Chapter VIII: Ruined Dinner
The four Jedi had eventually recombined during the night, but no communications went through them. They all went to their respective quarters, trying to get to sleep, but because each had had an interesting night, neither could fall asleep, therefore, all four were up to meet the sunrise; each contemplating his or her thoughts.
Anakin stood beside Raza, whether that was on purpose or accident, he didn't know, but he knew he felt comfortable next to the alien Jedi Knight. Anakin's thoughts were on the night before. He was partly ashamed that he let himself show weakness to a virtual stranger, however, Raza made him feel like there was nothing wrong with it, also, he must admit that he did feel better after he let out all of his negative feelings.
Raza's thoughts too were on the night before, but because of his strict training from the Temple, they did not remain on the young human Jedi Knight for long. They instead moved to the mission, and that strange cloaked figure whom he had seen a few nights before. Tonight was the Ceremony of the Stars, in which Viceroy Organa would first feast, and then actually proceed with the ceremony of releasing all the weapons of Alderaan into space. Raza respected Organa greatly for his courage in relinquishing all of the planet's weapons, but like others, he too saw that it might be his undoing.
Luminara and Obi-Wan were the only two who actually glanced at each other from time to time. Their thoughts on the kiss that was shared the night before, and what the future would entail for them. Ironically, even though both were powerful Jedi, and strong in the Force, neither one of them could see where the relationship would take them. Which is what scared them both.
The day went on, each Jedi keeping to himself. Obi-Wan had called Master Yoda and Master Windu on Coruscant, telling them of the latest news. He told them that it would be of great assistance if that the two Jedi Masters not tell the Supreme Chancellor for the reasons the four Jedi Knights discussed previously. Reluctantly, the two Senior Jedi Council Members agreed to Obi-Wan's plans, and promised to stay out of this conflict in every way.
Eventually, one of the Viceroy's assistants came to the room, informing the Jedi that the ceremony dinner would be commencing shortly. The four Jedi followed the female assistant to the Dinning Hall, where they immediately took a seat across from the Diplomats.
"Master Jedi, it is an honor to be feasting with you," said Senator Monthma, stopping her immediate conversation with Senator Farr.
"The honor is ours Senator. It is quite unusual to meet such honest and respected members of the Republic," answered Luminara, her serene voice carrying the needed emotion to keep the dinning table conversation light.
The other Senators followed in Monthma's steps, giving thanks for their presence, except for Senator Farr, who not only thanked, but non-graciously sucked up to the Jedi. The Jedi simply politely responded to each of the Senators, smiling politley and using their vast political training to keep everything calm.
Standing out of respect, Bail Organa finally came into the Dinning Hall, his lavish ocean blue eyes accenting his brown hair to make him look almost omnipotent. His voice echoed throughout the hall, it clearly carrying power and dignity.
"Welcome, members of the Republic, and honored guests of the Jedi Temple. Tonight, we feast in the honor of Peace. And we feast to prolong that all sentients can prosper in the great powers of the Republic. This Ceremony of the Stars is to forward that peace, within the next few hours, we will be launching a shuttle named Last Hope into space, where it will be automatically piloted and blindly jump through random hyperspace points. On this vessel, are all the weapons of Alderaan. Whether it be a simple knife, to the most sophisticated missile, it is on the ship. We do this to show the galaxy, that peace is obtainable, and prosperity a reality if the government in control is capable of working together for the benefit of all beings. This, is the first step in everlasting peace and making sure that all evils are erraticated." With his finishing words, Organa received a standing ovation from both the Jedi and the Diplomats, also the other members of Alderaan Houses too stood and applauded at their leader's words.
"Now, Honorable Representatives of the Republic, esteemed guests of the Jedi Order, friends and family of Alderaan, please sit, and feast," with those last words, all sat and began to eat properly as soon as the assistants brought out the food.
Meanwhile, outside the luxurious Dinning Hall, Aurra Sing crouched within the confines of the shadows, peering through one of the glass windows into the Hall, where she spotted the four Jedi Knights and the Diplomats.
In her normal attire, the Dark Lady of the Sith kept her saber holstered at her side, and instead drew forth her favorite and most prized weapon, her two meter sniper. The nose of the rifle immediately went onto her target, the Viceroy of Alderaan. His assassination really would be a major blow to the Republic. Her master told her that killing the Viceroy would bring the Republic into further chaos and even more importantly, would distract the Jedi Order even more. This was so because of Organa's strong voice in the Republic. It carried almost as much weight as Senator Amidala's voice. But of course, no one could carry as strong a voice as the Senator from Naboo. She was too well respected and after her first account of stopping the Trade Federations plans, and then later playing a major role in the Battle of Geonosis, no one, not even Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, carried a much clearer and stronger voice. However, the real reason for the Viceroy's assassination was the distraction of the Jedi Order. Organa and the Jedi had always been close, the most obvious friendship between the Order and the Viceroy was Obi-Wan Kenobi. The two shared a bond similar to brothers; therefore, not much remained hidden from the Order on the events of the Galaxy, and vise-versa.
"Master, you will be proud," spoke Aurra softly to her self as she finished the aiming process. When that tedious task was finished, Aurra pulled back the trigger, sending one silent crimson bolt of energy directly into the Viceroy's skull. And not even the Jedi Knights could stop it, for she had cloaked herself and remained hidden, and not even Master Yoda could have stopped a bolt going that fast. Therefore, with a smile as wide as a Corellian Cat, Aurra Sing vanished into the night sky, using the Dark Side to cloak her, and her insidious laugh.
The four Jedi had eventually recombined during the night, but no communications went through them. They all went to their respective quarters, trying to get to sleep, but because each had had an interesting night, neither could fall asleep, therefore, all four were up to meet the sunrise; each contemplating his or her thoughts.
Anakin stood beside Raza, whether that was on purpose or accident, he didn't know, but he knew he felt comfortable next to the alien Jedi Knight. Anakin's thoughts were on the night before. He was partly ashamed that he let himself show weakness to a virtual stranger, however, Raza made him feel like there was nothing wrong with it, also, he must admit that he did feel better after he let out all of his negative feelings.
Raza's thoughts too were on the night before, but because of his strict training from the Temple, they did not remain on the young human Jedi Knight for long. They instead moved to the mission, and that strange cloaked figure whom he had seen a few nights before. Tonight was the Ceremony of the Stars, in which Viceroy Organa would first feast, and then actually proceed with the ceremony of releasing all the weapons of Alderaan into space. Raza respected Organa greatly for his courage in relinquishing all of the planet's weapons, but like others, he too saw that it might be his undoing.
Luminara and Obi-Wan were the only two who actually glanced at each other from time to time. Their thoughts on the kiss that was shared the night before, and what the future would entail for them. Ironically, even though both were powerful Jedi, and strong in the Force, neither one of them could see where the relationship would take them. Which is what scared them both.
The day went on, each Jedi keeping to himself. Obi-Wan had called Master Yoda and Master Windu on Coruscant, telling them of the latest news. He told them that it would be of great assistance if that the two Jedi Masters not tell the Supreme Chancellor for the reasons the four Jedi Knights discussed previously. Reluctantly, the two Senior Jedi Council Members agreed to Obi-Wan's plans, and promised to stay out of this conflict in every way.
Eventually, one of the Viceroy's assistants came to the room, informing the Jedi that the ceremony dinner would be commencing shortly. The four Jedi followed the female assistant to the Dinning Hall, where they immediately took a seat across from the Diplomats.
"Master Jedi, it is an honor to be feasting with you," said Senator Monthma, stopping her immediate conversation with Senator Farr.
"The honor is ours Senator. It is quite unusual to meet such honest and respected members of the Republic," answered Luminara, her serene voice carrying the needed emotion to keep the dinning table conversation light.
The other Senators followed in Monthma's steps, giving thanks for their presence, except for Senator Farr, who not only thanked, but non-graciously sucked up to the Jedi. The Jedi simply politely responded to each of the Senators, smiling politley and using their vast political training to keep everything calm.
Standing out of respect, Bail Organa finally came into the Dinning Hall, his lavish ocean blue eyes accenting his brown hair to make him look almost omnipotent. His voice echoed throughout the hall, it clearly carrying power and dignity.
"Welcome, members of the Republic, and honored guests of the Jedi Temple. Tonight, we feast in the honor of Peace. And we feast to prolong that all sentients can prosper in the great powers of the Republic. This Ceremony of the Stars is to forward that peace, within the next few hours, we will be launching a shuttle named Last Hope into space, where it will be automatically piloted and blindly jump through random hyperspace points. On this vessel, are all the weapons of Alderaan. Whether it be a simple knife, to the most sophisticated missile, it is on the ship. We do this to show the galaxy, that peace is obtainable, and prosperity a reality if the government in control is capable of working together for the benefit of all beings. This, is the first step in everlasting peace and making sure that all evils are erraticated." With his finishing words, Organa received a standing ovation from both the Jedi and the Diplomats, also the other members of Alderaan Houses too stood and applauded at their leader's words.
"Now, Honorable Representatives of the Republic, esteemed guests of the Jedi Order, friends and family of Alderaan, please sit, and feast," with those last words, all sat and began to eat properly as soon as the assistants brought out the food.
Meanwhile, outside the luxurious Dinning Hall, Aurra Sing crouched within the confines of the shadows, peering through one of the glass windows into the Hall, where she spotted the four Jedi Knights and the Diplomats.
In her normal attire, the Dark Lady of the Sith kept her saber holstered at her side, and instead drew forth her favorite and most prized weapon, her two meter sniper. The nose of the rifle immediately went onto her target, the Viceroy of Alderaan. His assassination really would be a major blow to the Republic. Her master told her that killing the Viceroy would bring the Republic into further chaos and even more importantly, would distract the Jedi Order even more. This was so because of Organa's strong voice in the Republic. It carried almost as much weight as Senator Amidala's voice. But of course, no one could carry as strong a voice as the Senator from Naboo. She was too well respected and after her first account of stopping the Trade Federations plans, and then later playing a major role in the Battle of Geonosis, no one, not even Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, carried a much clearer and stronger voice. However, the real reason for the Viceroy's assassination was the distraction of the Jedi Order. Organa and the Jedi had always been close, the most obvious friendship between the Order and the Viceroy was Obi-Wan Kenobi. The two shared a bond similar to brothers; therefore, not much remained hidden from the Order on the events of the Galaxy, and vise-versa.
"Master, you will be proud," spoke Aurra softly to her self as she finished the aiming process. When that tedious task was finished, Aurra pulled back the trigger, sending one silent crimson bolt of energy directly into the Viceroy's skull. And not even the Jedi Knights could stop it, for she had cloaked herself and remained hidden, and not even Master Yoda could have stopped a bolt going that fast. Therefore, with a smile as wide as a Corellian Cat, Aurra Sing vanished into the night sky, using the Dark Side to cloak her, and her insidious laugh.