Entry 41

We arrived on Toprawa a couple days later. I didn't get much time to ponder the pros and cons of discontinuing Jedi training before I was called in to see Antarian Ranger leaders Aren Folee and Degan Cor.

I entered a small briefing room where I found the two leaders sitting at a conference table. They waved for me to join them. I moved to the table and sat down across from them. I thought I was there for a debriefing, but they had more important things to discuss with me.

Aren gestured toward her datapad sitting on the desk in front of her. "We read your report, Jax. I'm sorry that you didn't find survivors." She gave me a sad smile. "I know you are disappointed."

I simply nodded not knowing what else to say when Degan abruptly changed the subject. "Have you ever been to Alderaan?"

"No, why?" I asked warily.

A small smile flashed across Aren's face. "We have heard rumors that a Rebel cell is forming on the planet. We aren't connected to these insurgents, but we would like to start a conversation with them. If we can get these disjointed rebel cells to unite…to start an alliance, then there is a chance we can defeat the Emperor. We'd like you to go there and make contact with their leader."

I couldn't help but scoff. "You read my written report about Dantooine. You know what happened there. The Empire is actively hunting Jedi. I don't know how they're finding them, but they are locating them, and when they do, they kill the Knight and anybody he or she had contact with. I don't think it is safe for me to be here and I definitely don't want to bring the Empire down on a highly populated planet like Alderaan."

Degan appeared unconcerned. "Jax you have been avoiding Inquisitors, the Emperor and Darth Vader for two years. If they couldn't find you on Coruscant I highly doubt they will locate you on Alderaan."

I shrugged my shoulders noncommittally. "I think you are wasting your time when it comes to Alderaan. As soon as Palpatine declared himself Emperor Alderaan's Monarchy disbanded their military forces and now profess a philosophy of peace. The monarchy is vehemently opposed to armed resistance. That doesn't sound like a planet planning to overthrow a superior Imperial force."

Aren leaned forward in her chair looking eager. "That's just it. We believe it is a cover to throw Palpatine off their tracks. Rumor has it many high-ranking royals are financing the local rebel cell. We don't know which royals are involved, but it could go as high as Queen Breha Organa." Both leaders appeared excited about the possibility. "Can you imagine how many weapons and supplies could be provided by such rich benefactors?"

I sat back in my chair and raised a doubting brow. "And what am I to do? Walk into the palace, introduce myself and ask for a donation?"

Aren frown at me briefly. "We simply want you to bring a message to their leaders asking them to contact us. We'll do the negotiations."

I ran a hand over my face in frustration. "Do you know which royals are involved?"

Degan blew out a breath. "No, but our spy network has reported that the Queen herself offered refuge to the Caamasi refugees after the Imperials nearly destroyed their world. That is a fairly bold move. Palpatine ordered the bombardment of their world. The Alderaan monarchy must realize harboring these people can only result in the Emperor's disapproval. The royals are practically taunting Palpatine. If the members of the lesser royal houses didn't protest the Queen's actions there is a very good chance that most of the high ranking leadership are anti-Imperial."

I knew it was hopeless trying to argue with these two. They would work on me, appealing to my sense of honor and justice, until I agreed to whatever mission they asked. "What can I do?"

Aren activated her datapad and pushed it across the table so I could view the screen. "The Queen and Prince Organa are throwing a extravagant party for their adopted daughter's second birthday. Royally from all over the galaxy will be there. There is a chance that the birthday party is being used by the rebel leadership as a way to contact other world leaders."

"If that's true, then the Queen must be involved."

Degan shook his head. "We can't assume that. She might not be part of the resistance, but other royals might use the celebration to make contacts and plan the overthrow of Palpatine and his brutal regime."

"Might use the celebration? In other words you have no idea if any rebel leaders will be present." I sighed and leaned forward in my seat. "Let's say treasonous nobles are at the party, how do I fit into this scenario? I'm not a royal or representative from a world government. How do I get in?"

Aren leaned over and pushed a few buttons on her datapad. "We know an invitation was sent out to the leadership of Kwarron…a planet that has been in isolation for two centuries and it is doubtful they will come out of their isolationism during Palpatine's reign. Our slicers can put together authentic looking documentation for the Duke and Dutchess Roskin of Portori, a province on Kwarron. We want you to portray Duke Roskin and Sacha the Dutchess."

"What?"

"You are our best chance of pulling this off Jax." Degan explained. "You are a Jedi and Sacha has been doing Force training with you. I know Jedi Knights were trained in proper etiquette at the Temple. I doubt any other Ranger could fool real royals."

"Plus you can do one of those Jedi mind tricks if you get in a bind," Aren swept her hand in front of her face. It was a motion I've only seen done by actors in Jedi action holos. Jedi don't need to move their hands while using the Force to influence people and they definitely wouldn't be foolish enough to telegraph their intentions.

"If an inquisitor is there undercover I may end up getting everyone killed." It was a weak protest. I knew there was no way they would give up the chance to contact other rebel cells.

"We have faith in you Jax!" Aren said with a wide smile. "You are the last of the Jedi. If you can't do it, nobody can."