Author's Note: Dearest readers. I want to thank you all for the patience you've had over the weeks. There was an unexpected personal emergency which caused a severe delay. I had to take care of a family member during this time, but I am back and happy to be delivering the next chapter. I wish you all well and hope you are taking care. Thanks again for being kind and understanding!

~ Sparks

ADVISORY: The following chapter contains sensitive material relating to: Trauma discussion, suicidal commentary, discussion on racism, propaganda, and alcoholism. Remember to practice self care before, during, and after reading.

Chapter: 126 City of Dreams

- ACCESSING IMPERIAL NETWORK -

MJ:Muunilinst Junction to Imperial High Command. We have one Jedi confirmed killed on Muunilinst. Identity: Destin Mattias.

IHC: ...

MJ:Muunilinst Junction to Imperial High Command. Please respond.

IHC: ...

MJ: Muunilinst-

IHC:Message received. No further response is required.

MJ: Affirmative.

IHC: ...*distorted whimpering*...

For millions across its bustling surface, Coruscant was the safest planet in the galaxy. It was the heart of the Galactic Empire. "The Jewel of the Core Worlds." A ecumenopolis which had withstood the test of time and war. And thanks to the efforts of Emperor Palpatine, its citizens had come to know a new level of peace. Wave upon wave of new laws ushered in security for citizens. Coruscanti couldn't make it several blocks without a observing military checkpoints. Criminal activity was either swept up entirely or pushed into the foulest reaches of the undercity. Humans dominated the surface world, especially after the Senate had deemed many 'aliens' to be irresponsible leaders during the Clone Wars. Thanks to more of Palpatine's firm actions, many non-humans had been relocated to undercity dwellings. This allowed the streets to look more unified and...cleaner. Under Imperial law, life was good. Or at least that's what senators, troopers, hundreds of propaganda posters, and a single news outlet said every single day.

The upper city teemed with flashy holoboards, even as the sunrise gleamed over the city. No citizen could ever catch a break from the Empire's messages, even from the comfort of their own homes. There was a particular board just on the upper city's borders. The likes of which faced towards the Federal District. Those who'd dwelled on Coruscant for years knew the district well enough that the so-called 'Imperial Palace' used to go by a different name. That all the banners in the galaxy couldn't hide the ancient spires beneath it. And yet while some knew the building to be that of the traitorous Jedi Temple, no one dared to say so out loud.

The holoboard's reflective imagery flashed beyond the Imperial palace and directly towards another structure. Its bold words read: "SEE THE GALAXY, JOIN THE EMPIRE" and featured several different troopers gazing into the unknown. That would be the first image many at the Royal Imperial Academy would see from their windows. At least...if some of them didn't fall asleep upside down.

A chronometer buzzed from a student's nightstand. Despite it only being sunrise, she was no stranger to being an early riser. That didn't mean she wouldn't groan and grumble her way through the process. Like a mumbling ronto wrap, the student tossed and turned in her silver bedsheets. Tiring of her incessant alarm, she raised a foot and silenced it with her toe. Rising from the mess of her sheets, she batted away the black...wavy tresses dangling towards her face. Scrubbing her tired eyes, that light brown gaze of hers listed towards a holoprojection across the way. Doubling as her special nightlight, she observed the uniformed man smiling back at her. There wasn't a hint of concern in his eyes. There never had been. At least from what she could remember. She was only six when Colonel Semaj Roze was killed defending Coruscant. The very city she'd come to call home.

Looking into his gentle gaze, she smiled softly. "We're on our way, Daddy," she said and found the energy to rise. "It's a new day to make it happen." Slipping out of bed, she headed for the refresher to start her day.

If nothing else, the Imperial Academy was clean. So much so, that it made anyone feel like they'd be vaporized for dropping a single crumb on its black carpeting. Its students were just as orderly, standing at attention alongside each of their respective rooms. They awaited their morning roll call as a dark-uniformed officer read through his datapad. His voice was tightly wound as he practically spat out the names with each step. While he was adorned in pitch black, his cadets wore dark pants with white tunics. They matched the building's schematics perfectly. Because that's all they were...just pieces in Imperial framework.

"Tiana Roze!" the officer barked, but the late Semaj's golden girl was ahead of the game.

"Present," she nearly spoke over him. Standing tall, Tiana looked as pristine as ever. The young woman kept her eyes forward, even as the officer lingered for a moment.

"You're looking extra eager today," he said.

"Only because I believe today will be a productive day, Officer Senwig," Tiana added.

Senwig's mustache curled with his smirk. "You say that every day, young one. Let's move it out, cadets!"

The students formed two uniform lines and marched down the hall. They crossed out of the dormitories and over a skybridge to class. Considering they spent most of their time cooped up inside, cadets loved this part of their march the most. It allowed them to inhale plenty of smoggy air, but also glimpse the very city they were studying to protect. To her left, Tiana could see the Imperial Palace. She'd only heard old tales of what the building had once been and tried not to linger on the subject. But to her right...was a unique and glistening edifice. The multi-pronged structured was the ISB Central Office. The grand headquarters for the Imperial Security Bureau. Even from the skybridge, Tiana could see uniformed ISB agents strutting in and out of the pristine building. She couldn't help but smile, thinking, Someday soon...I'll be part of the ISB and help with something greater. Just like Daddy.

Focusing on the path ahead, Tiana took a deep breath and prepared for the first class of the day. "I'm almost there," she whispered to herself.

"We're even now."

"Captain!" a voice brayed and had his superior's eyes shooting open. The barracks' overhead lighting was nearly blinding as he bolted upright.

"Hm?" he muttered. "What?" He groggily scratched at his shaved head, still feeling what remained of its blonde stubs. His cot's metal frame had left an unflattering impression across his clean-shaven, chiseled jaw. As he rubbed his eyes and fixed his posture, he observed the young man standing across from him. "Benton," the captain grumbled. "What time is it?" He glanced at his chronometer and grumbled. "I still had ten minutes until my alarm. Ten...vital minutes."

"I know, Captain Phoebus. But you were...talking in your sleep again," Benton sighed.

Phoebus leered at the lad and said, "Trooper...go gear up, will you."

"Y-yes sir!" Benton yelped and hastily saluted.

With a heavy roll of his eyes, Phoebus rose from his cot and collected his belongings. Although it was a tightly-packed facility, he found the barracks to be a realm of solace. It was his quiet, controlled world apart from the business of Imperial Coruscant. Phoebus handled his stormtrooper armor with care. And as he fastened each plastoid piece into place, he recalled the life he'd lived to earn his rank. Buckling a scarlet pauldron to his shoulder, he joined his squad in solidarity under their anonymous helmets.

"Rise and shine, troopers!" Phoebus hollered through his helmet's modulator. Benton and the other troopers were quick to salute as Phoebus checked them over. "We've got a long day ahead of us. In case any of you knuckleheads have forgotten, we're only a few weeks away from five months of clean streets. I'd like to keep that record going for all of us, yes?"

"Yes, captain!" the troopers barked in unison.

"Today we're on senatorial escort duty. I want eyes on the slightest suspicion out there. No such thing as too careful. Let's move it out." Phoebus prepared to lead his squad when he noticed an overhead datascreen. Other troopers were gathered around as a silver-eyed reporter read the bulletin.

"A shocking turn of events in the Outer Rim. Imperial forces tracked a string of murders to Dantooine after several military units had gone missing. Thanks to their bold efforts, the suspects were identified as Jedi Knights Anna and Elsa Dellian." Shadowy images from security footage showed the sisters on Muunilinst. Images retrieved from older records flashed next to them, showing younger versions of themselves from the Clone Wars. "Both sisters are considered armed and extremely dangerous. While they remain at large, a third rogue Jedi...Destin Mattias was killed by authorities."

Phoebus squinted at the datascreen as it flashed images of Mattias during the age of the Republic. His stoic demeanor had him pondering about his own life. Or rather one he'd left behind.

"Sir?" Benton's inquiry snapped him back into the present. "Are-...you alright?"

"Fine," Phoebus assured and gave his helmet a brief knock. "Come on. We don't want to keep the senators waiting."

No matter what new name the Coruscanti called it, the Imperial Senate Building still carried out the same function. A multitude of delegates still gathered in a grandiose chamber, debated for several hours, and accomplished absolutely nothing. One could even argue that under the Empire's legislation, the Senate accomplished even less than nothing. Although if anyone questioned why the Senate still existed, they were smart enough to keep those treasonous thoughts to themselves. The chamber seemed to have a clear divide in recent years. There were those who praised the Emperor by all and any means. And then there were senators who dared to oppose the Emperor's regulations...only to be instantly silenced by the vocal majority.

Still these debates carried on. Day in and day out. It was enough to keep pockets filled and taxpayer credits spent. On what? Who knew, let alone cared. Everyone was either too naive or too frightened to ask anything beyond making it through the day. The fall of the Republic meant tormenting all rule enforcers to the same level of monotony. Many titles now carried 'Imperial' in front of them. Even the senatorial suites were now the 'Imperial Senatorial Suites.'

While many structures had remained the same, a new communications array had been constructed between the suites and Senate Building. As noble as the memorialized Starpoint Station, this tower stretched towards the clouds like a mighty needle. Chromium plating gave it a glorious gleam as it pulsed with comm frequencies on various networks. "Starwave" was the Emperor's voice on Coruscant. It projected Imperial news to every listening ear on every level across the entire planet's surface. All supervised and operated by the Coruscant Communications Council. A council...comprised of one.

The shrill ringing of a misplaced comlink was a nightmare for anyone trying to get a few hours of sleep. The tiny, cylindrical device lay wedged between a pair of crimson cushions as a tired hand rifled through the mess. Poorly polished nails were soon tucked beneath a falling, wrinkly sleeve as a woman snatched up the comlink. Like a dormant beast gathering food, her arm slinked back into her den of disorganized pillows. Her head rose from the couch, casting her dangling tresses as a grim silhouette along a set of wide windows. The years hadn't been kind to Dia Veritaz, but living among Coruscant's wealthiest wasn't the worst fate in the galaxy.

No matter how much she'd fought to dye her hairs, slivers of grey continued to sprout. She grouchily swatted a dangling, silver strand away from her forehead and answered the comlink call. "Yeah?" Dia grumbled.

"Please tell me you weren't sleeping," a voice groaned. Each word was like an individual nail scraping against Dia's ear as she stirred.

"I...wasn't sleeping," she yawned.

"My senate sister," the voice sighed. "Have you completely forgotten about the speech we'e giving in the undercity today?"

"That's...today?" Dia mumbled.

"Dia!"

"Sofi!" she snarked back.

Over a decade had passed, and Sofi Pru was still the young senator Dia had met during the age of the Republic. "The only reason you can even drool all over that custom-made couch is because of me."

"How could I forget," Dia whispered under her breath.

Ignoring her pettiness entirely, Sofi continued her rant. "I need your presence onstage as a show of strength. So for star's sake...clean yourself up, make your morning bulletin, and I'll meet you below."

"Yes mother," Dia scoffed and ended the call. "Rolling off of the couch, she immediately found her legs still tangled in an unwashed blanket. Dia fell forward, clunking against the nearby table and groaning as a grey-plated protocol droid approached her. Its circuits were poorly maintained, causing squeaky and rickety sounds to emanate from the poor machine.

"Are you alright, Miss Dia?" the droid asked.

"Fine, T5." she huffed. "How many hours of sleep did I get?"

"Three, Miss Dia."

"One more than last night," she jested while stumbling upward. As T5 assisted her, the motion caused one of her sweater's sleeves to roll down. Her tan arm still brandished several, pale scars along her wrist. The likes of which Dia was quick to cover with a quick tug of her sleeve, leaving the past in obscurity where it belonged.

She stumbled to her absolute mess of a desk, swiping away disorganized pamphlets and mumbling to herself. A toppled over intercom lay buried amidst piles of propaganda. Dia fished out the device and plopped into her seat. "For the love of," she groaned. While scouring the pamphlets for a recently updated bulletin, Dia couldn't help but glance at the vase by her window. Its well-polished, ebony finish was all for show considering the plant within had perished. Its wilted leaves drooped over the edges, mirroring Dia's body on the desk. With a deep sigh, she activated the intercom and began her citywide broadcast.

"Good morning Coruscant," Dia declared, stifling a yawn. "Dia Veritaz here wishing you all a powerful day. We've got clear skies and bright paths ahead," she continued with a faltering, toothy grin. "So it's time to get out there and be more productive than you've ever been. It's time to be your best self! Emperor Palpatine can't do this without you! Remember to keep those chain codes out and ready when flying the skylanes, friends. It helps our troopers to scan efficiently at checkpoints. Together, we are the noble cogs in a valiant machine. We are the Galactic Empire! We are Coruscant! And-" Dia spread her arms and brayed her final lines into the receiver. "I LOVE THIS CITY!" Her joyous laughter ended effective immediately as soon as she cut the transmission. She dropped her entire act and muttered "Kriffing shit" as her back ached getting up. "T5. Help me look decent, will ya?"

"One step ahead of you, Miss Dia," the droid computed and raised a senatorial dress.

She simpered and patted his plated head. "I can always count on you," she teased and grabbed the garments. Caring little for the droid's visuals nor the massive windows exposing her to the city skyline, Dia proceeded to strip in her office. She was quick about it, slipping into a dress devoid of the colors she once adored. Faded traces of her favorite seafoam lined the hem, leaving only a silvery green color for the rest of the fabric. "How do I look?" she asked after straightening out her dress.

"You still have to do your makeup," T5 reminded. "And your hair is a mess."

"You're right," Dia griped. "I can't possibly show up looking like myself. Maximum fakeness is required if we're going out."

It mattered not what classroom Tiana was sent to in the academy. She had to be in the front row. While it might have come off as though she was trying to kiss up to the instructors, Tiana knew it was a sign of eagerness. She wanted them to see how prepared she was, front and center...in every single class. So perhaps, in a way...she was kissing up. But no classmate's word could deter Tiana as she remained focus on her goals ahead. She straightened her posture, keeping her datapad and stylus just as orderly. Her instructor was far older...and while others might've found her thinning white hairs amusing, Tiana saw them as a sign of knowledge. Professor Voit had enough experience in leadership carried over from the age of the Republic.

Yet no matter how hard Tiana tried to focus, she found herself frowning at the hushed chitters several desks behind her. She was no stranger to the occasional waves of gossip in her class. But this cycle kept spreading from desk to desk. It was enough to have Tiana glancing back, even as Ms. Voit spoke up. "Settle down class," she asserted. "Settle down." Her piercing blue stare garnered silence as she gestured to a holo presentation. "Today we'll resume our discussion on the importance of regional governors in-" The whispers persisted, only Voit didn't become angry. Instead, she bowed her head and sighed. Tiana felt like she should be angry on the professor's behalf and turned to address her classmates. But to both her and the instructor's surprise, the others were not full of taunts and jeers. Instead, the gossip was fueled by an overwhelming sense of fear.

Seeking to calm her students, Voit dimmed the classroom lights and pulled her seat amongst them. "I know you're all concerned," their elder spoke grimly. "And rightfully so. This morning's HoloNet News is most unsettling. Especially for young cadets. But we cannot overcome our fears by avoiding them. They must be faced head on, like the brave soldiers we are destined to be." Voit offered a swift clap of her hands, making a student gasp. "Now then. Ask your questions, and I'll clear up what I can. We will face these fears together and only then shall we move forward."

A student two rows behind Tiana was quick to raise his hand. Voit hadn't even finished talking and his arm had already shot up. She gestured to him as he asked, "How many Jedi are still alive?"

"Not many," Voit responded. "After betraying the Republic, the Jedi were nearly wiped out in their failed uprising. However, the remnants of their dying religion lay scattered across the stars. When they do resurface, their strikes are most violent and disorganized. Which is why although our Empire suffers casualties, it ultimately prevails. This galaxy needs order, cadets. It needs us."

Another student raised her hand and Voit nodded for her to speak. "Is it true that the surviving officer was Sola Ruvé?"

Voit swallowed hard, letting the young officer's name rest in her mind. "Yes," she answered, never once shying from the truth. "To you all, she was only an alumni speaking at the academy several months ago. But to me, she was one of the first students to ever set foot in my classroom. She is one of the most brilliant minds to ever graduate from here and I thank the stars she's still alive." Her statement prompted Tiana to raise her own hand in inquiry. "Cadet Roze?" Voit gestured to her.

"W-" Tiana cleared her throat and took the time to make sure her question was appropriate. Feeding into her curiosities, she asked regardless. "Why did the Jedi spare Officer Ruvé?"

"Because, young cadet-" the professor sighed. "The Jedi are barbarians who hide behind their code. A code which condoned the kidnapping of children and boundless warmongering. Now that they've gone rogue, they are all the more lawless. The Jedi who attacked young Sola did so to send a message. To threaten the Empire and make us afraid. Instead of cowering, we responded with a message of strength and resilience. Remember these words, students. These are dark times now and there will be darker times ahead. But our Empire shall prevail and you shall be there to lead it. So use this time to hone your crafts and perfect your studies." Tiana thought on the professor's words as she continued. "And speaking of which...need I remind you all that examinations are coming up. And the top three scorers will receive a special reward..." Tiana's gaze lit up at the incentive as Voit grinned. "A whole day on assignment with a real, ISB agent."

Dia had lost track of how many times she'd zoned out during Sofi Pru's speech. Even though she said they'd be visiting the undercity, Sofi had chosen to visit the uppermost layer. She'd be damned if her most expensive heels got any underworld muck on them. Standing atop a hastily assembled stage, the duo was surrounded by a security detail of stormtroopers. Even they seemed bored out of their minds, occasional slouching until the vigilant Captain Phoebus glanced over. The crowd was a foreign sight to both Sofi and Dia. Since Coruscant's general, non-human populace had been relocated to the undercity, they'd become a haggard and grimy lot. Quarren, Ithorians, Rodians, Togruta, and Twi'leks alike were bunched up in an awkward cluster as Sofi raised her arms.

As always, the senator was extremely overdressed for the occasion. Bright, scarlet fabrics were just the beginning as a blinding assortment of crystal studs dotted her bodice. Sofi had even sprayed her flowing, blonde tresses to give them an extra shimmer against the undercity's drab background. She raised her arms, extending her platinum-ringed fingers to the tired and hungry. "From the tallest of Coruscant's skyscrapers to the smallest home within its foundations, no citizen goes unprotected," she proclaimed. "Even now-" she continued and gestured to Phoebus and his soldiers. "Our brave troopers keep a watchful eye on those loyal to the Empire. And it's thanks to our collective efforts, that all of this is possible. Now I know that there have been some concerns over increased tax rates in the undercity, but I'm here to put those worries at ease." Sofi scanned over her audience and focused on those who stepped closer. "Do you want smugglers on your streets? Selling spice and death sticks? Kidnapping your children?" She pleaded and gestured to an Ithorian father, who quickly shook his head and protectively hugged his daughter. "Do you want terrorists? Burning down the hard-earned businesses you've spent years building?"

Sofi paused, garnering a cacophony of angry and frightened civilians. "The only way to keep you all safe is to keep our first line of defense in tiptop shape. My friends...my-" Sofi clasped her hands to her heart. "My family. These taxes aren't for the Empire. They're for you. And together, we are building a safer tomorrow, today!" The haggard crew hollered and applauded as Sofi raised her hands and thanked them. In spite of her moving speech, she didn't spend a moment after conversing with anyone nor did she shake a single hand. Instead, she bolted from her stage and had the stormtroopers escort her to the luxury speeder. Its sleek and well-polished design only made the rest of the undercity level look even more ramshackle. For Dia, it was almost comical how dumbfounded Sofi's audience was by her sudden departure.

"Today, Dia!" Sofi rushed. Dia rolled her eyes and trudged into the vehicle. Once the troopers sealed the door and the speeder was on its way, Sofi let loose. "I had them eating out of my hand," she boasted. "Did you hear how they cheered?"

"Because they'll get shot if they don't," Dia quipped.

"Because they know I'm right!" Sofi corrected. "And their tax credits are funding our troopers. Therefore keeping them safe. No lie there. Also, stop acting like the Empire is this oppressive regime any different from how the Republic was. Follow the rules and bad things don't happen to you. It's not that hard. We still have rights and equality." The speeder flew out of the underworld portal and Sofi sighed upon glimpsing the upper city. "Thank the stars. Civilization again. I was going to lose my mind if we spent a second longer with those freaks down there." Although they were stopped in lower skylane traffic, a gentle smile found its way to her bright red lips. She observed the wonderful sight of 'humans only' streets. The 'paradise' of hers was cut short when she noticed Dia's moping reflection in the speeder window. She glanced over her shoulder and leered.

"What?" Dia scoffed. The ongoing silence had her losing any semblance of patience. "What?"

"Can you just be...grateful?" Sofi snapped. "After everything I've done for you. All that I've helped you achieve. You should be dead or back behind bars. But no. I made you the voice of Coruscant on its largest communication platform. And how do you repay me? By moping around everywhere that I drag you."

"I'm sorry, do you prefer a nice big fake smile?" Dia snarked.

"Yes!" Sofi fired back. "It's a bad look to be seen at speeches with a kriffing mope. We are women of the people. And speaking of which, I've arranged for us to attend a senatorial banquet this evening. Everyone will be there so please...don't do anything stupid."

While Dia didn't even bother to change her dress, Sofi seemed to have a new outfit every morning and night. Deep violet hues spiraled across her gown as she strutted across an upper city banquet hall. A luminescent fascinator extended from her bun, and looked as though it was pulsing with pure cyan energy. She was like a glowing, angelic being...with the worst laugh known to the galaxy. That nasally, raucous chortle of hers had Dia burying her nose in another glass of Alderaanian wine. No beverage was strong enough to make Dia forget about Sofi's nonsense. The only consistency that blonde had was how inconsistent she was. She wasn't two-faced...she had an entire wardrobe of faces hidden away. Dia had lost track of how many people Sofi had badmouthed at the banquet alone. Some of which were a mere room away. And as she watched Sofi do it again with another boisterous senator, Dia was quick to drink more wine.

She'd lost track of what was bitter versus sweet to her senses anymore. At this point, Dia was ready to retire to her broadcast tower and leave Sofi to her hypocrisies. Even if she'd been shadily reinstated into a political lifestyle, Dia didn't feel welcomed at all. She was tolerated and relatively ignored. The most she received at the banquet was a passing glance, as many treated her more like a stray tooka cat. While Dia felt like the sins of her past were part of what kept her shackled, there was also a far more daunting thought that kept swiveling within. No one cared. Be it for malevolent of benevolent reasons, Dia was hardly on anyone's mind. She just...was. And although she tried to find the good in being off the radar, there was nothing. She was trapped in a void of her own making. Damned to be noticed and damned to be forgotten. Wasting away in a party of rich liars and drowning in a glass of bitterness. Dia huffed, sinking into her dreadful existence...until she eyed a familiar senator across the way.

The sight was enough to warp Dia back beyond the years. To a time of desperation and elevated senses. For before her stood Senator Mon Mothma, adorned in the finest of azure silks. Her auburn bob was clean and sharp, just like her quickening movements. Dia's heart raced, as it appeared the senator was heading directly towards her. For as much as Dia had left the shooting behind, she wondered if time had finally caught up with her. If the failed assassination attempt had come full circle nearly two decades later.

Clenching her fists and preparing for dialogue that wouldn't form, Dia braced herself regardless. To her astonishment, Mon passed her entirely. It was as if Dia didn't exist...or perhaps the Chandrilan senator had more pressing matters. Relieved that the pressure was off, Dia glanced back and curiously observed Mon. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Dia whispered to herself.

To her surprise, Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan rounded the corner with a small plate of appetizers. "No need to rush!" he assured Mon Mothma, even as her frantic eyes spoke volumes. "There's enough for both of us."

"We should hurry and eat them," Mon suggested.

Bail's grin faltered while catching on to her tone. "Let's go to the verandah," he answered. "The other foods in here distract from this delicacy's full scent."

Dia squinted suspiciously as the duo stepped outside. Sipping her wine, she watched as Bail and Mon ate the appetizers with their backs turned. Whatever they were discussing didn't herald good news. She might've been older, but Dia knew all of the tricks from her years in the trade. When she was a senator, Detro and Bertz had taught her how to mask conversations when making dealings. She just never would've imagined straight shooters like Organa and Mothma to be involved in something shady. Unless...it wasn't?

Dia raised a brow and tried to cautiously read their body language. Sipping from her wine glass, she briefly observed Mon clenching a fist in frustration. Bail shook his head and then hung it. Unsure if acting on bravery or inebriation, Dia stumbled closer to the verandah. She leaned with her back against the curtain, pretending to be nodding off as she listened in.

"The emperor cut off another shipping lane," Mon said. "Ghorman is running out of time."

"I understand," Bail assured. "But without enough votes to pass a bill, there's nothing we can do for them."

"Can't we at least get them some aid to hold them over for a few months? Until we can get movement in the Senate. Surely you must have contacts at your disposal who-"

"My current 'employees' are...occupied," he answered. "If we're going to help the people of Ghorman, our battle begins with democracy. As it always has."

Mon sighed. "I'm losing faith, old friend. With each passing year, our chamber's ears deafen to an even more unfathomable degree." Before Bail could answer, Mon felt that they'd spent enough time outside. "The fresh air has been splendid," she said, shifting her tone. "But I must return to the others." With a heavy shrug, Mon turned and put on her best smile. Bail did the same as they walked inside and parted ways.

By the time they did so, Dia had hobbled down the hall. "Interesting," she muttered. With her intriguing entertainment concluded, Dia looked back to find Sofi still cackling among her peers. Dipping out unnoticed, she called up T-5.

"Yes, Miss Dia?" the protocol droid responded.

"I'm ready to go home," she said.

"I will be there shortly. Was the party not enjoyable?"

"I hate people," Dia answered.

"Agreed," T-5 computed.

Tiana always found the city skyline calming at night. Despite the constant flow of airspeeder traffic, she found comfort in the holoboard directly across her window. See the galaxy, she reiterated the artwork's words to herself. Soon enough. Her personal reassurance was cut short as several chimes blipped from her bedside. Prepared for her nightly call from home, Tiana cradled the holoprojector as an older woman emerged. Her eyes were tired, but her smile was luminous in her daughter's presence.

"Hey Mama," Tiana greeted.

"How was your day, Tiana?" she asked. "Hitting the holobooks?"

"You know it. More regional governor curriculum."

"I'm sure it can get extensive," her mother assured. "But trust me. You are making your daddy proud."

"I know," Tiana sighed and her mother instantly raised a brow.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"Just...a discussion that we had today in class about some recent events. Mama...I know I was too young when the Empire was founded, but what were the Jedi like?" Her mother paused, seeming both perplexed and concerned. She looked around, wishing she could see past Tiana's projection. "I'm alone," her daughter assured. "I'm just curious."

"Curiosity should be selective these days."

"But I want to know. You and Daddy lived during the Republic. What were the Jedi like? Please."

Her mother huffed and ultimately relented. "I spent most of my time at home taking care of you, baby. Your father...he worked and fought alongside several Jedi in his time. I never personally met a Jedi, but they were always making headlines. Whether they were winning battles...or pinning an innocent mother down in front of her child. They were questionable, Tiana. While they served the Republic, it is my understanding that they also acted in their own interests. And that's how-" She shook her head, still paranoid about their conversation. "The point is...the Jedi made their choices and paid the price for their betrayal. We have always remained loyal to our Republic and now the Empire. As you grow, you too will be faced with choices. And I know when those times come, you will make us proud."

"Us?" Tiana asked.

"Darlin," her mother jested. "Your father will never truly be gone. Part of him carries on in you and I...and into every action we take."

Her words brought a comforting smile to Tiana's lips. "Thanks, Mama. I should probably head to bed soon. Long day of studies tomorrow and I'll need my rest if I'm going to win the new incentive."

"That's my go-getter," her mother lauded. "Good night, baby."

"Good night, Mama."

Tiana powered down her holoprojector and rolled over in bed. Peering out the window, she observed the night sky beyond so many bustling ships. If she squinted hard enough, Tiana could see past the city's overwhelming lights and glimpse a few...scattered stars. Reaching out towards them, she pretended to catch the tiny sparks. As she did so, her mind reminisced on echoes from a distant past. Back when she lived on Naboo and her city would launch fireworks.

"Daddy!"

"Babycakes! I missed you so much. What are you doing up here?"

"Trying to catch the fireworks. My friends at school say that if you catch one during the Festival of Light and make a wish, it's sure to come true!"

"And what would you wish for?"

"To help keep people safe. Just like you, Daddy."

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter. As always, your patience and kindness is appreciated as I create new additions to this story. My goal is always the upcoming week and your understanding is appreciated. I'll see you next week for ACT - 2: Elsa.

Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with you,

~ Sparks