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Ahsoka was still rubbing her tired eyes after an early call from her Master over the Comm, requesting she come meet him and Obi Wan down by the training floor right away. Quickly changing into her clothes and grabbing her lightsabers off the bedside cabinet, she made her way down to the briefing room almost bumping into a group of younglings on their way to morning meditation.
"Nice of you to arrive on time for once Snips" Her Master teased upon her arrival.
"No different to when you were a Padawan, Anakin. Even now your punctuality has yet to improve" Obi Wan quipped in her defence, getting a mocked glare from his old Padawan.
"What's going on Master, are we being deployed again?" She asked in hope this wasn't the case since they only just got back from liberating Bakura from the Seppies.
"No not yet, the Council has requested something else" Anakin's voice began to waver a little, meaning something not to her liking was coming up.
"Alright what is it?"
"The Council believe that Corporal Matthews should have a escort attached to him for security reasons and to try and see if we can learn more about his origins" Obi Wan elaborated further from her sheepish looking Master.
"So we're to escort him everywhere now?" She huffed not overly pleased with the assignment, suddenly preferring a redeployment.
"Uh not we Ahsoka, you" Anakin rubbed the back of his neck nervously, knowing full well what her response was going to be.
"Me!?" She almost shouted at the pair "Why me?"
"According to the troopers, you two appeared to get on quite well with one another" Obi Wan explained in dry humour to the angry Togruta Padawan.
"Think of it this way Snips. You can learn more about him and his culture then tell us of anything that could be of any importance. Plus you can make amends with any misgivings you two may had" Her Master tried making the assignment more serious than it was but the glare she gave him signalled otherwise. Since it was a Council request she didn't really have much of a opinion in the matter, so with a heavy sigh of defeat she gave in and agreed.
"Fine"
"Great you can start immediately. We'll be meeting with Palpatine in an hour's time so could you get him ready and meet us on the landing pad"
"Sure, I'll see you then" The still irritated Padawan bowed to her Master and Obi Wan, leaving the older Jedi alone to ponder over her new task.
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Having just finished having a shower from the odd setting bathroom that took longer than the wash itself, Jake changed back into his combat gear and fatigues, waiting for somebody to let him out and see what the agenda was going to be for the day. He had no idea what time of day it was, even what day it was for that matter and quickly grew restless for being stuck in his assigned guest quarters. The idea of walking out and wandering around himself did cross his mind, however he had no clue where to go or who to go since he didn't know the layout of this alien super temple.
"Sod it" The marine thought pulling out his ipod and headphones laying down back on the bed. Jake was pleasantly surprised to see the little music devise had full battery. Skimming through the long playlists of various bands and artists he finally found one he liked and played the song, letting his mind fall back to his thoughts.
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"Why does Anakin always agree to give me the most boring or stressful tasks without my input" Ahsoka groaned inwardly to herself, still not happy about been given guard duty over the forceless human soldier. She'd rather do hours of meditation or studies on some dreary traditions of recluse monks rather than be somebody's personal escort but she couldn't disobey the Council, regardless of the request.
Letting out one last deep breath of annoyance, she stepped out of the turbolift to the dormitory level and walked down the hallway leading to the guest quarters. She found the number her Master told her the Corporal was staying in and chimed the door, only to get no answer. She did it twice more without a response so she chose to open the door regardless of his permission and was about to make a frustrated remark when she saw him.
He was lying down on the bed with white wires attached to a device resting on his chest and ears, his eyes staring up at the dull, beige coloured ceiling oblivious to her presence. The thing that caught the young Jedi's eyes the most was the sound, or what she make out to be music, coming from the device on his chest. It was stark white and no bigger than four or five inches long with a small lit screen and circular shaped button in the middle of the device.
Turning her attention back to the music she waited by the door and listened in on the alien tune.
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'Death surrounds
My heartbeat's slowing down
I won't take this world's abuse
I won't give up, I refuse!
/
This is how it feels when you're bent and broken
This is how it feels when your dignity's stolen
When everything you love is leaving
You hold on to what you believe in
/
The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye
And then I heard you flat line!
/
No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna stand and fight forever
(Don't close your eyes)
No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna fight for us together
No, we're not gonna die tonight'
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It wasn't like any kind of music Ahsoka had ever heard before. It had a heavy beat to it and the lyrics of the song didn't quite make sense to her as of yet, other than it gave her the impression of fighting against some kind of struggle.
Seeing he still hadn't noticed her yet she carried on listening in.
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'Break their hold
'Cause I won't be controlled
They can't keep their chains on me
When the truth has set me free!
/
This is how it feels when you take your life back
This is how it feels when you finally fight back
When life pushes me I push harder
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger
/
The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye
And then I heard you flat line
/
No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna stand and fight forever
(Don't close your eyes)
No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna fight for us together
No, we're not gonna die tonight
/
Don't you give up on me
You're everything I need
This is how it feels when you take your life back
This is how it feels when you fight back!'
Jake felt a presence in the room so he shifted his eyes down toward the door, to the alien teen from yesterday standing in the doorway looking over at him.
"Oh uh, hey there" He clear his throat sitting up, taking the headphones out of his ears and pressed on the pause button "How long have you been standing there?"
"Not long" She started by taking an interest it her fingertips, a clear sign to the contrary.
"Sorry, didn't hear you come in" The marine stood up from the bed, placing the ipod and headphones in his front pocket.
"Clearly. What is that thing?" She pointed to the pocket he put it in.
"It's an ipod, a type of music player"
"I heard some of it from over here. What kind of music was that?" Ahsoka asked him, amazing him that she could hear it from that distance.
"It's from a rock band, one of their older but more popular songs"
"What were they singing about?" She continued to press on, mostly for curiosity he summoned up.
"From my understanding it's about facing up to your demons and to those who would suppress you and take control of your life. To battle against any form of oppression and live life the way you want"
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Ahsoka was a little taken aback by Corporal Matthews words, expecting more of a teasing or sarcastic remark. It only further proved to her that the harsh quotes from politicians and civvies about soldiers being just as organic hard wired, programmed pieces of military weapons like battle droids to be complete utter rubbish.
"Good words of advice"
"Indeed. So why you up here kid?, besides listening to me chin wagging about the latest in the charts" The question was reasonable but the dry tone he put it in only started to wind her up.
"I have been assigned by the Council to be your escort" She swallowed her frustration and explained with the best straight face she could muster.
"You mean babysitter?"
Force I hate the Council and Skyguy right now, She mentally grumbled to herself.
"Don't worry, I know exactly what that's like. I'll try not to get you or myself into trouble...too much" The foreign soldier smirked on the last words, doing nothing but raise her ire even more.
"That'll have to do Corporal. You'll be brought to the Chancellor's officer in a hour, so I hope you remember your manners when you meet him"
"Of course, it's not like it's the first time I've met someone from high up come to make an exception"
"Just be ready" The Togruta Jedi nearly almost growled in frustration, tempted to use the force to slam him into the nearest wall.
"Hang about" He called back after her. Letting out a exasperated sigh, she swung back around at him waiting for whatever he had to say.
"What is it Corporal?"
"Look, it seems we're getting off on the wrong foot. So let's start a new slate and I'll do my best not to piss you off so much, Commander" He extended his hand out to her, his eyes softening and his tone had lost it's humoured edge. Ahsoka chose to do the logical thing and took his offered hand to seal the deal, hoping he really was being serious.
"I suppose we can start bearing each others' presence now" She allowed a small smile to form, earning a chuckle from man standing before her.
"That would be the best for both worlds, metaphorically and literally speaking of course"
Perhaps it might not be so bad after all, She thought to herself "So if there's anything you need..."
"Actually, I wouldn't mind having your opinion on something" He asked folding his arms together.
"Oh?" It wasn't often somebody would ask her opinion on anything important.
"This Chancellor of your Republic, what do you make of him?" The question was understandable and he was obviously looking to her to shed some light on old Palpatine and what to expect when he is granted an audience with the head of state.
"He's alright I guess. My Master thinks he's a both a great man and leader but I have my doubts about him" She started to feel suddenly uncomfortable talking about the head of the government the Order had sworn to protect, especially to an outsider.
"How so?"
"Well, I think there's something off about him" The Jedi teen rubbed her shoulder nervously, getting an understanding look from the soldier.
"It's a trait that comes with most politicians" She couldn't disagree with that, though there was an exceptional few like Padme and Riyo "Cheers anyway. Is there someplace to get a bit to eat around here by any chance?"
"Yeah it's on the level above. I was going there anyway before my Master informed me of my new duties"
"Hold on" He turned around and picked up his helmet, eyeing it for second "For God sake" He mumbled what she assumed was some form of blasphemy in his culture.
"Problem?"
"The chin straps loose again, just need to tighten the bloody thing" Whilst he was sorting out the trouble with his combat helmet, Ahsoka caught a glimpse of something else on the table. She moved past him and saw the Coruscanti sun was reflecting off a couple of pictures.
"Who are they?" She turned to him, watching Matthews spin round and glance down at the images that had caught her own attention.
"Family. The first photo is me with my brother and sister, the other is my girlfriend" Ahsoka's eyes wandered on the first picture containing him and his siblings. The first thing she noticed about them was that they all had the same shade of light brown hair and wore strange clothing she had never seen anyone wear before. Matthews was stood in the middle of the other two with his arms around their shoulders, with the girl and he the only ones smiling whilst the youngest of them had bored expression on his face.
"What are their names?"
"My sister's name is Jessica, or Jess as she prefers to be called. She's eighteen and just about finished with sixth form and looking over university options. Jack is the grumpy sod on the left, although he is sixteen and still in the teenage stage where he hates school and prefers to be away from the house majority of the time" Corporal Matthews had smiled at the last part.
To Ahsoka it sounded like a normal family life, one that she wouldn't experience as a Jedi but could of had if she hadn't been found by Master Plo Koon. She then played the names over again in her head when something clicked.
"Hold on. Jake, Jessica and Jack?"
"Notice that did you. My mum had the idea that all her kids should have their names beginning with the same letter" He chuckled, still working at the strap on his helmet. Ahsoka shifted her eyes onto the other picture, containing a pretty looking woman with long blond hair and a similar shade of blue to her own smiling at the picture taker. She was sat on some small walled structure and behind her was a vast blue ocean, presumably the a sun of his homeworld reflecting off the water.
"Who she?" His eyes softened as he stared at the image, much the same way her Master's would do when Senator Amidala was around.
"Kate, my girlfriend. We've been together for three years now, we were going to visit her family in Adelaide next week before... well you know" It didn't require Ahsoka to use her force abilities to sense the sadness he felt. How bad it must feel to be taken from everything you knew and then casted into a completely alien environment, far from home. She reflected on seeing herself in his situation and the emotions that must be swimming around in him.
"Ah finally"
"Ready?"
"Yep, lead the way Commander" They walked out of the room, the young Jedi catching in the corner of her eye him putting his holo or rather 'photo' pictures in his left chest pocket.
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The trip to the Temple's cafeteria was a short one, to his liking it didn't require using another lift to get there. It also gave the marine the opportunity to see more of the gigantic structure. Besides the odd statue of figures with some significance to these Jedi, the Temple didn't look so decorative, compared to a fair number back on Earth.
Jake followed the alien teen into the cafeteria which appeared to be near empty other than a few kids both of the human and alien variety. It was also probably the first time since arriving he didn't get any stares from everybody around the place.
Picking up a plastic tray from the counter he scanned through the food bar for anything that looked appetising. Jake was never much of a fussy eater so he chose at random when picking at the alien cuisine. Taking a quick gander around the room he found it didn't look to be any different to the cafeterias on Earth, besides the local residents of course.
"So what do you make of the Temple so far?" She asked finishing off her first bite of a tube shaped foodstuff.
"Pretty impressive. It puts to shame a lot of the old ones back on Earth" Jake replied swallowing a mouthful of a porridgey like substance.
"It's what most people first think of when they see it, other than the Archives of course. Judging by your reaction to the skyscrapers and the Temple I take your world doesn't have have giant buildings?"
"No we have what we consider large, we just don't have ones that literally touch the clouds. Even the Burj Khalifa looks puny compared to some of the towers and complexes out there" He told her and tried thinking of the closest thing the food he was currently chewing tasted of. Tangy porridge was the best he could come up with.
"Speaking of your people, how many are there of you where you're from?" The young Commander shifted the conversation in a different direction.
"Quite a few"
"Can you be more specific, like give number?"
"I let you imagine"
"Arggh, why are you so evasive?. It's a simple question and I'm sure it hasn't got a top secret answer attached to it" Jake could see she was visibly annoyed at his clipped response but it didn't both him the slightest.
"Let's get something clear here. There's certain things that I don't mind giving away, but that one is under the list of 'None of your business for now'." He heard Ahsoka let out a exasperated sigh then picked her fork back up. There was brief moment of silence descending at the table, so Jake chose to break the ice first and mend the friction.
"How long have you been a Jedi?"
"Since I was three. Master Plo found me and brought me here after a mission on my homeworld, Shili" Ahsoka told him, hopefully probably just as glad as he was now that the tension was broken.
"Oh, don't you have any family back on Shili, is it?"
"Yeah, my parents agreed for me to be taken to the Temple to be trained as a Jedi"
"Do you see them often?"
"No, when a person joins the Jedi Order they are forbidden to make contact with any family outside the Order. It's breaks up any form of attachment which is against the our Code" Jake put his fork back on the tray, completely stunned to hear of such a thing but was more amazed by lack of disheartenment by the teen.
"Hang on hang on, so you're not allowed to see or speak with any of your family?. That's not right" He frowned not liking what he was hearing
"It is apart of the Jedi Code, one of many rules we must follow. Some of Jedi tend to bend, or in my Master's case break, it occasionally depending on the circumstance" The young Jedi simply smirked at the last part of her sentence.
"Still, to be separated from your family and told you are not to see them again is wrong. Is this how the Jedi recruit?"
"You make it sound like we are a bunch of heartless beings who steal children without any consent. When a child is born he or she has their blood tested and midichlorians counted. Afterwards if the count is high the Jedi would approach the family of that child and offer them the chance for their youngling to become a Jedi" She simply explained her people's way of recruiting their next generation.
"And if they refuse?" He asked, paying more attention to her now than the rest of his breakfast.
"I don't think we've had many cases in people refusing. The Jedi are a respected organisation and seen as a force of good, so many people don't refuse. We don't just offer it to families, we offer it to any being with a high presence in the force" Ahsoka told him defensively.
"Perhaps it's a good thing me and my people don't have these midichlorian things. We don't have a high opinion on those who take children and keep them away from loved ones, dictating their free will" The conversation was starting to quickly turn into another heated argument but the marine was surprised with her next question instead of a rebuke.
"So what are your beliefs?"
"In what exactly?" He replied not clear on her meaning.
"I don't know, politics, how your army is run or what your religious beliefs are"
"I'm not apart of the Army so my opinion on them is irrelevant really and I don't follow any religion, even though my Nan did try to get me and my siblings into following Christian beliefs. As for politics, I have my views as any person does it's just I don't care too much for politics. Politicians are all the same regardless of what party they belong to" It was sweet and simple answer and one that the young Commander seemed to agree with him on.
"We're in complete agreement there. Although there are some politicians who are alright." She started digging into the last piece of her breakfast "What was th-"
"Good morning Ahsoka" A soft feminine voice stopped whatever the kid was about to say.
"Hey Barriss, would you like to join us?" Ahsoka offered to the girl next to her, who looked over at him with a mix of shyness and wonder
"Oh uh, hello. I didn't see you there"
"It's ok" He shrugged as she took a seat next to Ahsoka. Jake eyed the girl for a sec, thinking on how alike this Barriss was to a human except for some notable differences. For start she had light yellow skin and triangular facial tattoos on the centre of her face, her head by a grey and black hood connecting to a sheer black robe covering much of her body.
"Barriss let me introduce you to Corporal Jake Matthews" Ahsoka gestured to him, in return Jake offered his hand over the table to her. At first she looked at his hand with some suspicion much like the kid yesterday but then shook his hand with a gently grip.
"And Matthews this Barriss Offee, a fellow Jedi Padawan and friend of mine"
"Nice to meet you Barriss" The marine greeted her with a welcoming smile.
"You too, you've been the object of gossip around here" She returned a small grin of her own.
"Is that so?"
"Where are you from Corporal?, I never seen that kind of uniform before" Barris asked whilst eyeing at his attire, with a look showing she was trying to figure it out.
"Earth, if you want my world's name. As for country I'm from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"
"Is country another name for nation?"
"Yep"
"Quite a mouthful of a name" Ahsoka remarked next to her.
"We tend to shorten it down to the UK or Britain, whatever's easier for you. There are other nation with longer titles" Jake gave them the more simple names of his origin, wondering how many times he'll be ask the exact same question during his time here.
"Are they many of these nation states on Earth?" The hooded alien persisted him with another question.
"A few" His response was short just as before with Ahsoka, obvious to the younger of the group it wasn't something he was willing to discuss.
"We're off to see the Chancellor soon, so I suggest eating up Matthews." The two girls had a started chatting to one another, giving Jake temporary respite from the bombardment of questions from the Jedi. Meeting their Chancellor was all he had been hearing all morning and quite frankly the marine didn't mind changing the subject here and there, plus he learnt more about them and vice versa.
The conversation was broken up by the comm device on Ahsoka's arm going off
"Tano here"
"Ahsoka is Corporal Matthews with you?" Jake recognised the voice as the Skywalker guy from yesterday as well.
"Yes Master, he's with me now" She looked up at him.
"Come to the hangar bay, the Chancellor wishes to see him now"
"Here we go" He stood up mumbling with the other two getting up from the table too.
"Right away Master"
"I guess I'll be seeing you later" The Barriss girl said bowing her goodbye to the him and Ahsoka.
"Talk to you later Barriss" Ahsoka returned the bow then turned her attention back to him "Well you heard him, let's go"
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Obi Wan and Anakin were standing by one of the many of different coloured Eta-class fighters in the Temple's hangar bay, waiting for Ahsoka and Corporal Matthews to arrive and meet up at this spot. Over 20 minutes ago Chancellor Palpatine had contacted Master Yoda requesting for the foreign soldier to brought over to him, in turn the Grand Master relayed the message to Obi Wan who was now waiting patiently with his old Padawan learner.
"They should be here by now"
"Patience Anakin, I doubt they...Ah here they are" Obi wan pointed at the end of the hangar. Ahsoka was shaking her head in disbelief at whatever it was the Corporal had said or done, clearly not impressed with something.
"Well they're not so stop calling them that and stop comparing me to one these octopus creatures"
"Ok ok, don't get your tentacles in a twist" His comment received a punch on the arm by the Padawan, not enough to cause any pain but a clear gesture to end further jokey nitpicking.
"Well when you quite ready" Obi Wan cleared his throat watching the glare from Ahsoka's face go when she saw him and Anakin. They all walked over to waiting LAAT/i gunship on the landing pad and boarded the craft, where a few clones were also waiting inside.
"Now remember Corporal, we are meeting with the head of the entire Galactic Republic so-" Anakin began explaining procedures but was cut off by the 'Royal Marine' Corporal.
"With all due respect General, it isn't the first time I've met important figures. You don't have to worry about my etiquette"
"Very good Matthews" Obi Wan nodded, delighted by his calm response.
"Why kind of important people have you met?" Ahsoka asked drawing the attention of everyone in the dropship. A question Obi Wan himself would like to know.
"The usual top brass when on inspection. High ups in command, the Prime Minister and a couple members of the Royal family" Jake listed them out, easing some of Obi Wan's nerves. The journey continued with the Jedi trio trying to prod for more information out of him until he glanced out of the dropship to see the familiar sight of the gigantic domed building.
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"Here we are, the Galactic Senate is ahead" The older Jedi pointed out to Jake, widening his eyes at the huge mushroomed shaped building sitting dominantly in the middle of surrounding smaller ones.
"Christ above!, how long did that take to build?"
"Awhile but it wasn't always that big. It's had extensions of the centuries" Obi Wan's comment shocked him. The senate building didn't show any signs of being old at all, if anything it looked brand spanking new and must of cost a fortune to construct. It had the same grey/silverish look as to many of the buildings and structures littering the landscape, only it stood more because of it's obvious relevance and significance.
Once they reached the behemoth Senate the dropship began to slow its speed and flew nearer to the vast amount of landing pads sticking outwards of the place.. It descended down fairly quickly and effortlessly, the Jedi disembarking first then the Earther followed suit from the transport walking down the long, light brown marble path down to their destination. The pillars that followed them down reminded Jake of the ones on the ancient Greek and Roman ruins only slightly bigger and well, intact.
There were curious stares from everyone they passed as they made their way to the Chancellor's office, just like the Temple it had an assortment of humans and aliens. There were guards standing at attention with blue armour and helmets that had an eerie resemblance to the ones used by the old Spartan warriors thousands of years ago.
Jake couldn't deny he was feeling a little nervous about meeting the head of a galaxy wide government. Sure he had met the Prime Minister and the Prince of Wales before with the rest of 42 Commando on a couple occasions but this was a man who leads an unimaginable amount of people. After a few minutes of walking through a number of corridors with a number of busts and portraits hanging on the walls they stopped outside a room he assumed to be the Chancellor's office.
Standing at the entrance were two guards dressed in long red robes and holding tall, skinny poles and a human woman he guessed to be in her mid to late 30s wearing a multicoloured long sleeved tunic and matching trousers.
"Welcome Master Jedi, I'll inform the Chancellor of your arrival" She gave a small bowed to the Jedi then glancing over to him in curiosity.
"Thank you" Skywalker nodded to her as she pushed on the comm link device on her wrist which must of been a universal thing the marine pondered.
"Chancellor, the Jedi are here"
"Thank you Hilna, send them in" A voice replied back through the link.
The door opened to a large room with a dark red interior and many portraits and statues decorated everywhere with some black sofas curved around the walls. When the door behind him closed another one on the other side of the room opened up, revealing a small group of people standing in the the office. Taking up position behind the Jedi he walk in and saw three humans, two men and one woman, and an alien dressed in all kinds of different styles of clothing and switched their focused over to his presence. By the way they were all standing the marine assumed the old man in the middle of room must be the Chancellor.
"Your Excellency, may I present Corporal Jake Matthews of Earth" Skywalker bowed to old man, as did Kenobi and Ahsoka. Jake in turn stood to attention in a show of respect and hopefully start of on the right foot.
"At ease soldier" He did so shifting his eyes at the old man "You are here as our guest Corporal Matthews, no need for formalities at this moment in time. I'm Chancellor Palpatine of the Galactic Republic" The Chancellor gave him a welcoming grin as he offered his hand over to him. Shaking his outstretched hand the marine looked into the steely, blue eyes of the Republic's head of state and felt a shiver of coldness creep up his spine at how cold and dark they appeared. Something wasn't quite right with this guy.
"A pleasure to meet you sir"
"So how are you Corporal, I trust the Jedi have treated you well?" He began questioning him as he took a few steps back.
"That they have, sir" Jake nodded over to the Jedi now standing closer to the other people in the room.
"From my understanding when I spoke with the Jedi Council, this is all new to you and that you and your kind have no experience dealing with non-humans"
"That is correct. We are an isolated people and haven't had contact with any alien species before" Like it had with Ahsoka, the blue skinned alien with horns sticking out of his head and wearing a body long black cape and red robe, holding a yellow staff bristle at the mention of the word 'alien'.
"I'm sure Corporal Matthews meant no offence Amedda" The black goatee bearded human by the curved sofa spoke in his defence, obviously seeing the distaste in the alien's eyes at the now obvious offensive term.
"My apologies, let me introduce Senators Bail Organa of Alderaan and Padme Amidala of Naboo, and this is Vice Chair Mas Amedda" The Chancellor pointed to each of the other occupants who all but the blue alien bowed with a welcoming smile.
"Tell us soldier where do your loyalties lie?" The one the Chancellor pointed out as the Vice Chair abruptly asked him, catching Jake by surprise as he blinked at the out of the blue question.
"With Queen and country. Or in this case Queen, country and planet"
"As should all soldiers. Anyhow, is there by any chance you remember how you came upon one of our warships after a recent battle" His eyes pierced at Jake, making him feel even more uncomfortable at the way he looked at him, like something sinister was hiding behind that false friendly face.
"No sir, my mind remains blank every time, no matter how hard I've tried thinking back to it" Despite keeping a straight face fully well knowing what he suspected was responsible, Jake could tell the old man and the alien Mas Amedda didn't believe his excuse.
"How unfortunate. It is shame-" Whatever the Chancellor was going to say was cut short by a repeating beeping emitting from his desk "If you will excuse me"
"So Corporal Matthews, what can you tell us about your homeworld" The bearded human he remembered be called Bail Organa asked first whilst the Chancellor left the other dignitaries.
"What would you like to know?"
"What's it like?" The woman called Padme to the right of Organa spoke up for the first time. Her attire consisted of a long purple dress that looked like something women wore well over a century ago and some angel shaped hair band that bent around the back of her head.
"We're a diverse bunch and industrialised but not on your level. I'd imagine the environmentalists would have a fit if they saw this world" Jake couldn't resist a smile at the shocked expressions off those bunch of tree huggers had they witnessed a world covered in metal and concrete.
"Upon examining the equipment confiscated off you, it obviously shows that your people are not as technologically advanced compared to many of the galaxy" The blue alien sneered.
"With all due respect Vice Chair, technology isn't the only factor that makes up the advancement of a society" Senator Padme argued before the marine could open his mouth. He couldn't help but notice in the corner of eye Skywalker smiling at the senator's remark, as was Ahsoka and Kenobi but there was something in his eyes that Jake knew all too well when it came to a loved one.
Before Amedda could rebuke anything back to the senator, the Chancellor joined them again.
"I apologies but we must cut this meeting short. Perhaps we can continue this conversation another time"
"Very well your Excellency, until next time" Kenobi bowed respectively. He tapped on Jake's shoulder and the marine lightly bowed to the group before mimicking the others before following the Jedi out of the Chancellor's office.
"That went pretty good, considering it was only a few minutes long and you managed to upset the Vice Chair" Skywalker turned to the Corporal as they stood outside the now closed office.
"I take it 'alien' is a racist term around here"
"Yes, most people who use it from these part tend to direct it at species they consider beneath them" Kenobi elaborated further on the offence word which Jake personally found it to be a stupid.
"What's next on the agenda sir?"
"Not a great deal. We only just back from a battle meaning it's usually some down time, unless another situation comes up that's in need of our expertise"
"Perhaps Snips, you could show the Corporal around the Senate a bit more" He could see it was clear on the girl's face that she didn't approve of her Master's suggestion.
"Fine" She said with little enthusiasm over the idea.
"We don't have to kid"
"No it's good. Beats being stuck in the Temple all day" As they left the other two for the tour, Jake saw the amused expressions on Skywalker's and Kenobi's faces.
Wondering around the Senate of a galaxy wide government wasn't as glamorous as Jake thought it would be, considering all they did was move down endless circular corridors. Besides the variations of aliens and humans walking by now and then, it was pretty dull and nothing amazing stood out until Ahsoka had shown him the centre of where all the Senators met to discuss the galaxy's important issues.
"So each of these house a representative from different worlds?" It was quite remarkable for the Earth born human to see so many seats that numbered in the thousands, swirling from top to bottom in disc shaped platforms.
"Yep, when they're in session all members of the Republic come here to talk on any topic that affects the entire Galactic Republic" She verified. To see so many was nothing short of astounding, despite it being not a massive surprise giving that it was a nation that spread throughout the thousands of star systems.
"Where does-" His next question was cut off by the sound of Ahsoka's comm beeping and flashing a green light.
"Tano here"
"Ahsoka it's Padme. Are you still in the senate?" A soft feminine voice came through the small device.
"I'm just by the chambers Senator, why?"
"Is Corporal Matthews still with you"
"Yeah he's here"
"I don't suppose you and the Corporal could come by my office?" Both of he and Ahsoka stood up straight at the mention of her request.
"Sure thing, we'll be there a minute" Ahsoka tapped on the link and looked up at him
"Padme?, isn't that the one who was with the Chancellor?" He quizzed her over the familiar sounding name from before.
"Yeah she's a good friend of mine and to the Jedi. I guess she just wants to learn more about you" She shrugged as she lead him to wherever this Senator's office was located.
"What she like?"
"She's great, a honourable politician if you could believe that and used to be the Queen of Naboo"
"Used to be?" He frowned at the last part of her sentence.
"Naboo, where she's from, has an elective monarchy and she served two terms as Queen before becoming Senator"
"Strange, ours is a hereditary monarchy"
"We have those too but they act as the governing body of their internal affairs, whereas the Senator is whoever they choose to the representative them here" Jake continued to listen to Ahsoka explain more on how their government works, most of it sounding very similar to that of the democracies back in the UK and around the other nations. The way their only took a couple of minutes wasn't and the conversation was still about how the Republic was governed, with Jake asking a few questions on how they elect their Chancellor when they suddenly stopped outside a room with two guards standing beside the door eyeing them up.
"We're here to see Senator Amidala" She told them, the two nodding in almost perfect unison. The metallic door slid open to a room where the Senator in question was sitting behind her desk, talking to another human standing to the side.
"Understood mi'lady" He bowed to her then they both turned their attention to the him and the Jedi youngster.
"That'll be all Captain Typho" Amidala said to the guy, who Jake saw had a black eye patch covering over his left eye. As he past, the marine could feel a suspicious stare from the departing bloke.
"Ahsoka it's good to see you again" The woman greeted the young Commander first with a beaming smile.
"You too Padme" The two exchanged a brief hug. The Senator then switched her attention over to him
"It's a pleasure to meet you again too, Corporal Matthews"
"And you ma'am" Jake bowed his head at the woman. It was the first time he had a proper chance to study the woman in front of him, seeing she was indeed a very pretty woman but it was her brown orbs that caught his attention. They displayed experience and unlike the Chancellor, a person who was trustworthy and friendly.
"Please take a seat" She gestured to him and Ahsoka over to the chairs opposite to her desk "We never really got the chance to find out more about you and I'd like to do so. Learning new cultures has always been an interest of mine"
"Ok ma'am, however I must put out that there are certain things I will not disclose about my people to outsiders as it were"
"I understand. I hope that you will come to learn that we don't pose a threat to your people and we can begin to understand each other better over the time your here" Jake could feel himself already warming himself to her, seeing the genuine seriousness and hope in her eyes.
"Perhaps Ahsoka maybe right about her" He thought to himself "So what would you like to know Miss?"
"How about picking up from where we left off. You said your world wasn't industrialised as ours was?"
"Well in terms of not turning our entire planet into one giant city" The marine's remark made the Senator smile.
"Not everywhere in the Republic is like Coruscant. My homeworld Naboo for example, still has a natural landscape and all of us prefer it stay that way"
"You mention it reminded you of things from you world" Ahsoka piped into the exchanged "The Bur Kalifer?"
"Burj Khalifa, it's one helluva tall hotel in the UAE city of Dubai but I've seen ones out there that are twice as tall"
"So you're people are split into nations states?"
"Yes ma'am"
"How many are there?" He glanced over at Ahsoka who seemed to know his reluctance to answer the question, compared to the enthusiastic woman in front. It was an answer he was unwilling to give but thinking over it carefully, it wouldn't cause much harm to let them know since they themselves were technically independent nations.
"Including the one I've just mention and my country the United Kingdom, around two hundred" Both Ahsoka's and the Senator's eyes widened in complete shocked at the high figure.
"Two hundred! On just one world?" It wasn't a big deal to the Earther but the number obviously was not what they were expecting to hear.
"That many crammed on one world is quite unbelievable" Padme said still stunned over the number of countries he had given.
"We get along with each other, most of time anyway. All countries have their customs, traditions, beliefs and styles of government. I'd imagine it wouldn't be too different to the members of your government"
"I'm surprised you haven't destroyed one another by now" Judging by her immediate reaction to what she just said, Jake could tell it was meant to have been a mental thought "Oh I'm so sorry, I meant no offence"
"None taken Miss Amidala. We have intergovernmental organisations that help in keeping international peace and security around the world. The UK itself is a leading figure in most of them"
"That's good to hear. It mirrors what the Republic attempts to establish and still tries to do so despite the stress of the war taking hold" The Senator sighed mentioning this war of theirs, sharing the same sentiment over this conflict.
"If you don't mind, I would like to ask some questions myself"
"Of course"
"Who exactly are you at war with?" His question was met with an awkward silence. The Senator shifted uncomfortably in her chair and if Jake wasn't mistaken, sadness started to fill up in her eyes.
"The Confederacy of Independent Systems, or the Separatists as everyone around here calls them" Padme stood up from her chair moved over to the open balcony "They were once apart of the Republic but got fed up with all the bureaucracy and corruption that was seeping into the Senate, so they left and formed their own government"
"Tensions between the Republic and Separatists soon reached breaking point and now we've been at war with them for two and a half years now" Ahsoka added more detail in the cause of their war. The reasoning behind this Confederacy's secession reminded the marine of so many similar causes of war throughout his kind's history, all the way back to the dawn of human civilisation on Earth.
"Is doesn't help their cause of an independent state to have someone like Count Dooku as their head of state" Padme broke him out of his musing, speaking in disgust of some name he remembered Skywalker mention yesterday.
"Who's Count Dooku?"
"He was once a Jedi but now he's a Sith" Ahsoka said in the same share of distaste for the man.
"And a Sith is?"
"They're the opposite to a Jedi. They use the force for their own greed, rather than help others in need"
"Then why did these Confederates choose him to be their leader?"
"Because he's a master manipulator and they believe it's just a nasty rumour made up by Republic propaganda" Jake sat and collected all this in, knowing that there was always two sides to a story but thought it best not to add his opinion in to upset the present parties. Anymore questions he was about to ask was halted by a small flashing light appearing on the Senator's desk.
She pressed a button Jake could see from his angle and was amazed to see a miniature blue hologram pop up from the spot the light had been flashing.
"Mi'lady, Senator Mothma is here to see you"
"Thank you Captain, send her in" With that the hologram disappeared and the Senator turned to both him and Ahsoka once again.
"I'm afraid duty calls. It was pleasure talking to you Corporal Matthews" She stuck her hand out with the same pleasant smile from before.
"And you too ma'am" He shook with a smile of his own.
"See you soon Ahsoka"
"Goodbye Padme" Ahsoka bowed and decided to take that as their cue to leave. On their way out and passing the other Senator that Padme's security guard announced had arrived for a meeting, he felt the kid nudged him with her elbow.
"So what did you make of Senator Amidala?"
"She's seems nice, for a politician" His answer got a sarcastic eye roll from the young Commander.
"Oh by the way, you're right about him"
"Who?" She asked slightly frowning at his vague statement
"The Chancellor. There's something definitely off about him"
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Wow, this is the longest chapter to date on any fanfic I've written so far. Hope your all enjoying so far and wait eagerly for more to come :). Oh and if anybody's curious the song is Not Gonna Die by Skillet.