Audience
Chancellor Dodonna sat in her office within 500 Republica Avenue. The austere office had seen better times, as she continued to rummage through approving initiatives to rebuild planets within the Republic. Thankfully, due in part to the Jedi and Onasi's brave stand, Telos's success had breathed new funding and new life into the Republic. Unfortunately, the Jedi Order had still found itself on the verge of collapse after 3 wars within a 50-year time span.
She sighed as she remembered that fateful battle against the Starforge. The Republic thought they had won—but had only ended up defeating the military aspects of the Sith. The Sith, as a cult, continued their silent war against the Jedi specifically, wiping them out and forcing the Galaxy to turn against its most prominent guardians of peace and justice.
And once more, it was coming back to the Galaxy selling out the Jedi for peace.
When did things get so complicated? She thought as she spotted her half-empty glass of Corellian whiskey. She picked it up and sipped it, allowing the amber liquid to swish within her mouth, taking in the scent and taste of the premium alcohol. As she placed the glass back on her desk, she allowed one hand to fly through her already silver hair. She had begun to develop grey hair during the Jedi Civil War—it had only peppered her hair at that point. Now the grey had turned to silver and that silver had become the only colour in her hair.
Even at her age, the woman appeared regal and undeniably handsome. She was a beacon of hope and a leader of the Galactic Republic that had now fallen in darker times.
Suddenly there came a beeping sound and she tapped a key on her console. "Yes?"
"Madame Chancellor, there is a group of Jedi here saying that they have a meeting with you."
Is it time already? She shook her head and spoke into the channel. "All right, send them in," she replied before her thumb left the key. The doors hissed open and revealed three Jedi: Masters Cyrin Jace, Ash Merrick and Len Vizta. "Ah, Masters, what can I do for you?" She greeted them, smiling softly, particularly at Cyrin Jace.
If any of the others noticed, they didn't make any mention of it.
Cyrin nodded and returned the smile. "Chancellor," he began, "I think it is time we discussed some things."
Her expression grew puzzled. "I am not sure what you mean, Master Jace."
The three Masters sat down in front of her desk and Ash decided he should answer. "We know the Senate is growing bolder and that they've begun allegations against the Order, demonizing us and holding us directly responsible for the events of the last 50 years."
Dodonna nodded her head, she could never lie to the Jedi. She had worked alongside them and knew that they were the Galaxy's best hope for peace. "There have been some elements within the Senate that have been calling for the Jedi to aid the Galaxy or be removed from known space altogether. Many have been growing wary and suspicious of the Order since the Jedi Civil War—and Revan's disappearance didn't help either."
"We are still limited in numbers—we only have a few active Knights and they number in the single digits," Len said, his voice sincere and pleading.
"And there are only us 3 who are all that is left of the leadership," Ash said. "Not to mention, we've lost contact with two of our Knights."
"Masters, I understand, however the Senate wants to enact a bill that will gather all Force-sensitives and have you give them a 'crash course' and send them out into the Galaxy."
"Chancellor," Cyrin began, "with all due respect, hasn't the Senate seen what a 'crash course' in the Force has done to the Galaxy? The Jedi Order has gone through three wars in such a short time span—we've lost most, if not all, of our active Knights. Many have chosen not to return, the Dark Side has consumed others and the rest have merely gone silent—never to return. If there is another war—by the Senate's declaration or by the Sith Remnant—we will not be able to participate. We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers. We cannot manufacture Jedi more than you can manufacture worlds within a short time span."
Dodonna sighed, throwing a loose strand of hair away from her view. "Masters, the Senators want an assurance that the Jedi still exist and care about the welfare of the Republic's people."
"They already have it," Len said. "What is it they really want?"
"They want to ensure that we will never have another Exar Kun, or another Revan."
"And how do they propose that?" Ash's eyes narrowed, as he didn't like where this conversation was heading.
"Some of those elements within the Senate have come to me as another interest group—one that proposes the Jedi activities become open to the public once more or the Republic faces declaring the Jedi Order enemies of the state."
"Enemies?" Cyrin's expression grew grim and all the more serious—if that were even possible. "All because they want the Jedi Order—as sparse as it is—to resume its mandate?"
"Yes, Cyrin. Even some members of that interest group have begun drafting plans for the creation of a new Jedi Order for the Republic, if you are not willing to cooperate."
"But where would they get the funding—and the initiates, as well as instructors?"
"Apparently, they already have the funding. They are the wealthiest systems in the Republic—untouched by the wars. That also means that the restoration initiatives will ultimately fail, resulting in the end of the Republic. And as for initiates—they have come up with a list. And it is even likely they already have some of your less than admirable brethren who will instruct the initiates. "
"The Sith?" Len managed to gasp. "Chancellor, with all due respect, who are these members?"
She sighed. "Unfortunately, I cannot tell you—they won't even reveal their names to me. They send aides and other figures to do their bidding. And suffice it to say, that if these systems declare their hostilities towards the Jedi—then the Republic faces one of two choices: eliminate the Jedi Order or face dissolving."
Cyrin glanced at his companions and had the final word. "Very well, Chancellor Dodonna, you will soon have the aid of the Jedi Order, but for now, we must be given some more time." I do not like where this is heading at all, he couldn't help but think. And what's more, if these Senators are willing to deal with the Sith, then the Galaxy will be at stake—especially if Atris has joined them.
"I wish I had better news, Masters," she said emphatically, knowing full well that the Jedi had been sent to the brink of destruction time and again, and that this time, the Jedi Order may very well perish.
Cyrin turned to another matter—one that also seemed to give the Jedi an advantage, even if they were backed into the corner as it already were. "Seeing how the Jedi Order will resume its mandate to the Republic, we would like some information regarding a matter prevalent to the Order and the Republic's welfare."
"Of course, anything," she replied.
He knew that this was the only way they could diplomatically learn anything before they took matters in their hands once more—which had proven disastrous the last two times. He also knew that Len and Ash were curious as to what he was thinking. "As you know, we've lost contact with two of our Knights in Corellia."
She nodded, listening attentively.
Ash remained stoic and Len could only wonder where Cyrin was going with this.
"They were investigating the possibility of new initiates and wandered into an unknown Republic facility and apparently Tamar Gran'gerst has not been forthcoming with any knowledge of this place."
"I see. What is it you would like me to do then, Master Jace?"
"The Jedi Council would like to request—in the mutual advantages of both the Republic and the Jedi Order—that we are given all information on this facility."
"Of course," she nodded, causing Ash and Len to glance at one another in disbelief. "In fact, Tamar is already here."
"Director Gran'gerst is here?" Ash asked, his voice revealing his guarded mien.
"That is correct Master Merrick," she replied. "We will soon get to the bottom of this—and the sooner, the better."
Cyrin's mien was even harder to read—the man seemed impassive, almost as if he were nothing more than a carving.
The doors hissed open and closed as the shadow of a figure covered over the dark-skinned man.
"Ah, Director Gran'gerst," Chancellor Dodonna greeted, "I believe you are aware of Masters Merrick, Vizta and Jace?"
"Yes," the Bothan said, bowing in front of the Jedi Masters. "I had the privilege of serving under Master Merrick during the Hapes campaign during the Jedi Civil War."
The silver-haired Master merely nodded. "Yes, I remember having several disagreements with you based on how best to accomplish several combat scenarios, Director," he stated matter-of-factly. "Congratulations on your promotion to Republic Intelligence, Director," the Master added, almost as if it were an afterthought.
Len stifled a giggle, while Cyrin continued to remain as vigilant as ever.
"Let us get straight to the point," Cyrin began, "as you are undoubtedly aware, two of our Knights are--,"
"Missing, yes, I know, Master Jace," Tamar said, cutting off the Master. "I am sorry, but I have the news of the other one too." He slowly, almost regretfully, produced an intricately crafted lightsaber from his robes, moving towards Len, handing it to him and quickly stepping back to where he had been but a moment earlier.
"Where did you find it?" Ash asked, as Len continued to roll the lightsaber around in his palm, mulling over the fate of his former apprentice.
"We found it within the more…seedier element of Corellia. I'm sorry Masters, but it seems that Master Fallout was killed—along with three of my own Intelligence Officers and 2 CorSec Officers as well."
"What was he doing there?" Ash continued asking.
Cyrin continued to probe the Bothan's thoughts with the Force, seeking the truth from the Director. It appeared as if the Bothan had been trained in the mental disciplines of the Echani—as Cyrin continued to feel nothing but desires of the flesh roll off the mind of the Director. Most of those thoughts were directed at the Chancellor, and as hard as it was, Cyrin maintained his stoic composure, lest he found his weapon embedded within the chest of the Director.
"Well, there were some illegal activities found in the area—activities from the—the Exchange," the Bothan replied.
"Hmm, well it is unfortunate that we've lost Gideon," Ash said softly, his voice betraying no emotion. "At least the Exchange's illegal activities are no longer a threat, as you say, Director."
"Yes, thanks to the support of Master Fallout."
Growing tired of the banter, and the Bothan's irksome presence, Cyrin rose and faced the camel-faced humanoid. "We would like to see a facility both of our Knights were sent to investigate. It's a Republic military facility located on Corellia—near the political district."
The Bothan's fur bristled slightly, however he maintained a calm expression. "Of course, Master Jace," he said solemnly, bowing.
"Excellent," Cyrin replied. He turned to Dodonna, "Chancellor, it is always a pleasure."
"You too, Cyrin—and Masters." She managed to hide the embarrassment by rising, clearing her throat and bowing long enough to hear the doors hiss open and hiss closed.
She looked to see an empty room and sighed. When did things become so complicated? She sat down and resumed reading the reports, sipping her whiskey. She paused for a moment and thought, when did I develop a taste for Corellian whiskey?
