Note: I was having trouble uploading and this is the correct Chapter Twenty-Nine. Somehow Chapter Twenty-Eight got loaded twice.
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Chapter Twenty-Nine
As the Jalatan shuttle in which Qui-Gon and Cian were passengers flew down toward the First Minister's Audience Hall, Qui-Gon saw Cian close her eyes. Then, when the shuttle suddenly dropped a few meters, she reached over and quickly grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly.
Although they had been on Jalat a few days now and had been transported throughout the capital city and its surrounding districts, Cian had not gotten used to the fact the shuttles were completely transparent. Qui-Gon had initially found the design startling, but aesthetically pleasing. Cian, on the other hand, had confessed to Qui-Gon it felt as if they were floating in mid-air.
Their pilot guided the shuttle to the tall, majestic building in which Cian and Qui-Gon were to have their audience with the First Minister and his Council. He knew landings were the hardest for her and, he had to admit, the sensation one was hurtling unprotected toward the ground was hard to discount.
The pilot smoothly banked the shuttle and then swerved toward a small landing area just outside the Audience Hall. As the shuttle hovered for a minute, Cian squeezed Qui-Gon's hand even tighter. He was amazed a woman with such small hands could have such a punishing grip. As he tried to ease his hand from hers, Cian opened her eyes. She looked down at what she was doing, then quickly snatched her hand away.
"Oh, Qui-Gon, I'm so sorry," she cried as she watched him rub the blood flow back into his hand.
"Quite all right, Cian. My hand is always at your service, but a little forewarning would be appreciated."
Cian shook her head as their pilot finally landed the shuttle.
"I hate flying in these things," she murmured.
"But you have to admit," Qui-Gon said as their pilot exited the ship, ran to their door, opened it and bowed, "they're wonderful for sightseeing."
Cian stepped unsteadily out of the shuttle, then waited as Qui-Gon climbed out behind her. He looked around. Like all Jalatan structures, the Audience Hall was of a clean, if somewhat stark, design. Tall columns of a soft pink stone banked the large entrance.
A wind blew across the landing field and ruffled Cian's delicately arranged hair. Qui-Gon looked at it with a smile. Cian had spent all of last evening trying on several garments and rearranging her hair in various styles, all in an attempt to find the perfect one for their audience. Qui-Gon had sat dutifully in the sitting room of her suite in the Residence Hall, waiting patiently as she had emerged from her bedroom in a new outfit or hairstyle for him to evaluate. As far as he was concerned Cian looked lovely no matter what she was wearing, and he had told her so, but she'd been hard pressed to finally decide on an outfit. It was, after all, her first assignment as emissary for the Republic. After what had seemed to Qui-Gon an endless parade of feminine finery, Cian had finally decided on a blue high-necked gown with softly flowing sleeves. She had piled her bronze-colored hair up into ringlets which framed her face.
Noting Qui-Gon was staring at her, Cian looked down at her gown.
"Is there something wrong? Is there a tear or, Lady forbid, a stain? No, I know what it is. It's the fit, isn't it? It's too tight across...," and she gestured miserably across the bodice of her gown.
Qui-Gon cleared his throat. The fit was rather snug there, but Cian was rather well-endowed in that particular area of her anatomy. He quickly drew his eyes away from the front of her gown and looked into her dark gray eyes which were watching him anxiously.
"There's nothing wrong, Cian," he said quickly. "You look lovely, as I said before. No, I was just thinking I'm very glad I'm a Jedi."
"Oh, really, and why is that?"
He gestured at his robe, tunic and pants.
"Because I don't have to lose my mind wondering what to wear," he said smiling.
Cian nudged him sharply in the side with her elbow. He chuckled, then looked across the landing area where the First Minister's aide-de-camp, Epena, hurried towards them.
"Welcome, welcome, most esteemed Jedi Master Jinn and Republic Emissary Nyal," Epena said to them in his faintly lisping Jalatan accent.
Epena was, like most Jalatans, slender, with dark orange eyes and sea-green hair but, where most of his people were tall, some even taller than Qui-Gon, Epena was the same height as Cian and she barely came up to Qui-Gon's chest. Epena bowed deeply to them.
Qui-Gon and Cian returned his bow.
"Thank you, Salu Epena," Cian said.
Qui-Gon had decided since it was, technically, Cian's assignment, he would let her handle the formalities. He knew he had been asked along only because the Jalatans were curious about the Jedi Order.
Epena waved his hand to indicate that Qui-Gon and Cian should precede him into the hall.
As Qui-Gon walked with Cian through the entrance, he had to stop himself from glancing back at Epena who walked behind them. He had not gotten used to the Jalatan custom that those of the Commoner caste were required to walk behind those of a higher caste. He and Cian, as diplomats, had been granted honorary membership in the Administrate caste which had afforded them this, in his opinion, annoying consideration. The Jalatans apparently did not find it difficult to carry on conversations with people who walked behind them, but both he and Cian found it hard not to turn around whenever someone behind them was talking.
"They are all assembled and waiting for you," Epena said as they entered the hall.
Once inside the Audience Hall Qui-Gon was impressed at how the Jalatans had managed to create a sense of grandeur without an overbearing impression of grandiosity.
As Epena, Qui-Gon and Cian approached the far end of the hall, Qui-Gon slowed his pace a bit so he was a step behind Cian, slightly to her left. He wanted the First Minster and his Council to know it was Cian who was the Republic's official representative.
They reached the end of the hall and stopped before a raised dais. On the dais was a long table. At the center of the table sat an elderly wide-faced man who grinned broadly as they approached. Along both sides of the table sat six other Jalatans. Epena had explained earlier that the Council itself was comprised of two representatives from three of the major Jalatan castes; the Administrate, Religious, and Military caste. The Commoner caste, of which Epena was a member, did not have a representative on the Council but, traditionally, it was the Administrate caste who looked out for the interests of the Commoners.
Epena moved from behind Qui-Gon and Cian to stand in front of the dais. He then bowed so deeply that for a moment Qui-Gon was afraid his head was going to hit the floor.
Rising, Epena turned and gestured toward Qui-Gon and Cian.
"Most honored First Minister and esteemed members of the Council of the Jalatan people, I present to you, from the Galactic Republic, Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Knight, and Mistress Cian Nyal, Republic Emissary."
Epena had instructed both Qui-Gon and Cian as to how deeply they should bow. Since they were honorary members of the Administrate caste, they were not required to bow as low as Epena, but they did have to show the proper respect to the First Minister and the Council. Qui-Gon bowed first, to show he was secondary to Cian, therefore his bow was deeper. Then Cian bowed slightly, tipping her head gracefully.
"Welcome, Master Jinn and Mistress Nyal," the wide-faced man with the broad smile said to them.
Epena glanced up at the man with a worried frown and Qui-Gon sensed something had just occurred which had thrown Epena off.
The man then stood and walked around the table. As he stepped down from the dais, a distinct murmur rose from the table. Epena looked like he was about to go into an apoplectic fit.
The wide-faced man walked over to Cian. He took her hand and pumped it vigorously.
"Welcome, welcome! I am First Minister Shiro. I am so happy you are here. So very happy. Welcome. Welcome."
Qui-Gon could see Cian was also taken aback by what she now perceived was a breach in protocol, but she quickly recovered. She smiled warmly at the First Minister who continued to briskly shake her hand.
"Thank you, First Minister Shiro. We are also very happy to be here."
Shiro shook Cian's hand a few moments longer, continuing to smile broadly at her. Then he released her hand and turned toward Qui-Gon.
"Yes, welcome, welcome, Jedi Master Jinn. So very glad you are here, so very glad," and he took Qui-Gon's hand and shook it heartily.
Qui-Gon inclined his head as he returned the First Minister's handshake. He was struck by the overwhelming sense of good will emanating from him. Shiro was not a young man, but his face shone with the unabashed innocence and guilelessness of a young boy.
Epena, who had continued to stare in alarm at the First Minister, finally aroused himself out of his state of shock and hurried over to Shiro's side. He whispered animatedly in Shiro's ear.
"Yes, yes, I know. Calm yourself," the First Minister said waving his hand.
Shiro turned away from Epena and smiled.
"Salu Epena has reminded me I must not continue to violate protocol. Therefore I will return to the dais as he instructs."
Shiro turned back to the dais, went up to his center seat at the table and sat down.
The members of the Council, who had watched the entire display with emotions, Qui-Gon noted, ranging from disbelief to outrage to humor, finally settled down.
Shiro glanced along both sides of the table.
"Members of the Council," he began, "as your newly elected First Minister, you are aware that one of my first acts was to initiate contact with the Galactic Republic. For too long have the Jalatan people remained isolated. It is time we embrace our fellow beings who reside in the skies beyond our world. That is why I asked the Republic to send a representative of both the Senate and the Jedi Order so that they may know us and we may know them."
He gazed down at Qui-Gon and Cian and smiled warmly at them.
"That is all very well, First Minister. However, not all of the Jalatan people welcome this new initiative of yours."
Qui-Gon looked closely at the man who was speaking. He had a high-domed head, a thin mouth and close-set dark orange eyes which glittered as he gazed down with cold disdain at Cian and Qui-Gon.
"Thank you, Salu Rukal, for reminding us of that," Shiro said. "Master Jinn, Mistress Nyal, may I present Salu Rukal, Chief Priest of the Jalatan religious caste."
Qui-Gon bowed and Cian nodded to Rukal. Rukal, however, did not acknowledge their gestures. He continued to stare coldly at them.
"Salu Rukal is worried that contact with outside systems may lead to a corruption of our people," Shiro explained.
"Not may, First Minister. It will corrupt our people," he said sharply. "This Galactic Republic of theirs is unclean."
Cian moved forward a step.
"Salu Rukal, there is much we do not know about the other, but I am hoping that while we are here, Master Jinn and I may help you to learn the truth about the Republic and the Jedi Order of which we are representatives and clear up any misconceptions you may have."
Rukal glared down at Cian.
"Truth," he sneered. "What do you know of truth, unbeliever? Only the Jalatans have been blessed with the truth, which is the knowledge of Syad, the energy which binds the universe together. And this one," and he pointed at Qui-Gon, "claims to have knowledge of the Syad, which he calls the Force. It is a blasphemy, I say, a heresy. We can not allow its foul taint to pollute our people."
At the far end of a table, a Jalatan male clapped his hands slowly and mockingly.
"A pretty speech, Rukal," he said scornfully, "but, like all your speeches, it was long on wind and short on substance."
The man who spoke was younger than Rukal and Shiro. He was also powerfully built for a Jalatan and wore what Qui-Gon surmised was a military uniform.
Rukal glared down the table at the younger man.
"General Nesshin, you of all people should understand the threat these beings pose to our way of life."
Neeshin gazed down at Cian and Qui-Gon, his orange almond shaped eyes thoughtful.
"Threat?" He tilted his head as he studied them. "That remains to be seen. But I do agree, and please mark this down Salu Rukal, for I promise it will be the only time I ever agree with you, we must be cautious."
"Cautious?" Rukal cried. "No, send them back where they came from! This woman and this Jedi" and Rukal sneered the word, "are an abomination!"
Shiro stood and glared over at Rukal.
"Stop it, Salu Rukal! I will not tolerate this from you any longer. These people are our guests."
Qui-Gon watched the heated exchange between the Jaltans with growing concern for he had begun to sense a distinct and mounting disturbance in the Force. It felt as if some great and terrible beast, which until that moment had been slumbering quietly, was slowly awakening. He glanced around for the source, but the feeling was illusive, just out of reach of his awareness. But of one thing he was certain, the disturbance was gathering about Cian. He moved closer to her. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He saw the look of concern on her face. Cian was not a Jedi, but she was Force sensitive and Qui-Gon could see she also sensed the disturbance.
Rukal stared back at Shiro for a long moment, then slowly nodded.
"Forgive me, First Minister, for my outburst."
Qui-Gon noted Rukal did not apologize to him or Cian.
"You are forgiven, Salu Rukal," Shiro said. "Now, all of you should have received copies of the prospectus from Mistress Nyal regarding the opening of trade and diplomatic relations with the Republic. We will vote in a few weeks on whether to initiate such relations. However, I hope you will take the time until then to meet with Master Jinn and Mistress Nyal so that you can learn more about the Republic which they both serve."
Qui-Gon quickly registered the responses of the Council members to Shiro's words. Rukal, the chief priest, continued to glare at him and Cian. The young Jalatan general, Neeshin, slouched in his chair, a small smile on his handsome face. His gaze, Qui-Gon also noted, was fastened on the front of Cian's gown. The two members of the Administrate caste, a male and female, sat with stoic expressions on their face, displaying neither acceptance nor disapproval of Shiro's words. And of the remaining two Council members, the religious caste member appeared to be unreceptive, but not as hostile as Rukal, and the other military caste member, an older woman who sat stiffly in her uniform, only looked bored.
"Thank you, First Minister Shiro and members of the Council," Cian said. "Master Jinn and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the Republic and the Jedi Order."
"Good. Then I adjourn this audience," Shiro said. The Council members rose from their chairs.
As Qui-Gon and Cian waited to be officially dismissed from the audience, Shiro left the table and walked down the dais towards them. He gestured for Epena to come closer.
Shiro stopped in front of Cian. He glanced back as the Council members continued to file out of the Audience Hall. Once the Hall was clear, he took Cian's hand in his.
"My dear, I must apologize for the behavior of Chief Priest Rukal. He is very dedicated to his calling and when he heard a Jedi was coming to Jalat, it sent him into a rather bizarre fit of rage. I personally don't understand it, but I am sorry you had to be a witness to it."
"It's quite all right, First Minister Shiro. No harm was done," Cian said.
"I am glad you are so understanding, Mistress Nyal. I would like to invite you and Master Jinn to my private residence for dinner tonight with my wife and I. You would greatly honor my humble home if you would accept."
"The honor is ours, First Minister. Of course we accept."
"Good." Shiro turned towards Epena. "See that everything is arranged for them, Epena."
Epena bowed deeply. "Yes, First Minister."
"Until tonight." Shiro then turned and left the Audience Hall.
Cian turned towards Qui-Gon. He could see she was about to comment on the Force disturbance, but he cautioned her with his eyes not to speak of it yet. She glanced at Epena, then nodded to show she understood. It wasn't that Qui-Gon mistrusted the Jalatan aide, but until he was certain as to who or what was the source of the disturbance he wanted to remain cautious.
"I will contact you later this afternoon regarding the arrangements for your dinner with the First Minister," Epena said. "It is a very great honor the First Minister has bestowed on you. Not many are invited to his private residence."
Epena then waited for Qui-Gon and Cian to precede him out of the Audience Hall.
To be continued.....