my duties." Qi'ra says. Everyone applauds.
I know she didn't really want this, but she puts duty first. Admirable. I'll help her in any way I can. Ezra thinks.
"My first act as chancellor will be to appoint a supreme commander for our armed forces. I would ask General Organa to stay on in this capacity, but she has already stated that she will not. The general has in fact chosen to retire from all military duties effective upon the appointment of her successor. She will remain a member of this council, but only in a civilian capacity, and will henceforth use her Alderaanian title of princess. Princess Leia, I thank you for your years of diligent service." Qi'ra says. Everyone applauds.
Did we make the right choice here? I've known Qi'ra for almost thirty years, but she's never really had much ambition for politics. She's more of a business leader. Is she ready to lead this alliance? Ezra thinks.
"We shall see." Kanan says.
"For the position of supreme commander, I hereby nominate...General Ezra Bridger." Qi'ra says. Everyone applauds except for Kalim and Garrath.
What the frack? Me? Ezra thinks.
"Most of them seem to support the idea, Ezra." Kanan says. Kalim stands up.
"Madam Chancellor, if I may speak." Kalim says.
"You may." Qi'ra says.
"Although I do concede that I lost the election, I must protest the appointment of this...man to a position of such responsibility." Kalim says.
"Your objection is noted, Senator Kalim. However, regardless of your opinion, General Bridger is my choice. This council will vote to confirm his appointment, and we will all accept the results of that vote." Qi'ra says.
"Madam Chancellor! Surely there is someone…" Kalim says. He doesn't get to finish as Qi'ra raises her hand.
"Senator, my decision is made. As chancellor, this is my right. This council has elected me to do this job, and I will do it. I ask that you drop this matter. Do not make my first day on the job include an executive order suspending you from this council." Qi'ra says.
"You wouldn't dare!" Kalim says.
"Yes, she would." Ezra says.
"Now, see here you…" Kalim says. He stops when Ahsoka points her staff at him.
"I would sit down if I were you, senator. It would be unfortunate if you were to mysteriously lose your voice again." Ahsoka says.
"Damn Jedi witch! If this were the Empire, you would be arrested by the Inquisition and thrown into a cage where you belong!" Kalim shouts. Kira puts a hand on her lightsaber, and starts to stand up, but Ezra's firm hand on her shoulder convinces her to stay in her seat.
"Enough!" Qi'ra shouts. The room comes to complete silence, and everyone stares at Qi'ra in disbelief.
Damn. That's what she sounds like pissed off? That's pretty scary. Kira thinks.
Wow. He actually pissed off Qi'ra. Really pissed her off. That angry voice of hers has always been a little...sinister. She must have picked that up during her days running Crimson Dawn. Had to keep the thugs in line, I guess. Ezra thinks. Qi'ra stands in silence for a moment, and calms down.
"Senator, your outburst could be considered treason. Apologize to General Tano right now, or I will have you arrested." Qi'ra says. Kalim sits in silence for several seconds.
"General, I...apologize." Kalim says.
"Apology accepted." Ahsoka says.
"Now that that is settled, let us vote to confirm the appointment of General Bridger as our supreme commander. As chancellor, I will not vote unless there is need of a tiebreaker. Now, let us proceed. All those in favor of General Bridger, please raise your hand." Qi'ra says. Everyone raises their hand except for Qi'ra, Kalim, and Garrath.
"You're all fools! This man's a criminal!" Kalim says.
"This is your final warning, senator. One more outburst in a council meeting, and I will have you arrested for disorderly conduct. The vote...is ten to two. Congratulations, General Bridger. You are now our supreme commander. If there are no objections, then, this council is adjourned until 0800 tomorrow." Qi'ra says.
The council members stand up, and begin to leave the room. Eventually, only Ezra, Kira, Leia, and Qi'ra remain. Kira approaches Qi'ra.
"Congratulations, chancellor." Kira says. Qi'ra embraces her briefly.
"Thank you, dear. I'm still your Aunt Qi'ra aren't I?" Qi'ra asks.
"Always." Kira says.
"So, are you going to do anything about Senator Asshole?" Ezra asks.
"I think I'll just burn him alive." Qi'ra says. Everyone laughs.
"What he said about Ahsoka was uncalled for." Kira says.
"Yes, it was. I noticed you were about to get out of your seat. Probably to confront him in some fashion." Qi'ra says.
"Daddy stopped me." Kira says.
"He was right to. The council is no place for fighting." Qi'ra says.
"You're right. I'm sorry." Kira says.
"I understand why you wanted to do it. That instinct to attack those that wrong you. I had it when I was your age. Probably even worse. Most people that crossed me back then ended up dead. Eventually, I learned a different approach. I suggest you do the same. It will make things easier for you." Qi'ra says.
"What must I do?" Kira asks.
"Do not let yourself be so hurt by the words or actions of others. Yes, you can feel outraged, but keep you emotions in check. Sometimes they can be a liability." Qi'ra answers.
"I'll work on it." Kira says.
"Thank you, sweetheart. That's all I ask." Qi'ra says.
"I've been doing some thinking...about Senator Kalim." Ezra says.
"Have you now? What conclusion have you reached?" Qi'ra asks.
"He was elected to serve in the Republic Senate. As far as I know, the Republic no longer exists. The people of the Alliance didn't elect him, and his world is actually Imperial territory now. He has no military duties. He's just...dead weight pretty much. So, why is he still on the council?" Ezra asks.
"That's a good question actually. Leia, you're the one who put him on the council." Qi'ra says.
"That's right. I did it to placate him. He had credits we needed. He also promised me a thousand combat droids." Leia says.
"Did you ever get the droids?" Ezra asks.
"No. He said they were on his world, and we would have to go get them ourselves." Leia answers.
"Convenient. Did he give you the credits he promised?" Ezra asks.
"Half of what he promised." Leia answers.
"Sounds like we have a con man on our hands." Kira says.
"Sabine's actually having him investigated. Off the record of course." Qi'ra says.
"You think he could be a spy?" Leia asks.
"Anything is possible. He doesn't exactly act like he's on our side." Ezra answers.
"True. Regardless of whether he is a spy or not, we should explore the possibility of at the very least voting him off of the council." Qi'ra says.
"I'll vote for that right now." Kira says.
"Same here." Ezra says.
"Alright, then. I'll make a motion at the next meeting. In the meantime, I think we should turn our attention to something more pleasant. Leia's retirement party." Qi'ra says.
"I don't need a party, Qi'ra." Leia says.
"Nonsense. After everything you've done, you deserve it." Qi'ra says.
"I agree. It'll be a good distraction for everyone. A break from all the fighting." Kira says.
"You're talking like you're going to be there." Ezra says.
"She will be. Officer's lounge. 1800 tomorrow." Qi'ra says.
"That's during evening meditation." Ezra says.
"She can skip it." Qi'ra says.
"She's already skipping tonight's session for some fancy dinner that Sabine's come up with." Ezra says.
"Oh, really? This is the first I've heard of it." Qi'ra says.
"The dinner...is for two." Leia says.
"She told you?" Ezra asks.
"Yeah, she did. I have to help that boy pick out some decent clothes." Leia answers.
"Kira...and Ben?" Qi'ra asks.
"That's right. Sabine's arranged a fancy dinner on her ship for 1900 tonight." Ezra answers.
"How did Ben get cleared to leave the base?" Qi'ra asks.
"Actually, he won't be leaving the base. I'm talking about Sabine's personal ship, in the hangar. Not the Star Destroyer in orbit." Ezra answers.
"Oh. I see. That's perfectly alright then. Tell me, Kira, what made the old slavedriver decide to allow you to go on a date?" Qi'ra asks.
"I was…persuaded to let the kids leave training early today." Ezra says.
"Good. You're working them too hard, Ezra. Let them live a little." Qi'ra says.
"Oh, not you too." Ezra says.
"Don't force me to make this an order." Qi'ra says.
"You wouldn't." Ezra says.
"Of course I would, Master Bridger. I happen to be rather fond of those two young ones under your watch. So, your chancellor hereby formally commands you that you are to allow Kira Bridger and Ben Solo to attend Leia's retirement party tomorrow." Qi'ra says.
"Yes, your majesty." Ezra says. Qi'ra chuckles and shakes her head.
"Of course, I'm joking about the whole command thing, but, please, let them go to the party. Ben should be there for his mother, and it's not fair to Kira if she's left out." Qi'ra says.
"You've already won this debate. They can both go." Ezra says.
"Thank you. Now, Ezra, you have some work to do. You need to appoint officers to help you run things. Personally, I think you should keep Lando as base commander. He built this place with his own money, and he knows it better than anyone." Qi'ra says.
"I was thinking the same thing. I'll make my picks, and assemble the officers first thing in the morning." Ezra says.
"Sounds good. I'll let you get to it." Qi'ra says.