A Starting Point

[Arda Breaux]

Of all the worlds that she had visited in her life time, Arda had not been to Chandrilia. Years and years ago, her family had the opportunity to come here or Corellia, and though they had chosen the later, she wondered how her life would be different if they picked otherwise. Certainly she may have not been on the same path as she followed today, but she did not regret her choices, her obligation to the Order sought for her a life that would send ripples into future generations. This meeting with a young junior Senator named Alton Hawkes could reverberate those ripples of change and hope even further.

Recently the core had seen drastic changes, as the Empire collapsed, it severed the strings of influence to the core worlds run by imperial aligned Senators and even as this happened, the UP evolved and the return of a Republic of systems were inspired. Though these changes were exciting, a very impulsive Drast Jedi Master, who had be absent for an extended period of time, showed up to the Senate hearing. It declared for the Jedi to serve the Republic once more and even though she was met with feelings of relief to see Alys being herself (and alive nonetheless), it threw the Grandmaster into the politic realm, and a hectic one at that. It was one of which the Jedi woman was not entirely too familiar with as generally delegated to others in the Alliance.

Regardless, she expected it could not go any worse than her meeting with the Manda'lor.

Arda Breaux though had arrived rather discreetly, avoiding a flashy arrival just before dawn. The Force was with her, her senses on alert for anything that seemed out of place. When she had arrived to the Senator's offices, she was directed to where he would be waiting.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

The United Protectorate is no more and it's been replaced with something else, a new Republic. The people of Chandrilia have rejoiced as did Alton. Before the rise of the Sith Empire, politics were a thing that the people of Chandrilia were passionate about and now people can express freely themselves once again without the weight of Sith influence bearing down on them once more.

Despite this, there is still uncertainty for the future. The Sith Empire has been dissolved, but the Mandalorians have made the Jedi a target of their crusade just as much as the Sith. Suffice it to say, the war isn't over and there's no telling how long it will keep going.

Speaking of the Jedi, Alton Hawkes has an appointment none other with the Jedi Grandmaster of all people. And today is the appointment today. He's never seen a real live Jedi in person until that one day, and now approached by the Grandmaster. He's pretty anxious going into this. It's one of those things that has to be done and he will, it's just feels like the clock is ticking every second until then, and this is important as well. Even with the Mand'alor's holonet address, he still believed in the Jedi and their mission.

Almost meeting time, Alton's pager went off and took a deep breath as he finishes getting ready. 'Ready or not..' he muttered to himself. Alton, wearing a buisness suit right now, is pretty nervous right now suffice it to say, but he think's he'll be able to manage, maybe. With that, he'd step outside of his office room and waiting for a few. Upon seeing his guest he would smile and then wave his hand towards her. "Welcome, welcome!" he said as he nodded his head as he continued to smile. Is that the proper way of greeting a Jedi Grandmaster? He doesn't know. "Welcome to Chandrilia, Grandmaster, I'm Senator Alton, nice to meet you." He'd pause for a bit "Did you have a good trip?" he also sincerely greeted her with as well. He would then open the door to his office and then gesture towards while holding the door open for her.

"Do come in" he nodded as he invited her in. Alton had a really modest office, a large desk, two seats for vistors in front of it. And there is a caf machine in the room and some plastic cups, in case either of the two are interested. He'd close the office door after they would be firmly inside, giving them privacy. He'd let Arda get comfortable as he would stroll over towards his office seat, and then things can get started.

@GABAdactyl

 

[Arda Breaux]

Arda was uncertain what to expect. All her life, she had known the Empire and how it was run, it was corrupted and unfair. Though there were those who had been able to find their way into the upper government levels of the Empire who held the people before their own selfish need, but they never seemed to make any difference. So the idea of the Republic was something novel to Arda, but it was exciting to know there was the potential for change to finally come in the galaxy for the better. Wariness still was held, one was not to forget how this government formed or its roots. It was a union of the Empire and Mandalorians, to end the fighting and regardless of what was believed, if the Sith touched it, there was some root of the darkside that touched those involved and forever tempting every living being with corruption.

However, it was in the Light that Arda would trust to guide her where she needed and letting the Force sooth her own nerves. She saw the young senator step outside his office and greet her with a wave and a welcome. She approached with a soft smile and gave him a bow while he finished introducing himself, "Thank you for your time today, Senator." she said prior to him inquiring about her trip to Chandrilia and the woman grinned in response, "It was a good trip, I am glad I was able to make it to Chandrilia." she said as he gestured for her to come inside his office. It wasn't anything fancy, or over-the-top and surprisingly for Arda, it was comfortable.

She took a seat and waited for Alton to do the same. Her head swam with questions and thoughts while she tried to figure out where to start first with the Senator. Her hands folded in her lap, she breathed in slowly and spoke, "What was your inspiration to be a Senator, Alton?" she asked with genuine interest. Her eyes studied him, unconsciously trying to decide who he was and how he related to her.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

He smiled at Arda as she responded, she's nice and friendly. Now that they are sat down, Arda asked an interesting question, what was his inspiration to become a senator? He'd take a sip of from his mug of caf that was already on his desk and look up. His smile would drop as he would start responding. "Well, me and my family lived under Imperial thumb when growing up. We did our best to steer clear of any trouble under the threat of fear" The Sith, no matter what face or name they rule as, had/have little room for disobedience of their subjects "We tried live normal lives, but others... were not sure fortunate." he spoke softly, turning to Arda.

Continuing "When the war broke out and as the war progressed, I wondered when the war would come home to here, anything could happen. When the Mandalorians bombed Courscant, it killed millions of people. It could have happened anywhere." an example. Alton wished he didn't have to live in fear of the war as it rages all around. The Courscant bombing was a senseless loss of life brought about due to the war, if he wasn't lucky the bomb could have detonated anywhere else, even Hanna City.

"When the United Protectorate was made and the cease-fire was made, I decided to run for Senator. I wanted to be the changed I wanted to see, to help end the oppression. I thought that was the best route I could go. But the Sith would not let it happen." he frowned as he mentioned. He tried his best at first to become Senator the first go but at the end of the day the Sith were still in power, had different ideas, and things would never change as long as they were still in power "I only caught a break when Empress Aayda's scandals came about when they did. I seized my second chance and I did it" he nodded his head, it was what he needed. Her actions triggered a chain of events and in the end it all came crashing down.

He would then smile "We all did it, everyone else was dying to seize real freedom for the first time in centuries. We all made it happen" as he referred to the other worlds Republic who opted to vote 'Aye' to the establishment of the Republic. Alton would nodding in approval of his own words as he finished his answer.

With a pause for Arda to take it all in, Alton would then ask the Grandmaster a similar question. "Mind if I ask, what made you want to become a Jedi?" was the question. Alton then shortly sat straight in anticipation, genuinely interested as well.

@GABAdactyl

 

[Arda Breaux]

Arda understood the fear that the Imperials placed on citizens as he explained his origins, speaking from the devastation created by the Mandalorians on Coruscant to being careful of the choices he made to not draw attention. It reminded her how much all the citizens under the Empires thumb had to go through regardless if some had more luxury than others, there was still the underlying fear of stepping wrong. The repercussions lasted for generations for families who defied the Empire and Arda knew first hand. She would nod as she listened, the corner of her lip as he explained his opportunity to seek a position in the Senate and soon after, the creation of a Republic. Though young, he knew what he needed to do for the people and Arda found it refreshing after growing up under the heavy hand of the Sith and their Empire. He finished his story and then asked Arda in return, what made her decide to become a Jedi.

She instantly remembered when she first met Aurora, it was odd, but it was then all the mysterious quirks had started to make sense, "It was an opportunity to do more. My family was displaced, then murdered by the Imperials, so I had to watch my step, but I had nothing left to lose. So I began to fight the Empire through art. It had not gone unnoticed, I was a step away from the mines, until I was found by a Jedi Master." she explained, "I wanted to fight the lies of the Empire and the Sith, to give hope to others and the Rebellion was that, but then I was given a chance to do just more than pick up a blaster or stir up protesting." she continued, but paused her eyes drifted to the rising sun outside the window as her memories rolled like a holofilm through her head, "I could follow the path of a Jedi and fight the Sith firsthand. However, what I discovered that is not what is entirely meant by being a Jedi. We are not just warriors, we are also diplomats and healers, teachers and students." She glanced back at her lap and then to Alton, thinking about the scene Alys had made entering the Senate.

"It has been a difficult journey but one I do not regret." Arda gave the Senator a small smile, but it faded into one of concern, "Its also been one of difficult decisions."

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Alton nodded along as he listened to her. There is a bit of a common theme in their stories, the oppression of the Empire and then the desire for freedom. She is capable of fighting though, while Alton... isn't. When she said her decision and journey's been difficult, he can tell she means it. "I see." he acknowledged. There's quite a lot that goes into being a Jedi, she touched on it. You'd have to give up quite a lot. Alton doubts he could do that if had a choice, but he doesn't anyway because not force sensitive.

With their being a pause, Alton would gesture towards the caf machine in the office. "Care for some caf?" the senator offered to his visitor, being a good host. When she is done getting some or declines, it would be time to get down to nitty-gritty. "So, what bring you over to these parts? Something I can help you with?" he would ask he'd have his elbows on his desk and hands clasped together while ready to listen. He has somewhat of a good idea of why she's here particularly, namely on holonet boardcast during the Republic reformation vote where he voiced for support of a Jedi. Now things are... super complicated because of a certain other announcement from the Mandalorians. Still though.

@GABAdactyl

 

[Arda Breaux]

During the pause, Alton offered for her an opportunity to get caf; the Jedi woman glanced over and gently shook her head, politely declining the offer, "No thank you, I am fine, Senator." she said really wishing for something stronger as it seemed being in the middle of diplomatic missions created a new stress for the Grandmaster. He continued, now that introductions were done, as short lived as they were, it was business, but Arda felt relief to be jumping to the reason she was present.

"Quite simply, Senator, do not press for the proposal for the Jedi to become Knights of the Republic." she said referring to the Senate meeting where Alys had appeared to make this declaration, "Though things had changed quickly following the rise of the Republic, I do not feel it is in the best interests for the Republic, or the Jedi of such an Alliance." explained Arda and she felt herself breath in deeply, glancing down at her hands before looking back at Alton, "You of course, may feel the same way and I could be wasting my breath, however, this will not stop the Jedi in their code to serve selflessly to the greater galaxy."

Arda paused once more, letting the Senator speak with his thoughts on the matter. She was uncertain how he would react to it, she took two guesses that he could react with anger, in viewing that the Jedi were abandoning them, or he could be relieved as the Jedi would take their focus elsewhere and the Mandalorians would follow. Then of course, he could be indifferent, not even the Force gave her a hint and instead, she used its guidance as she knew she was right about one thing, some decisions were difficult.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Oh.

That was unexpected to hear from her. Alton's unclasped his hand and then dropped on the table and his expression dropped. He was expecting some talks and make sure they have some sort of understanding even if Alton really couldn't do anything. But to not support the Jedi, well he guesses the implications of what doing that would actually do, because Mandalorians declared war on the Jedi and all that.

After a pause then taking a sigh, Alton would say "I understand". he followed with "It would rather weird for us to do that given that broadcast from the Mand'alor" If the Republic did do that, that would spell bad relations with the galaxy's only superpower for the fledgling Republic right off the bat. Might not be pretty. "I wish there was a way to make it work..." he optimistic side of the senator wanted. Maybe some day, just not now though for sure. Or maybe never, who knows what can happen in the future. At least she said that the Jedi would continue to serve the galaxy. That is a relief. Hopefully the Mandalorians don't exterminate them again.

If the Jedi would continue to serve the galaxy, Alton in the back of his mind did wonder about the GA planets that really weren't 'Jedi' planets. He wonders if now is a good time to ask while there is silence "Now that I think about it, I'm curious. Do you know what will become of the Galactic Alliance too?" As Alton understands, the purpose of it was to overthrow the Sith and restore democracy, and well it's here. Or will they be committed to fighting the Mandalorians who want the Jedi gone.

@GABAdactyl

 

[Arda Breaux]

She could see the disappointment within the Senator as he unclasped his hands and his shoulders dropped. It was the safest option for now, Arda knew what the Mandalorians were capable of, and she did not take their threats to her Order as empty. If they were able to hunt the Order to near extinction centuries earlier, surely they can do it again, but Arda knew her Jedi would hold the cards in this hand. Survival was possible.

"I'm glad you understand, its not an easy position to make, but its one of necessity, for now." she reassured him, her tone solemn as she tried to give him some sort of validation in she knew she favored his support, but now was not the time. Not yet.

The topic though was brushed under the rug for now, the discomfort in the Senator shifting the focus to the Galactic Alliance, a rebellion she knew had to disperse, merge, or reform into something new, though in her meeting with the Rebel leaders and supporters, there was mix reactions and even she could not find clear guidance from within. However, now being here with the Senator, things seemed clearer.

"That, I am not sure of, and I was hoping you could offer your input also, Senator." she started and leaned back in her seat, hands still folded in front of her, "We have many worlds that fell under the support of the Alliance, they accepted the protection from the Empire at the time in exchange they would allow rebels to utilize their resources." Arda explained, "I would like these worlds to still benefit from the protection of a unified and democratic faction such as the Republic, it was what the Alliance and Rebels have fought for decades, and to see those worlds transition to under your banner would be fulfilling."

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

The discussion is now moving on-wards from the Knights of the Republic thing. Not much else that could be said about it more than what was already said. The young Senator nodded as he accepted it. 'For now' though. Still hope for the future though, even if it's not going to be any time soon.

On to the other subject, the future of the rebels, figuring out the Alliance question, Alton continued to listen as she answered his question, affirming that the GA's goal was accomplished and would like the worlds supporting the GA to join the Republic. When it was his turn he would answer "Perhaps could be arranged. The Republic is looking to grow." Alton smiled. "And are prospects are looking good for us." With the position the Republic is in now, he believes that the Republic can stand the test of time, to grow and prosper in time. "I too would like to see the GA worlds be part of the Republic. Most of the GA's worlds have been held down by the Sith for centuries. Now they can be a part of something better, they can be at peace under our democracy." With the Empire no more and the Sith threat dwindling and dwindling, they can have peace at last.

"Now, would the worlds joining have to be put to vote?" he pondered aloud softly as he stroked his chin while gazing upwards. It wasn't too long that the Republic was formed ago, it seems like yesterday. The young senator does wonder what the proper protocol would be.

@GABAdactyl