The Galactic Republic Senate building was a round, multi-story structure located in the heart of Coruscant. From the Jedi Temple, where I had arrived after the Stark Crisis — which, though starting early, I had indirectly set in motion — to the Senate building, also called the Senate Rotunda, it was a "straight road," so to speak. We used the speeders sent by Chancellor Kalpana. We... that is, Master Tivokka, Master Tholme, Grand Master Yoda, Master Windu, Master Qui-Gon, as well as the Padawans Plo Koon, Kenobi, and Quinlan Vos. Naturally, Celeste and Jaro were with me. I didn't bring any droids, as I didn't see the need. Finis Valorum volunteered to escort our entire procession.
The speeders were luxurious, and I immediately pulled a bottle of whiskey towards myself... An important report was coming up, but I didn't get drunk quickly thanks to my learned Matukai techniques. Instead, I could get a certain "pleasure" from the alcohol. Simply put, it gave me a certain lightness... As an acquaintance of mine used to say: "Alcohol consumption in a physiologically correct dose." My behavior earned me a disapproving look from Windu.
"What?" I asked in surprise, crossing my right leg over my left knee and relaxing. At least, that's how it looked to everyone. You can't train the habit of constantly probing your surroundings out of me, even in my sleep... Since I took it upon myself to change the canon, or at least started talking about it, I need to be ready for anything, even while relaxing. "You know alcohol doesn't affect me in these doses."
"You have an important report, Light," Valorum reminded me.
"All the more reason to drink... With my life, I don't know if I'll ever get to give a report in the Galactic Senate again. Padawan Kenobi over there has a better chance of doing that after my report than someone like me... My job doesn't involve politics. Yet... The Stark situation is starting to stir some interest in me, Senator Valorum," I saluted the aforementioned personage. Finis, sitting across from me, didn't change his expression.
"If you intend to get into politics, you should first learn to distinguish useful sentients from useless ones," Valorum advised me. Was he talking about Tarkin? The "Hero of Troiken.".. Even though my role in the battle was called decisive — just look at that nickname, "Admiral.".. It does sound nice, there were even rumors they wanted to officially give me that rank... But a lot of media started talking about the "great Ranulf Tarkin," who "foresaw Stark's rebellion and called upon a worthy Jedi to be the worthy executor of the plan.".. Tarkin's ambitions are clear; he wants to be a "strong Chancellor.".. But he's missing something for that. Charisma, political weight, and ability. Because, as I've already noted, Ranulf Tarkin doesn't even try to show everyone that he should be in command because he wants to lead everyone to a better future. Oh no, the Senator from Eriadu literally radiates a desire to be famous as a great politician, leader, and fighter... He tries to appear as one, exactly that — to appear, not to do. Yes, gathering the fleet before Stark's rebellion could be considered a deed. But here's the thing: when you literally shove the "right information" down people's throats, when you shout at them that here is the hero who saved everyone and without him, the Galactic Republic would have fallen to pieces... then people will see him as anything but what you're screaming about... It seems my words to Tarkin are like water off a duck's back. Life teaches him nothing.
"I'll take your advice under consideration, Finis... as soon as you start following it yourself," I grinned.
"Excuse me..."
"And what can you say about the usefulness of Iaco Stark?" I asked. "How did you, a full Senator, decide to negotiate with a pirate leader? Did you consider him a useful sentient? Or not? This is a very inconvenient question that you'd rather not hear. Because by law, we're supposed to fight pirates and other brigands, not engage in diplomatic talks. That means you considered him a useful sentient... Or is he useless now?"
"I suppose I won't give an answer to that unpleasant, inconvenient question right now."
"It was a rhetorical question," I shrugged. "It wasn't meant for you to give me an answer. It was meant for you to look inside yourself and over your shoulder, Senator, and think about... what you did, why you did it, and what the result was. Of course, you can say you can negotiate with anyone who has enough power behind them... But where will that logic take us? Will the entire Senate have to ask a homeless guy in an alley not to piss on the fence?" I sighed heavily. "Think about it, Senator Valorum. Is this the kind of Chancellor you want to become? And don't say you don't want to be Chancellor. A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is a bad soldier, just as a senator who doesn't want to become the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic is a bad senator."
"I will think about it," he promised. I hope not like Tarkin does. I've already seen his "deliberations.".. A glory-hungry, inglorious asshole. There's no other word for it.
"Serious questions these are, as your report will be, Master," Yoda replied.
"I'm a Knight," I reminded him.
"Not anymore," Windu replied. "The Council cannot ignore your participation in many events that have had a significant impact on the galaxy. In addition, you distinguished yourself in the conflict at Troiken, where practically a full-scale war unfolded."
"The word 'war' is a bit grandiose for this crisis," I noted. "I just put some overconfident pirates in their place..."
"Nevertheless," Tivokka growled, having been silent until then, which made even Valorum jump. "A decision was made to award you the rank of Jedi Master, even though you haven't fully completed Padawan Jaro's training."
"His training," I turned my attention to the Lasat. "Is almost complete. That's my assessment. I taught Jaro to fight, developed his abilities, but most importantly, he learned humility and patience. The most important things for a Jedi are understanding the world around you and patience. A hot head can cause a lot of trouble. And a hot head is a natural state for absolutely any sentient. The main thing is to overcome it and become truly mature. Jaro will soon reach the end of his path. I'll report which trials he can be credited with and why... separately, not here, because, as you understand, the specifics of our work," I refreshed my whiskey.
"Then our Order will soon be joined by a strong Knight," Tivokha rejoiced. "By the way, Light, I also want to thank you again for that incident with the droids. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead."
"It was nothing," I shook my head. "As a Jedi, I try, as much as possible, to save lives and act for the good of the galaxy."
"And I know this to be true," the Wookiee noted.
"We're almost there," Windu said. The Coruscant Prime star was illuminating the Senate Square in front of the building.
Statues stood outside, looking impressive. And right in front of the entrance, one could notice the Senate Guard in their blue armor. They were... well, almost like Royal Guards in some countries. They stood at their posts, almost motionless... But the moment someone disturbed the peace near the Senate building, these motionless statues transformed into excellent warriors. Even if they weren't Force-sensitive, they had undergone special military training programs and knew many combat methods, from blaster fire to hand-to-hand combat. The Senate Guard mostly consisted of either distinguished graduates of military academies, distinguished officers from the Judicial Forces, or relatives of current Guards. Some positions were hereditary, yes... But don't be mistaken. That didn't replace the training; the requirements were the same for everyone. At least somewhere...
But before we entered the Senate building, a group of reporters surrounded us, immediately starting to fire off questions. Including at me... By agreement, we calmly ignored them. Besides, Jedi, due to constant meditation, were experts at blocking out external distractions. So we moved through the group like a knife through butter, paying them little attention. The Guard also helped us pass, pushing the sentients back with relative gentleness.
"All comments will be given later," Finis Valorum announced loudly. "After the Senate session concludes."
"But I would like to hear comments about this war staged by the Jedi right now," a female journalist said. Was she speaking into a megaphone? Was she really a journalist? Looking closer, I recognized her... Trinka Padawnete, the one who had bad-mouthed me after the destruction of Wrath Seth Hart on Royiss-VIII.
"Schizophrenia isn't a vice, the main thing is to take your pills on time," I whispered into Celeste's ear. She was also staring at Trinka in surprise. Yes, I was guilty of breaking up Jarko Itari's group and allowing the collapse of PMC Luna, according to the script, where part of the forces went with Lora, who was too honest for a mercenary, and therefore was "incomprehensible to the simple sentients paving their violent path through the galaxy." But I didn't create this war... I doubt I could have prevented it, short of killing the corporate heads who set this multi-layered scheme in motion... But would that have stopped the ambitious corporate owners? I doubt it...
"She clearly missed her dose," the woman giggled. "And more than once."
"She's the deputy leader of the 'People's Inquisition,'" Windu explained. "They believe that we Jedi control the galaxy and deliberately commit 'many bad things so we can later appear as heroes'..."
"What did I say? Where do I sign the certificate and prescribe the medication?" I shrugged.
"If I remember correctly, the psychiatric hospital is just a block away," Tivokha replied. She was clearly getting on his nerves too.
"So close to the Senate, hmm," I said thoughtfully. "I guess the main clientele there must have been listening to too many of the Senators."
Valorum snorted, though he quickly tried to pass it off as a cough.
"We're not giving any comments," Valorum coughed out from my joke. "You'll have to wait for the Senate session to conclude."
"Grand Master Yoda," Trinka pressed on. "What advantage did you gain from this 'war'?"
This was starting to get on my nerves a little... Still, there's no shortage of these 'conspiracy theorists'... you wouldn't believe the stuff they buy into. That's the cost of freedom of opinion, I guess. I'm sure if she'd asked Palpatine, trying to drag his reputation through the mud with questions like that, he'd have chopped her into kebab and moved on. Still, I could do something. In an instant, her droid, the one recording us, just shut down. Using telekinesis, I simply tore a few wires inside it...
"What the—?" one of the reporters asked in surprise as the droid fell on him. "Where'd you buy it that it just died?" he asked Padaunete.
"How can this—?" the woman picked up the droid and started examining it.
"What a bad boy," Celeste whispered.
"It was the Jedi!" she exclaimed as she stood up, holding her droid. "Only you could have done this."
"Right, we worked our fingers to the bone," I snorted loud enough for everyone to hear. "You bought shoddy equipment, and now you're blaming us. What am I guilty of? That you can't tell a defective product from a normal droid? That's not my problem," I broke the order and moved closer to Trinka. "Do you want me to order you another droid, since you couldn't buy a decent one yourself... I know a good model from Tustra Droid Construction."
"You're the one to blame!"
"That's funny, really," I chuckled. "Not only am I trying to help you, but you're accusing me of something? Where's your proof? Do you accuse everyone who tries to help you of something?"
Trinka paled and was shoved aside by the indignant reporters who figured they'd managed to corner me. But I just gave a satisfied snort, watching the enraged deputy of the People's Inquiry movement step away and rejoin her group.
"Is there something unclear in the words 'we will give comments after,' Master?" Windu asked.
"Perfectly clear, Master Windu, but the point is I don't want to give comments to someone like her," I answered the master. "She's not a journalist. She'd already pegged us as guilty before we even started. She won't look into things, and whatever information we provide, she'll twist it however she wants for her target audience. The fact that I shut her down is actually a good thing."
"Hmm," Yoda hummed thoughtfully. Before the entrance to the building, besides the guards, stood a senator. Tall, stately, black-haired... Bail Antilles?
"Well, finally you've arrived," Bail walked up to us.
"Senator Antilles."
"Senator Valorum."
The senators exchanged nods.
"The session is about to begin," Bail informed us. "So," he looked at me. "Everyone is already in place, only waiting for you, honored Jedi."
"Let's not keep the sentients waiting," Windu summarized.
"I see you haven't been wasting your time," Bail addressed me. "A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since you were on Alderaan. Tyvi... Or rather, Light."
"Light is more correct," I smiled. "And you, I see, have achieved a lot. They made you Senator of Alderaan? What dizzying career growth."
"More like political necessity," Bail answered me. "Organa can't ignore the Antilles' opinion."
"Is that so," I said. "But things are peaceful there for you, aren't they?"
"Yes, Master K'Baot knows his business and found a worthy solution for all of us," Bail smiled. "But maybe you're wondering what happened with Amella?"
"Amella?" Celeste suddenly broke into the conversation. "Is that..."
"My close friend," I answered quickly, meeting the curious gaze of the woman's blue eyes. I shot her a look that said "not now."
"She threw herself into science and her career," Antilles continued. "She had a huge falling out with her family, who wanted to use her for a dynastic marriage. She got into the graduate program at our university and simultaneously into the Royal Chancellery. I suppose she wants a political career."
"Probably gunning for your seat," I snorted.
"Hardly," Bail shook his head. "We have everything planned out. But she'll land an important post, even without her family's help. By the way, she asked me about you. I am a senator and can contact the Jedi. But the Order told me," he looked at Windu, "that sharing information about you is forbidden."
"And they were right to. I'm a specialist... of a special profile, you get it..."
We'd almost reached the main hall.
"Well, I have to go take my seat," Antilles said. "Good luck with the report." He waved.
"It's time for me too," Valorum said. While I was talking to Bail, Valorum, Windu, and Yoda had been discussing the session.
"And who is this Amella?" Celeste asked.
"Amella Doyn, an aristocrat from Alderaan. She and I... traveled together for a while. But you understand it couldn't have lasted long."
"Well, thanks for the honesty," Celeste noted. "At least you didn't try to deny it."
"Why would I deny it?" I asked her. "You said yourself that we shouldn't get too attached. Besides, events are about to get so hectic that women will be the last thing on my mind."
"I don't approve of your approach," Windu remarked. "We Jedi must be above feelings."
"That's precisely why people like Trinka Padaunete pop up, Mace," I answered him. "You don't even try to understand the feelings of sentients. And how can you protect them if you can't understand their logic? I'm not telling you to go start a relationship right now. But just quoting the Code all the time, indiscriminately, won't solve all the conflicts in the Galaxy. Ask the diplomats about it."
We stood in front of the door leading to the Grand Convocation Chamber... Honestly, in the movie the building seemed smaller to me... But seeing it with my own eyes, I was literally blown away. The huge Senate Atrium, with statues of great politicians. The Senate Grand Entrance, bearing the seal of the Republic and the symbols of a thousand planets that founded the Senate. Finally, the door opened. After the Ruusan Reformation, the Jedi rarely used their gallery; they mostly attended as listeners. The Grand Convocation Chamber was a vast room over a hundred meters high. It was filled with funnel-shaped galleries where the senators sat. These galleries were represented by repulsor platforms, exactly one thousand and twenty-four of them. In the center of this enormous hall rose a podium where the Supreme Chancellor stood. Beside him during sessions were always the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Administrative Advisor. The current Supreme Chancellor of the Republic was Kalpana, a man of medium height with a slender build. He vaguely resembled Finis Valorum, which wasn't surprising, since Kalpana came from a house related to the Valorum family.
"Let us begin our session," announced the Supreme Chancellor. "Regarding the recent bacta crisis, which affected our entire Galaxy! The session is declared open. First, we will hear from the representatives of the Trade Federation, which, as it turns out, was directly involved in the bacta shortage."
Murmuring arose... After this, not many were likely to love the Trade Federation.
"I protest," a Neimoidian interjected with his amusing accent. It was Nute Gunray himself. Yes, he had become Viceroy of the Trade Federation, but he had arrived in person for such an important session. "These events were caused by the personal initiative of the previous Viceroy, Hask Hald, who was dismissed after the conflict ended."
"Don't think we didn't know that you, being in the upper echelons of the Trade Federation, were unaware of this," a loud voice came from the representative of one of the Outer Rim worlds.
"These are all baseless conjectures! I assure you, the current leadership of the Trade Federation had no idea about the intrigues of the previous Viceroy!"
Uh-huh, everyone nodded in unison: we believe you. In truth, I wouldn't trust Gunray for a single day.
"Iaco Stark is a criminal who must be tried. And the Trade Federation can assist in this..."
"Initially," Kalpana took the floor, "a proposal was made to compensate for Iaco Stark's actions at the expense of the Trade Federation."
"But we also suffered from his attacks!" Nute Gunray protested.
"Yes, but his attacks were the result of a conspiracy with Hask Hald, your former leader," replied the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor was a tall man, almost a head taller than Kalpana, middle-aged with black hair. "A resolution has been submitted to the Senate requiring the Trade Federation to assume obligations to certain worlds due to the artificial bacta shortage they created. The resolution will be put to a vote at the end of the session. Now, we will hear from all direct participants in this crisis, starting with Senator Valorum. Next will be Senator Ranulf Tarkin, followed by the representative of the Jedi Order, Master Light Flyingstar," the Vice Chancellor outlined the agenda. "All present may ask questions to the mentioned persons during their reports, although I would recommend listening to their reports to the end. So, Senator Valorum, the floor is yours."
Finis Valorum moved his gallery almost to the center of the hall and began his speech.
"As many know, the former leader of the Trade Federation, Hask Hald, conspired with the Xucphra Corporation for personal enrichment. They created an artificial shortage, using the help of pirates under the command of Iaco Stark, with whom we decided to negotiate at the last session," Finis began. "I led the delegation on your orders, Supreme Chancellor. And I included in it the Jedi: Master Tivokka, Master Qui-Gon, Master Adi Gallia, and some of their Padawans. The negotiations with Iaco Stark went off plan from the very start; it was clear that even without our fleet appearing in the Troiken orbit, Stark had no intention of negotiating with us, pursuing his own personal ambitions, not even taking into account the ambitions of the Trade Federation. I attribute the emergence of this situation to the following reasons..."