A Galaxy Holds Its Breath
All was tranquil throughout the galaxy, people running about and going about their daily lives as though the past two days hadn't happened. It was like the calm before a storm, as though the galaxy was holding its breath.
Not all remained silent though, in the vast galaxy there is an ocean of ideas and different political ideologies. In a bizarre twist of fate, three childhood friends from very different walks of life come together at Dex's diner and talk about all that has happened the past couple of days.
Youto Jarrde a 21-year-old ace fighter pilot in the Republic Navy enters Dex's diner. A familiar face catches his eye. 'Could it be?' he wonders.
"Erran? Erran Aquilla?" Youto asks excitedly.
The 22-year-old man turns around, "Youto? Is that really you!?", the two men hug in excitement, "man it has been such a long time! How have you been?"
"Quite well, you are now looking at one of the galaxies best fighter pilots." Youto boasted with a smile.
Erran: No kidding. Wow, good for you dude, amazing! I'm almost out of college now with a degree in business and economics. I am interested in becoming a banker, not quite as exciting as being a fighter pilot.
"Who says that it isn't exciting." Youto tried to encourage his friend. "You and Ryan always were brainiacs, I am proud of you man. Force knows the galaxy could use more bankers. It seems that this war has really done a number on the economy."
"Thanks, buddy". Erran responded with a smile.
Almost on queue Ryan, age 25, walks into Dex's Diner and Youto is the first to greet him.
"Man this is a small galaxy! Ryan Flynn, we were just talking about you and here you are in the flesh!"
Ryan was a bit taken aback by the jovial greeting and required a second or two to process. "Youto? Erran? Wow! You're right it is a small galaxy! How have you two been?"
"Really well". The friendly neighborhood extrovert Youto was the first to answer again. "We were just telling each other what we do for a living. I became a fighter pilot in the Republic Navy and Erran here is almost a banker. What kind of work do you do now Ryan?"
"I'm a lawyer". Ryan said matter of factly, straight and to the point.
"A lawyer, wow. You two are so smart." Youto stated again.
"Anyways, why don't we sit down and catch up from old times?" Erran interjected.
The three sat down at the nearest booth and examined the menu before ordering three hamburger specials. The robotic waitress rolled away.
"You know, for a robot, that waitress was actually kind of cute". Erran commented out of the blue.
Ryan: We got to find you a girl, man. You've been in college too long.
Erran blushed with embarrassment before agreeing. "Yeah, you're right."
The three of them laughed together following that comment.
"Say I wonder how long that holo portrait of Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has been here?" Youto pointed to the picture. "Maybe Dex was a friend of his."
"Maybe. Say, speaking of Jedi, I wonder what everyone's opinion is on their recent take over of the government?" Erran's question had an obvious political slant to it.
"Well I'm not sure, I do think something is up though." Ryan's experience as a lawyer made him more judicial with his comments.
"I think the Jedi should take over the government myself", Youto stated boldly, as though he were shooting down an enemy droid fighter with his words.
"Oh come on Youto, you can't honestly think that do you?" Erran's response was filled with surprise.
"I am also curious to hear your reasons for saying that." Ryan stated with casual interest.
Youto: If you had seen what I'd seen you would understand. I flew as a dropship pilot before transferring to a fighter squadron. I've had the privilege of seeing Jedi command troops into battle and fight for our freedoms. I would trust Anakin Skywalker with my life and if he vouches for this Master Yodette than I believe him. Also, considering how the war was going under Palpatine's leadership, I think a change is needed to ensure our survival. Master Yodette was right, the government has become corrupt and inefficient, incapable of protecting its citizens. I don't care if we are a Republic or Empire anymore; I want to see results.
Erran retorted: Palpatine did a fine job as a leader. He secured the banks under his authority to forgive the Republic debt, a brilliant economic move I might add. I think he did the best he could given the hand he was dealt. Nobody could have predicted the arrival of ancient Sith Lords in this war. Save for the Jedi, who through their own incompetence unleashed the Sith upon us. What's worse is that they kept such information from us. If it weren't for the Jedi there wouldn't be any Sith or a war for that matter. Face it Youto, the Jedi are dangerous. We of all people should know about the dark things that Jedi do. We know about their recruiters and how they induct children like us. (Erran tries to do an impersonation of a Jedi: "You will hand over your child to us". He says while waving his hand sarcastically). The three of us were just among the lucky, discovered at an age too old to be taken, able to live a normal life with our families and friends. I see no reason to trust any of the Jedi, Anakin included. For all I know, this is all an elaborate conspiracy. Don't you think it is strange how the Jedi killed the chancellor and then accused him of being our enemy? Master Yodette and Anakin now have control over the government, the courts, and the media, Yodette is practically an empress already.
Ryan: Well something doesn't add up. There is no denying that the Jedi were attacked and it wouldn't make any logical sense for the Jedi to organize a scheme that would involve attacking their temple.
Ryan continued. "The evidence presented by the Jedi in the courts is quite damning, recorded communications between Palpatine and Dooku confirm that he was a Sith Lord. From what I understand, experts have examined the data and confirmed it's validity. Based off of this evidence, it is very likely that Chancellor Palpatine was a Sith Lord. It is Master Yodette and her rapid bid for power which concerns me. Aside from her involvement in the Battle of Coruscant mission, there is very little we know about her. For all I know, she could be this Darth Nox that she warned us about. Of course, this is only conjecture. I do agree with your sentiment concerning the Jedi, Erran, the order is flawed and I'm glad that things turned out the way they did. I'm happy with my career and that we got to live normal lives. No matter what happens I hope that we'll be alive to greet each other once more, cheers to friendship."
The three clanked glasses together before continuing their conversation.
Erran: You sure that the evidence presented is admissible? If the Jedi have nothing to hide then why have they taken control of the courts?
Youto: It's not just the courts, the Jedi had to take over the government when Palpatine and all of his followers were exposed as traitors.
Erran: But is justice being served!? Even if Palpatine was a Sith Lord those who worked with him have the right to a fair trial. I wanted to be Palpatine's economic advisor after graduating. Had I been a bit older I could have been one of the people accused of treason against the Republic.
Ryan: I don't know if I can trust the courts anymore either. It's frustrating feeling so powerless in this galaxy. It seems that the only thing the three of us can do is hope that things will work out for the better.
Their orders arrived and the three began to partake.
Youto: Say could you hand me the sauce?
Seeing that his two friends were preoccupied with eating he decided to get it himself.
Youto: Nevermind I got it.
Youto stretches his hand as the bottle floats to him. He chuckles soon after as a thought comes into his mind.
Youto: Say, I wonder, if circumstances were different, and the Jedi did accept adults to be trained in the ways of the force. Would you want to be a Jedi? I think I would. It would be awesome to wield a lightsaber and able to deflect blaster bolts with ease.
Erran: I don't think I would. The Jedi Order comes across as being too dogmatic in their beliefs. They ban emotion and forbid you from even falling in love or getting married. I'd only consider joining if the Order changed their ways entirely; if it stopped taking children at infancy and allowed emotions to flourish.
Ryan: I think I would pass for the same reasons Erran stated. I'd only join if the Order were to change its ways as well.
Meanwhile, in another part of Corsucant, Darth Nox meditates in the Darkside of the Force. Taking inventory of all the recent powers she has acquired. Dathomiri magic that can manifest solid objects or conjure spirits of the dead into a physical form, Master Yoda's battle meditation, Valkorians force drain, Sidious' enhanced command of force lightning and storms, teleportation, and many other abilities.
Darth Nox's meditation is interrupted by a holocall from Darth Malevolen.
"My Lord, the Separatist forces are ready, we will attack tomorrow morning. I am stationed at Phoenix 1 and will be able to command the forces from here."
"Very good my Wrath. Everything is going exactly as foreseen. The stage is set and the galaxy awaits my show".