One week passes. The people of the liberated core worlds vote to join the Alliance. Although reluctant to leave her homeworld of Mandalore, Chancellor Sabine Wren agrees to move the Alliance capital to Coruscant. She also agrees to begin planning the formation of a provisional senate, due to the growing size of the Alliance.
Meanwhile, The Jedi-Bendu have relocated to the long abandoned Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The ancient structure had been preserved by the New Republic as a galactic monument. However, after the New Republic's collapse following the destruction of the Hosnian System, the resurgent Empire retook Coruscant, and used the temple as their base of operations. During the Empire's recent withdrawal, the temple suffered some damage, as the Imperials attempted to destroy the structure. Although in need of repair, the temple is usable, and the twelve members of the Jedi-Bendu Order are now conducting most of their operations from a temple that once housed thousands.
At this moment, the members of the Jedi-Bendu are assembled in a large, circular room with a holotable in its center. Present are- Ezra Bridger; Kira Bridger; Ben Solo; Finn; Jyn Erso; Luke Skywalker; Mara Jade Skywalker; Kyle Katarn; Chana Salari, Kira's apprentice; Talles Koya, Mara's apprentice, and Rogan Aldar, Luke's apprentice.
"Now that we're all on Coruscant, we'll be using the Jedi Temple as our training academy. Some of us are still active military and will be on missions for the Alliance. Otherwise, we'll be here." Ezra says.
"Speaking of here… what was this room anyway? Was this where the Jedi Council met?" Finn asks.
"No. The council chambers were in the center tower at the very top of the temple, which happens to be in about a thousand pieces right now. This… was a briefing room, used for mission planning during the Clone Wars. Until the council tower is rebuilt, we'll be having our meetings here." Ezra answers.
"It's so… big. Of course, the whole place is enormous." Kira says.
"For us maybe, but… for the old Jedi Order, it was just right. At their peak, the Jedi numbered over ten thousand." Ezra says.
"Ten thousand…" Kira says.
"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Ezra asks.
"You could say that." Kira answers.
"Since there are only twelve of us, we're all going to have to do our part to get this place up and running. We'll start with getting the archives operational. I've been uploading data from my own holocrons, but the records are still incomplete." Ezra says.
"What happened to the records?" Finn asks.
"Destroyed by the Empire after the purge." Mara answers.
"They didn't destroy everything. Nearly a hundred Jedi survived the purge. About half of them had personal holocrons. We've found all of those, as well as others hidden away throughout the galaxy. Some for centuries, even millennia. It will take time, but we will rebuild this archive, and it will be what it was at the height of the Jedi Order. Maybe even better." Ezra says.
"But… we're not the Jedi Order. Why rebuild their archives?" Jyn asks.
"We're not the old Jedi Order, but we can learn from it. Especially what not to do." Ezra answers.
"What not to do?" Jyn asks.
"The old order… made many mistakes. They became arrogant. Complacent. That cannot happen again. We will do our best to understand the force as a whole. Not just a one sided dogma. Will we make mistakes? Possibly. But, we'll learn from them, and do our best to not repeat them. That… is the purpose of the Jedi-Bendu. Now, before we get to work, there's one more thing I'd like to discuss. By now, you've all heard that the Alliance council is making plans to form a new senate. Honestly, we need it. The Alliance is getting too big for a council of fifteen to run everything." Ezra says.
"So, a new senate. How's that going to be done? We have almost seven hundred planets now. It seems like it would take quite a while to elect a senator for each one. At least based on what grandma said about the old senate." Chana says.
"True. That's why we're only having a senator for each sector. At least, for now." Kira says.
"That means about thirty elections, as well as one appointed member." Ezra says.
"Appointed member?" Chana asks.
"It's still about two months away, but… one of us will be chosen to serve in the new senate as representative of the Jedi-Bendu." Ezra answers.
"So, one of us gets to become a politician. Great. Sounds like it'll be all kinds of fun." Kyle says.
"So, are you volunteering, Kyle?" Ezra asks.
"Hell no! I'm busy enough running Intelligence as it is! Why don't we make one of the kids do it?" Kyle asks.
I was actually thinking that anyway. Kira and Ben are both already on the Alliance Council, so they're both used to being leaders. The Senate would be a good learning experience for either of them. Ezra thinks.
"We still have time. We don't have to decide just yet." Ezra says.
"We're going to be the galaxy's legitimate government now. The people are going to need representation. There are going to be changes. It's going to be a long and complicated process, but I think we can pull it off." Luke says.
"Same here. As long as we have the right leaders in place. Which, I think we do." Mara says.
"We're on the right track with the government and the order. These are things that need to be done. Still, we are at war. There is an enemy out there intent on destroying us all. The full extent of her powers remain a mystery, even for me." Ezra says.
"Have you… seen anything about what might possibly happen? You can do that right?" Chana asks.
"One thing I've always insisted on with this order is complete honesty. That applies to me as well. I can, to some degree, look ahead. Sometimes… it's clear. Sometimes… not so much. As far as what I've seen…. It's not good, but it's not completely hopeless either. We can win. There's a small chance, but… we can win." Ezra says.
"Then, we'll just have to trust in the force." Kira says.
Elsewhere, aboard the Imperial Command Ship, Grand Admiral Thrawn is standing at the holotable to the rear of the bridge. Grand Moff Aphra approaches.
"They move quickly. Went straight for Coruscant. Just as the Empress predicted." Aphra says.
"Indeed. This was always the plan. Now, we will wait until the proper time, then, we will attack." Thrawn says.
"I trust your Chiss vessels are up to the task?" Aphra asks.
"They are, Supreme Hand." Thrawn answers.
"Very good. Once the attack begins, you handle things in orbit. I will assume command of the ground forces." Aphra says.
"A direct confrontation with the Jedi and their allies is not the most favorable position. I also advise you to beware of Ezra Bridger. He is quite intelligent, but he does not always play by the rules. Predicting his next move will be… difficult. Even for me." Thrawn says.
"I also know him from past dealings, and the Empress pretended to be his friend for almost thirty years, so she also knows him very well. That being said, you are more familiar with his military tactics than I am, so your insights have proven most valuable. We are also grateful that you have brought the Chiss into the Empire." Aphra says.
"My people are still rebuilding from their war with the Yuuzhan Vong. The Empire has vast resources which would be of benefit to them. I was able to convince my people's leadership that an association with the Empire would be mutually beneficial." Thrawn says.
"Indeed. Your people provide ships and soldiers, as well as hyperspace routes to the Unknown Regions, we provide the latest technology to help your people so they will be prepared for whatever enemies they face." Aphra says.
"There is one thing that as of yet eludes me. The Empress seeks to convert Kira Bridger. Based on the intelligence reports I have read, I find it highly unlikely she would ever willingly join the Empress. Would it not simply be easier to kill the girl?" Thrawn asks.
"The Empress… wants Kira Bridger. She wants to turn her, teach her, and mold her into the perfect apprentice. That girl… is one of the most powerful beings that has ever lived, and the Empress wants that power." Aphra answers.
"I suppose the Empress has some sort of plan to achieve this?" Thrawn asks.
"Grief… can be a powerful motivator. Upon seeing everyone she cares about slaughtered, Kira Bridger will be consumed by her grief and anger, and she will seek vengeance." Aphra answers.
"And the Empress believes that this quest for vengeance will lead young Kira to the dark side of the force?" Thrawn asks.
"There is no guarantee of course, but the Empress believes it will. Eventually. She is patient. She is willing to wait, but… her patience has limits. She will only wait for so long. Then, Kira Bridger will be given a choice. Serve… or die. Our victory over our enemies will be complete, one way or another." Aphra answers.
"Based on my observations, I believe the most likely outcome will be that Kira Bridger will choose to die rather than serve the Empress." Thrawn says.
"I also believe that." Aphra says.
"It might also be wise to consider other factors." Thrawn says.
"Such as?" Aphra asks.
"I speak only hypothetically of course, but there is a possibility that your intelligence regarding the strength of enemy forces is incomplete. The Alliance could possibly have additional forces that remain unknown to us. For example, the pirate Hondo Ohnaka is a known associate of Ezra Bridger." Thrawn says.
"We have considered Ohnaka, and our intelligence indicates that he has no involvement with the Alliance beyond serving as an informant. He is of no concern to us." Aphra says.
"The crime syndicates could also be persuaded to aid the Alliance." Thrawn says.
"The Empress has considered that, which is why she has assigned operatives of Crimson Dawn to keep them occupied. Her host body was once a crime boss named Qi'ra. Under that identity, she controls a significant portion of the galaxy's organized crime, and has earned quite a reputation. Even the rival syndicates are afraid to oppose her openly." Aphra says.
"The Empress uses Crimson Dawn as an extension of the Empire in order to enforce her will over the crime syndicates, while allowing their criminal activities to continue. I admit, I do not entirely agree with this approach. Controlled chaos is still chaos. I believe it is only a matter of time before the syndicates decide to double cross the Empire." Thrawn says.
"Fear not, Grand Admiral. The Empress has considered this as well. If the syndicates ever become foolish enough to defy her, she will destroy them… swiftly, and without mercy." Aphra says.
"Then, the Empress does not seem to be concerned about a potential defeat." Thrawn says.
"There will be no defeat! The Empress has foreseen a great victory, and I am fully confident that we will have it!" Aphra says.
"I do not doubt the Empress or her abilities. I am simply exercising a degree of caution, which I have found to be necessary." Thrawn says.
"I do not share your concerns, but… the Empress trusts your judgement, so I will as well." Aphra says.
"Supreme Hand, if I may… I make it a habit to understand people, and, quite frankly, you are an enigma." Thrawn says.
"I see you have taken the time to analyze me. What conclusion have you reached? What confuses that brilliant mind of yours?" Aphra asks.
"In your youth, you seemed only committed to serving your own self interest. Even your short lived association with Lord Vader was ultimately to serve your own goals. You only came into the Emperor's service with great reluctance. I believe it was not until he threatened your life that you finally agreed to become an agent of his. Yet… here you are now, serving as second-in-command to the Empress, and effectively running the day to day operations of the government. I find this rather abrupt change in loyalties to be quite… surprising." Thrawn says.
"It was for selfish reasons at first. But now? I am loyal to the Empress, one hundred percent. You would be wise to never question that." Aphra says.
"Of course, Supreme Hand. Forgive me if I seem out of line." Thrawn says.
"Think nothing of it, admiral." Aphra says.
A middle aged, deeply tanned man wearing the insignia of an admiral approaches, and salutes.
"Report, Admiral Velska." Thrawn says.
"All ships are in position, Grand Admiral. We have the system surrounded." Velska says.
"Status of enemy defenses?" Thrawn asks.
"Minimal, sir. Only three fleets deployed to the Coruscant sector." Velska answers.
"Were we detected?" Aphra asks.
"No, Supreme Hand." Velska answers. Thrawn looks at Aphra, who nods.
"Then, let us begin." Thrawn says.