Don't Shoot the Messenger

[Brand]

The hum of life surrounded Galak once more.

He felt fully alive again, in his true element. The Councilor made his way through the crowded city streets; clothed in his official Senatorial robes that had been customized to suit his Jedi purposes as well, he personally felt he appeared a bit too regal. His lightsaber remained on his belt, thumping reassuringly against his thigh.

Galak moved quickly, his measured pace and confident demeanor allowing him to flow with the crowd's movement. He soon reached the offices of the heads of the Galactic Alliance. The Master moved into the chambers, nodding to the two guards stationed at the door. A whoosh of air accompanied him as the door closed behind him and he was greeted by a secretary outside the Chief of State's office.

The secretary looked up, recognizing the Master immediately. "He's expecting you, Master," she said, an air of professionalism about her.

He smiled, his hard, concentrated face softening. "Thank you," he replied sincerely, and entered into the Chief of State's office.

The room was impressive, Galak had to admit. The room held a sense of power and authority within it. "Chief Lamartine," Galak said, bowing deeply to the leader. "I'm afraid I come bearing urgent and grave news, my friend."

 

[Dread]

Valafar looked up from the piles of paper and datapads scattered across his desk. He knew all too well who's voice that belonged to. As his eyes settled on the old Jedi, they grew soft and sparked with a sense of interest.

"Master Galak."

Valafar raised a hand, gesturing it towards a chair.

"Take a seat."

The Chief hadn't missed what Galak said, but everything was "urgent and grave" in his world. Politics numbed his reaction to those words - among many others - along time ago. Of course it was rare hearing a Jedi Councilor say them, so Valafar was preparing himself inwardly for whatever news the Jedi had.

"So, what news brought you here?" Valafar sounded genuinely concerned now. His voice had dropped down to a deeper tone.

 

[Brand]

Galak nodded, moving to the chair. He removed his outer robe, draping it around the exterior of the chair before sitting.

"I've come just hours ago from an emergency session of the High Council. Master Kanassur organized us all on Tython after Master Cordatus had a rather... special vision."

Galak paused, forming his next words carefully. "As you know, the Sith have reigned over the Empire for nine years, but Master Cordatus recieved a vision brought on by the Force. This is a usual occurence for him, but he meditated on the news and decided to bring it before us. His vision revealed to him that Dark Lady Aevum has been... assassinated by her apprentice, a Darth Judicar. He's known to be much more bloodthirsty and aggressive than Aevum, and we feel that her patience will not carry on into his reign."

"It is the judgement of the Council that this Judicar is a very real threat, and I feel it is of the utmost importance for you to verify this with your own intelligence service and that we call together the Congress as quick as possible. Masters Leonus, along with Master Cordatus, accompanied me to meet with your High Commander and give his testimony to the Senate if necessary."

"I've served with you long enough that I hope that this warning is heeded. I can only urge you to action as we feel this is a very real threat that we can not be caught unprepared for."

 

[Dread]

Valafar raised his eyebrows in somewhat surprise upon hearing the news, then accepted it with a nod, "Grave news indeed..."

Some non-Jedi may regard the concept of visions as utter nonsense, but Valafar knew better. He had indeed worked closely with Galak for long enough to take what he said seriously.

Valafar drew in the dry air of his office, creating a small hiss, and frowned. Was war really inevitable? Would he really serve in office during such dark times for the Galactic Alliance?

After he waited a moment, he spoke up, "There have been rumors. Your presence here is almost enough to confirm them, but I will do exactly what you said and verify this with GAIA first. Once I've heard back from them, I will call a congressional session posthaste. I will also have my High Commander contacted for a high priory meeting."

His eyes lowered, then raised to meet with Galak's.

"Are you planning to stay on Coruscant until the session, my friend? Do you have a room to stay in? If not, I'm sure one of my assistants can book you one." He offered cordially.

 

[Brand]

Galak watched Valafar's face, reading his expression. The Chief of State's veiled look and frown gave away the deep thought he had dropped into, and Galak allowed him to think for as long as he liked. A short smile creased his face as the head of the Alliance looked up to ask of his personal quarters.

"Oh yes, Chief, thank you for the offer, but you forget the Coruscant Temple of which I am headmaster lies only minutes from here. I've arranged for rooms for all of the Councilors that accompanied me, and we'll be ready to attend Congress within a moment's notice."

Galak stood at this point, taking up his cloak and draping it over his shoulders. "I should be going now; I'm sure you have enough worrying and planning to do without me." He paused, his eyes staring into the Chief's. "Remain strong, Valafar, and may the Force with you."

With that the Prime Envoy dropped into another crisp, deep bow, before turning and withdrawing from the Chief's office.