After boarding the airspeeder transport and a short ride through the darkness of the Gate, the people from the Special Region would stare in wonder when the darkness of the Gate was replaced with the vibrant city lights of Coruscant in the late afternoon. They would all take in the sites as the airspeeder left the Uscru district and joined the rest of the speeder traffic to make its way to the Senate building. While Tuka and Rory gave their 'ohhs' and 'ahhs' at the various things they were seeing, Lelei would make observations of the buildings on Coruscant and wonder what kind of materials had to be used to make them so high. Pina and Bozes would remain gobsmacked at the sites they were seeing as they now wondered what ran through the minds of the expedition force when they chose to foolishly fight a civilization that could make such structures and fantastical machines. Pina then realized something that she had missed as she watched a ship ascend beyond the sky and into space.
"T—This is—This is, the future!" Pina exclaimed which caught everyone's attention. "The Republic is a society that is thousands of years ahead of our own! You have ships that can reach the heavens!"
"Yeah. So what, Princess? You knew we were more advanced than you." Hoot said to her.
"But you never told us you could also go to the heavens!"
"The heavens? Oh, you mean space? Yeah, space travel is very common in the Republic. Did no one tell you?"
Pina shook her head, along with everyone else from the Special Region. Hoot slowly continued as he was now unsure if the people from the Special Region really knew about them.
"Then," Hoot began slowly, "Did any of you know that when we say 'the Republic', that's just short hand for the 'Galactic Republic'?"
Again, the same people shook their heads.
"Then, I guess it also means you guys didn't know that the Galactic Republic is a galaxy spanning government with thousands of star systems or in other words, thousands of planets under its belt?"
More of the same head shaking.
Hoot finally said, "Ah, crap."
As the airspeeder continued its trip, the clones quickly began to explain what they knew about the Galactic Republic. Among the many things the clones quickly went over, they would mention the various alien races that existed in the galaxy and the ongoing Clone Wars. Eila would be mildly amused at Pina, Bozes, Lelei, Tuka, and even Rory hanging on to the clones' every word. It reminded her of her early days as a padawan, listening to various Jedi Masters explain the galaxy and the Force to her.
Nearing the Senate building, Pina would become interested in the Clone Wars the Republic was currently engaged in as the sound of robotic and cloned armies clashing on different worlds intrigued her imagination but would equally lament that the Empire was truly insignificant in the wider scheme of things. Hearing about the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Pina initially entertained the idea of opening a dialogue with the Separatist Alliance but ultimately dropped it when the thought of heartless robotic armies marching through the Empire instead of the clone army as the alternative was equally depressing. It was also a practical impossibility for the Separatists to even visit the Empire since the Gate was in the heart of the Republic.
Upon landing at the Senate building, the group would be greeted by a few random Senators with their Senate Commando escorts. Leading the Senators, Senator Amidala introduced herself to the group and began to explain what was going to happen during the hearing. While that happened, Eila and Wrench would be approached and greeted by a slick-looking man wearing civilian clothes who was also accompanied by Senate Commandos. The man would motion to her and Wrench to join him away from the group.
"General Eila Deova and CC-1221, Clone Commander Wrench." The man started.
"And you are?" Eila asked.
"I'm Agent Gidezain Crom. Republic Intelligence."
Eila's mood immediately went sour as she sarcastically replied, "Republic Intelligence? And to what honor have I been given to be graced with your presence?"
Crom met her sarcasm with his own, "We might not interact with Jedi much, but we're at least all on the same side, General."
She frowned at the man's insinuation, "I didn't get that hospitality from your colleagues when the Chancellor found the Order's investigation to be insufficient."
"We were just being thorough, General. After all, being the former padawan of General Pong Krell, well...it made us wonder. It was also a surprise to us and the Chancellor that even after General Krell's true colors were revealed, the Jedi Order allowed you to remain in command and even take control of his troops. It just didn't make sense to us."
Eila's frown grew deeper at the mention of her former master's name. Wrench also hated to hear the name of his former General. For Wrench, in particular, the mention of Krell made his blood boil as so many troopers had fallen under Krell's leadership. In retrospect, Wrench was one of the few clones left who had survived under Krell's entire tenure; every other clone had perished needlessly with their sacrifice being especially pointless after Krell's deception was exposed.
"Why are you here, Mr. Crom?" Eila sneered.
"Assigned by the Chancellor to act as a guard for you and your guests. And maybe to provide a change of clothes for your guests. We don't want them looking sloppy for the Senate." Crom said as he looked over to see Tuka wearing casual clothes. "Maybe to also cover up your friend's weapon." He also looked at Rory's halberd that seemed to be unsettling the greeting Senators and Commandos.
Surely enough, Crom brought the group to a part of the Senate building where they could change clothes. Only Tuka took up the offer, choosing from an assortment of formal clothing Crom had the foresight of picking up. Once Tuka finished picking an outfit and Rory's halberd was wrapped up, she and the others except for Pina and Bozes would head to the Senate Chamber to begin the report to the assembled Senators there. Being pulled away from the group, Pina and Bozes would instead be sent to a different room to be greeted by Vice Chancellor Mas Amedda and Grand Master Yoda. The two would be perplexed by the alien appearance of the two officials meeting them. They were particularly at a loss with Yoda's appearance since they couldn't tell if he was some elven/dwarf hybrid. They would take a minor comfort that they at least had Ray and Hoot with them for company and acting as their translators. While their meeting got underway, the Senate Chamber also came to order to start the report. A majority of the people on Coruscant, especially those who have a personal connection to the incident in the Uscru district, would watch the Senate session unfold on the HoloNet.
The session began with a briefing on the fire dragon incident. Senator Aang of the Military Oversight Committee would question Fordo and some of the other men of RT3 on the dragon's capabilities and what would be needed to permanently end its influence since the dragon escaped. When Fordo concluded that the use of heavier arms would deal a deathblow to the dragon, most of Senate agreed with the decision but Senator Amidala would protest stating that the dragon had nothing to do with the overall mission in the Special Region. Still, the vote to increase military expenditures on the Special Region went through as it would be reasoned that while the dragon was irrelevant to the goals planned for the Special Region, its presence endangered the lives of the troopers. However, just as when it seemed the line of questions had ended, Senator Lott Dod of the Trade Federation decided to speak.
"Captain Fordo." Dod began.
"Yes, Senator." Fordo said.
"Where was your Jedi commander at the time of the incident?"
"General Deova? She was back at the base at the time."
"Back at the base? Hmm, with such a threat the dragon posed, the presence of a Jedi could have turned the battle into an absolute victory, would it not have, Captain?"
Fordo immediately read the tone the Senator was going for and he wasn't going to buy into it, "I wouldn't care to speculate, sir." He sternly stated.
Seeing that Fordo wasn't going to budge, Dod turned to the rest of the Senate, "Still, to you and to the members of this Senate, it would be logical to assume that if General Deova was there, the number of casualties among the civilians could have been limited to a very bare minimum."
Some of the Senators began to grumble in quiet approval of Dod's reasoning. Not wanting to just take it, Eila stood up to confront Dod but was mindful of her tone and responses since she didn't know if any of the other members of the Jedi Council were also in the Chamber watching.
"Senator Dod," Eila said trying to keep a calm voice. "I was unable to join Recon Team Three at the time due to important documents that required my immediate attention."
Dod raised his brow and gave a sly smile, "Documents? General Deova, sending your men into such a dangerous situation should have required your immediate attention. Paperwork can always wait if lives are at stake."
"I trust my men to make it home safely and I did not know that the fire dragon even existed or was a threat until I debriefed Captain Fordo upon his return."
"Shouldn't your abilities as a Jedi have foreseen that possibility? In fact, you decided to send out recon teams before you even established proper communications. That by itself is a serious error in judgment."
Eila begrudgingly accepted to that the Jedi's ability to predict the future has been less than stellar since the start of the Clone Wars. Although, the Jedi Council had decided to keep quiet about this so while she made her restrained and careful rebuttal to the Senator, Rory would question Ramius on why was Eila being handed such questions. Rory was starting to becoming annoyed with the Senator's tone and was tugging at the wrappings on her halberd. Ramius wouldn't be able to give her a definitive answer as he tried to calm her down but Senator Dod had been secretly contacted by Count Dooku with instructions from Darth Sidious that during the Senate session, the Jedi should be placed in a negative light to further fuel the growing doubt the people already had in the Jedi. Ultimately, Senator Dod would finish and Eila would return to her seat feeling agitated.
Next, the session moved forward with the needs of the refugees that resulted from the fire dragon incident. Senator Amidala would question Lelei, Tuka, and Rory on the subject. Senator Amidala would also question details on their personal lives in which the Senators would be wary of Rory as she openly announced that she kills people for a living. Besides Rory, Senator Amidala would be thoroughly impressed that the clones have provided everything the refugees asked for and that Lelei, in particular, had learned to speak Basic and write in Aurebesh so well in such a short time and was taking the time to translate for the other two. Senator Amidala would proposition that more supplies be sent to assist any refugees the clone army came across in the Special Region. This decision was a little more split as some Senators wanted to hold on to the supplies they had for the ongoing refugee crisis as a result of the Clone Wars. In the end, Amidala's decision would pass but the supplies would be sent voluntarily by individual Senators who wanted to spare them.
The session moved on to the incident in Italica, again Senator Aang would question Fordo and the other clones on the capabilities of the bandits that currently roamed the Special Region. Ultimately, the capabilities of the bandits would also be equated to the capabilities of the Empire's armies. Fordo and the clones would report that all the enemies they've come across including the battle at Italica, with the exception of the fire dragon; they were all a relatively low threat due to the sheer difference in technology and tactics. Although, Fordo would caution against a lax attitude as he would reference the incident with the Talz on Orto Plutonia and the Uscru incident itself as examples that even with primitive weapons, troopers can still die. Fordo would also note to some unconvinced Senators that while bandits may not be a significant threat to the clone army, they are a threat to the people of the Special Region. Satisfied with the answers he had been given, Senator Aang would begin trying to question Rory, due to her role during the battle for Italica, but he would be stopped by Senator Dod. Senator Dod opted to question Rory instead, trying to give Senator Aang a 'break'.
"Ms. Mercury." Dod began in which Rory would acknowledge him. "You personally played a crucial role in saving the town of Italica from 2000 bandits. How did the clone army respond to the threat?"
Rory waited for Lelei to translate for her and she answered, "Your soldiers did splendid work. Your men instilled the fear of the gods on the bandit scum. It was a shame your men took prisoners after the battle, I would have killed them all."
Dod would ignore the last part of her answer and continued, "I see. It is written in a report filed by Captain Fordo that Recon Team Three did not immediately assist in the defence of the town. Why is that, Ms. Mercury?"
After Lelei finished translating, Rory hesitated for a moment but eventually answered, "Eila—General Deova, did not want the men to act without a call for help. She di—"
"Ahh, I see!" Dod interrupted, "Once again, General Deova has demonstrated poor judgement! The General did not allow her troopers to assist in the defense of the town as soon as it was attacked and as a result, many innocent people died! Isn't that right!? Acting like your former Master, I see!"
There would be a moment of silence, but before Eila could get up and give the Senator a verbal lashing, Rory made the outburst for her in perfect Basic.
"ARE YOU AN IDI—"
"MS. MERCURY!"
Everyone winced at the sudden shouting but Rory would be surprised when it was the Supreme Chancellor who interrupted her attempted shout at Senator Dod.
"Ms. Mercury!" Palpatine repeated, "While you are a stranger to our world and a valued guest, please refrain from making any outrageous outbursts."
"W—Wha—" She was having some trouble comprehending what just happened.
"Despite any disagreement you may feel with anyone in this Chamber, we do not lash out to prove a point. Restrain yourself and maintain respect."
Once Rory's confusion had passed, she felt angrier than she's ever felt before. She hated people, especially complete strangers, telling her how she should act. She felt that she should be free to express herself however she likes regardless if she's talking to some commoner or a god. She was tugging hard at the bindings for her halberd and intended to show the Senator and the Chancellor the price for insulting an Apostle. Although, before Eila could act to restrain her as she felt Rory's intent through the Force, when Rory focused on Palpatine, she suddenly felt an instinctual warning to not anger the man when she locked onto his eyes. All the rage she felt seemed to drain from her completely as Rory couldn't explain to herself why that anger was being replaced with fear as she looked at this frail-looking old man who likewise gave a cold empty stare back at her. There was something about the Supreme Chancellor that made Rory stop herself from uncovering her halberd and just wrecking havoc.
"I—I understand, Chancellor." Rory meekly said to the surprise of Eila and RT3 that she wasn't being more hostile.
Palpatine continued, "And you, Senator Dod. Please allow our guests to give complete testimonies before questioning them further."
"Y—Yes, Chancellor." Dod answered.
Because of his interruption, Dod would be insisted upon to yield the floor to Senator Aang who would continue questioning Rory. Under Aang, the session went on without further incident. Although, Rory certainly gave far more subdued responses when asked to speak. Moving on, the question of further exploration into the Special Region would come up from attending members of the University of Coruscant. Their request would be granted. In the view of most of the Senators, researchers didn't cost a lot of money to satisfy, they just needed a lot of unknown things to be curious about. Eventually, the session came to an end with mainly the Republic increasing its military presence in the Special Region and further supplying aid to any refugees that would be encountered, although with some conditions.
At almost the same time the Senate session was ending, Mas Amedda and Yoda were also concluding their discussion with Pina and Bozes having gone into detail about what the Republic is, its military, who the Jedi are, and the impact the Uscru incident had and what needed to happen to ensure a peaceful compromise. They were ending off on the issue of prisoners the Republic had captured during the Uscru incident.
"6000 of your soldiers, we have. Release them if you consent to the Republic's requests, we will." Yoda stated.
Pina waited for a translation from Hoot, "S—Six thousand!" She said when he finished. She immediately questioned what the Republic would want in return.
Amedda would answer, "The Republic will accept monetary or material compensation in exchange for the prisoners but in a show of good faith, we will release four particular prisoners and the first five hundred to you without cost." He handed Pina a short handwritten list.
Pina understood that these prisoners being released was the Republic essentially asking for a favor and once Pina glanced who the four particular prisoners were on the list, she happily replied, "We accept your terms!"
Bozes would be shocked at the sudden approval from Pina noting that Pina didn't even know how much the Republic was truly asking for. She feared that Pina might have just unwittingly agreed to handing every last coin of the Empire's over to them. When she asked why Pina accepted the terms so easily, Pina would answer, "The four were the ones tasked by the Emperor to lead the expedition through the Gate."
"You mean?" Bozes said.
"Yes. Myui Formal will be quite happy to have her father back."
Amedda called back their attention and continued, "Good. We'll also give you the full list of prisoners. You can inform their families." He then handed Bozes a datapad containing the names.
While Bozes thumbed through the datapad in fascination due to both the names on the list and the fact that all that information fitted on a thin board, Pina would ask about how much should the Empire give for the rest of the prisoners. While Amedda would tell Bozes that she could keep the datapad and went on to explain its functions with Ray translating, Yoda would answer Pina about the amount of compensation wanted,
"Unknown for now. Still little we know of your world. To bankrupt you, not our intention it is."
Pina accepted the explanation but hesitated in asking more to the little green Master. Sensing her thoughts, Yoda said, "Wary of our intentions, you are. Naturally be suspicious given the environment you have been raised in, you would. Yes, hmm?"
She nodded slowly having been taken off guard in having her thoughts suddenly being brought out in the open.
"How did you—"
"A Jedi, I am, remember? Knight Deova, one you have already met." Yoda interrupted, "Your emotions in insisting to protect your Empire, open your thoughts to me they are."
"You can read my mind?"
"Yes and no. Emotions, powerful they are. Open the mind to us, they do."
While Pina wrapped her head around that, she decided to have some fun with it as she hid a hand under the table, "Well, Master Yoda, how many fingers am I holding up?" Hoot nearly lost it as he had to translate her question for Master Yoda.
Yoda was hardly phased by her question, "Strong is the Force, but for parlor tricks it is not."
She would be disappointed that he didn't give an answer but Yoda continued, "Genuine your intentions for peace are, but lingering doubts you have, hmm?
With that statement, she really believed he was reading her mind but while she did want peace, there were some things that bothered her.
"Master Yoda, I do want peace but, there are a few, maybe some people in the Empire who won't be easily swayed despite all the advantages you have."
"Yes, troublesome folk they are. Conflicted feelings you have for them, for your father and brother, and their ability to change. But faith. Faith and confidence you must have to change their way."
Feeling some confidence that the old Master had trust in her to convince people like her father, she bowed to him thanking him for his advice just as Amedda finished explaining what a datapad is to Bozes. Seeing that all matters have been resolved, Amedda declared the meeting over.
Upon leaving the meeting room, Pina and Bozes along with their escorts would see the rest of the group in the Senate hall and they would overhear Eila and Fordo having a short conversation.
"I'm returning to the Guard and I want to thank Senator Amidala for the supplies before she leaves" Fordo said.
"Alright, just be back when we return through the Gate." Eila said.
"Yes, General. I'll take my leave then." Fordo proceeded to salute to her, Wrench, and his men of RT3 before waving goodbye to Lelei, Tuka, and a saddened Rory.
Once Fordo disappeared from their sight, Eila would notice Pina and Bozes and would call to them to join the rest of the group.
"So," Eila began, "How was your meeting with Master Yoda and the Vice Chancellor?"
"It went well." Pina replied, "This is the first step to a peace between the Empire and the Republic."
"That's good to hear."
"How about your meeting with the Senate, General?"
Eila paused for a moment before answering, "It went better than I expected." She noted that at least Rory didn't act as rashly as she believed Rory would, "It seems many of the Senators and the Chancellor are agreeing to us having a larger presence in the Special Region."
Pina's mood swiftly changed to one of fear as she managed to squeak out if a 'larger presence' meant the Republic was going to push the Empire out of its way despite her earlier meeting with Master Yoda and the Vice Chancellor.
"No, no, no!" Eila tried to assure her, "Again, we're not going to take down the Empire. It looks like its just us having more supplies to explore the Special Region and to take care of any refugees we come across. The increase in supplies can also allow us to get rid of any pests."
"Pests? Do you mean the fire dragon you drove away?" Pina asked.
"Well, the fire dragon is one of them. We don't know of any other dangerous creatures that might be in the Special Region so we want to be prepared. But with the fire dragon, we want to bring it down so we can ensure the safety of not only our troopers, but also the civilians."
Before Pina could ask more questions, Eila would be approached by a Senate Commando and would inform her that she had to return to the Jedi Temple. After acknowledging the Commando, Eila asked Wrench to take care of their guests. Once Eila was gone, Wrench asked everyone to board an airspeeder transport that was going to take them to some fancy hotel meant for dignitaries. Wrench and the clones would accompany Lelei, Tuka, Rory, Pina, and Bozes to the hotel and Wrench would reluctantly accept that Crom and a few Senate Commandos also had to be with them too.
After boarding the airspeeder and once again their otherworldly guests being mesmerized by the Coruscant skyline, they would be settled into the hotel and would finally relax. While Wrench insisted that Crom stay outside as the guard he was meant to be along with the Commandos, Lelei would approach Wrench for a favor as he enjoyed the softness of the couch he sat on just like the other clones who were enjoying the amenities the hotel offered.
"Commander?" Lelei said.
Wrench would straighten himself before addressing her, "Yes! What is it, Ms. Lalena?"
"Commander, I would like one of your datapads with information on your sciences, history, and philosophy."
"A datapad? Sure, but why do you want one?"
"I wish to learn more about your civilization. Perhaps even incorporate it into my practices."
"Strange. I thought you were already learning about us back at the base and that quick little lesson you had earlier?"
"I simply seek more information. Your datapads seem to contain plenty of it."
Wrench would oblige Lelei by talking to Crom outside who would then hand him a datapad that he would turn over to her with it opened to the information she wanted. As Lelei began to read through the information with fascination and an intensity to commit everything to memory, Tuka would come next.
"Something wrong, Ms. Marceau?"
"Umm, Commander." She continued to fidget, "Can I also have that device you gave to Lelei?"
Wrench would pass another one to her as she mumbled on if there were any spells or good stories to see. He would be approached next by Pina and Bozes. Pina also wanted a datapad as well. While Wrench thought that Pina was probably interested in information like Lelei and Tuka, what he didn't know was that Bozes had figured out how to access the HoloNet and had come across the more adult parts of the HoloNet that interested her greatly. She had decided to let Pina in on her interesting find.
Seeing that he was essentially catering to their guests' needs, Wrench would approach Rory who had decided to look out at the Coruscant skyline from the balcony.
"Do you need anything, Ms. Mercury?"
From Wrench's view, Rory seemed distant since the Senate session and it worried him when she didn't react to his question. He repeated his question and Rory turned to him in surprise.
"Oh, Commander."
"Well, do you need anything, Ms. Mercury?"
"No. No, Commander. I'm—I'm fine."
Wrench wasn't fooled. He instantly knew something was bothering her from her tone and her detached attitude. The attitude in particular was a noticeable indicator since Rory always acted eccentrically in his eyes. "Ms. Mercury, is there something bothering you?"
"No! No, Commander. There's nothing bothering me."
"Please, Ms. Mercury. Eila—the General, acts like you right now when somethings on her mind."
Rory attempted to make a retort but stopped herself before responding to him, "Commander. I don't mean to be rude or put you in an awkward position but…"
"Yes?"
"What do you know of your leader? The Supreme Chancellor?"
"Chancellor Palpatine? Why do you ask?"
"Please, just tell me what you know."
"I'm just a soldier, Ms. Mercury, not a politician or biographer but I do know that the Chancellor used to be a Senator from Naboo."
Rory noted that fact as she remembered that the current Senator for Naboo was a nice lady. She continued, "How did Chancellor Palpatine come to power? Did he have to fight to obtain his position?"
"I think you've hung out with us long enough that you should know that our leaders are elected or appointed. They don't get to where they are by killing off their rivals." Wrench said with some irritation as he thought that Rory still thought about them the same way she would think how leaders in the Empire are chosen.
Rory noticed the slight irritation in Wrench's answer and decided not to press further. She pondered about the questions she was about to ask Wrench and thought that they were likely to enrage the trooper given the kind of insinuations she was about to say regarding the Chancellor. "Thank you, Commander. I just wanted to know some things about the Chancellor. That's all."
Wrench sighed, "Look, if you want to know more about the Chancellor or anything about the Republic. Why not just go through this." Wrench handed her a datapad he had anticipated in getting ready.
Rory took the datapad and began browsing through it. "Thank you, Commander."
"Well, we do want you guys to enjoy your visit here. So have fun."
Having returned to the Jedi Temple after the few weeks in the Special Region, Eila had hoped to relax in meditation and try to find some inner peace for herself. Instead, she was reporting to the Jedi Council and essentially repeating everything that had been said in the Senate.
"After the battle, I brought the Princess and her associate back to the base for medical screening before our trip to the Senate." Eila concluded.
"I see. Hmm, when you return to the Special Region, you will be accompanied by members of the University of Coruscant. They wish to study the Special Region closely. Please give them appropriate accommodations."
"Yes, Master Windu."
The Council members gave their minor grunts and nods of approval before Master Windu declared the Council adjourned. After Eila bowed to the Masters and the Masters shuffled out of the Council Chamber or clocked off the holoprojector, Master Yoda called to her.
"Knight Deova. A moment, if you please."
"Yes, Master Yoda?"
"An opinion, I desire. Of the Force. What do you feel of the Force in the Special Region? Hardly mentioned, it was. Only your word that you felt its presence in the other world."
Eila paused for moment, thinking of a proper response before answering, "The Force, it feels…different over there, Master Yoda. The Force seems to, not flow, but feels like a wave over there. It feels 'wilder' than here."
Eila noted that she that whenever she did use the Force in the Special Region, it did seem more powerful than anytime she used it here. She was also informed that the Gate itself was surrounded strongly by the Force.
"Hmm. Wilder you say? Why your mind, troubled it is, hmm?" Yoda answered.
"Troubled? No, Master. Even though the Force feels different over there, I can still control it just as I would here."
"Implying that the Force over there unbalances you, I do not. Something else has troubled your mind."
Eila began thinking of her missing friend in that because of her priorities, she wasn't actively looking for her. It certainly did trouble Eila that she wasn't searching for Vania with her imagination running wild on the fate of her friend. She also thought of both the war in the Special Region and the Clone Wars. Eila pinned her hopes that Master Yoda's negotiation with Princess Pina would end the war in the Special Region, and while things were looking up for the war that people in the Republic had dubbed it a 'side war' to the more pressing Clone Wars, she wondered how much more death had to be thrown at both conflicts to truly stop them. The fighting hadn't really stopped in the Special Region. While large scale battles had certainly ended, the various recon teams had instead come into skirmishes with roaming bandits.
Yoda, sensing her feelings, gave his thoughts, "Be mindful of your thoughts. Remember to let go of what you fear to lose. For in this war, both wars, fear, hate, and suffering are constant companions we must shed. Now go. Rest, you must. Additional orders from the Chancellor, for you." Yoda handed Eila a datapad with the orders.
Eila bowed to Yoda and left the Council Chamber. Reaching her quarters, that had been unoccupied for months since she left for the Special Region at the same time she came back from Scipio, she brushed off a thin layer of dust on the bench and prepared it for her meditation with lit candles. Before taking the time to meditate, she thought about Master Yoda's words.
'Let go of what I fear to lose? Give up on Vania? No, she's one of the missing people. I don't think I should give up. Something I fear to lose in both wars? Wrench? No, he can take care of himself.'
Shaking her head, not having gotten any closer to what Master Yoda truly meant, she began to also wonder about the public's response to the Senate session. Master Windu mentioned offhand that the reaction to the session had actually been quite tepid. The only strong reactions that came up were from the families of those who had a loved one who had gone missing or was killed during the Uscru incident. Mostly, those people wanted a more aggressive military response. Ultimately, Eila understood that the rather lukewarm response from everyone else was because first contact with alien races had long become a boring subject to the general public. First contacts tended to happen every couple of months and the only people who were interested were usually people from the University of Coruscant or the Order's own Exploration Corps who both studied alien races. Eila wondered why the Exploration Corps was not going to join the University of Coruscant as Windu had mentioned. She eventually came to the conclusion that it was likely because there was a more pressing need to have Jedi leading on the frontlines rather than chasing new discoveries. Pushing that thought aside, she quickly went over the datapad.
'Take our visitors to my cruiser?' Eila thought. 'View of our technological wonders?' As she continued to scroll through the text, she then realized why the Chancellor wanted to take their guests onto her cruiser for some time in orbit with the Coruscant Home Defense Fleet. It was just like their return approach to the base at Alnus after Italica.
'Another show of force, huh?'