(Cam’s POV)
I stood on the balcony of my apartment in Kaldani Spires. It was as impressive as Chancellor Damask had suggested and while technically it was under the ownership of my pseudonym, it was mine. The idea that anyone seeing a Jedi enter the building and spending the night would wonder who I was visiting amused me more than It probably should, as did the fact that the apartment was as heavily bugged as I’d expected. So much so that I wondered if there were monitoring devices in the toilet, waste bins, and the like.
Because of those bugs, I was routing everything through my arm, ensuring the signals weren’t filtered through the building’s communication grid first. Even with military-grade encryption installed in the limb, I’d rather not take the chance the Banite Sith learnt about whatever I discussed. Amusingly, if they did somehow catch the transmissions I’d made, and then break the encryption, they’d discover I’d only spoken to HK about how he, R2, and Raven were doing.
My ship was docked on one of the lower levels of the tower, in a larger hangar than most of the other vessels and vehicles present. As the Spires were a high-end private complex with private security, the lowest floors had been converted into hangars and garages, some of which could handle the arrival of a light cruiser. Raven wasn’t that big, but the hangar assigned to this apartment was large enough for such a vessel.
To reach my apartment I’d first had to navigate the Sun Guard that Damask Holdings had as security, and then because my apartment was close to the penthouse, deal with the Senate Guard. Neither group had caused me any issue as each stepped willingly aside for a Jedi, but I suspected the former would be less cordial if I arrived in full Mando’ade armour.
Turning back and looking into the apartment, my gaze saw the insanely large bed that dominated an almost as impressive bedroom. That thing was big enough that five or six people could sleep in it comfortably, and that was before the two smaller rooms attached to it for attendants were taken into consideration. Sadly, I didn’t have anyone to share the bed with, nor would I as it would mean revealing just how close I was to certain people.
Turning back to take in the skyline of the sector the Spires were located in as the sun slowly set, my focus shifted toward where the Senate and Temple districts were. I could make out both buildings easily enough, and it was to the Temple my thoughts turned. Or more accurately, Serra.
I knew she wasn’t there as I could sense she was far above me, but it was hard to not think about her while on the planet. That she was away was another matter, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Windu was actively choosing to keep her away from me by taking a mission while head of the Council. However, that was likely just some paranoia on my part as Windu shouldn’t know I had returned for the premiere of Fellowship of the Ring.
There was also the fact that, even if Serra had been in the Temple, I wouldn’t head there to speak with her. The defences I’d created around myself weren’t anywhere near as ready as Dooku had suggested they were. Plagueis had breached them barely a few minutes into my arrival in his office, and while the Interface had alerted me to the intrusion into my thoughts, there was little I could do to drive him from my mind. The only saving grace I had was that he didn’t push too deeply, as that would’ve revealed what he was to me, and that reaching out to Raven while talking about how I saved her, and her then reaching back had been enough to push the probe from my mind without Plagueis reacting.
If either of those moments had gone differently, then I’d not be standing here and HK and R2 would have alerted the Council to the fact the Chancellors were Banite Sith Lords. Thankfully, that chain of events – and the chaos it would’ve unleashed along with my probable death – hadn’t come to pass. Still, it was clear that after the premiere, I had to stay the fuck away from this world until my mental defences were ready to engage Jedi Masters and Sith Lords.
While Plagueis had broken through that outer layer of defences I’d created, the fact he hadn’t pushed deeper, and that I’d made sure to keep thoughts about Anakin buried as deeply as I could manage – even using the pit of rage I had created to manage the fact I couldn’t let go of such emotions properly as a screen – meant he and Sidious shouldn’t be aware of my son. I’d let images of others, including Serra and Bo, slip out as the Banite Sith were aware of my connection to both, and not revealing anything would’ve alerted Plagueis that I knew of his probe. Which again would have resulted in either my imprisonment and torture by him or death at his hands.
Regardless of how much Plagueis did or didn’t know, I’d be leaving the planet as soon after the premiere as I could. Ideally, that very evening, but I suspected the Chancellors, along with Padmé and a few others, would want me to attend some after party or other.
I sighed to myself, wondering how the premiere would go, and if the changes I’d insisted on that had been made in my former life to make the movies more enjoyable would appeal to enough that they’d be the success I felt they should be. I’d earned a ton of credits from selling the rights already, but the better the movies did, the more I’d earn from them and the holonovels, and potentially draw in new readers to the Knights of the Old Republic series.
A gentle vibration from my artificial arm cut me from my thoughts. Lifting my arm, I opened the comm channel with a thought and a small hologram of HK appeared on top of my forearm.
“Information: You have an incoming call, Master.” His voice was relayed to a small receiver I had in my ear, ensuring that any recording devices would only catch my side of any conversation I had.
“From whom?”
“Answer: Jedi Padawan Rachi Sitra.”
My brow raised at hearing Rachi was contacting me. The only person I’d reached out to at the Temple as I’d approached Coruscant had been Tedra. “Route it through, though increase encryption as high as you can.” There was little I expected either of us to say that would be troublesome, but the less the Banite Sith knew of my friendships with other Jedi, the better it would be for them and myself.
HK’s hologram disappeared without a response and a few seconds later the familiar shape of a Twi’lek Jedi replaced it. Since the hologram generated a blue image, there’d be no way for any recorders to know exactly which Twi’lek I was speaking with.
“Hello Cameron,” Rachi said with an amused smile, “it’s been some time.”
“That it has. How are you doing?” I asked, avoiding using her name.
Rachi shrugged. “As good as normal. Master Nu is busy reorganising sections of the archives, and as such I’ve had more time than normal for private study.”
“That’s nice,” I replied wondering why she had contacted me but not saying it because of who might be listening.
“Tedra has just left on a mission with Master Ti,” Rachi said, answering the question of where the young Zabrak girl was. “Since she didn’t have time to respond to your call, she asked me to do so.” The smile she wore grew wider. “According to her, it seems you like to be kept abreast of what’s happening within the Temple.”
“That’s a simplistic way to put it, but not entirely inaccurate.”
Rachi chuckled. “Then why don’t you just come to the Temple and see for yourself?” She shifted her stance, pushing her rather ample chest to the forefront. “I have been longing to know when I could next spar with you.” The way she said spar suggested she might have another meaning to the word, which was in keeping with her character. While she had long since toned down the flirtatious tones and gestures, as Serra now didn’t react as aggressively to them as she once had – thank the Force – Rachi still enjoyed doing so. At least, from what I’d learnt the last few times I’d been to the Temple when she spoke with me.
“Do you enjoy lying down and looking up at me that much?” I shot back, teasing her. I didn’t intend to bed her, but as the idea of casual relationships was acceptable to the Order, provided they stayed that way, if she made clear that she wanted to take the flirting further I’d not say no. Bedding a Twi’lek – along with females of a few other species – was a personal goal of mine, but I wasn’t going to bed just any Twi’lek that caught my eye. I had some standards no matter what Bo and Naz might jokingly say.
“Perhaps,” Rachi replied with another soft chuckle, “or perhaps, like many in the Order, I wish to test myself against the first Jedi in centuries to defeat a Sith.” My brow rose, wondering how she had learnt of that. While the Council had forbidden me from speaking of the matter and had likely done the same for Serra, it seemed the Temple’s rumour mill was as active as ever. “For the record, Serra’s not spoken to anyone but a handful of Masters about the death of Master Drallig. Nor has Tedra said anything.” The young Zabrak didn’t know much, but it was good to see she could keep a secret. “Sia-Lan, however, has no such issues.” Rachi’s expression slipped, and she shook her head. “I don’t know what you did, or perhaps didn’t do, but because of her, the Temple is aware of what happened on Naboo.”
“How did the Council react to her doing that?” The order they’d placed on Serra and me was stupid, as even if we had obeyed – which I hadn’t – the Mando’ade had copies of the fight recorded, and the Naboo would speak about things as well. Yet the fact that Sia-Lan was the one to reveal it to the Order, in what I suspected was an attempt to turn more of them against me, was amusing.
“I don’t know exactly, but about two months after Naboo, Sia-Lan and her Master left on assignment. One they’ve yet to return from.” I laughed gently at her getting punished for trying to bad-mouth me. “What did you do to anger her?” Rachi asked, leaning closer to the projector.
“Don’t know, don’t care,” I replied bluntly. If Sia-Lan wanted to continue blaming me for Master Drallig’s death, that was her choice. She wasn’t someone I particularly cared about, however, if her actions influenced Serra and cost me my oldest friend, then I’d be returning to the Temple to spar with Sia-Lan. An event she would not enjoy in the slightest.
Rachi smirked widely. “Scuttlebutt is that she’s not happy you spend more time with Serra, Aayla, and even me instead of her.” Her tone was mischievous, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the implication of her suggestion.
“Bad-mouthing me to others isn’t going to fix that issue,” I replied with a shake of my head. “Anyway, how are things at the Temple?” I asked, shifting the conversation to one of the reasons I’d initially reached out to Tedra.
“Honestly, not much. Most of our friends are away on assignment, so it’s far too quiet around here for my liking.” Rachi paused as if considering something. “Actually, your friend, Darihd?” I nodded confirming that and knowing where this was going. “Well, he and Master Sifo-Dyas are overdue for their assignment. Or at least that’s what Master Nu has hinted at when I’ve asked about them.”
“I’m sure they’ve simply been delayed by unexpected complications,” I replied, ignoring that I knew the pair were dead. I’d failed Sifo-Dyas’ Changing Fate quest, and the consequence of that was losing Darihd as well. I’d mourned for my friend, but let go of any residual anger about it as best I could as I’d not wanted it present when I’d met the Banite Sith.
“Probably,” Rachi replied though I wasn’t sure she believed it. “Anyway, while I’ve got you here, can you tell me what you’ve been up to? If you do, I’ll tell you what I’ve discovered.” She ended that with a wink; one hinting that I’d like whatever it was she had to say.
I wasn’t so sure I would as while Rachi was pleasant enough, she often dove deeply into mysteries that I didn’t have much interest in. “Not that much, I’ve just been wandering the galaxy, letting the Force guide me to where it felt I needed to go,” I replied as I moved into the apartment, figuring that if I was going to endure an enthusiastic report of her dealings since we’d last spoken, I might as well get comfortable.
It wasn’t like I had much to do this evening, so I figured letting the cute Twi’lek explain whatever project had caught her eye was as good a way to pass the time as any. At least without leaving my apartment and wandering some of the lower levels of the planet.
“Somehow I suspect there’s more to it than that,” Rachi queried, her eyes watching me carefully. “The idea that you’ve spent a year without getting into some sort of trouble is as likely as Master Windu smiling.”
“I’ll have you know I’ve seen him smile,” I shot back, ignoring the dig about how my luck seemed to draw me into trouble. “But there was one instance when I ran into a group of Trandoshan slavers-come-child-kidnappers.”
As I reached the main sofa in the centre of the living room, I settled down into it, reaching for a glass of Nabooian whisky. As Chancellor Damask had promised, a crate had been in the apartment by the time I arrived. Said crate carried several monitoring devices so it wouldn’t be getting brought aboard Raven. A few of the bottles had similar issues, but as I wasn’t willing to leave behind the whisky, those bottles – or at least the ones I didn’t finish before I left Coruscant – would be slipped into my Inventory, preventing the Banite Sith from tracking my movements.
“Disgusting,” Rachi said, shaking her head. “I hope you turned them over to Republic security forces?”
I chuckled before taking a sip of my whisky. “No. They were reluctant to allow themselves to be captured so I was forced to enter aggressive negotiations.” Rachi chuckled, catching the implication. “Anyway, what has been happening in the Archives? Any new holocrons popping up?”
It was unlikely she’d know such things, but learning even the slightest detail of the security arrangements for the Archives might have value in future. And while she wasn’t present, Watching Rachi speak animatedly, even if just as a holocron, wasn’t the worst way to spend an evening.
… …
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… …
As the doors to the transport opened, I raised my arm, shielding my eyes from the blinding cornucopia of camera flashes. “This was a bad idea,” I muttered as Chancellors Palpatine and Damask stepped from the transport, into the visual assault. Once the pair were out, I moved toward the exit, praying the cameras, reporters, and whoever else was out there kept their attention on the Co-Chancellors and not on me and who I was escorting.
“Agh!” The faint call of despair came from Padmé, who had insisted that I was her date for the premiere of Fellowship of the Ring.
That Padmé was here wasn’t surprising as I’d assured her long ago that she’d get tickets to this event. However, Palpatine, seeing it as a way to reinforce the message he would deliver to the reporters tonight, had made Queen Amidala his personal guest, and with her insistent that I be her Plus-One, it meant I had to travel with the Co-Chancellors, removing any chance I had to avoid Palpatine’s scheme to link my star to his and the idea of increased security for the Republic.
I stepped to one side, shielding her as best I could from the frankly insane number of people and droids outside the transport. Behind them, when the flashing of the hundreds, if not thousands, of cameras, lessened, I could see the evening sky of Coruscant. There, ships moved around in unison, blissfully unaware of what was happening far below them.
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Padmé’s fingers moved around my arm, and I felt her push up on her feet. “Thank you,” she said gently, making sure to speak just loud enough that I could hear her over the voices of reporters shouting questions at the Co-Chancellors. That they would choose to do that instead of waiting until either Chancellor was ready was something that irritated me. While I disliked the Banite Sith being in charge of the Republic, they were heads of state, and decorum should be observed. Even by what I suspected were entertainment reporters and not serious journalists.
“At your service, Your Majesty,” I replied just loud enough that she should hear me. I couldn’t see her face, but with it now easier to sense her through the Force – because of Natural Selection and the physical contact – I knew she enjoyed hearing my words. “However, I can’t promise to get you through these vultures as quickly as we’d like.” Nor as violently as I might wish to try as doing that would not only cause issues with the trio of politicians I was travelling with but draw the attention of the Jedi Council.
Her hand squeezed my arm even as she stifled a laugh. “Sadly, it is a fact that no matter how advanced a society becomes, the need for people to know details that are not their concern remains. At least here they have some form of civilised behaviour.”
“This isn’t civilised,” I replied as I moved to exit the transport, Padmé at my side. “On Mandalore, if these people and I used the word very lightly, pushed a clan Alor, the Alor would be within their rights to consider it a challenge of their authority and respond appropriately.”
“It’s a shame we aren’t there,” Padmé replied with a soft laugh. She leaned further into my side as we walked along the short gangway from the transport down to the ground. That had her dress, another of those over-the-top monstrosities that Naboo seemed to like, fold in on itself as it was pushed up against my side. “I would enjoy seeing how a certain Alor dealt with such a challenge.”
I chuckled but kept my eyes ahead. “As would I, but sadly we’re on Coruscant and acting that way would reflect badly on our host.” Even in her makeup and dress, she still looked alluring, and I had to remind myself that she was fifteen. Yes, that meant by Mando’ade law she was technically an adult, and with her parent's permission, she was free to pursue a relationship under Naboo law. However, the Republic Age of Responsibility was sixteen, and I was not going to bed anyone under that age. No matter how attracted I was to them. “Nor I suspect, would the Jedi Council approve of the Alor’s actions.”
“If they came for you, all of Naboo would protect you.”
I almost stuttered in my steps at hearing not only her words but the conviction in them. She meant that, and while it was incredible to hear – and a little enticing – the idea that a planet as peaceful and loyal as Naboo would be willing to defy the Republic for me was both unexpected and exhilarating.
“… and that is why, my Co-Chancellor and I, as we attend a premiere of a holomovie detailing the fight against an overwhelming threat, feel this issue cannot be avoided or ignored.” Palpatine’s voice reached us as we moved forward, distracting me from thoughts about Padmé and Naboo. The Chancellor extended an arm, gesturing to us as we approached. “The failures of successive Chancellors and sessions of the Galactic Senate in not considering the need for a centralised security arrangement is why a world such as my homeworld was forced to endure the terrors the Trade Federation inflicted on it.”
“If not for the resolve of the Naboo, exemplified by Queen Amidala when she broke through the Federation’s blockade and then stood before the Senate and demanded change, we would have remained blissfully unaware of the horrors the Trade Federation was capable of. Horrors that, due to ill-advised resolutions passed by the Senate and approved by previous Chancellors, my homeworld was forced to endure. Had she not stood before us, challenging the failings of the once glorious but now sadly weakening heart of democracy, then none would have moved to help Naboo. And undoubtedly, other worlds would now be facing similar terrors.”
Padmé lowered her head, accepting Palpatine’s compliments, however the man’s eyes were upon me. “The Senate, despite my pleading and Queen Amidala demanding change, chose to do nothing. As did the vaunted Jedi Order. However, into that breach of concerned citizens of our great Republic stepped her citizens. None more so than Jedi Knight Cameron Shan. The Hero of Naboo,” I flinched, not liking that title as I wasn’t the only one to fight to free Naboo, and my actions in gathering a liberation force had been self-serving as I feared how I’d do against Maul, and what my presence would have changed. “He reached across the galaxy, gathering former slaves, mercenaries, and warriors and formed them into a cohesive force under his command.”
While I was disliking the attention, mainly as I wanted to stay as far from the limelight as fucking possible, I once more found myself marvelling at Palpatine’s words and how he could turn them to make almost anyone believe whatever he said.
“Mandalorians, a people in millennia past who had tried on several occasions to destroy our magnificent Republic, came to Knight Shan’s call. They rallied under his banner and, in actions that shame me and the rest of the Senate, did what we would not. They fought for democracy, for freedom.
“Why they did so does not matter. What does is that in fighting to free Naboo, they shame the rest of the Republic. The Republic is meant to stand as the guardian of the walls of freedom. We in the Senate are elected to guide this freedom, to nurture it, yet in the hour of need for one of those we are meant to protect, we failed to do so.”
Palpatine’s arm fell away, and he turned back to the reporters and floating cameras almost dejectedly. “That is why Chancellor Damask, and I believe that while the Ruusan Reformation still has a critical role to play in ensuring the strength of the Republic, it is time to look at certain elements of it. The wars that ravaged the galaxy a thousand years ago have been consigned to the pages of history books. However, in choosing to continue to follow the blanket rejection of protection that the Reformation brought forth, even as the threats the Republic faced were internal, not external, we have seen our vaunted Republic grow weaker. It is far past time that we work to bring forth a stronger, safer, and more secure Republic that works to protect all its citizens instead of simply those who can influence the corridors of power with the credits and power they have gathered by exploiting the flaws in our system.”
“Are you calling for a rearmament of the Republic?”
“Do you wish to raise an army?”
“What about those calling you a despot?”
“Is this just for the Core?”
“How will you pay for this security?”
As those and several dozen other questions flew at Palpatine, Damask slipped back and turned to face us, using his Co-Chancellor to shield himself, and by extension us, from the press. “I am sorry if this brings up any painful memories, Your Highness,” the Muun said, offering a smile that wasn’t entirely comforting. While he had been without his mask for a while, it seemed he was still struggling to re-adjust to using facial expressions. “We had hoped that politics might stay off the agenda for tonight, but it seems we overestimated the quality of the reporters.”
“It’s quite alright Chancellor,” Padmé replied, moving to stand directly at my side, her hand remaining on my forearm, which as the cameras continued to flash, was sure to draw speculation in the media about our relationship. “I am well used to the demands of the public wishing to know details of how a government is run. Thankfully, at least for this visit, I’m not the primary focus of the public’s attention.”
Damask lowered his head at her words and then gestured to one side, trying to steer us away from Palpatine as he dealt with the mewling mob. “How is the rebuilding going?”
“The cities and towns are all rebuilt, or close to being so,” Padmé replied as she moved to his side. “However, we are still working to locate the nearly twenty thousand citizens the Federation abducted before we achieved our liberation.” I slipped back, letting Damask escort her toward the venue for the premiere. That would, I hope, dissuade any in the media from suggesting anything untoward was going on between her and me, but I knew it wouldn’t silence the rumours entirely.
“That the Trade Federation would sanction such actions is truly repulsive. That, more than my new position, is why I instructed Damask Holdings, before I relinquished control to a board of directors, to dump any holdings we had in the Federation and its subsidiaries.”
I managed to keep any surprise at hearing that from showing on my expression. I knew there would be links between Damask Holdings and the Federation, so his move to remove that connection before becoming Co-Chancellor was logical. Framing it as a response to the Federation’s actions would also help shield Damask from those suggesting he was only dumping the stock because of his new position. The Federation’s stock price had taken a pounding since the invasion, and was still at historic lows, so dropping that stock as it crashed would’ve cost Damask a considerable amount of credits. Not enough that it would damage his company’s bottom line, but enough to leave a mark.
“Knight Shan,” I paused as Palpatine said my name, letting Damask escort Padmé toward the venue. Turning to face the Human Chancellor, he offered me a small smile, one suggesting he was displeased about something. “A moment, if you could.”
I nodded and moved toward him even as he returned his attention to the gathered media. “For those who don’t know, this is Jedi Knight Cameron Shan. He was instrumental in gathering the forces that fought alongside Queen Amidala to liberate my homeworld.” As he spoke, he placed his hand against my upper arm, suggesting to the crowd that we shared a friendship. “While the Senate and Jedi Order leadership chose to not intervene in the plight of innocents, Knight Shan, along with those who rallied to his banner, did. He is proof that while the government may be failing the ideals this great Republic should uphold, the people who inhabit the galaxy remain committed to those ideals.”
I nodded, accepting Palpatine’s words and slid a foot back, wanting to escape the throng of reporters as soon as possible. “Master Shan.” The voice, which came from an older Togruta male, prevented me from getting away as I’d intended. “If I can ask, why did you move to help Naboo when the Senate and the Jedi Order chose not to?”
I glanced at Palpatine. My expression was calm, but the simple look should, I hope, express my displeasure at having to engage with these beings. He offered a small smile in response, even as I turned back to the Togruta. We had arranged that I wouldn’t speak with the reporters, but it seemed this alien hadn’t gotten the memo. Or more likely, had been placed there by one of the Banite Sith to force me to make a statement that would further the wedge between myself and the Jedi.
“First, while I understand the standard honorific for a Jedi is ‘Master’ I am but a humble, and rather young, Knight.” That response drew a few amused chuckles from the mass of bodies that I struggled to see as the cameras continued to take pictures; the flashes making it hard to focus on anyone for long. “As for why I decided to intervene in the ongoing crisis on Naboo, my reasons are my own. All I will say is that, in my admittedly short life, I have seen more of this galaxy than I suspect many people here have. Most of it was incredible; be that because of the fauna, flora, or sentients that lived there, or because of some stellar wonder. However, even on Coruscant, there have been moments where I’ve seen events and actions that run counter to everything the Republic, the Senate, and the Jedi Order are meant to represent.”
“Is that why you chose to involve yourself in the internal politics of a sovereign world of the Republic?” The question came from a Rodian and carried a slightly confrontational tone. “And why you acted without permission from the Jedi Council?” I stared at the alien, reaching out through the Force for a hint as to his motives. However, beyond the fact he carried some dislike of me, I couldn’t pick up anything else. At least not with so many other sentients around him.
“As I said, the full reasons for gathering others and helping free a world that was illegally and immorally oppressed by a corporation that was acting out against potential legislation in the Senate are mine and mine alone. All I will say is that before I was taken in by the Jedi, I was raised by my grandfather, and he had a very simple rule that I still follow to this day. That all it takes for evil to thrive is for a good sentient to do nothing.”
Before the Rodian or any of the others could ask a follow-up question, I continued. “That is all I shall say about the matter” I turned to Palpatine. “Chancellor, this is your arena, not mine.”
“Of course, of course,” Palpatine replied with a wide smile as he extended an arm toward me. “Before you go, let me once more express the gratitude of myself, Queen Amidala, and the people of Naboo for your help in ensuring that we continue to enjoy the freedoms and liberties the Republic espouses.”
“I did what was needed, Chancellor. Nothing more,” I explained as we shook hands, the cameras going off faster as if they didn’t realise we already knew each other. The fact I’d arrived in the same transport as him and Damask should’ve made that clear.
I wasn’t happy that Palpatine had allowed some of the reporters to address me, but I could call him out on that later. For now, it was better for both of us if he used whatever appeal there remained because of my status as the Hero of Naboo to enhance his reputation further. Yes, it would tie my star to his, but that was a minor issue currently as I wasn’t moving against him and Damask. Indeed, when that moment came, I already had a few ideas of how to use this connection to the very top of Republic politics to my advantage.
“Which, as I’ve said several times, is more than most others would even consider thinking about, never mind doing,” the Chancellor countered as we ended our handshake. “Now, I believe I have kept you from your mission long enough. Even as Chancellor, I know better than to annoy the leader of my planet.”
I offered him a nod and then pivoted letting the final comment linking me to Naboo, Padmé, and him slide. Once turned, I looked down the carpet – which was a deep, rich purple instead of the red it had been in my former life – noticing various Senators and what I assumed were other people of importance in the Republic, moving down the carpet toward the venue. Thankfully, due to his race’s height and appearance, it was a simple matter to locate Chancellor Damask in the throng of people, and I moved forward, sliding around those hanging around on the carpet to speak with reporters or have their pictures taken. A few gave me glares for cutting in front of them, but most just ignored me.
As I came closer, I saw Padmé was still at Damask’s side, and she turned, as if sensing my approach. The Chancellor continued speaking to whoever was in front of him, though my focus was Padmé. “Sorry,” I said once close enough to speak without having to shout, “Chancellor Palpatine decided to push me in front of the cameras while talking about increasing security in the Republic.”
“I cannot blame him for that,” Padmé said as a wide smile spread over her face. A smile that looked out of place with her regal makeup and clothing in place. “You saved my world from oppression. Is it wrong that the Chancellor and others would want people to know of your actions, and to ensure you are properly rewarded for your actions?”
“Your Majesty is right, as always,” I replied, lowering my head to avoid her gaze. While her tone remained formal, there was a spark in her eyes that I didn’t want to deal with. At least not for another few years.
“Those of us born into power usually are.” I lifted my head and turned toward the known but unexpected voice. I had to fight to keep a look of shock from my face as I discovered who it was that Chancellor Damask was speaking to.
“King Medes,” I said slowly, lowering my head in respect for him and his position, “I hadn’t realised that you were a fan of the holonovels behind this holomovie?”
Medes snorted. “I am not. My wife, however,” he glanced to his right, my left, as he continued, “is. Knowing that this would be the social event of the year, she and my daughter were quite insistent that we attend.”
“Queen Radej,” I said, greeting Medes’ wife as I took her hand in mine and lifted it to my lips, “I hope your journey here was uneventful and your world is prospering.” As I finished, I placed a caste kiss on her knuckles.
“It was, and our people are,” Radej replied as I stood, and she offered me a warm smile. “The agreement you brokered had brought untold wealth and improvements to our people already, and there are still years to go before it truly comes to fruition.”
“I’m led to believe that it benefited you as well,” Medes added.
“I was knighted not long after the agreement was reached,” I confirmed. “While I’m unsure how much that helped the Council determine I was ready for promotion, I know it did play some part.”
“Then it seems we have all benefited from the contract,” Radej said, a wide smile on her face. “Something my husband was explaining to Chancellor Damask as you arrived.”
“Knight Shan does have a tendency to be in the right place at the right time to help all of us,” Damask offered and knowing where this was going, I fought back the urge to roll my eyes. “He was the one who arranged the forces that helped free Naboo from the clutches of the Trade Federation, and he was present to rescue me when I was stuck on Mandalore at the beginning of their most recent civil war.”
“I’m sorry I’m late fath…” the voice, one I knew well and had wondered if would be present as soon as I saw King Medes, trailed off as I braced for what was to come. “CAM!” Miraj called out loud enough that nearly a dozen people turned our way as she rushed toward me at a pace just short of a sprint.
“Miraj!” Medes snarled out, exposing his teeth. “Be mindful of your behaviour.”
“Sorry father,” Miraj said, slowing down drastically and looking down for a moment. “I was just surprised to see Cameron here.”
“As am I to see you here, Princess.” As I said that, Miraj lifted her head, and I offered her a smile. “I’m here as the guest and escort for Queen Amidala of the Naboo.” I extended my arm toward Padmé, which she took gracefully, hiding how happy my words had made her.
“I felt it was only fair to invite Cameron,” Padmé explained as she shifted closer to me, which drew a slight glare from Miraj. “When Chancellor Palpatine extended an invitation for me to attend the premiere, I felt it right to reward Knight Shan after his actions in helping save my world, and to ensure I had a date worthy of my station.”
“We heard of what happened to Naboo even on Zygerria,” Medes commented, a scowl coming to his face. “The actions of the Trade Federation were despicable. Invading a peaceful world simply to protest the actions of the Senate. Such a lack of honour.” I bit back a comment about honour coming from a species that had once, and if I failed my quest linked to Miraj, would return to slavery. “How is your world recovering?”
“Slowly but surely, we are taking steps so that the Federation or anyone else won’t find us such a tempting target for enforcing their will upon us.” My brow rose at Padmé’s tense tone, though less at the idea that Naboo was shifting to what sounded like a proactive stance on defence. I’d heard from Gar, Rook, and others that the Naboo had hired many Mando’ade to train an enlarged, and if things went to plan, better-armed defence force making clear Naboo being more assertive with regards to its defence now. Still, that Padmé would espouse that change was an interesting alteration that I would have to consider to see how it might help with what was to come. “If not for Cameron, and those he rallied under his banner, that is something we would never have been able to do.”
“Yes, we all owe Knight Shan, in differing ways of course, for helping us in our hours of need. Something I, and my Co-Chancellor, hope will continue into the future as we work to reform the Senate and Republic security.”
“A stronger, safer Republic is something any true citizen would support, Chancellor,” Medes said, agreeing with Damask’s words.
“As much as I enjoy talk of politics,” the others smiled or laughed gently at my words, knowing well my dislike of the subject, “perhaps we might head to our seats? I am quite interested in seeing this story told on screen.”
“There is still some time before events start, but it would be best if we were in our booths before it commenced.” I nodded at Damask, glad for the support. He didn’t realise that my intent was more based around getting Padmé and Miraj apart as the pair might start sniping at each other over me than my genuine issues with politics, but he was helping.
“Would you sit with us, Cam?” Miraj asked, moving to my side, the one free from Padmé’s presence. “I’d love to hear about your adventure since we last spoke.”
“Unfortunately, as you heard, I am here as Queen Amidala’s escort, and as such am expected to spend the performance in her company.” My answer came quickly as I didn’t want Miraj to bring up Anakin, even indirectly. Certainly not in front of Darth Plagueis. “However, once the show is over I promise that I shall find time to regale you with my adventures at whatever afterparty we must attend.” Another issue that existed was the potential for Padmé and Miraj to develop a rivalry over me. Perhaps it was arrogant to assume that would happen, but both were interested in me, and I didn’t want to cause issues to develop between them.
“Understandable and acceptable,” Medes agreed with a nod, his eyes taking in the fact I had his daughter on one arm and Padmé on the other. “However, perhaps we might talk as we walk toward our seats? I’m curious if you, Chancellor Damask, or Queen Amidala know anything about the author, or have thoughts about his latest work.”
“Yes, it is quite unusual that one of the heroes of this new series shares their family name with yourself, Cameron,” Damask commented, not the slightest hint of amusement on his long, angular face nor radiating through the Force. I’d prefer if that hadn’t been where he took the conversation, but at least it moved things along and created a topic that would distract Miraj from Padmé’s presence.
“That, Chancellor, is because Bastila Shan was a true historical figure, and also my great-grandmother.” Miraj stopped suddenly, caught out by that revelation. Her parents did the same, forcing me, Padmé and Damask to do likewise. Nearby, I saw a few others who were trying to subtly listen in on the conversation the Chancellor was having stumble as their heads whipped around at my statement.
“But she lived nearly four thousand years ago,” Radej commented, drawing a chuckle from me.
“She did, and I was born that far back as well. Though I’m happy to say I don’t look a day over a thousand.” Padmé laughed softly at my self-teasing while Damask offered a smile of amusement. The Zygerrians, however, stood there in even greater shock. “As we walk, I will explain how that is possible, and perhaps tell you a few details about my ancestor; at least those that won’t spoil the surprise that I’m sure the author is going to reveal in their next work.”
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