Here it is, what you've all been waiting for, well some of you at least. The last chapter in the first part of the Kenobi Saga. Enjoy, I tried to get it up for SG before she went on her hols so don't kill me if there are loads of typos.
Kyia met Valorum in the Great Entrance Hall that led to the seat of the Galactic Senate. He bowed briskly; she did not need her sixth sense to detect his nerves.
"I was expecting you earlier"
"Sorry" She apologised coolly, surprised at the agitated state of the normally reposed ambassador "I was delayed on the way".
"The senate is extremely… "His brow furrowed "Volatile. You can hear the shouting all the way to the Outer Rim".
Kyia shrugged calmy "Only shouting? I'm disappointed; I expected them to at least be tearing up the chambers by now".
Valorum raised an eyebrow making it clear that he was not amused by her statement "Please, they are asking for you but I'd advise you not to go before them"
She held up a hand "I won't slink away like a coward. They'll want an explanation, and if I don't provide them with one it will only add to the rumours that are flying around. The consequences of that are worse than anything I will face in there". Kyia took a composing breath "I've hid for too long as it is". The meeting with Mace Windu and Yoda had left her with a odd sense of serenity. It had explained so many things, her inability to control her emotions, her lack of skill with a lightsabre and her treatment of fear just a few of them. Now she knew what she was, with the reason for her stunted growth explained it she had found control and peace.
"The Senate will attack you" He continued, putting emphasis on the word 'will' "politically and personally, and this time they will not hold back. It will be openly, giving the situation the potential to turn into nothing but a verbal brawl".
The Quelena shook her head "I can remain calm".
"It's not you I doubt. I question their ability to stay objective. Frankly, many systems see this as a betrayal and…"
She cut him off firmly "Then they will have to listen instead of talking"
The Quelena straightened her blue linen dress, its long train trailing behind her and took Valorum's arm as they entered. They took up their places in the Elphoran congressional box amid shouts and cries of fury that filled the immense senate building.
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine hushed the assembly, demanding silence before he spoke, his voice not weak enough to echo in the large rotunda "Order, Order. The chair recognises the senator from the sovereign system of Elphora. The Elphoran box floated forward "Under section thirty four b, part four, clause five the chair acknowledges Elphora's request for extraction from the Republic and withdrawal of all rights and properties within the body. Do you bring forth a representative of your leadership to second the motion?"
"I do" Valorum replied solidly, taking care to make eye contact with the Chancellor. He had once believed in the Republic, until this man's betrayal of his trust and his friendship, but he Finis Valorum refused to be surmounted by it. "I present Her Royalness Kyia Levelle, Quelena of Elphora"
Kyia stood up and moved forward to the vacant spot Valorum had left. There was a murmur that travelled amongst the senators, she allowed it to subside before she spoke "As the sole ruler of Elphora I have presented my request through Senator Valorum and now come before you in person", she placed her hand on the screen in front of her, adding her unique hand print to the document, sealing Elphora's fate "and allow you to bear witness to Elphora's resignation of our place in the Republic" There were more mutterings, the Supreme Chancellor turned, expecting her to leave but she remained standing "I can see the look in your eyes condemning me for this. No doubt you have already concocted a scenario as to why we are doing this" She said without malice, looking around the vast dome "However my planet's importance in the glory that history has shown to be the Republic means I feel I should explain why my generation is conducting it's apparent abandonment when my ancestors were amongst those to sign the second declaration." This time the mutterings were louder, rising from each senator into a dull roar.
"Order, Order. I will have order" Palpatine insisted, wishing that there were some way to stop her speech, not knowing what accusations it would bring, he knew however, that if he kept her silent the uproar would be worse, and he must maintain his dignity.
"Please, hear me out. Listen before you judge us. My government back up my actions and believe me I have not made this decision lightly. I am a Jedi at heart" Kyia refused to lie in this session, but the truth could be bent in many ways "I was raised with storied of the perfect, just system with the Jedi protecting it from the attack of evil, and I have the highest respect for that" Kyia allowed herself a pause in the absolute stillness "But I have since learned that the greatest danger comes from within, and that is something, the Jedi in all their wisdom cannot guard against." She held a hand to count them on her fingers "Greed, bureaucracy, selfishness, misunderstanding and intolerance. We all have been guilty of them at some point in our lives as individuals, but it is unjustifiable for a ruling body to possess such traits. Maybe the Republic simply has grown too big and is over looking the smaller things, surely the Naboo Crisis has taught us that?" Several senators nodded "Either way I cannot let this disease spread to my home in a Senate that although is filled with thousands of good people with good intentions, because of its size and a few corrupt people is over looking small needs" The Quelena paused then added in almost simple child-like tones "Elphora is only small".
The words seemed to sink down into the room like a death-pallor leaving the same shocked stillness in its on looking neighbours.
"Thank you" Kyia turned and left with the speechless senate just as they left the Republic.
"It was a very eloquent speech." Valorum said to her.
"To be honest, I had no idea what I was going to say" She replied simply.
Finis smiled "It's often the best way, more honest".
"Lets hope it's catching" Kyia looked away thoughtfully, a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach "I have to return to the temple, I'll meet you on Elphora before you leave for the Hapan Consortium"
Valorum nodded, glad to have time on his home planet before resuming his task as an ambassador "Would you like an escort, I heard you travelled alone".
"I'll be all right, besides, I've seen you with a blaster, I'm probably safer on my own"
Valorum smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder "Be careful Your Royalness"
She left him feeling uneasy and instantly wished she'd said something more comforting.
Master Yoda greeted her at the temple, taking her immediately to her new quarters where he began re-plaiting her padawan braid "Easy it will not be" He warned in his teaching voice and his small hands manipulated her hair. "Believe you can hmmm?"
Kyia nodded "Yes"
"Good, important it is. Belief is a Jedi's best weapon, yes, belief in the Force and belief in oneself. Do or do not. There is no try." He pressed into her conscience.
"And belief in your Master" She added.
"Hmmm" Yoda chuckled "Flattery, helps it does!"
Kyia drifted into sleep quickly that night, tired from the day's efforts and relaxed in the stark but familiar surroundings of the temple, so she was surprised when she awoke in the middle of the night. Kyia walked over to the washbasin, leaving the light off and reached for a glass that she began to fill from the tap, but as she sipped the water that uneasy feeling refused to dissipate into the Force. Suddenly shock coursed through her body like an electric current and she let the glass slip through her fingers, shattering into reflective shards as it hit the ground. In the instant she realised that she would never reach her lightsabre in time she was thrown back onto the floor. She called to her lightsabre but her estimations had been right, the Sith reached it before she did. The Sith laughed cruelly as if amused by her attempts Trying to regain herself she stood as quickly as she could, trying to call Master Yoda through the fledgling bond training bond that they shared, but the Sith used a Force-assisted jump to get behind her, placing her own glowing blade against her back. Kyia winced in pain, using Jedi techniques to isolate the injury, but the moment's distraction had given the Sith another advantage. She squirmed in his iron grip as she was pressed chest first to the floor, then pain seared through her once again.
This is it, she though, this is death, as he etched an elegant line into her dorsal flesh with the tip of her own lightsabre. Her vision greyed and she lost all consciousness.
The End
Book 2 Sabre's Union is on it's way don't worry. Evil Cliffhangers, please don't kill me too much.
Kyia met Valorum in the Great Entrance Hall that led to the seat of the Galactic Senate. He bowed briskly; she did not need her sixth sense to detect his nerves.
"I was expecting you earlier"
"Sorry" She apologised coolly, surprised at the agitated state of the normally reposed ambassador "I was delayed on the way".
"The senate is extremely… "His brow furrowed "Volatile. You can hear the shouting all the way to the Outer Rim".
Kyia shrugged calmy "Only shouting? I'm disappointed; I expected them to at least be tearing up the chambers by now".
Valorum raised an eyebrow making it clear that he was not amused by her statement "Please, they are asking for you but I'd advise you not to go before them"
She held up a hand "I won't slink away like a coward. They'll want an explanation, and if I don't provide them with one it will only add to the rumours that are flying around. The consequences of that are worse than anything I will face in there". Kyia took a composing breath "I've hid for too long as it is". The meeting with Mace Windu and Yoda had left her with a odd sense of serenity. It had explained so many things, her inability to control her emotions, her lack of skill with a lightsabre and her treatment of fear just a few of them. Now she knew what she was, with the reason for her stunted growth explained it she had found control and peace.
"The Senate will attack you" He continued, putting emphasis on the word 'will' "politically and personally, and this time they will not hold back. It will be openly, giving the situation the potential to turn into nothing but a verbal brawl".
The Quelena shook her head "I can remain calm".
"It's not you I doubt. I question their ability to stay objective. Frankly, many systems see this as a betrayal and…"
She cut him off firmly "Then they will have to listen instead of talking"
The Quelena straightened her blue linen dress, its long train trailing behind her and took Valorum's arm as they entered. They took up their places in the Elphoran congressional box amid shouts and cries of fury that filled the immense senate building.
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine hushed the assembly, demanding silence before he spoke, his voice not weak enough to echo in the large rotunda "Order, Order. The chair recognises the senator from the sovereign system of Elphora. The Elphoran box floated forward "Under section thirty four b, part four, clause five the chair acknowledges Elphora's request for extraction from the Republic and withdrawal of all rights and properties within the body. Do you bring forth a representative of your leadership to second the motion?"
"I do" Valorum replied solidly, taking care to make eye contact with the Chancellor. He had once believed in the Republic, until this man's betrayal of his trust and his friendship, but he Finis Valorum refused to be surmounted by it. "I present Her Royalness Kyia Levelle, Quelena of Elphora"
Kyia stood up and moved forward to the vacant spot Valorum had left. There was a murmur that travelled amongst the senators, she allowed it to subside before she spoke "As the sole ruler of Elphora I have presented my request through Senator Valorum and now come before you in person", she placed her hand on the screen in front of her, adding her unique hand print to the document, sealing Elphora's fate "and allow you to bear witness to Elphora's resignation of our place in the Republic" There were more mutterings, the Supreme Chancellor turned, expecting her to leave but she remained standing "I can see the look in your eyes condemning me for this. No doubt you have already concocted a scenario as to why we are doing this" She said without malice, looking around the vast dome "However my planet's importance in the glory that history has shown to be the Republic means I feel I should explain why my generation is conducting it's apparent abandonment when my ancestors were amongst those to sign the second declaration." This time the mutterings were louder, rising from each senator into a dull roar.
"Order, Order. I will have order" Palpatine insisted, wishing that there were some way to stop her speech, not knowing what accusations it would bring, he knew however, that if he kept her silent the uproar would be worse, and he must maintain his dignity.
"Please, hear me out. Listen before you judge us. My government back up my actions and believe me I have not made this decision lightly. I am a Jedi at heart" Kyia refused to lie in this session, but the truth could be bent in many ways "I was raised with storied of the perfect, just system with the Jedi protecting it from the attack of evil, and I have the highest respect for that" Kyia allowed herself a pause in the absolute stillness "But I have since learned that the greatest danger comes from within, and that is something, the Jedi in all their wisdom cannot guard against." She held a hand to count them on her fingers "Greed, bureaucracy, selfishness, misunderstanding and intolerance. We all have been guilty of them at some point in our lives as individuals, but it is unjustifiable for a ruling body to possess such traits. Maybe the Republic simply has grown too big and is over looking the smaller things, surely the Naboo Crisis has taught us that?" Several senators nodded "Either way I cannot let this disease spread to my home in a Senate that although is filled with thousands of good people with good intentions, because of its size and a few corrupt people is over looking small needs" The Quelena paused then added in almost simple child-like tones "Elphora is only small".
The words seemed to sink down into the room like a death-pallor leaving the same shocked stillness in its on looking neighbours.
"Thank you" Kyia turned and left with the speechless senate just as they left the Republic.
"It was a very eloquent speech." Valorum said to her.
"To be honest, I had no idea what I was going to say" She replied simply.
Finis smiled "It's often the best way, more honest".
"Lets hope it's catching" Kyia looked away thoughtfully, a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach "I have to return to the temple, I'll meet you on Elphora before you leave for the Hapan Consortium"
Valorum nodded, glad to have time on his home planet before resuming his task as an ambassador "Would you like an escort, I heard you travelled alone".
"I'll be all right, besides, I've seen you with a blaster, I'm probably safer on my own"
Valorum smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder "Be careful Your Royalness"
She left him feeling uneasy and instantly wished she'd said something more comforting.
Master Yoda greeted her at the temple, taking her immediately to her new quarters where he began re-plaiting her padawan braid "Easy it will not be" He warned in his teaching voice and his small hands manipulated her hair. "Believe you can hmmm?"
Kyia nodded "Yes"
"Good, important it is. Belief is a Jedi's best weapon, yes, belief in the Force and belief in oneself. Do or do not. There is no try." He pressed into her conscience.
"And belief in your Master" She added.
"Hmmm" Yoda chuckled "Flattery, helps it does!"
Kyia drifted into sleep quickly that night, tired from the day's efforts and relaxed in the stark but familiar surroundings of the temple, so she was surprised when she awoke in the middle of the night. Kyia walked over to the washbasin, leaving the light off and reached for a glass that she began to fill from the tap, but as she sipped the water that uneasy feeling refused to dissipate into the Force. Suddenly shock coursed through her body like an electric current and she let the glass slip through her fingers, shattering into reflective shards as it hit the ground. In the instant she realised that she would never reach her lightsabre in time she was thrown back onto the floor. She called to her lightsabre but her estimations had been right, the Sith reached it before she did. The Sith laughed cruelly as if amused by her attempts Trying to regain herself she stood as quickly as she could, trying to call Master Yoda through the fledgling bond training bond that they shared, but the Sith used a Force-assisted jump to get behind her, placing her own glowing blade against her back. Kyia winced in pain, using Jedi techniques to isolate the injury, but the moment's distraction had given the Sith another advantage. She squirmed in his iron grip as she was pressed chest first to the floor, then pain seared through her once again.
This is it, she though, this is death, as he etched an elegant line into her dorsal flesh with the tip of her own lightsabre. Her vision greyed and she lost all consciousness.
The End
Book 2 Sabre's Union is on it's way don't worry. Evil Cliffhangers, please don't kill me too much.
