Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to the next short story in Star Wars: Tales of the Infinity's Odyssey.
Thank you all for your wonderful feedback and support. I deeply appreciate it.
Tomorrow, the next main chapter will be posted, and then the main chapter will be put on hiatus until the game Star Wars: Jedi Survivor is released. Once I have watched a walkthrough of the game and discussed how it changes the lore of Star Wars with my beta-readers, I will make changes to the main story once I resume publishing chapters. Either way, I hope you enjoy my short stories, and I hope to continue to receive your support.
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Core Worlds Region
Imperial Palace, Coruscant
April 25th, 0BBY, 1100 Hrs (November 9th, 2558, 1100 Hrs)
Leia's heart was beating in her chest as she entered the elevator that would be taking her to the Throne Room of the Imperial Palace. The two Palace Guards on either side of her were as silent as a grave, each one keeping their gaze off of her. Even the hum of the elevator was silenced.
It had been around a week since the UNSC Infinity's arrival at Coruscant, and already, the rest of the Imperial Senate had become divided in terms of opinion on the UNSC. Some deeply disliked the UNSC and wanted them to leave, while others felt that the UNSC were paragons of military might and were to be emulated. Even the public, while deeply surprised by what had happened, had split along similar lines.
However one decided to cut it, everyone believed that she, Leia Organa, would be the perfect Imperial Ambassador to the UNSC. The way she had handled the initial first contact, combined with her excellent track record, made her the ideal choice. As such, when the Emperor had called for her to come to his throne room in the Imperial Palace, Leia knew what it was likely going to be.
The only thing that was really hampering her excitement was her nervousness. This is going to be one of the greatest occasions within the galaxy, she thought. I never thought I'd be able to soar to heights like this. I'm just a simple Imperial Senator doing what she can to bring about peace and order, while also deposing an illegitimate government in favor of a legitimate one. She adjusted her hair bun, making sure it was in the right position for the twentieth time that day.
All thoughts of hair buns and her current goals were put aside when the doors opened, revealing the interior of the Throne Room. There were a number of marked differences from when she had last entered the room. For one thing, it was just an hour from noon, with the light of Coruscant's sun streaming into the room, giving it an air of life. For another, the room was absolutely packed, with Imperial Senators attending the occasion.
At the back of the room, Emperor Palpatine sat in his throne, with Darth Vader standing at his side. As they approached, Leia curtsied before the two individuals, while the Palace Guards bowed. "Rise, Senator Organa," Palpatine said.
"You called for me, and I have come," Leia said.
"That I did," Palpatine said. Standing up on his cane, he said to everyone, "We are all gathered here, today, to celebrate the efforts of Senator Leia Organa in halting a war with a faction that we had no quarrel with, nor wanted a war with. Her efforts to stop the conflict from happening, and her efforts to arrange peace, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Galactic Empire. To that end, I hereby declare that Leia Organa is not to be a Senator any longer. As of now, she is the official Imperial Ambassador to the United Nations Space Command and the United Earth Government."
A chorus of clapping erupted as the gathered Imperial Governors, Ambassadors and Senators began cheering, welcoming the newest Imperial Ambassador to her new role. As they fell silent, Palpatine said, "To honor this occasion, we are holding a banquet in the Banquet Halls of the Imperial Palace. I would like to encourage our newest Imperial Ambassador to familiarize herself with those at the banquet, but more importantly, to enjoy the reward she has so richly earned and deserved. Once again, I and all those within the Galactic Empire, congratulate Ambassador Leia Organa for her efforts."
The cheering erupted again, with Leia feeling a heat rising in her cheeks. It felt good to have the recognition she deserved, though she felt insulted that it was coming from a tyrant and dictator. Still, she smiled, both to keep up her disguise and out of legitimate gratitude for the recognition…
Before long, she and everyone that had been in the Throne Room were in the North Banquet Hall, enjoying the rich selection of foods and drinks that had been presented for everyone to have. Taking a sip from a glass of Alderaanian Wine, Leia heard a pair of footsteps approaching. When she turned, she found that Benard Horden, the Imperial Ambassador of Eriadu, sitting down next to her. "Congratulations, Ambassador Organa," he said, his heavy accent tinting his words. "I had a feeling that you would achieve greatness one day. It's expected of the Organa family."
Leia smiled pleasantly. "That it is," she said. "It feels good to finally earn recognition for the work I've done. I'm just glad that I've averted a war is all."
"And I am glad that you did, too," Horden said, his face gaining a distant expression. "We don't need another war, especially after the last one that happened. I remember when Separatists tried to conduct a coup on my world. It didn't get very far, but the amount of death that it caused was tragic. I was caught in the middle of it all at the age of five. Both my parents were killed, and I was taken in by my paternal grandfather."
Leia frowned. "I'm sorry," she said.
Horden waved a hand dismissively. "It's all right," he said, "In fact, I credit that event to why I became an Imperial Ambassador. I learned then that peace comes at a price, though it is better to pay that price than to have a war devastate everything and everyone that you've ever known and loved. We don't need another Clone Wars, and I personally do not want another child to know that their parents died. I wish to ensure that another thousand years of peace is brought to the galaxy again. It happened once before, and I intend for it to happen again if possible."
Leia nodded before taking another sip. It was well known within the Imperial Senate that Ambassador Horden had been orphaned as a child, which had made his rise as an Imperial Ambassador all the more inspiring. The man had literally fought tooth and nail to get to where he was, and she believed that he'd earned his position. As they continued to dine, Leia smiled when she spotted a familiar face. "Ambassador Naberrie," she gasped upon seeing the woman in question. "I didn't think you'd be able to attend."
Ambassador Naberrie, also known by her full name of Pooja Naberrie, smiled, her brown eyes twinkling with humor and pride. "And miss out on my friend becoming the Ambassador to the UEG?" she asked rhetorically. Hugging Leia, she said, "I'm so proud of you, Leia. You've come a long way from when you've first started. I remember when you were an annoyed young woman that was just getting her feet wet in the quagmire of politics. It's wonderful to see that you've done so well since that day."
"It is," Leia agreed. "Speaking of which, how has your life been treating you?"
"Fine," Naberrie said. "Naboo's been doing well, and things have been very quiet as of late. Still, I wouldn't want it in any other way."
Leia nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't want it any other way either," she said. "Shall we speak some more at my apartment later?"
"Of course," Naberrie said. "Take care, Leia, and enjoy the banquet." Both women parted, with Naberrie continuing to mingle with the guests
As she continued to enjoy the food at the banquet, Leia became aware of someone else that was approaching them. When she turned, she found Palpatine approaching the two of them. Spotting her gaze, he gave her a kindly smile and said, "Ambassador Horden, may I kindly speak with Ambassador Organa?"
"Of course," Horden said. Turning to Leia, he asked, "Another time?"
"Of course," Leia said. Horden smiled, then stood to his feet and walked off. As the Ambassador of Eriadu left, Leia asked, "What do you require of me, my lord?"
"I would like to have another meeting with you when this banquet is finished," Palpatine said. "Noting too problematic, really. Just some formalities and a few things that need discussing. I expect you to be in one of the Meeting Rooms with me when this banquet is over, if you don't mind that is."
"Of course not," Leia said. "I was expecting to speak with you some more."
Palpatine smiled. "Good. Enjoy the banquet. After that, the serious work begins." With that, he left, leaving Leia to her meal.
That was close, Leia thought, a slight shudder going through her body. I had a feeling that we were going to be discussing who I will be taking with me to this brave new galaxy, especially since the UNSC are the only ones capable of intergalactic travel. Still, it couldn't be avoided, so she turned back to her meal, while trying to think on other matters.
While the others were enjoying the banquet, Palpatine returned to where Vader was at. "Enjoying the sight so far?" he asked.
"Yes, master," Vader said. In actuality, Vader found such banquets to be an annoyance. He wasn't the kind of man that was comfortable living in comfort. Especially since that… day, he thought. He was the kind of man that preferred to get his hands dirty out in the field, where he felt alive. Leaning more closely, he said, "I overheard your conversation with the good Ambassador. She seems… pleased to have earned her new position."
"Indeed," Palpatine agreed. "It was high time anyways that she was granted the position. Plus, it will allow us to find out more about the UEG and UNSC. I am rather curious about them."
Vader nodded. He knew that Palpatine's curiosity about them was more than a product of encountering them. The man likely wanted to know how their government worked, which figures were important and how to better influence them. He also likely wanted to know how strong the UNSC really was in all of it's areas. "Shall I accompany you to the meeting with Leia?"
"No," Palpatine said. "I will leave you to your own matters. For now, enjoy this feast for the eyes."
"Yes, master," Vader said, though his internal irritation flared. He was going to have to suffer through what he thought was a display of opulence and excess. The fact that I will not have to attend will allow me to pursue another matter entirely, he thought. One that has bothered me since I sensed that glow in the Force…
When the banquet was finished, Leia found herself in one of the many meeting rooms within the Imperial Palace. Around her were members of the Imperial Military, as well as various Imperial Governors and Ambassadors. At the head of the rectangular table was Palpatine, and it was he that started the meeting. Standing up, he said, "Now that we are all gathered here, it is time for us to discuss a serious matter that must be resolved, now that Leia has become the official Ambassador to the UEG. We are here to determine who will go with her as part of her retinue, and if she should require security. As of now, this meeting is underway." He sat down as he said this.
"Thank you," Leia said once Palpatine was seated. "I do believe that it would be wise for someone to provide an escort. If the footage that Captain Lasky showed me of the UNSC-Covenant war is true, then there might be small splinter factions that will not take kindly to viewing humans from another galaxy."
"I agree," Grand Moff Tarkin said. He had insisted that he attend the meeting, and Palpatine hadn't turned him down. Leia had noticed that, ever since the UNSC had arrived, Tarkin had been less pompous and more serious, a change that concerned her. "I believe that we should send with her a compliment of Stormtroopers as bodyguards and escorts. The Stormtroopers are the fist of the Imperial Military, and we will need to impress the UNSC with their discipline and professionalism."
"Agreed," Ambassador Horden, who'd also been invited, said. "However, we must be careful not to send too many Imperial Stormtroopers. Too many, and the citizens of the UEG will likely be intimidated by their presence, rather than impressed. That can often come across as threatening, which will make negotiations even more difficult."
"An astute observation," Pesage said. "That being said, we will likely have to come to a compromise. Tell me, Tarkin. How many Imperial Stormtroopers should we send with Leia as bodyguards?"
"At least a battalion," Tarkin said. "A battalion of Stormtroopers and a platoon of Death Troopers, I believe, will be sufficient."
Horden shook his head. "That's far too many," he said. "I would say that a platoon of Stormtroopers and a squad of Death Troopers is more appropriate. Easier to manage and the number wouldn't be enough to cause great concern."
"That's far too few!" Tarkin argued. "I believe -"
"Gentlemen," Pesage said. "We are not here to argue with each other; we're here to work with each other. With that in mind, I would propose that we send a company of Stormtroopers and a platoon of Death Troopers with the good Senator. That way, Leia has sufficient protection without the amount being excessive. However, I also believe we should ask the good Senator." Turning to Leia, he asked, "What about you? Do you think a battalion of Stormtroopers is appropriate, a platoon, or a company?"
Leia thought over the reasoning that Horden, Tarkin and Pesage had presented. "I believe that your proposal would be best," Leia said. "A company and platoon of both types of soldiers would be a suitable compromise."
"Then it's settled," Pesage said, his thin lips splitting into a smile. "Now, there is the matter of sending economic experts with your retinue. As we all are firmly aware, there is currently no exchange rate between the Imperial Credit and the monetary system the UNSC uses. From what I've heard, it is quite ironically called the Credit as well."
"That is ironic," Horden noted. "Perhaps we should ask our resident economist who we should send." His gaze turned towards the next man in the room.
The man in question was a short and rotund individual known as Morlen. Rumors had it that Morlen was a financial and economic wizard, with the man being able to pull large quantities of credits out of nowhere. Leia knew from what little intelligence the Rebel Alliance had that this was because Morlen was a highly successful business owner and banker, though when it came to lending, his rates were often usurious.
Leaning forwards, Morlen thought for a moment, then he spoke. "I will go on the retinue," he said. "I've had the most experience in this sort of affair. We'll need an experienced expert in order to determine a suitable exchange rate. We'll also have to account for the fact that they've been through a war and are likely in an economic repression."
"Leia?" Pesage asked.
Leia clasped her hands, resting her chin on her thumbs. While a usurious and greedy individual, she knew that Morlen wasn't boasting when he said he was the best person for the job. The man had made economic deals with people that other economists would've found to be impossible. He was so good, in fact, that Leia knew that his success was likely out of talent. "I believe that will be best as well," she said. "However, I would like Andetra Yvonia to come along as well."
Morlen sucked his lips in and leaned back upon hearing that. It was no small secret that he and Andetra Yvonia were bitter rivals. He'd called the woman too generous for her own good, while Andetra had called him a miser. All I care about is that I have two opinions from two people with differing viewpoints, Leia thought. That way, I can get an accurate picture of what actually needs to be done.
Apparently, Morlen had realized what Leia was going for, as he sighed and said, "Fine. I can put up with her for the duration of our stay at the UEG homeworld of Earth Besides, she'll be too busy looking at the city to even complain about me in the slightest." What he didn't add was that he could be rational when the situation demanded it.
"She'll be a fine addition to the retinue," one of the Imperial Governors agreed. "I've known her for a decade. She makes excellent points, even if she disagrees with the current military economy that is ongoing. It's always good to have differing opinions."
"We might also have to send along a few droids," Horden said. "From what I've heard, some of the aliens that were fighting against the UNSC and UEG split away from the Covenant and became allies with the UEG. That means that they'll likely be having difficulties with translations and the like. I'd rather not have the same troubles happen with us."
"That's always a sensible idea," Pesage agreed. "The presence of droids would also go to show our superiority in that matter as well. From what I've heard, they don't have droids, even astromech droids for that matter. That certainly tells me that they're primitive in that regard."
That was one point that almost everyone in the entire room agreed upon. While she didn't voice it, Leia was the only one that disagreed with them. They do have droids, she thought. They're just not what we would call a droid. Taking a breath, she said, "I will also need aides to come with me on the journey. If there's one thing that I do know for certain, it's that I won't be able to handle everything on my own."
"I've got the perfect candidates in mind," Horden said. "Gesar and Hondir are those candidates. I've worked with them before, and I can assure all of you that, while they are laid back and casual in some affairs, they are experts in the affairs of diplomacy and bureaucracy."
"I've met them before too," Tarkin said. "A little too casual for my liking, but you are right in that they do their jobs excellently. I believe they would be excellent choices. We will also have to consider representatives from the Imperial Military, Imperial Intelligence and the Imperial Security Bureau. I've picked out two of them already, though I'm not so certain about the third."
"And who would those two be?" Leia asked.
"Rear Admiral Gerden Norso of the Imperial Navy and Xerek Chorn from Imperial Intelligence. The third candidate is Jedorn."
Everyone in the room frowned. Jedorn, while an excellent ISB officer, was often prone to fits of paranoia, though he did try to keep those fits under control. However, he was known to become cool and logical, especially when faced with a new faction. "He'll… do." Horden said. "Just make sure he doesn't kill anyone out of paranoia."
"Understood," Tarkin said. "And the other candidates?"
"They'll do," Leia said. "I'm not comfortable with members of Imperial Intelligence and the Imperial Navy coming, but I understand the necessity of them coming along as well." She leaned back. "Any other candidates we want to have come along?"
"We could send Thrawn on this mission," Tarkin said.
"Yes," Palpatine said. "While I am still somewhat displeased by his failures at Lothal, I believe that he is the perfect person for this mission."
"There's always Gaeron," another person said.
Almost immediately, everyone shouted, "NO!", with Tarkin's voice being the loudest. "He's crazy!" Tarkin continued. "I wouldn't want him on a team heading to the UEG. Imagine the chaos that would ensue."
"Indeed," Palpatine said."While I would like Gaeron to go, he is out of the question. Gaeron is needed to ensure that the Outer Rim Territories remain complaint. In addition, he is too busy to send any representatives."
Leia frowned. Gaeron was known among Alliance Intelligence as a highly skilled Admiral from Mandalore. "Is there anyone else that y'all would be willing to recommend?" she asked.
"No," Pesage said. "however, we will also have to discuss what we will be doing once you arrive in the 'Milky Way Galaxy', as the UEG calls their home galaxy."
Leia smiled. That much, at least, was her forte. "I've got that figured that out. I plan on starting some initial talks in establishing trade agreements with the UNSC. That, however, will have to happen once the UNSC establishes their consulate and embassy here, which might take some time. After that, I will be able to go to their home galaxy and begin those talks. Until then, there's not much we can do but wait."
"Precisely," Horden said. "Until their home galaxy contacts them, we're going to have to wait."
"Agreed," Palpatine said, breaking his silence. Standing up, he said, "I believe that we should table the rest of this discussion until another time. All of you are likely very tired, so you should all go get some rest."
"Thank you, my lord," Horden said as he and the others got up. Tarkin remained seated, with everyone else, aside from Palpatine leaving.
Once they were all gone, Tarkin said, "We will have to do more than just allow those representatives to go. We will have to have spies sent with Leia as well. As it stands, we know very little, if anything, on the UNSC's military capabilities, and what we saw over Scarif is likely not the full picture."
"That we will," Palpatine said. "I trust that you will have suitable members of Imperial Intelligence go with her retinue, yes?"
"Indeed," Tarkin said, "The more we can find out about the UNSC and its actual capabilities, the more prepared we will be for a war against them. Either way, I wouldn't recommend waging an actual war with them. We will need to move cautiously, otherwise we'll be eaten as easily as a womp rat is eaten by a krayt dragon."
"Exactly my reasoning," Palpatine said. "I should leave you to go and handle that affair. As always, you have my utmost support, Tarkin."
"And I will not disappoint," Tarkin said as he left.
. . .
As she approached the elevator in the lobby, Leia took a deep breath and sighed. Now that is what I call a busy day, she thought. Became the official Ambassador to the UEG and now I've got a retinue of my own. Still, she suspected that Tarkin or Palpatine might attempt to have spies go with her on the journey. She wouldn't put it past those two, and it made a twisted sort of sense. The more the knew about the UEG and UNSC, the more they would prepare for a war. She shook these thoughts out of her mind as she entered the elevator.
When she arrived on the penthouse floor, she stepped out, only to be surprised when she spotted a pair of Stormtroopers that were standing at the door. The markings on their armor identified them as members of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion. Leia's blood chilled. That was the Stormtrooper Legion that worked closely with Darth Vader, which meant that he was likely beyond those doors. Walking closer, she asked, "Mind if I ask why you are here?"
One of the Stormtroopers, identified as an officer by his orange pauldron, said, "Official business, ma'am."
"I see," Leia said. "I would like to enter my apartment."
"I'm afraid you will have to wait until our business here is over, Senator," the Stormtrooper said.
"I'm afraid I'll have to correct you there. I'm no longer a Senator. I am an Imperial Ambassador of the Galactic Empire. I would like to enter my room. I will be making preparations for my newfound duties in accordance with the Emperor's wishes. If you want, you can confirm with your superior."
"We will confirm if that is the case," the Stormtrooper said. Keying his com-link, he said, "Sir, I have an Imperial Ambassador wishing to enter the premises. One Ambassador Leia Organa." After a moment, he got a reply and said, "Yes, sir. Understood, sir." Closing his com-link, he said, "Sorry for the inconvenience, ma'am. You may enter."
"Thank you," Leia said, "and it's all right. You're just doing your job. There is nothing wrong with that." The Stormtrooper nodded as she moved through the doors. There was no one inside of the apartment, confusing Leia as to what was going on.
She had just moved into the living room when she heard a noise from the veranda. Moving into the veranda, her eyes went wide when she spotted Darth Vader standing in the veranda. Nearby, a technician was bent over a toolcase, with his expression resembling that of a womp rat caught in the headlights of a landspeeder. Looking at Vader, the man said, "I wasn't aware that anyone was coming in. Did you inform her of this?"
Vader didn't answer, his eyes focused on Leia. Apparently, the Stormtroopers had checked with their immediate superior on if she was allowed access or not. He didn't fault them; they had followed standard protocol to the letter, and h had written those procedures himself. Walking closer, Leia asked, "Lord Vader, what are you doing in here?"
Vader considered not replying, though he discarded that notion immediately. As the new Imperial Ambassador, Leia was important enough to know part of the reason why he was here. "I was overseeing the security of this place," he said. "There have been concerns about the competence of the security detail here."
"I see," Leia said, unconvinced. "Does the Emperor know you're here? Wait, don't answer that. I'll ask him myself."
"I can assure you that is not necessary."
"I know, but I'd like to ask anyways." Keying the holo-projector, she watched as the hologram of the Emperor's face appeared.
"Ambassador Leia," Palpatine said. "I trust that all is well."
"Partially so," Leia said. "I was wondering if you had asked Darth Vader to visit my quarters, or if you were aware that he was here."
"I was not," Palpatine said. Turning his gaze towards Vader, he said, "May I ask why you are in Ambassador Organa's quarters?"
Vader sighed ever so slightly. He didn't want this to be happening. First his chewing out for his handling of the situation at Scarif and now this. "I was merely reviewing her security, master," he said. "There were concerns about the competence of her security staff. Given the importance of the task she now has, I decided not to leave anything to chance." It was a legitimate reason, and partly the reason why he was here.
"I see," Palpatine said. "Well, I don't suppose there's any harm in doing that. However, you and I will be having a discussion about invading the privacy of our Imperial Ambassadors without their explicit permission. Will that be satisfactory, Ambassador Organa?"
"Perfectly," Leia said.
"Very good," Palpatine said. "Good day." His hologram faded into nothingness.
"I will also be taking my leave," Vader said. "I am sufficiently convinced that your security is excellent. Good day, Ambassador."'
"Thank you," Leia said. "Just be sure to inform me before doing this sort of thing. I don't like surprises like that." With a nod, Vader advanced out of the room. As they left, the technician followed and once they entered the lobby, his Stormtroopers followed as well.
As the elevator they entered began to descend, Vader turned to the technician. "Do you have them?" he asked.
In response, the technician held up a small, transparent bottle that had a few brown strands inside. "Safe and sound," he said. "I don't know why you wished to have the tests done, but I will see them done. You have my word."
"Excellent," Vader said. As the elevator continued to descend, he thought back to when he saw Leia. Soon, I will have answers as to who she really is, he thought. Soon.