Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 145, Section 147 - A Turbulent Era

Shortly after the parliamentary delegation left, Master Yoda received an urgent summons from the office of the Speaker of the Supreme Council.

The summons did not specify the reason, but the lack of formal official language in the communication itself conveyed an urgent sense of urgency.

Yoda was not looking forward to this meeting.

Recently, Jedi have been increasingly drawn into political affairs and into the realm of legislation and legal terminology, which has never been their stage.

The Jedi pledged to uphold the Republic and defend its ideals, rather than getting involved in the ups and downs of any individual Speaker's fate.

This pattern that has lasted for thousands of years has changed.

It was changed by Speaker Palpatine.

Contrary to some people's fears, he did not become a bully or a dictator.

In fact, quite the opposite, Palpatine has been resisting the Senate’s growing demand that he assume more executive power.

He resisted.

The Senate insists.

He was forced to accept it.

After each acceptance, he would seek advice from the Jedi again.

This is far from ideal.

The Jedi Council should not be another branch of the executive office.

But according to All Galaxy News, this line is becoming increasingly blurred.

However, how could the Jedi Council refuse to help someone who so humbly asked them for help?

Someone who, whenever given the chance, defends them in the Senate against the growing opposition?

A man who has tirelessly strived for peace since assuming the highest political position in the galaxy, but now shoulders the daunting task of keeping the crumbling republic afloat.

How could the Jedi Council ignore such a person?

Obviously not.

In this difficult time, the Jedi must set aside their traditions and help this man who is regarded as the savior of the entire galaxy.

But that doesn't mean the Jedi want to do that.

“Excuse me for speaking so succinctly, Master,” Master Gallia said in a low voice as they walked through the intricate, dazzling corridors toward the executive suite of the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, “but the summons only requires your presence. If I were to go, I might not be welcome.”

“You must come along, Master Gallia,” Yoda said firmly. “In this ever-changing era, your expertise is indispensable.”

“This era is truly frustrating,” the Trosman responded softly. “The fact that my expertise has become so ‘popular’ is not a good sign for us Jedi Order.”

When the Jedi Order answered the Republic's call to arms, even the Jedi Knights and Masters, who were most skilled at mediation, were forced to take up lightsabers and go to the battlefield.

The Jedi vowed to do this.

They are now sacrificing themselves to uphold this sacred vow.

To ensure peace and the survival of the Republic, no sacrifice is too great.

Master Adi Gallia was no exception, even though she herself admitted that she was not good at fighting, and even though she spent months relearning her rusty skills.

Then came the Battle of Christophersis, after which Master Gallia was once again forced to lay down his lightsaber and reluctantly devote himself to defending the Jedi Order in the political arena in order to deal with the increasing accusations and growing criticism.

Even now, her personal efforts in verbal sparring and social maneuvering remain the only thing that has helped the Jedi Order's reputation recover from its lows and prevent it from falling into the abyss. For this, Yoda is deeply grateful to her.

However, even this elderly Jedi Master could not give a positive response to Master Gallia's words.

As they stepped into the luxurious, deep red space of the Speaker's Suite, a heavy feeling grew stronger...

Master Adi Gallia composed herself, adjusting her posture. At this moment, she no longer resembled a Jedi, but rather a seasoned politician, blending seamlessly into the somber attire.

Perhaps this is just a matter of habit, and does not mean that Master Gallia is drifting further and further away from the Jedi Temple, but Yoda still couldn't help but feel a little frustrated, as if he were seeing yet another Jedi disappearing.

She did not die at the hands of the enemy, but rather from the helplessness faced by the samurai order she served.

Yoda dismissed these dangerous thoughts and took in the vibrant colors of the office lobby.

For someone who is so low-key, this color scheme is indeed unexpected.

He had asked the speaker about it out of curiosity.

“Whenever I think about the new responsibilities I’m taking on, I feel a chill of fear,” Palpatine once said. “Red gives me a warm illusion.”

Chandela's MP, Mon Mosma, was waiting in the previously empty foyer, dressed in her signature white robe.

Her face lit up immediately when she saw them come in, and she quickly got up to greet them.

“Master Gallia! And of course, Master Yoda…” she said softly, her gaze lingering for a moment before she seemed to suddenly remember, glancing quickly at the diminutive Jedi. “It’s so good to see you all again. The Speaker’s summons must have surprised you, but I assure you, there are good reasons for it.”

Master Gallia did not reveal his previous emotions. With a warm and friendly smile, he gently shook the senator's hands. "I am also very happy to see you, Senator. We are somewhat concerned about the unusual wording of the summons. I guess you know the subject of this summons?"

“I’m afraid so, Jedi Master,” Senator Mosma nodded solemnly. “This is a terrible discovery that could jeopardize everything my colleagues have worked so hard to achieve in Ondron.”

With MPs Augana and Amidalla absent, Mon Mosma is one of the last remaining key members of the Loyalists Council who remain in Coruscant.

As a woman deeply involved in debates on many issues, including the security of the Republic, it is not surprising that she was summoned.

Before Yoda or Adi could respond, Palpatine's office door opened, and Slee Moore walked into the foyer, her needle-like irises as sharp as ever, scrutinizing them one by one.

“Jedi Master, Senator Mosma,” she said politely, “the Supreme Speaker now wishes to see you.”

As soon as Yoda saw Armand Isad, the director of the Republic’s military intelligence bureau, in his office, he realized the seriousness of the situation. The director had obviously just finished reporting to the speaker of parliament.

And the Speaker... Palpatine was in worse condition than Yoda had ever seen.

The Speaker of the Republic leaned wearily against the back of his chair, rubbing his forehead, and gestured to the Jedi who entered. The wrinkles on his face appeared deeper and tighter due to anxiety.

“Jedi Master… I’m afraid I was careless,” Palpatine admitted. “I… I made a serious mistake, thinking that being so close to peace meant we were safe. Director Isad, please show our Jedi friends the images from Frost.”

Forrest.

One of the largest shipyards in the galaxy, and it has sided with the separatist alliance.

Following the Battle of Geonosis, the Republic's forces quickly blockaded the planet, hoping to force the shipyard to surrender, or at least cripple it, by cutting off its supplies.

One thing is for sure.

The Republic does not have sufficient resources to attack an armed orbital facility of this size.

Yoda thought to himself that if Frost sent any news, it certainly wouldn't be good news.

A series of detailed holographic images flashed above the Speaker's desk, and before these laymen could ask the obvious question, Director Issaad quickly began to explain.

“What you are seeing now,” Armand Isard said calmly, “is the sign of activity in all two hundred shipyards in Frost. The Technological Alliance is building a secret fleet five hours south of Coruscant. Judging from the size of each shipyard and other observations, each ship is equivalent to a ‘Godlike’ class cruiser.”

(End of this chapter)