The Jedi stepped off the shuttle that landed them back on Keylander station after the Ark had blasted off, and were met once again by the Supreme Chancellor's steward droid. And once again, Chancellor Saresh entered the room, followed by Shalim and Lemda Avesta. She was chastising Shalim about all the resources that were expended saving them with nothing to show for it. Shalim and Lemda were, of course, defending their choice, but the Chancellor was having none of it; she was angry, and it seemed like it was going to take Jedi intervention to cool her temper.
"To be fair, Madam Chancellor, their request was based on a lack of knowledge; they only knew the groundquakes were getting worse," Vedere interjected. "They may not have voiced all of their suspicions, but they were trying to save lives, just as we would have."
"This is a debacle!" Chancellor Saresh shouted. "We came to Makeb seeking resources to defeat the Sith Empire. Instead, we're walking away with debts and obligations!"
"But our willingness to take on those obligations allows us to hold a moral high ground over the Empire," Vedere added. "We care about not only our people, but also those who are displaced by this war. Besides, we have grateful leaders of the Hutt Cartel who owe us their lives."
The Chancellor shook her head. "In that respect, you are right, Master Vedere. The leaders who have pledged themselves to us hold most of the wealth and power, and they'll neutralize any hold outs. And with that comes warships and other resources."
"I know this isn't want you wanted, Madam Chancellor, but we did come out ahead on this," Vedere added. "Cartel coffers are deep, which can provide us with soldiers, warships, weapons and armor. Combine that with the pirate fleet we gained from our alliance with the Pirate Queen Curoda, and we have well protected shipping lanes to keep our troops supplied."
"Yes, you're right," Chancellor Saresh said, finally calming down. "But that still leaves the people of Makeb; I need a solution."
"The Hutt Cartel can handle that; they have the money to build them new homes and their ships and soldiers can protect them until they are self-sufficient once again," Vedere said.
"We've also gained some battle hardened troops that would be perfectly to bring the fight to the Empire after their experience there," Ragdat added. "We managed to form a very cohesive fighting unit that works well together, enhancing their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses."
"After everything we've been through…" Shalim Avesta said, humbled by Vedere and Ragdat's words. "To be shown such generosity…thank you all."
Vedere looked over at Lemda, and grinned slightly. She could feel in the Force that Lemda was flattered by Vedere's efforts, but said nothing. "The people of Makeb need someone guiding them to their new home. You're the right person for that job, Shalim."
"I'm…not," Shalim said, overwhelmed by the confidence the Jedi were showing in him. "But you've shown me what a true leader looks like. I'll follow that example."
"I'd like to speak to my operatives in private," Chancellor Saresh said. "Excuse us."
With that, Shalim and Lemda walked off, though Lemda waited just out of earshot for the briefing to finish.
"You made the best of an unfortunate situation," the Chancellor said. "Well done."
"We did what we had to, Madam Chancellor," Radgat said.
Chancellor Saresh nodded, and continued. "The Hutts want to be on the winning side of this war, and you've shown them who that is. We have you to thank for this alliance."
"We still have plenty of fighting to do," Ragdat added. "The Empire isn't falling any time soon."
"Indeed," Chancellor Saresh said. "Which brings me to my next point. For too long, the Republic has wasted time reacting to the enemy. We must go on the offensive."
"The Jedi Order will be ready for whatever comes, Madam Chancellor," Vedere said. "We will not stop until the Empire is defeated once and for all."
"That's good to hear," Chancellor Saresh added. "For now, savor this victory, but be ready to return to the front lines to press our advantage. Together, we will triumph."
The Chancellor turned to leave, and so did the Jedi, but not before noticing Lemda just outside the meeting area.
"Vedere!" Lemda called out when she no longer saw the Chancellor.
"You three go ahead," Vedere said, moving toward Lemda. "I'll catch up."
Lemda shifted uncomfortably as Vedere approached. "Listen, I wanted to give you a couple of things before we all leave," she said.
"What are they?" Vedere said, grinning softly.
Lemda handed Vedere a datachip. 'First is my holo frequency. Call it often," She said with a sly smile.
"Will do, Lemda," Vedere said, taking the chip. "Just remember that I'm often busy as a member of the Jedi Council."
"I understand," Lemda said. "But don't keep me waiting."
"I won't," Vedere said. "I'll make time for you."
Lemda blushed, but moved closer to Vedere. "And that brings me to the second thing I wanted to give you."
Before Vedere could ask, she felt Lemda close in and kiss her. It was a short kiss; little more than a quick peck on the lips. But Vedere knew the courage it took to put herself out there like this, as she was planning on taking the initiative if Lemda hadn't.
"Don't keep me waiting," Lemda said seductively, and then walked off to catch up to her uncle.
Vedere turned around and saw that her companions were waiting just out of earshot.
"Master! I didn't know that Doctor Avesta was interested in you that way!" Nadia said.
Ragdat chuckled. "Looks like your Padawan needs some lessons in picking up on social ques."
"Nadia was sheltered when she grew up," Vedere said. "Everything is new and exciting for her, and she's picking up as much as she can." She looked over at Nadia. "Though Master Ragdat is right; I need to add some social awareness into your training."
"I'm not completely naive," Nadia shot back. "I just was paying more attention to our mission than anything else."
It was then time for Kira to chuckle. "Nadia, the two of them were so obvious, it's a wonder that Master Satele didn't notice from Tython," She then turned her attention to Vedere. "I mean seriously, were you even trying to hide your interest in her?"
"Lay off, Kira," Ragdat said. "Master Vedere spent most of her life training to be a Jedi, foregoing everything but what was necessary for her goals. And don't forget that she's younger than us too; she's 19, and hasn't had the life experience you and I have had."
"It's okay, Ragdat," Vedere said. "Even I forget how young I am sometimes. I've done a lot of living in the last three years."
"But aren't the Jedi forbidden to love?" Nadia interjected.
"Not entirely," Vedere said. "Love is discouraged due to the passions is brings out in a person, but is not outright forbidden. Many Masters throughout our Order's history have been in love; some have had children. Our Grandmaster is the descendant of two Jedi, for example."
"We just have to be able to control our passions while being in love," Ragdat said. "And to do that, we have to let the Jedi Code be our guide. Particularly the last line; there is no death, there is only the Force."
"Yes," Vedere said. "The Force allows us to live on in another form. Remember, the Force penetrates us all; it moves through all life and connects us to everything. Like what you felt on Tython."
"I see," Nadia said. "And that would help you accept the one you love's death easier, wouldn't it?"
"Very much so," Vedere said. "Though you should concentrate on your training for now. You still have much to learn, and have your duties to your people, so you shouldn't allow yourself to be distracted by outside sources."
Nadia nodded. "I understand, Master."
"Good to hear," Ragdat said. "For now, Kira and I should head back to Carrick station. General Var Suthra wants me to check in with him and I should motivate the troops for the coming battles."
"And we should head back to Tython," Vedere said. "May the Force be with you, Master Ragdat."
"And with you, Master Vedere," Ragdat said, bowing slightly before heading back to his ship.
