Several months have passed after the previous battle. The Sith Fleet had seemingly vanished without a trace, and the Republic took the time to recuperate their losses and bolster its own forces. This wasn't the first time the galaxy was saved in such a manner however, as the Sith were repelled many times in the past before striking back again with renewed vigor.

As far as Phoebe was concerned, nobody knew how the Sith had managed to re-engage with a surging presence of ships and troops. Each time the Republic prevailed, it had proven to be achieved with a great struggle. Each victory had only caused a ceasefire, never warranting an unconditional surrender from their adversary.

Although Phoebe had proven to be pivotal to the Republic's survival, she also shared credit with the brave troops and officers of the Republic. Without them, she supposed that her intuition with the Force would be meaningless if the people who served beside her were incapable of carrying out her expertise through their actions.

One day the Flame Royal arrived at Coruscant, the planetary system which was the Republic's capital. She was paying a visit to Chancellor Bubblegum at the center most high rise which oversaw the surrounding businesses and local homes.

As Phoebe stepped off the elevator inside said building, she was greeted by the receptionist before being waved to Bubblegum's office. Inside, she saw four royal guards dressed in blue robes with matching centurion helmets that had black visors covering their whole face. They were all armed with halberds and they each stood near one corner of the room with Bubblegum sitting at her desk in the middle.

When the Chancellor saw the newcomer, she stopped looking at her computer and immediately stood up to greet her. "Ah, Flame Princess Phoebe, the Blazing Angel of the Republic!"

Phoebe blushed in embarrassment as she glanced away with her hands folded in front. "Appreciate the compliments, Chancellor… but I'm just trying to do my part."

Bubblegum waved dismissively, "If by your part, you mean turning things around in the bleakest of situations, then yes you are right! Besides, it was the people who came up with the title. I just see to it that your name and deeds are archived in history."

Phoebe sighed, "Again, I'm very thankful. I'm sure anyone else would have done the same thing."

Bubblegum chuckled, "Perhaps, but then again not everyone has your Battle Meditation nor your bravery." She then paused for a moment before motioning Phoebe to sit down.

Once Phoebe did so, Bubblegum continued, "Please, make yourself comfortable." The Chancellor then glanced at her security and ordered, "Guards, leave us."

The men bowed slightly and quietly left the room altogether.

Bubblegum sighed, "This war can really take its toll, Phoebe. So many good peeps fought and died for our freedom, just so we could have a tomorrow."

"I couldn't agree more, Chancellor," Phoebe nodded.

"Please, Phoebe," Bubblegum suggested courteously, "You could call me, Bonnibel. No need to be formal."

"I understand, forgive me for the force of habit. My father has instilled in me proper etiquette skills, especially of my royal status."

"He's a good man," Bubblegum commented. "I remember when I first started to establish diplomatic relations before you were born, he was or still is… hard-pressed about a lot of things. He may be prideful and boastful even, but he also has a lot of heart."

Phoebe let out a chuckle as she recalled, "Guess you could say that was the reason why my mother fell in love with him. She told me he's insufferable, but ended up raising a family of three regardless."

Bubblegum snorted, "Yeah, love can be complicated at times. Even as someone like me who has a passion for science, there is no true explanation to understand the phenomenon with chemical imbalances and neuron synapses." She then leaned forward with her right backhand raised to her face for a mock whisper, "I certainly can't rationalize the Force with logic and reason, no matter how hard I try."

Phoebe smiled, "I just make an avid comparison and think of it as faith. It's not something we're not really meant to understand, but rather believe and accept it just exists."

"Perhaps that really is the solution to understanding such concepts, but I digress," Bubblegum said with a slight shrug before straightening her posture. "So, how goes the rest of your mission?"

"Only a few pockets of resistance were picked off during our patrols. But so far, no sign of the Sith flagship." Phoebe replied.

"I'm sure they'll reveal themselves again when the time is right. The problem is figuring out how the Sith is able to obtain such war materials for repeated conquests," Bubblegum said. "Even before our last champion went rogue and turned to the Dark Side, the Sith's capabilities for waging war endlessly has yet to be discovered."

Phoebe nodded and cupped her own chin with one hand in thought, "Despite those setbacks we've imposed upon them, the Dark Side of the Force remains strong, shrouding their very secret."

Bubblegum studied her with intrigue and asked, "Tell me, Phoebe. When you faced Lord Mertens after it was over, what did you see?"

Phoebe looked back on that fateful battle where she recalled kneeling beside him and taking off his mask. "I saw… a man. One who was deeply renowned for his heroics, but sadly lost himself in a tragedy."

"Indeed," Bubblegum said glumly, "A harrowing case especially since he was one of the most distinguished heroes of the Republic and Jedi Order. I never would have imagined someone as strong willed as him who sacrificed so much would turn his back on everything he stood for."

"It's a disturbing case," Phoebe replied, "I've heard stories on how he took himself after Billy, the last great champion and applied himself with his teachings."

Bubblegum then asked, "Did you know Mertens prior to your last encounter?"

Phoebe shrugged lightly, "I never spoke with him directly, nor have any relation of sorts. Back then, I was still a Padawan before the Jedi Civil War. All I know is that he was a few years ahead of me in the Jedi Academy and quickly became a prodigy both with the Force and a lightsaber. He also made a name for himself during the Mandalorian Wars by defeating Mandalore the Ultimate at Malachor V." She then paused and sighed, "A lot of people from both sides died that day too, which many members in the Order myself included, argue it left a wound in the Force."

"I apologize for bringing up such a sore subject," Bubblegum said emphatically. "I made a judgment call on that fateful day that sometimes I ponder whether the ends truly justify the means."

"I do not mind sharing this with you," Phoebe nodded glumly. "You're one of the very few I can console over this matter other than just relying on the Jedi Code and self meditation. And besides, we all did our part. There was no other choice to save the galaxy without carrying some scars."

"And the Council?"

Phoebe winced, "We have our differences. I value saving others in dire need rather than sitting back and waiting for a threat to present itself. I was almost expelled, but they decided to suspend me instead due to my Battle Meditation." She then frowned and glanced away and tightened a fist, "Sometimes I wonder that our dogma will eventually lead to our undoing. Part of me understands why so many Jedi left, but I try to remember that more often than not they ultimately use their power just to hurt others instead of doing the right thing on their own accord as they originally intended."

"Hmm, maybe there should be a reform with the Council regarding its values," Bubblegum suggested. "One that seems more progressive so that no one can see them in a hypocritical setting. Times are changing, and the old traditions can be an archaic detriment."

"The Jedi Order isn't perfect," Phoebe admitted. "But I try to make peace by adhering to the Code by keeping a modest lifestyle at the very least."

Bubblegum hummed, "Not many people live responsibly nowadays. Still though, I commend your spirit and devotion. Perhaps in time with your wisdom, the Council will see to it you are granted the rank of Master."

"We'll see," Phoebe nodded with a neutral expression. "Such a decision will take time, I'm sure of it."

Moments later, Bubblegum glanced at her computer when a message appeared. She read it for a couple moments until she gazed back at Phoebe.

"It appears one of my sources has reported that there is a lone Sith capital ship orbiting above the Taris system. There is reason to believe that they could be using the planet as a temporary rest stop to refuel, but it could also be a trap." Bubblegum stated.

"Regardless, this could be a rare chance to gain a lead on the rest of the Sith Fleet's whereabouts," Phoebe replied. "I will need my own ship and strike team of course."

Bubblegum smiled, "Naturally, can't risk having you go at it alone. Give me some time to gather a list of candidates, then we'll go from there. Sound good?"

"Thank you, Bonnibel," Phoebe bowed slightly before standing up and leaving her office.

"May the Force be with you," Bubblegum waved before she focused back on her computer.

And so, a few days passed as Phoebe looked at the dossier of potential candidates which consisted of troopers and Jedi. She spent most of her time inside her chambers onboard her personal hammerhead cruiser called the Endar Spire finding the right people to lead. After taking some considerable time, Bubblegum and the Council approved Phoebe's selection where she could finally undertake her next assignment.

Bubblegum spoke to Phoebe over her personal communicator, "I wish you the best for your success. Colonel CandyCorn will have two frigates escorting your ship during this mission. I would have dispatched a more sizable fleet, but the core worlds are in need of coverage. Enemy resistance is expected to be low, but be ready for anything."

"I understand," Phoebe nodded. "I won't let you down."