Author's Note: Dearest readers, thank you all so much for your ongoing support. I appreciate you all and wish you peace in your journeys. As my personal life continues to change, I thank you for your understanding with chapters alternating between weeks. As of right now, we are returning to CODE LOTHCAT for weekly chapters.

Review shoutouts: This week, we throw space pirate celebrations for CJG98, Darth Dracul, and DialgaRyuma! Thank you for your kind words!

Chapter: 109 Liability and the Pursuit of Happiness

"Liberty is a government facade. True freedom resides in every citizen's right to choose."

A friend in need! Chieftain Ryder of the Northuldra has narrowly escaped Aren alive. With his people massacred and routed, his only hope is to seek help from the Republic. Answering his call for assistance, Jedi Knight Elsa Dellian and her Padawan Stel Sovan retrieved Ryder from an ordeal at Sinta Glacier. Now, the Jedi race back to Coruscant so Ryder can plead his case in the Republic's heart. However, the details of his survival are rather unsettling...

The Deliverance continued its dutiful voyage through hyperspace. But no amount of hypnotic vistas nor mind-numbing ambience could soothe Ryder's pain. The Northuldra chieftain reclined in the Venator's medbay. A 2-1B series medical droid administered an IV before initiating a steady flow of bacta. "Ow!" Ryder winced and impulsively swatted the droid's forearm.

"The more you move, the more this will hurt," the droid computed and gently guided him back to his pillow.

As Ryder lay there receiving treatment...Elsa, Stel, and Frost observed from across the hall. "That's probably the most proper medical care he's ever experienced," Elsa commented.

"Isn't there anything else we can do for him?" Stel asked. "He's all alone."

Elsa flashed a nervous, yet subtle glance at Frost. "He won't be for long," she assured her Padawan. "I'm going to check up on him."

"Great," Stel rejoiced. "We can make him feel at home and I-"

"Apprentice," Elsa sighed. "I will talk to him," she intoned. Twitching her lip, she formulated better reasoning for Stel. "He's already overwhelmed as it is. It's best to ease him back into things."

"I...understand," Stel relented.

"We'll be arriving on Coruscant within the hour," Elsa said. "Go with Frost to the command bridge and I'll meet you there." Her weary eyes fell to the commander again as she slowly nodded. "This shouldn't take long."

"Come on, buddy." Frost said while guiding Elsa's reluctant Padawan away.

Once she had the hall to herself, Elsa took a deep breath. Echoes of a conversation she'd had with Master Yelena came back to gnaw at her.

"To best help our Order, I've decided to take my next step towards becoming a Jedi Master."

"You're going to take on a Padawan?"

"And if he'll have me, I'll be the most supportive mentor that I possibly can."

Elsa shook her head as she returned to the present moment. "The most supportive mentor," she recalled. "Supportive by keeping Stel in the dark?" Elsa hardened her resolve. Just for now, she reminded herself. Once I've learned all that I can...Once the time is right...then I'll tell him everything about Aren. But right now, Stel needs a balanced mentor in his life.

Elsa traveled down the corridor and approached Ryder's room while the droid finished up. "How'd it go?" she kindly asked.

"Vitals are stabilized," the droid responded. "Vaccinations have been administered. All wounds have been properly stitched and the bacta supplement will cleanse his system."

"Thank you," Elsa nodded as the droid mirrored her gesture. It clunked its way out of the room while she neared Ryder's bedside.

The chieftain's tired eyes fluttered open. Hyperspace's indigo flashes flickered off of the viewport and against his face. Seeing Elsa again brought a tired smile to Ryder's lips as she sat beside him. "We have to stop meeting in the worst of circumstances. Then again, maybe it comes with the territory." Elsa's brows furrowed with concern as Ryder nervously chuckled. "Apologies," he confessed. "Without any humor, I don't know if I'd make it."

"It's alright," Elsa whispered and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Chieftain Ryder...where's your sister? What happened out there?"

Ryder's forced grin faded as he rolled back against the pillow. His tired eyes sluggishly found the ceiling as he sighed. "We were attacked," he uttered. "Our enclave, the surrounding villages...everything." Elsa gasped as Ryder nodded grievously. "As you know, we've been at war with the Aren since before I was even born. But we'd reached a standstill over the last few months. Invisible borders had been drawn and both sides just knew not to cross them." His blue eyes slowly listed back to Elsa. "But this assault was different. They were well-prepared...organized." Ryder's voice cracked as his mind recalled each gruesome detail. "Simultaneous attacks at the crack of dawn. They took out our hunting parties and anyone who was foraging. Working their way in, they carried out their invasions of each territory. I didn't even realize the extent of the damage until I saw the fires." Elsa leaned in, taking in each horrendous statement as he continued. "There was no order to their killings. They fired indiscriminately and flushed us out into another setup. It was massacre after massacre. Honeymaren and I were separated in the chaos. We agreed to rescue whomever we could and regroup closer up the North Mountain."

Ryder's grief passed as a ripple through the Force. This darkened energy left Elsa with a heaviness in her heart. "I'm so sorry," she lamented.

"And on top of that-" Ryder grieved. "-I actually thought we stood a chance."

"Ryder-"

"We tried to fight," he cut Elsa off. "Goodness, Honeymaren had rallied our finest warriors to take the fight back to them!" Any elevation in Ryder's tone sunk back as he remembered what happened next. "That was when everything changed. They struck us with a speed I'd never experienced...a power I couldn't fathom countering."

"The Aren?" Elsa queried. She tilted her head as Ryder shook his.

"They had help. Elsa...I watched my people get cut down. I was even captured by this inexplainable energy at some point. This is why I need the Republic's help. Why I need your help, Elsa." Each passing description had Elsa's heart racing. Ryder slowly rolled over, making sure to maintain direct eye contact with Elsa. "We were attacked-" he croaked. "-by Jedi."


"Hold on a moment," Master Mattias said while rushing down the temple halls. "Let me make sure we've heard this right." Anna trailed behind him as they followed Master Yelena. "A Northuldra chieftain is claiming that his people were massacred by...Jedi?"

"You were there for the holomessage," Yelena replied.

"I know," Mattias mumbled. "I'm just still trying to come to terms with it."

"Many outsiders in the galaxy aren't familiar with Force users," Anna considered. "Perhaps it was another rogue group abusing their abilities and pretending to be Jedi."

"Or Sith," Mattias proposed.

"Regardless of who committed the massacre-" Yelena continued. "-the balance of power has shifted on Aren. The Northuldra had often been targeted, but not to this degree."

Yelena's comments were overheard by a certain security guard as he rounded the corner. "Excuse me," Kristoff said while following his route with Sven. "Did you say...Aren?"

"Kristoff...Sven," Yelena greeted with the others in tow. "There's been a new development on our homeworld. Someone has crippled the Northuldra, scattering their forces. It is...theorized that Jedi might've been behind the attack."

Kristoff's eyes widened as Sven snorted behind. "That's terrible," he uttered before immediately jumping to action. "There has to be more to this. We've got to do something! Gather forces and bring the attackers to justice! How long until the Trolls are targeted too-"

"Slow down, Kristoff." Yelena intoned and gently rubbed his forearm. "Elsa is taking Ryder before the Jedi Council. Once there, they will discuss a course of action."

"Discuss," Kristoff remarked. "But not necessarily take." Yelena pressed her tongue to her cheek, knowing he wasn't wrong.


Disembarking from the Deliverance had been surreal enough for Ryder. And after the overstimulation of skylane traffic and malodorous exhaust, he was relieved to have reached the Jedi Temple. Of all places on Coruscant, it appeared to be the most tranquil. Escorted by Elsa and Stel, Ryder observed various Jedi during their walk. From judgmental elders to eager younglings, the temple teemed with life in the name of knowledge. Its dark, cool interiors actually reminded Ryder of home. He thought about the safety of his former enclave, and the fear of losing it again kept him shuddering. The echoes of his traumatic past returned even as he entered such a calm place. Ryder had to remind himself that he was protected, and that unlike his enclave...no one could attack the Jedi Temple.

The trio made their way to the grand spire elevator, where Elsa hesitated against the button. Her finger twitched and she nervously turned to Stel. "Padawan," she proposed. "I need you to wait here. Master Yelena is going to pick you up and take you to the gardens."

"Wait...why?" Stel questioned. "I always go to meetings with you."

"Stel," Elsa intoned, yet he persisted.

Stomping his boot, Stel retaliated. "This isn't fair!"

"Stel," Elsa reiterated, this time with a deeper voice. Her tone was as motherly as it was authoritative. Combining her projection with a stern stare made Stel stand down. Unwilling to intimidate him, Elsa followed up with, "Please. Just trust me."

The youngling pouted, but ultimately accepted her request. "Okay," he sighed and trudged away from the elevator. Plopping himself on a nearby bench, he tried to feign contentment. As Elsa sensed his disappointment, she ultimately ascended through the elevator with Ryder.

During their ride to the council chamber, Ryder noticed how uneasy Elsa looked. "What was that about?" he inquired.

"I'm just...trying to keep him safe," Elsa answered.

"By pushing him away?" Ryder asked and Elsa glared at him. "I'm just saying."

Elsa frustratedly pursed her lips. "This is different. He isn't ready."

"How do you know that?"

"Because he's a youngling with a promising future as a Jedi. A future that I will not taint with my past."

Ryder furrowed his brows. "You think our past...Aren...is some kind of plague?"

"In some ways, yes." Elsa confessed. "Our homeworld is broken, Ryder. It has been since before we were born. I'm still coming to terms with the traumas left behind from my parents. I will tell Stel everything, but not yet. I can't help him to understand if I can't even help myself to." Ryder slowly nodded as the elevator dinged and its doors hissed open. They walked down the narrow hall and into the Jedi Council's chamber. Disbelief clashed with intrigue once the Northuldra chieftain entered. While some masters tried to sense who he was through the Force, others waited for him to present his own emotions.

Mirroring Elsa, Ryder bowed before the Jedi Council. "Masters-" Elsa began. "I present to you, Chieftain Ryder of the Northuldra." Ryder tried to initiate eye contact with each council member. He was mystified by the unique holograms projecting several of the offworld masters into their seats. Knowing that she would face sturdy opposition, Elsa immediately directed her attention to a known ally. While she addressed the council as a whole, she focused on Master Obi-wan Kenobi. "Ryder comes to us, both the Republic and the Jedi, because he can no longer fight for Aren's freedom on his own. Long have his people gone unaided. Long has the planet been left to run its own destructive course. And now we're seeing the results of this neglect. The Northuldra suffered a devastating offensive led by the Aren government, but Ryder believes that Jedi were responsible for the attacks."

Elsa's final comment prompted whispers between council members until Master Yoda spoke up. "The attacks on your people, tragic they are. For a Jedi to engage in such hostility, break our Code they would have to."

"Much is at stake here, Chieftain Ryder." Master Windu added. "The Jedi Order is already under fire for being involved in the war effort and will not take these accusations lightly."

"Respectfully," Ryder spoke up. "I know what I saw."

"And what exactly did you see?" Master Shaak Ti asked. The noble Togruta squinted with intrigue.

As all eyes fell upon him, Ryder swallowed hard. "You'll have to give him a moment," Elsa assured. "After everything he's been through-"

"Knight Dellian," Master Ti asserted with a straight face. "Kindly let the chieftain speak for himself."

Elsa briefly nodded as Ryder struggled to find the words. He strived to recover the proper details, even as the screams of his people haunted him from within. "The blasterfire flushed us out," he recalled. "My sister, our second chieftain, rallied our warriors for defense. That's when I heard the hiss...the sparks. Similar to your lightsabers."

"But you didn't see the lightsabers?" Master Plo asked.

"Well...no but-"

"Have you ever seen a lightsaber before?" Master Windu added. "Would you be able to know the difference?"

Ryder's fingers twitched. "I've seen-" His heart sank with realization. To confess to seeing Yelena or Elsa's lightsaber was to reveal their hidden trips. "I'd seen...holovideos," he changed his answer. "The Aren government plays a lot of anti-Jedi news."

"Allow me to ask you this," Master Billaba proposed. Her hologram hunched forward. "Did you see any unique colors by these alleged lightsabers?"

"Everything was very blurry," Ryder confessed. "All was drowned out in red blaster flashes when Aren soldiers opened fire. And then when I got outside, I was mostly running."

The council exchanged skeptical glances. "Much to go off of, this is not." Yoda admitted. "Chieftain Ryder, have you any more evidence, hm?"

"I watched my brothers and sisters get cut down," Ryder grieved. "Their limbs were dismembered and scorched on the ends. Only something with intense heat-"

"A vibrosword could produce a similar effect," Master Fisto considered while Elsa shook her head.

"Your story isn't adding up, Chieftain Ryder." Windu murmured. "You claim to have not fully seen the alleged Jedi, not enough to identify lightsabers. And yet you saw your people getting dismembered?"

"I was running," Ryder pleaded. "I didn't have time to journal my entire experience."

"But you did have time to accuse the Jedi," Windu doubled down.

"I'm not here to make accusations," Ryder insisted. "I came to ask for help. One of them grabbed me using their power!"

"And what did they look like?" Shaak Ti asked.

"They were in a dark hood," Ryder sighed. "I couldn't see their face." His glum response had the council jumping to their own conclusions.

"Chieftain Ryder," Yoda spoke up. "Confer with Knight Dellian alone, we will." Elsa clenched her fists and braced herself as Ryder left the room. "Elsa," Yoda spoke to her. "Plenty to say, have you?"

"That depends on what you all tell me next," she admitted while shaking her head. "You don't believe him, do you? Tell me the truth."

Obi-wan had been pensively observing the situation and ultimately conveyed his thoughts. "We're entering dangerous waters, Elsa. It's not that Chieftain Ryder isn't to be believed. What he saw could be absolutely true...from a certain point of view."

"Meaning?" Elsa asked.

"Meaning-" Obi-wan continued. "-we must be very careful with how we proceed. The attack is unclear, and it's possible that Ryder encountered a different type of Force user. Perhaps another Sith acolyte. One of Dooku's pawns."

"Or neither," Windu grumbled. "Knight Dellian, this council knows about more than you give us credit for. We know you've been trying to recruit aid for Aren. When you were injured in your encounter with Maul, the details for your visit to Bespin were bound to emerge. It's clear of how much you'd risk to achieve Republic aid for your homeworld."

Elsa stammered. "Master Windu...wh-what are you implying? That I made this up? That this is all an act to get the help I need for Aren?"

"Emotional attachment shrouds all reason," Windu persisted.

"There is no emotion, there is peace." Ki-Adi-Mundi lectured.

"I know the code," Elsa murmured. "And there is no ignorance, there is knowledge. Which is why I have most certainly not fabricated these events." Elsa's heart pounded amid the ongoing silence. "So what is the council's plan then? Surely we will not abandon an innocent man and his people when they call for aid?"

"At war, the Republic is." Yoda sighed. "Scattered, the Jedi and our soldiers are. And without more information, unsure of Chieftain Ryder's innocence we are. A planet of civil war, Aren is."

"Respectfully, Master Yoda." Elsa uttered. She struggled to keep her emotions in check as she spoke at a level tone. "You don't have to explain my own home planet to me."

"Offer sanctuary to the chieftain, we can." Yoda suggested, ignoring her comment. "Under Jedi protection, safe he will be."

"But-" Elsa choked. "What does that even address? People are still dying. Aren't you even the slightest bit concerned that a Jedi could be behind these attacks?" The council's harsh silence persisted. "I shouldn't even be surprised at this point," she scoffed. "How can we as Jedi selectively help people or even believe them? Perhaps the public's opinion of us has every right to be plummeting. If you will not help Ryder, then I will find someone who will. I will take his case before the Galactic Senate."

Her words brought a twinge of alertness to the council. "The Senate is currently dealing with an economic collapse," Windu said. "They're still picking up the pieces from Scipio. Their answer won't differ from ours."

"That's not for you to decide, master." Elsa answered. "As a Jedi Knight, I am within my rights and privileges to take Ryder before the Senate. So long as he has someone to represent him, my actions are perfectly legal within our system and the Jedi Code." Elsa frustratedly bowed and departed from the chamber. As she did so, she peeked at a regretful Obi-wan. His solemn, blue eyes focused on her as he ruminated over her words. Elsa loathed how often she'd found herself getting disappointed by the council. She knew the Jedi were involved in politics, but never imagined that they were tied to the Order's obsession with saving face.

Elsa's glower spoke volumes as she regrouped with Ryder. "What'd they say?" the chieftain worried.

"They won't help us," Elsa replied. "But I know someone who will."


Sunlight glistened beyond a set of wide windows and shined against an ornate headdress. The crescent-shaped, ceremonial piece lay nestled in Padmé Amidala's hair. Her bulky, violet robes cascaded towards the crimson carpeting as she turned in her seat. She tilted her head towards the sound of mechanical gyrations. "Miss Padmé," her gold-plated protocol droid greeted. "Knight Dellian is here for you."

"Send her in, 3PO." Padmé answered with a gentle smile. Her eyes remained inquisitive as Elsa entered with an unknown companion. Throughout her youth, she'd made it a point to observe her surroundings and those within them. Noticing Ryder's unique coat and the talismans along his neck, Padmé deduced that he was some form of tribal leader.

"Senator Amidala," Elsa spoke formally. "I present to you Chieftain Ryder of the Northuldra."

"I am honored to make your acquaintance," Ryder nodded.

Padmé rose from her seat and bowed. "The honor is mine, Chieftain Ryder. Please take a seat. How may I be of assistance?"

"Ryder hails from Aren," Elsa explained as they sat across from her desk. Just mentioning the war-torn world had Padmé subtly squinting. "He barely escaped with his life and is asking for Republic aid."

Padmé paused and took in Elsa's proposition. "I see," she said and turned to the chieftain. She noted the healing cuts across his face. "You'll have to forgive me as my knowledge of your planet is limited. What exactly happened out there?"

Ryder sighed, having slowly become numbed to the massacre he'd endured. Elsa placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he calmly told his story. With each passing word, thoughts of his sister's whereabouts brought a sickening feeling to his stomach. Padmé had trained herself to be a calm and active listener. During her years representing Naboo, she'd experienced countless atrocities across the stars. But if she was to help anyone, she needed to present herself as a steadfast beacon of hope.

Elsa would've continued comforting Ryder if her communicator didn't keep chiming. She flashed a wobbly grin and rose with the device. "I'm sorry," she whispered and hurriedly stepped away to take it. Answering her old master's call, she was quick to say "Yelena? Is everything okay?"

"Yes and no," Yelena confessed. "Stel's been asking about you...a lot."

"Alright..." Elsa murmured.

"I told him you were handling this and that you'd explain it to him later, but he's...tenacious. I tried garden meditation, but he could hardly sit still."

Elsa winced. "He's not with you, is he?" She pursed her lips through the ongoing silence. "Yelena? Where's Stel?"

"It's okay," Yelena assured. "He's with Anna." Elsa's ensuing gasp had Yelena rushing to placate. "It's alright. She's more his speed in terms of keeping him distracted."

"As long as they're in the temple and not some war zone," Elsa grumbled. Feeling Padmé and Ryder's eyes focusing on her, she glanced back and sulked. "I have to go, Yelena. I'll be back as soon as I can." Elsa ended the call and returned to her seat. "Apologies," she sighed. "What's our situation?"

"I won't sugarcoat it," Padmé admitted. "I'll represent Ryder, but this won't be an easy presentation. And for the sake of the Republic's political climate, we'll need to omit some details."

"Oh?" Elsa inquired.

Padmé winced. "Given negative polls currently stacked against the Jedi Order, the last thing we want to do is fan those flames. If Jedi really did attack Ryder's people, the Republic won't sent troops into such a fiasco. It'll stir too much unrest in their eyes. If we're to have a case here, we need to stick to the primary facts." Padmé held up her personal datapad and read off notes. "The Aren government has violated Northuldra borders and committed war crimes including but not limited to: Murder, genocide, and devastation unjustified by military necessity." Padmé huffed. "This all sounds great on a datapad. But the Outer Rim Sieges and now Separatist attacks in the Mid Rim are going to throw us for a loop. The odds are stacked against us, but it gives us all the more reason to fight. Left unchecked, one planet's war becomes everyone's war."

"Padmé," Elsa spoke up. "Thank you for doing this."

"It's my duty," she affirmed. Ryder gently smiled at Padmé and found comfort in her company. "Not just to the Republic, but to the free people of our galaxy."


While Stel had been the rambunctious sort, Anna had been able to distract him with a rather...intriguing holodrama. The duo sat in one of the temple's lounges and watched a flickering datascreen. "We now return to 'Peculiar Things'." The holodrama's narrator declared.

"This is a code red!" a human boy screamed into his comlink. "Can anyone hear us? We need help!" The comlink crackled, yielding nothing but white noise. "We'll never get back to the Right Side Up, now!"

"Never say never,"

a red-skinned Twi'lek child said. Her gaze intensified as she clenched her fists.

"No," the boy gasped. "Twelve! You can't!"

"Yes...I...CAN!" Twelve the Twi'lek roared and raised her hands. With a mighty thrust, she used her powers to tear open a literal rift in the sky above.

Stel furrowed his brows while watching the holodrama. "S-...so she's a Jedi?" he asked.

"I think she just has telekinetic powers," Anna explained.

"But she could be a Jedi," Stel considered. "If people would believe in her and let her try."

Anna huffed. "It's just a silly holodrama, bud. Don't put too much thought into it." She noticed how intensely Stel was glaring at the screen, watching the actor save the day with her mighty powers. "I'm gonna regret this," she whispered to herself. "Stel...this isn't about the holodrama, is it?"

Hanging his head, the Theelin relented. "Master Dellian and I are supposed to be partners," he lamented. "She told me that I was strong in the Force. I thought we were making progress. We-" His eyes alternated between the epic holodrama and his own hands. "We even stopped missiles together!"

Anna shrugged and scratched at the back of her head. "I'm sure she...um...has a plan."

"Yeah," Stel griped. "One that doesn't involve me. Why would she do that?" Anna's silence left the Padawan shaking his head. "Is she telling me that I can't handle this? Just like Twelve?"

"I don't know," Anna sighed.

"Do you know what it's even about?" Stel asked. "Why is she keeping it to herself?" The Theelin's curious gaze intensified as he turned back to her. His simple questioning felt more like an interrogation as Anna bit her lip. "You do know about it?" he theorized. "Don't you?" Stel's somber tone had Anna taking a deep breath. As she fought to formulate a response, Stel's head suddenly darted back to the datascreen.

"Look out, Twelve!" another holodrama actor screamed. "It's the Wamparancor!"

Stel's eyes widened as the most heinous, mutant blend of two creatures stomped into view. It swiped its claws at Twelve and the screen immediately cut to black.

TO BE CONTINUED


"What?" Stel snapped. "They can't end the episode like that!"

"It's called a cliffhanger, kid." Anna chuckled. "They're created by sadistic writers who enjoy tormenting their audiences. And it's working."

Stel angrily tugged at his braid. "So I have to wait a whole week to find out if they escape? That's kriff-"

"Hey," Anna intoned. "Language."

"But you say it."

"Yeah, that's me. But if your sister hears you saying it, I'm dead."

"Can I say that's banthacrap?" Stel asked.

"Better," Anna shrugged and took a swig of her meiloorun juice. As Stel rambled on about the cliffhanger, she found herself relieved that he'd been distracted. In truth, she had no idea how to answer his previous question. She didn't much care for Aren herself. At least not enough to preach the 'cause' to someone who wasn't even from there. All she could do was smile and nod as his rambling became blissful ambience...all while she hoped for Elsa's hasty return.


One didn't have to be a Jedi to notice the unease radiating off of Elsa. "I don't like my odds," Ryder whispered as they entered the Senate Building with Padmé."

"It'll be alright," Elsa reassured.

"How can you be so sure?" Ryder muttered back. "You look like you're about to fall over."

"I promise you that it isn't about your case," Elsa answered and steadied herself with a deep breath. "It's just that-" She let her eyes wander the senate corridors. Although each pathway seemed calm, they echoed with the memories of the past. Everything from the hostage crisis to Dia's betrayal flooded Elsa's mind. "-I don't have many fond memories in here."

"Here's hoping that we'll get you one today," Ryder persisted and patted her back. They locked eyes as he whispered, "The past is what the past is. Whether you choose to be the rightful heir to our world or not, it is just that... Our world. And it's worth fighting for." Ryder bowed to Elsa. "For Aren."

As he rushed to catch up with Padmé, Elsa was left to consider his words. Jedi of the Order or Queen of Aren...Elsa was still native to the troubled planet. "For Aren," she affirmed, accepting her position to defend her people.

"There's that fighting spirit," a voice echoed from within.

Evara, Elsa spoke through her thoughts.

The Force Wraith seemed as pleased as she was reserved. "You might've forgotten me, but I've never forgotten you."

I told you that I've been focusing on Stel's future.

"And now Aren's," Evara answered.

I probably sound like the biggest hypocrite, Elsa lamented. Especially now that I've been keeping Stel out of this.

"The road to stepping into one's power is never simple," Evara explained. "Nor should it be traveled alone."

Oh not you too, Elsa groused. Stel isn't ready.

"Is it he who is not ready?" Evara asked. "Or you who remains unprepared to give him a chance?"

"Elsa?" Padmé beckoned and saved Elsa from her thoughts.

"Hm?" the Jedi inquired, bringing herself back into the moment and peering down the corridor.

"Are you coming?" Padmé asked while lingering in a doorway. "Is...something the matter?"

"No," Elsa assured. "I'm ready." Catching up to the duo, they made their way through the door and into the grandiose senatorial chamber. Its profound echoes rang throughout the auditorium and left Ryder standing in awe. He was so astonished in fact, that he was caught off guard when the platform started to move. Having just realized that their seating arrangement was mobile, Ryder plopped into a cushioned seat beside Elsa. Their eyes swayed across the massive chamber, where hundreds of senators silently observed. The whir of hovering camera droids had Ryder gulping as they followed the platform.

Padmé guided her representative platform towards a central apparatus. This gleaming podium held Supreme Chancellor Palpatine himself. Vice Chancellor Mas Amedda stood at his side and silently passed judgement over Ryder. From other senators to pirates and the people of Aren, Ryder had grown accustom to judgement. He didn't let it sway him and straightened his posture. With all eyes on him and his companions, this would be his best shot at Republic aid. He found confidence in the assistance of both a reputable senator and a Jedi Knight.

"The Senate recognizes Senator Amidala of Naboo," Mas Amedda bellowed.

Silence fell over the chamber until Padmé spoke up. "Members of the Galactic Senate, I come before you not on my planet's accord...but another's. One whose situation speaks close to my own struggles in the past. I present to you all, Chieftain Ryder of the Northuldra." Whispers crept throughout the gallery. "He comes from Aren, a planet that is trapped like too many others. Civil war ravages its land with no clear end in sight."

"Senator Amidala," Chancellor Palpatine spoke calmly. "You would not mean for the Republic to involve itself in another war...would you?" It was as if Palpatine didn't even want an answer to his question. As if Padmé would even have a chance to answer anyway. For as soon as the chancellor brought such a question into the chamber, a cacophony of debates broke out. From that point, Palpatine just sat back and subtly observed.

"The Mid Rim is under attack!" a Nautolan senator grumbled.

"At this rate, the Separatists will be at our doorstep," Senator Sofi Pru scoffed. "Troops are already spread thin and we'd have additional soldiers if it wasn't for your restrictive bills, Senator Amidala."

Her jab at Padmé prompted more unrest until Senator Bail Organa jumped in. "Members of the Senate!" he spoke over them. "Senator Amidala hasn't even been given the chance to clarify her intentions for this hearing. And yet here you stand passing accusations." His influential words at least quelled the gallery enough for Padmé to get her proposal out.

She nodded to Bail and said, "I understand all of your concerns and frustrations. The war has taken its toll on our entire Republic, but we cannot lose sight of the principles we were founded upon. Liberty...equality...and justice for all! That all goes beyond Republic borders. If we only look after our own, what does that make us?"

"People who prioritize safety during a war," Sofi answered. Her words were met with nods and murmurs.

"Chieftain Ryder's people were massacred," Padmé explained, ignoring her adversary's jeer. "The Aren government violated Northuldra borders and committed war crimes including but not limited to: Murder, genocide, and devastation unjustified by military necessity. Chieftain Ryder risked everything to travel from the Unknown Regions." Padmé fervently gestured to Elsa. "He sought the help of a Jedi...all to reach us. That was the measure of his resolve. Why? Because he believed in the Republic we once were. The Republic we still can be. The kind that offers aid to all who need it."

"Do not confuse aid with interference," a Gran senator considered. "How do we know the chieftain wasn't the catalyst in this civil war?"

"I couldn't agree more," Sofi concurred. "Maybe he knows that the Republic could win the war for him. And then once we'd leave, Aren would be his."

"Members of the Senate," Senator Mon Mothma interjected. Just hearing her voice was enough to make Sofi's heart plummet. Although still recovering, Mothma had made it a point to ease her way back into senatorial duties. She sat on her platform, bacta bandages tucked beneath her sleeves and a single patch pressed against her cheek. Sofi tried to remain calm as Mothma stared her down. "We are still jumping to conclusions," the Chandrilan senator said. "We should hear the entirety of Senator Amidala's proposal."

Sofi frustratedly pursed her lips as all eyes returned to Padmé. Elsa had to applaud her friend's resolve. Nothing ever seemed to faze the Naboo senator, even as Elsa sensed the chamber's overwhelming anxiety. Composed and steadfast, Padmé gave her answer. "I call for us to send a single unit into Aren territory." Her first comment already stoked outrage, forcing her to raise her voice. "They can investigate the chieftain's claim and decide whether or not further action is required. But at least with troops in the area, we can prevent further loss of life."

"And draw the Republic into yet another war," Sofi added. "Even if we did send troops, who would lead this crusade?" She threw a hand down to Elsa. "A Jedi? The galaxy doesn't think very highly of them these days. Now imagine sending one into a planet that we have no quarrel with. Members of the Senate, we can't even manage Republic territory! One of our very own, Senator Tobin Ranassa, was gunned down in this very city. And have we found the shooter responsible? No. We need to ask ourselves who we are prioritizing here. Us or them?"

"This isn't an 'us versus them' situation," Padmé sternly defended. "This is a question of our morals. If the Republic was to fall apart in this very moment, and anyone in this room needed help...would we want to be turned away? This is no different than when the armies of the Trade Federation invaded Naboo. My people were suffering, all while committees deliberated on my survival's authenticity. Is that what we've become? Skeptics living under a hopeful banner? We cannot succumb!" Padmé turned to Palpatine. "Supreme Chancellor, we must uphold the principles of our Republic's foundation. Through war or peacetime. If we lose that very foundation, we are nothing but hollow shells preaching false ideals without action. The kind that visit graves with mere condolences and empty promises of change. We are better than this."

Padmé's speech left her catching her breath before hurriedly recomposing herself. Elsa's heart thundered, feeling shaken to the core by the senator's words. Chancellor Palpatine simpered and looked down at Padmé. "Senator Amidala," he declared. "This Republic has seen its share of darkened days, and there will undoubtedly be more to come. Such is the burden we all carry in wartime. The ideals you speak of are true, and the Republic does not abandon those in need." Padmé started to smile until Palpatine continued. "However, even the most bountiful basket can only reach so many outstretched hands. A Republic unable to stand on its own has no foundation to rely on. If it crumbles, how can it possibly help neighboring systems and the planets within them?" Palpatine's question was met with agreeable mumbles. "I admire Chieftain Ryder's courage to seek us out, and we will gladly offer him asylum. But in a time of war and economic imbalance, the Republic cannot engage in another planet's foreign affairs."

"Chancellor," Padmé uttered. "I must protest."

"Then we will put it to a vote," Mas Amedda declared while typing on his podium's panel. "So that we may hear the voice of our Senate on this matter."

Chimes rang out across the chamber as each senator cast their vote. While some were quick to jab their selection, others pondered deeply. Padmé tapped in favor of Republic involvement as soon as her screen flashed. Yet even as she cast her vote, Padmé had her doubts. She'd fight to the end for Elsa and Ryder, but she knew how the Senate worked. It almost felt as though none of their opinions mattered once Palpatine spoke. She glanced over at Bail and slowly shook her head, knowing the proposal's fate was sealed. As the others tensed up, Padmé awaited the answer she already knew was coming.

"The Senate speaks with an overwhelming tally against Republic involvement on Aren," Mas Amedda decreed.

Ryder sank into his cushion, broken and mouth agape as Palpatine declared, "Then it is decided. The chieftain will be granted asylum here on Coruscant and the Republic will continue its efforts to dispose of the Separatist threat. Long live the Republic!"

"Long live the Republic!" senators cheered. "Long live the Republic!" And as thunderous applause ensued, Ryder felt as though he'd died inside. He sat there, staring into nothingness as Elsa shut her eyes. An impulsive tear rolled down her cheek as she knelt beside to comfort him. Padmé slowly pulled their platform out of the center and back into the gallery. Ryder went through the motions of following his friends, but his mind had traveled elsewhere. Hope dangled by a thread as he trudged down the hall.

"Take me back," he whispered.

"Ryder," Elsa tried to placate.

"Just take me back," he intoned. "Leave me here or dump me back on Aren, I'll be a prisoner either way. I might as well die with my people." He brushed past Elsa and stomped on his own.

Elsa shook her head in disbelief. "Have we truly lost our way as a Republic?" she asked.

"Yes," Padmé answered without a sliver of reconsideration. "I'm truly sorry Elsa. The change we're fighting for will take longer than any of us can anticipate." As Padmé continued, Elsa couldn't help but noticed the way she subtly clutched her stomach. Padmé caught her staring and continued, "I will make sure Ryder is cared for here."

"But will it be enough?" Elsa asked.

"It's all I can do on this matter for the time being. I know you want to help him and your homeworld, but please be cautious with your actions."

"Respectfully-" Elsa jested. "-if what I've heard about your endeavors is true, you know caution isn't always an option."

"Maybe so," Padmé concurred. "But playing smart always is. If-" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Before you take any action, consider everyone involved. Walk yourself through every gain...and every loss. No matter how painful."


As the rest of the Senate dismissed from the hearing, Sofi found herself face to face with a certain Chandrilan. Nervously fixing her blonde tresses, she smiled and said, "Senator Mon Mothma. Your return to our chambers is most admirable."

"You won't get away with this," Mothma said and Sofi's blood ran cold.

Her thin brows furrowed as she fought to stay calm. "Wh-...what do you...Excuse me?"

"This brash persona you've adopted," Mothma explained and subtle relief crept across Sofi's face. "You think it will gain you favor in your committee with Senator Taa. But shooting down arguments and stoking flames will only take you so far. Eventually you'll be asked to present actual evidence. To make real arguments. Then where will you stand, Sofi Pru of Coruscant?"

Sofi forced a smile and tilted her head. "I suppose we'll see, Senator Mothma. Last I checked...I'm not the one who was nearly killed. You're making enemies while I'm making friends."

Mothma squinted her inquisitive eyes. "Curious how that's fallen into place."

Sofi's heart raced all over again as she kept her smile up. "Curious indeed."

Mothma's gaze trailed away from her. "What...did you want to discuss with Senator Ranassa and I the day we were attacked?"

Sofi shrugged. "I was merely going to keep being brash with the two of you. I was going to try my luck at pushing for votes in favor of chain codes."

"Well you got your wish," Mothma murmured.

"I only wish it were under better circumstances," Sofi assured. "And that Senator Ranassa was still with us."

Mothma hung her head, yet appeared deep in thought. "As do I," she whispered before departing.

As soon as Mon Mothma stepped away, Sofi finally let herself take a full breath. She brushed the blonde locks from her ears, all while pondering over Mon Mothma's words.


The sun set over Coruscant's busy cityscape. Its descending rays cast fiery glints over the passing airspeeders. And as shadows came to blanket the city, so too did Elsa return to the Jedi Temple. She carried the weight of her failure with each heavy trudge. Noticing Kristoff on an upper balcony, she looked to see him eagerly awaiting news. His thumbs up was as innocent as it was heartbreaking. All Elsa could do was shake her head and hang it. Things were bad enough that she felt like she had failed Aren. Now returning to Stel felt like yet another error to take on.

Elsa entered the lounge with a heavy sigh. She merely opened her mouth and was immediately met with a hard "Shh!" from Anna. Elsa raised a brow as her little sister pointed towards the nearby couch. Stel had dozed off as an action-packed holodrama continued to play. The young Theelin sank into the couch, his blue Padawan braid drooping over his lip like a mustache.

"Sorry I took so long," Elsa whispered and slid to the table next to Anna. "Thanks for watching him."

"The datascreen did all of the work," Anna insisted. "How'd it go?"

Elsa glowered at her sister's question. "Not well, I'm afraid. At most, the Senate offered Ryder asylum. They will not get roped into Aren's conflict, nor will they investigate it further." Anna's silence had Elsa scoffing. "You knew that's how it would go."

"Oh come on, sis. Of course. The Seppies are getting closer to the Core Worlds. Attacking the Mid Rim has everyone on edge. So naturally they're not gonna plunge themselves into someone else's war. You're lucky they even took Ryder in. Do Mattias and Yelena know?"

"Not yet," Elsa groaned while pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't handle anymore questions until tomorrow."

Anna chuckled. "It seems that asking questions is all your Padawan does."

"He's just concerned."

"Should he be?" Anna queried. "I mean...it sounds like you're keeping him in the dark."

"And rightfully so," Elsa doubled down. "Anna, this war has already tarnished perceptions of the Republic and the Jedi. It'll be terrible enough when he learns about our connection to Aren, let alone the possibility of Jedi being responsible for the Northuldra massacre."

"Kriffing hell," Anna whispered sharply. "You can't honestly believe that, can you? That Jedi are on Aren murdering Northuldra people?"

"Our mother's people," Elsa intoned. "Our people."

"Stop," Anna snapped. "I refuse to believe it. At least that it was one of our own."

"We never would've considered what Barriss Offee was capable of," Elsa considered. "Nor Master Krell."

"Keep your theories," Anna answered. "For all we know, it could've been Count Dooku. Or General Grievous! So many outsiders still can't tell the difference between good and evil these days." In that instant, something shifted across the couch. The movement had Elsa and Anna spinning their heads towards Stel, who appeared to have rolled over. "No matter what's really going on-" Anna continued at a lower volume. "-you can't protect him forever."

"You wouldn't understand," Elsa retorted. "I almost didn't until I got a Padawan of my own. Everything I'm saying...and not saying about Aren. My...our ties to it. I need to withhold it all for his own good."

As the Dellian sisters continued to deliberate, neither paid any mind to Stel. For while he gave both of them the back of his head against the cushion, his eyes were very much open. Confusion and concern clashed as Stel's eyes swayed through the darkness. He searched the moonlit nothingness, determined to find his own answers for his master's protectiveness. Ties? Stel asked himself.


Author's Note:Thanks so much for reading this week's chapter! I appreciate all of your support as this season comes closer to its dramatic conclusion. Sincerely, thank you for your patience with weekly changes. As of right now, we are back into a CODE LOTHCAT! I'll see you next Friday July 1st for Chapter:110 - Only the Thirteenth Son.

Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!

~ Michael