JEDI STEALTHX, INBOUND TO CORUSCANT
Jaina Solo's StealthX came out of hyperspace just a few dozen meters off the starboard wing of the Tython Wind, the T-7 shuttle that was carrying Saba Sebatyne and Kyle Katarn. Another StealthX then appeared on the shuttle's portside, being flown by Allana Solo. As Jaina moved her fighter into an escort position behind the Tython Wind, she heard Master Sebatyne's voice over the open comm channel.
"This is the Jedi Diplomatic Shuttle Tython Wind, requesting permission to land in the Federal District," the Barabel's raspy voice hissed.
"Copy Tython Wind, standby for confirmation," a military voice replied.
"Standing by," Saba said.
Jaina moved her fighter closer to the shuttle as they began to pass by the many capital ships and defense platforms that orbited Coruscant. One of the stations they passed by was the Crix Madine Military Reserve, the base in which her brother had operated his Galactic Alliance Guard out of during the Second Civil War. Jaina shivered, remembering the horrors her brother had caused. I wish they'd just get rid of the old base. No use having something that once stood for something evil.
"Shuttle Tython Wind you are cleared for entry into Coruscant. The Chief of State has requested that you set down on platform ten."
"Thank you," Saba hissed. "Proceeding as requested."
Jaina repositioned her fighter further from the shuttle as they entered into Coruscant's atmosphere. Glancing over to her left, she saw Allana doing the same with her StealthX. Her niece had only recently began flying starfighters, with her obtaining permission to fly StealthXs only a few months earlier. Despite training on old Rebellion era T-65B X-wings, Allana had quickly gotten used to the advanced cockpit and controls on a StealthX. This had not surprised Jaina, given their family's history of excellent starfighter pilots.
The trio of ships broke through Coruscant's cloud layer, emerging high above the federal district and its surrounding cityscape. Looks the same as when I last saw it, Jaina thought. The two dome shaped senate buildings remained as elegant as always, and Fellowship plaza was still bustling with activity. The surrounding cityscape looked the same as well, with 500 Republica standing tall amongst the other high-life skyscrapers. In the distance, Jaina could see the old Jedi Temple still standing tall amongst the city. I wonder if we'll ever return to that place. She had quite liked the temple on Coruscant, and had been saddened when her uncle had chosen to permanently move to Ossus. She had understood why. The Jedi had once again found themselves too ingrained in the politics of the galaxy. But the Coruscant temple was special. Not just because of its location, but because of the history that was held within it.
"Master Solo, you and your padawan can set your StealthXs down on pad ten, next to the Tython Wind," Kyle Katarn said through Jaina's comm.
"Did you receive confirmation?" Jaina asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, no, but what are they going to do to stop us?"
Jaina laughed. "Well, that's true, but it's maybe not the best impression for us to make. Let's at least inform air traffic control before we set down. I'll even contact them to do it."
"Aren't you nice."
"Always, Master Katarn." Cutting the transmission with the shuttle, she redirected her comm back to the open channel Saba had been using earlier with the air traffic control man. "This is Jedi Master Jaina Solo, requesting permission to set two StealthXs down on platform ten alongside the Tython Wind."
It took a moment for a response to come, and Jaina wasn't disappointed when it did. "StealthXs! You slipped right past our scanners!"
"I'd have been concerned if we had shown up on your scanners."
"Very well, Master Solo. Set down on pad ten," the man said bitterly. "You're lucky I'm not dispatching every fighter we have to come and blow you out of the sky for slipping inside our defenses undetected."
"I appreciate you not doing that. Proceeding to platform ten." After turning off her comm, Jaina flipped several of the controls on her console, removing the sensor shroud that had been hiding her StealthX from GA scanners. She reached out to Allana through the force, telling her to do the same.
Extending her landing gear, she set the StealthX down on the right side of platform ten, next to the already landed Tython Wind. After Allana had set her ship down on the left side of the platform, Jaina popped her cockpit open to see Masters Sebatyne and Katarn walking down the ramp of the shuttle. Approaching them from the looming senate office building was a group of blue-uniformed Alliance guards, accompanying a green skinned Togruta male.
Jaina jumped down from her fighter, walking over to where Kyle and Saba were. Allana did the same, coming to stand by her master's side as the Alliance delegation finished its approach.
The Togruta bowed to the Jedi Masters, raising his head before speaking. "Welcome, honorable members of the Jedi Order. I am Jeral'ak Sid, Chief of Staff to the Chief of State."
"We thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Sid," Saba said. "I am Master Saba Sebatyne, and these are fellow Jedi Masterz Kyle Katarn and Jaina Solo." She looked over at Allana, "And this is Jedi Apprentice Allana Solo."
The Togruta nodded at each of them. "Welcome, all of you." He motioned towards the senate building, prompting the guards to move aside. "If you'll please follow me inside, the Chief of State is waiting."
They moved in behind Sid in pairs, with Saba and Kyle following first with Jaina and Allana behind. The guards fell behind them, and the group entered the building. The hallways looked the same as they had when Jaina had least seen them. Senators and aids walked through them, all of them turning an eye to the Jedi as they walked past. Jaina recognized a few, including Mon Calamari senator Larm Barasat, who showed a small smile to the Jedi. While there were exceptions like Senator Barasat, Jaina knew that most of the senators still resented the Jedi for the damage that had been done to Coruscant during the Abeloth conflict. While she understood and could sympathize with them, Jaina wished they could realize it was not the fault of the Jedi. Although Abeloth was released by Jacen, but he was a Sith by the end, not a Jedi. She grimaced, Too bad most of the population sees us as one in the same.
They reached the entrance to the Chief of State's office, entering into the waiting room. There they were met by two more Alliance guards, these ones wearing the all black uniforms of Alliance Security. The guard on the right stepped out to meet them, moving in front of the Togruta.
"The Chief of State is waiting inside. She has requested you remain here, Mr. Sid," the guard said, his voice deep.
Nodding, Sid beckoned the Jedi forward, and the two guards moved aside to let them into the room. The office was decorated the same as it had been under the Dorvan administration, with dark blue carpeting and carbon black walls. The Alliance Crest was displayed on the center of the office floor, with the Chief's desk and meeting area placed just behind it. Desha Lor, the newly promoted interim Chief of State sat behind the desk. She wore a black and gray suit, with a short black headdress to braid her lekku. Desha smiled as the Jedi approached, and wore a confident expression. Despite the confidence she displayed on her face, Jaina could sense that the young Chief of State was nervous. And she didn't blame her.
"Please, honorable Jedi, sit down," Desha exclaimed, opening her hands to point at the three chairs that were laid out on the Jedi's side of the desk. Jaina, Kyle, and Saba all took a seat, with Allana coming to stand behind Jaina's chair.
"Thank you for having us on such short notice," Kyle began, smiling. "I know you must be quite the busy lady."
"You would be right to assume that, Master- Katarn?"
Kyle nodded.
"My schedule has been packed as of late, but I owed it to Wynn to have the Jedi in for a meeting. After all, he had maintained a good relationship with the Jedi even despite the lack of senate support. So when Master Skywalker reached to me for a meeting, I couldn't decline." She shrugged. "Besides, it couldn't hurt to let a few of the most powerful beings in the galaxy give me advice on how to handle the assassination of an Alliance Chief on foreign soil."
"I'm not sure advice is the word I'd use to describe the reason for our meeting," Saba hissed, "but Dorvan's assassination is certainly on the top of our list of topicz. If not the only topic we wish to discuss."
Desha grimaced. "Well, Master Jedi, what is it you wish to know?"
Jaina sat forward, clasping her hands together. "We just want to ensure that you have no plans to engage in conflict with the Confederation; armed or otherwise."
"I might not have a choice."
"The senate?" asked Kyle.
"Partially, yes. And the public. There have been daily demonstrations in Fellowship plaza calling for action against the Confederation. You forget, Master Jedi, that Dorvan was a popular leader. The people aren't just going to let this go without some sort of action," Desha said.
"But the Confederation was not responsible for his death. What is there to avenge?" asked Jaina.
Desha shrugged. "The Jedi should know as well as anyone that the public doesn't always act upon facts alone."
"True, but the facts of this case seem obvious."
"Many watched that broadcast and remembered the group that hacked into the HoloNet and claimed that the assassination was sanctioned by members of the Corellian government. They don't remember Teppler's speech." Desha looked away, "And frankly, many already see Teppler and the Confederation as enemies of the Alliance, and will take this as evidence for their beliefs."
"Don't forget the senate extremists," Allana added hastily.
Jaina turned back to scold her Padawan for the interruption, but was stopped by Desha.
"Your apprentice is right, Master Solo. There are many in the senate who will gladly take Dorvan's assassination as a means to enact their agendas."
"Gage Kendall comez to my mind," Saba hissed, her voice low.
"Senator Kendall has been the most outspoken of this group, yes. And his recent election to Minority Chair certainly hasn't helped things. His neo-imperial movement has proved difficult to counter," said Desha.
"He was a critic of Dorvan, yes?" Kyle asked.
"He was, but that won't stop him from playing upon Dorvan's death to serve himself and his bid for power."
"And the public will eat that up, I'm sure," Jaina said slowly.
"As I'm sure you can see, my situation is precarious. While I would love to de-escalate the situation and resolve this diplomatically with the Confederation, that may not be an option."
Jaina sighed, looking over at Kyle and Saba. Both wore similar defeated expressions to her, and weere pursing their lips.
"We're sorry to hear that, Chief of State," said Kyle. "If you don't mind, we would like to remain on Coruscant for the foreseeable future, so that we can keep the Jedi apprised of further developements with the Confederation."
Desha gave a short nod. "That's fine, although I'm surprised Master Skywalker is so willing to get invovled in Alliance politics."
Saba shook her head, "We're not getting involved. We only wish to observe. The Jedi may not be a part of the Alliance anymore, but we still have a role to play in the security of the galaxy."
"Fair enough," Desha conceded.
The masters stood up from their seats, with Jaina extending a hand out to Desha. "We wish you luck, Ms. Lor."
"Thanks," she said sheepishly.
The Jedi turned and walked towards the door, where they were escorted out by the Security officers. They were informed by Lor's Chief of Staff that they would be provided two apartments in the Coruscanti Federal East buiding, and that their vessels would remain within the Chief of State's private hangar. When they finally arrived at their new living quarters, it had been nearly an hour since the meeting with Lor had concluded.
"She's obviously concerned about her own political future," Kyle said once they were alone within one of the apartments. "Senator Kendall is running against her, and with the public on his side she will have to concede into action."
"Thus dooming the galaxy to another war," Saba hissed.
"Let's not jump to conclusions just yet," Jaina said calmly. "I don't think the Alliance will commit to full military action, and even if they do send a fleet there's not gurantee it will start a war. Denjax Teppler is reasonable enough."
"It's not Teppler that worriez me," said Saba. "It's those beneath him, and those who killed Dorvan to begin with."
Kyle looked at her with confusion. "You speak of those that hacked the HoloNet broadcast, don't you? I thought we'd decided they weren't credible."
She nodded. "We said they probably were uncredible. But the fact remainz that those who hijacked the broadcast must have had powerful alliez in order to execute the hack. It wouldn't surprise me if someone in Teppler'z government is responsible."
Jaina shrugged. "I guess that's not completely impossible. Maybe my parents will find out more during their visit to Corellia."
Saba nodded. "Let'z hope they do. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation here, and report back on devolopmentz to Master Skywalker and the full council."
Then the masters dispersed, with Jaina returning to her apartment with Jaina, leaving Kyle and Saba in the other. Unforutnately for her, when she and Allana sat down on the sofa to watch the latest HoloNet updates, what they saw was not reassuring. Not reassuring at all.
HOLONET BROADCAST STUDIO, CORUSCANT
Senator Gage Kendall, dressed in an all black suit with the Alliance crest pinned to his left lapel, sat comfortably in a sofa chair across from Perre Needmo, the Chevin host of the Perre Needmo News Hour. The two smiled at the cameras as the broadcast technicians signaled that they were live.
"Welcome everyone to the Perre Needmo News Hour!" Needmo exclaimed. "I'm your host, Perre Needmo, joined today by Anaxes Senator Gage Kendall, who was just recently elected Minority Chair of the Senate." Needmo turned his gaze to Kendall, who wore a bright smile on his face. "Senator, you've been called an anomaly by pundits and politicians for your quick rise to fame. Do you agree with this assessment?"
Gage had a short laugh. "I wouldn't call myself an anomaly no," he said, his tone light. "I just think I've been able to connect with my constituents in a way others haven't been able to, that's all."
"You've talked a lot about your desire to bring strength back to the Galactic Alliance by reuniting with the Confederation. How will this goal play into your recently announced campaign for Chief of State? And do you think it may lead to further tensions with Corellia?"
Gage pursed his lips. He'd known that Needmo was going to ask him some tough questions, and maybe even challenge him on his answers. That's what the Chevin was known for, after all. What he hadn't expected was for a question like this to be asked at the beginning of the interview. "Reunification will certainly be a goal of my campaign for the presidency, yes. I've long favored it, and opposed Chief Dorvan on the issue. That being said, the tragedy that recently struck has put us into a precarious position." Gage paused, thinking on how to structure his next sentence.
Don't let yourself be caught in Needmo's traps, Drak Bengaal had told him before the interview. You must both appeal to those angered over Dorvan's death, while also not appearing to be a warmonger. Use Dorvan as a martyr, but don't go too far. There'll be a time and place for that.
"We must not let Dorvan's death go in vain," Gage said. "The Confederation, guilty or not, was charged with the security of the Unification Summit, and it was their failure that led to Dorvan's death. The Alliance should not, and will not back away from the situation, and resume life like nothing happened. Unless Denjax Teppler grants full transparency on the investigation into the assassination, and allows for Alliance Security and forensic teams to conduct their own investigation on Corellia, the Galactic Alliance should suspend all trade with the Confederation." He paused once again, steadying himself before he finished his statement. "I call upon the senate to immediately pass a resolution to send our fleets to blockade the Corellian System."
An audible gasp was heard from one of the broadcast technicians as Gage finished. The look on Needmo's face showed similar shock. "You don't worry that this will lead to war with the Confederation?"
"I am in no way advocating for war with the Confederation, Mr. Needmo. A blockade is meant as a show of force, and a way to show Denjax Teppler that we don't take his inaction lightly."
"Need I remind you, Senator, that the last time the Alliance blockaded Corellia was one of the defining moments in the prelude to the Second Civil War. Couldnt't another blockade lead to a similar outcome?"
"You need not remind me, Mr. Needmo. I remember the Blockade of Corellia perfectly, and I understand your concern. That is why the Confederation will be told outright that the blockade is not meant to be hostile, and that it is only there as a bargaining chip. No threats of war will be made."
Needmo eyed him carefully. "Let's suppose a blockade does cause war to breakout. Will you not feel that the Galactic Alliance is guilty of further escalation?"
"Assuming this hypothetical conflict is started by the Confederation, no I will not feel guilty. No Alliance commander or soldier will be the one to fire the first shot. They would only go there as a show of force."
Needmo nodded, lightening his expression. "Let's shift geers now to your campaign for Chief of State. Desha Lor obviously has the advantage as the current interim Chief, and as the heir to the Dorvan administration. Why do you think you will be a better fit for the job than her?"
"Becauase Desha Lor is inexperienced and weak," Gage scoffed. Then he relaxed his expression, once again remembering Drak Bengaal's advice.
Don't be too harsh on Lor. Not yet. Stress her inexperience, and explain why you are a stronger leader. That's all you must do for now. She will drown herself in her own failures with time.
"Let's not forget that Desha Lor's only political experiance is being Dorvan's assistant when he was Chief of Staff to Natassi Daala, and then becoming his Chief of Staff when he became Chief of State. While her position was nothing to scoff at, to be sure, it does not bring the same political trials that I have faced as a senator. Remember, I began as an outsider to both government and my party, and was only able to gain acceptance by proving myself as an effective leader. Desha Lor has only ever been appointed to government, never been elected. Why should the people put their trust in someone who has never been democratically chosen by them?
"Look, I'm not going to say that Wynn Dorvan and I agreed on everything. We didn't. But he was good at what he did, and the people have a right to think that Desha Lor will carry on his legacy. What I ask of those people is just that they pay attention over the coming weeks. As interim Chief of State, it will Lor's job to carry us through this crisis. And unfortunately, I don't believe she has the strength to do so effectively. She has no plan, and doesn't have the negotiating experience to lead us through this crisis. I do have that experience, and I promise to use it to bring about a new era of peace and prosperity for the Galactic Alliance," he finished, looking away from the camera and back at Needmo.
"Thank you, Senator. I'm afraid that we have exhausted our time together today." The Chevin looked at the camera, "When we come back, we will cover war games that have been recently conducted in the Humbarine System, and will interview Ariset Cheb, who designed the newest generation of Mon Calamari star cruisers." A moment after he finished, a technician signalled that they were off air. Needmo turned back to Gage, his expression blank. "Thank you for your time, Senator," he said, extending his hand. Gage shook it and smiled. Needmo didn't return it. "Good luck with your campaign."
Gage allowed his smile to fade. "Thank you," he said cooly, before standing up and walking out fo the studio. He wasn't surprised that Needmo had been unimpressed with his opinions. The Chevin host had been sympathetic to the Jedi, after all. What did surprise was him that Needmo's act had been so quickly abandoned after they went on break.
As he exited the building onto the platform outside, he saw Drak Bengaal standing next to Gage's speeder. "Well done in there," Bengaal said, smiling brightly. "You played Needmo perfectly, and now the people know exactly what you support."
"Let's hope it's what they want to hear," Gage said, stepping inside the speeder.
Bengaal sat down next to him, dropping down just before the door sealed shut. "It is," he said, his voice icy. "Trust me."