The secessions happened quickly over the next few days. It panicked many in the Republican loyalist camp but this was needed. The natural tendency was to force the unity to remain but that wasn't the right move.
With capable masters quigon and Ruach now in charge of the new Jedi order's daily affairs I returned to the Freedom with Amica to check on the chancellor and to stay ready for anything communist.
"That lizard gyzar is still sitting in my chair!" Marna said this while slamming a tablet down on a desk in her VIP cabin aboard ship. It was only then that she saw me and Amica standing in the open doorway. "Lord Jedi. Forgive me. I-"
I held up a hand as I entered. I added a smile and chuckle to go with it. "It's okay Chancellor. I get it." She nodded then sank into her office chair for the time being. "I appreciate everything you've done for me lord Jedi…but I feel like I'm still in exile staying here…"
"Gyzar's illusion of power won't be for much longer Chancellor. With the old Jedi council gone and all the planetary withdrawals taking place, many of them his own supporters, it's just a matter of time now."
She gave a small nod to that. It wasn't that bothering her though. It was something else. "You're bothered about what to do with him in light of what he did to you?" She nodded. "Yes. We've always had our differences. It was an unusual ticket; but this…" She touched the old wound site that I'd Force healed. It was the mental scar that troubled her now; and everything related to it.
She then looked up at me. "What do I do with him?" "I've given my new Jedi order orders to take him into custody on your authority pending the total collapse of his support base. And that's frankly gonna occur soon."
She nodded with more confidence this time. She got my logic there too. Arresting him beforehand could add political blowback we didn't need at this important juncture. And if he stood alone in the press as the traitor and puppet that he was and all saw him for it that was another matter entirely. He would do himself in at that point.
"Boss; breaking news on holo net… Gyzar has just resigned as acting chancellor and surrendered himself into Jedi custody. We appear to be in the clear."
Marna sighed with great relief. "Thank goodness for that. And thank you for your wise counsel there Lord Jedi. What now?"
"You consolidate your restored authority and lead the republic again. Work with my new Jedi council to strengthen your position and to maintain law and order. I'm gonna go commie hunting."
She stood. "Excellent suggestions. I'm also gonna get your Jedi order recognized through the senate. Whatever it takes."
We shook hands. "Thank you Chancellor. I appreciate that." "It's the least I can do for all you've done already my lord. Even after saving my own life. Like Master Ruach I owe you too. Getting your order recognized will make us even." "Agreed Chancellor. You won't regret it." "I haven't so far. I intend to keep it that way."
I called my men to have the Chancellor escorted back to the senate. Once that was done Amica and I would return to external security while quigon and Ruach handled internal security.
And with the senate being smaller now and pro gray Jedi I didn't expect it to take long for them to make us the new Jedi order of the reformed republic. And all without greater violence. That was always the winner.
We finalized our plans and got underway at light speed.
Xxx
General's quarters; Republican star cruiser Freedom
The main analyzed commie flagship intel came in from Coruscant as we jumped out. The timing was good for it. Intel had already been coming in but this was even more helpful. Amica went right to work about linking all the relevant pieces together. This would help us plan our next attack on a high value red target.
"Daiyu would be a good place to start boss based on the latest intel."
I remembered that mid rim world well enough from Vader days. It related to about a time ten years or so before the Death Star's destruction when Obiwan had come out of hiding to rescue my daughter Leia.
"Have the bridge adjust course for there immediately." "Yes boss."
At my desk I brought up holo net data on daiyu. It was still a temperate rainy world. Daiyu city still covered nearly half the planet; and it was still a seedy place.
It wasn't in Republic space. It was still a known hub for criminals and the like. Intel indicated that the reds were using this as a place for recruitment for the radical ranks. It was also a big supplier for the various red paramilitary groups out there. And being strategically positioned midway in the Lucas Galaxy provided the enemy ample means to effectively hit many Lucasian waypoints and other targets of high value.
Plus I also noticed that several key trade routes went through here. They were neutral but provided major supply sources to many galactic worlds. The intel didn't say they would attack those routes but it only made sense that they would to cripple galactic commerce and capitalism.
"Boss, I also took the liberty of having the millennium falcon placed aboard in the freedom's hangar in the event you needed it." "Thanks Amica. I hadn't even thought of that." "I figured you had a lot on your mind already." She was right; I did. Little preparatory things like this was why I had her along. Made all the difference.
I leaned back in my chair in thought too at this new and helpful information. Having the falcon gave us advantages…
"Change of plans…" We would instead have the freedom group patrol the trade routes while Amica and I took the Falcon in under cover to Daiyu. Less attention and more effective. We got ready.