Luke walked slowly down the corridor in the Jedi Temple. A pair of black boot shieded his feet from the cold stone floor. However, despite the cool ground, the air was warm and comfortable.
As Luke neared the end of the hall, he paused. There was a rustling noise in one of the rooms to his left. He held his breath and listened carefully. The movement stopped and all was quiet once again.
Luke continued on. He did not stop until he had reached the last room on the right. He knocked softly and put his ear to the door. Footsteps could be heard hurrying to the door.
Luke stepped away from the door and waited. The door slid open, and a friendly voice invited him into the room.
"Come sit down Luke," said the woman inside. Her silver grey hair was let down and flowed down her back. She wore a loose garment that hid her slender figure.
"Thanks, Tionne," responded Luke with a smile. He seated himself down in a comfortable chair to one side of the room. As he did so Luke examined his surroundings. He had been to Tionne's room many times in the past to discuss matters with the well educated Jedi Master.
Tionne had been to a vast number of planets and had learned much about other cultures and beings. Most of the jedi students at the temple loved receiving lessons from her. She usually sang a balad or taught the lesson in a way which all of them could understand. Tionne was kind and had a very musical voice.
"You're sister contacted me just a little bit ago," said Tionne. She sat down on the chair across from Luke. "You were out and I didn't want to disturb you. Have you heard anything about the New Republic's new plans for diplomacy?"
"Bits and pieces. Do you mean about their plan to gain support from planets that once held power in the Old Republic?"
"Yes. But your sister has now determined one planet to which she is focusing her time. She is trying to convince the senate to send a mission to a planet by the name of Gala. Have you heard of it?"
Luke frowned. He had been to many planets during his service in the New Repubulic but this one did not ring a bell.
"No, I don't remember ever hearing that name," he replied.
"I figured that you hadn't. The planet is relatively unheard of by many, including many well known senators in the Republic. It currently holds little, if any, power in the senate. The planet is in a state of disorder and civil war in current times. Your sister knows more about it than I do. I'm sure she'll fill you in with detail when you contact her. I do know that your sister wants to send a mission to the planet…"
"…In the middle of a civil war? I doubt these people are going to want to sit down and negotiate with some senators and New Republic officials who have only recently learned of their existance," said Luke with a frown.
"Well apparently the Senate received a message from one of the two waring tribes requesting help in establishing peace on the planet. The two tribes have been battling for power for many years and there has been a heavy loss of life. They are getting tire of the chaos but don't want to back down for fear of losing the power to become the rulers," responded Tionne.
"So she wants to send a mission to Gala. I'm asuming she wants jedi to make up part of the team, and that's why she tried to contact me," said Luke.
"Right on. You might want to think about who would best suit the mission just in case the Senate approves it," answered Tionne. "If I know your sister, she'll want results and arrangements to be made as quickly as possible."
"I'll have to put some thought into it. Somehow I get the feeling that this mission will be no picnic."
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Leia's eyes scanned the conference room. The walls were a plain baish color with only a few dectorations and medals scattered about the walls. Chairs were lined up in neat rows reaching from one side of the room to the other. Almost every chair was filled with beings from different planets. They sat chatting quietly or shuffling through papers and notebooks in hand.
Leia glanced at her watch. It's about time that I start. She rose from her seat and made for the front of the room. She caught the eye of many in the room. The rustling of papers and and the soft murmmer and discussion died down. The room went silent. All eyes were on the senator.
Leia stepped up to the podium at the head of the crowd. Her heart beat wildly but her outward appearance remaind calm and serene. She set her notes down on the stand in front of her and scanned the crowd for a second time. Leia inhaled deeply and smiled warmly at her audience.
"During the Old Republic, many planets were involved in keeping the Old Republic an orderly and peace loving form of government. It settled disputes and functioned, for the most part, to the benefit of planets who were involved." Leia paused briefly and then continued.
"As most of you know, I was assigned a task in the field of recruitment of planets. After weeks of research and searching I came across one in particular that I believe would be beneficial to our developing New Republic.
The planet of Gala was originally ruled by a monarch for thousands of years. Eventually, the power of the monarchy became corrupt and could no longer function effectively. The ruler at that time decided to convert the government into a form of democracy in order to create peace.
For many years following this establishment, Gala functioned well and began to regain its influence in the Old Republic. However, this all came to a halt at the rule of Emperor Palpatine. In his attempt to gain control over many planets, the existing government in Gala failed and chaos and civil war boke out. This civil war continues today.
Several weeks ago I was contacted by a inhabitant of the planet Gala. This contact, who wishes to remain anonymous, was able to tell me of the bitter hatred she has felt and received all of their life, having to go through this civil war. The battles that take place are mainly between two groups or tribes, the Chacune and the Enucahc. Both battle for the power to rule.
I believe that a major pupose and function of the New Republic is keeping peace. If Gala was recruited into the New Republic, a stable form of government could be established. Gala would be given another chance to gain influence in the New Republic and add to its members." Leia remained the center of attention in the room. All eyes were glued apon her.
"This contact desires peace for their planet. They are tired of seeing loved ones slaughtered before there eyes. The contact requested diplomatic help in solving the dispute. I would like to make a plea to the New Repulic to send a mission to uncover further background and information about this planet and to further investigate the possible future of Gala in the New Republic."
Leia concluded her speech and stepped away from the podium. The room became filled with light applause as she walk back to her empty chair and took a seat. She sat down and immediately felt the muscles in her body relaxed. She had done what she had come here to do. It was now up to the other members to make their decission.
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The wind blew gently through the forest, rustling the leaves of the trees. Vines swayed softly back and forth from branches to high up to see. Every now and then a small rodent would scitter by trying to remain unseen by predators. The air was warm and slightly humid.
Jaina Solo sat still upon a fallen tree. The now cream colored log had been striped of it's bark and branches. She was concentrating on the object hovering several feet in front of her. She ignored the strands of chesnut hair playing about her face and focused on supporting the rock in the air. She could feel the force flowing through everything around her: the trees, the wild creatures, and the object in front of her. She could see them clearly in her mind, though her eyes were closed.
Minutes went by. She remained concentrated and still. Beads of sweat began to form on her temples. She ignored her urges to shift her sitting position.
Suddenly she felt a ripple in the force and there was an invisible tug on the rock. She lost her focus and the rock droped to the ground with a thud. She opened her eyes, puzzled. There was a snap of a twig behind her and she spun around.
A young man stood their looking at her. His uncombed hair matched the shade of her's. As he stared at her, he seemed to be just surpressing a smile. Jaina glared at him with annoyance. His body began to shake and he collapsed to the ground in laughter. Jaina stood and put her hands on her hips.
"Jacen Solo, what in the galaxy are you doing? You completely messed me up!" she scolded. She glanced at her watch. "I have been doing this for ten minutes straight and you have to come interrupt me."
Her twin brother slowly stopped laughing. He pulled himself up off the ground and his hazel eyes met her piercing gaze. Leaves clung to his orange jumpsuit and there were several dirt stains near his knees.
"Oh, come on Jaina. Take it easy. I was only playing," Jacen said. He had an inocent expression on his face that reminded Jaina of her father. "Ok fine. I'm sorry," he said, though Jaina knew he did not truly mean it.
"Uncle Luke wants to talk to us. He sent me to find you. I have a feeling he means us to go on a mission."
Jaina's face brightened. She always liked being kept busy.
"Ahhh. That would be fun. Ok, fine, apology accepted. Let's go before he begins to wonder what you're up to."