Chapter 18: The Yuloz Ball
Sitting in a racing transport, Rey had several things to mull over as she gazed at the invitation in her hand. The most worrisome was that the invite required formal dress. Thinking back, the only time the Jedi had ever dressed formally was when wearing a uniform at award ceremonies. Upon frantic inspection, she did find an incredibly formal dress designed in the traditional Jedi fashion. While leaving the hotel, she asked where it had come from, and a staffer checked the computer and informed her it had been delivered the previous day with the invitation.
The Admiral of the Remnant General Faction could just send her a party invitation and dress, which left her with a feeling that was hard to describe. It was something akin to worry and hope. Hope that diplomatic relations were just that good at the moment, but worried that the Admiral simply had such ability he could ignore things like the New Republic security forces. She was sadly leaning towards the second, seeing that when she asked how to request a ship from a New Republic diplomat, she had been informed that her transport had been waiting an hour.
The vessel was very luxurious, and the driver was of a species even she didn't recognize but had many tentacles and understood Galactic Common. On her seat was a holo-board that, when powered on, held a library of faces and descriptions next to them. The level of detail included was frightening, even discussing individuals’ reputations when in school and their seasoning preferences for food. All these individuals had in common was they would be at the ball and, in the Admiral’s own words, were classified as corrupt bastards and their masters. In his brief introduction, the man blatantly informed her, ‘You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Some of the content was terrifying, including prior misdeeds, unconvicted crimes, and even war crimes. Rey wanted to outright arrest and beat up some of these people, if not maim, but knew she would have to keep her cool and that the information couldn't be fully trusted.
Sadly, Rey did recognize some people from the New Republic Senate, though she had never liked these individuals much. Again, in the Admiral's terminology, they fell into the Bureaucratic political party while she swam with the Rebels and Progressives. Her flight was only 20 minutes, giving her enough time to skim through a few dozen profiles. In the end, she stuffed the board in a pocket hidden in her dress and resolved herself to identify who was her friend or enemy via the Force.
The Yuloz Ball was being held at one of Emperor Palpatine's old palaces, which had a rather imposing architecture. The building was towering and was shaped like an octagon. It was made of smooth grey stone and had imposing scaffolding. It looked like a pillar holding up the sky, yet somehow gave off an oppressive feeling. Rey was dropped off halfway up on a balcony with a deep crimson carpet leading into a noisy interior. Her driver gestured with a few appendages towards the entrance, which seemed obvious to the Jedi. However, she still nodded and responded, “Thank you.”
It flew off merrily with a gesture that looked like a nod, leaving Rey wondering how she would get home. She pushed this unpleasant thought to the back of her head and walked towards the doorway. As she approached, a Nautolan manservant of some sort emerged from the door and asked politely, “Your invitation.”
“Ah, here it is.” Rey handed her card over, feeling a bit awkward.
After observing the card closely, the Nautolan bowed and, in a smooth voice, instructed, “If the lady would follow me.” He turned and walked towards the door at a steady pace with an elegant manner.
Rey followed inside, gazing into a vast hall that took up the interior floor. The floor was a silver marble, while the walls were made of expertly crafted gold ornaments. The ceiling was covered with an ornate painting of elegant-looking humans gowned in ornate robes, longing about white stone temples and surrounded by flying babies. Decorative globes hovered in the air, letting out a soft light that fully illuminated the hundreds of people broken into over twenty small groups. The most graceful and beautiful music filled the air, originating from a live orchestra. Everything was so ornate it felt like the interior floor was one massive piece of artwork.
Disapproving of Rey’s blatant awe and lack of manners, the butler cleared his throat and asked, “Would the lady like to wait as I notify your guarantor or join the ball now.”
Rey was still absorbed in her surroundings when the man spoke, and it took her a few moments to break away and answer, “Ahh, I’ll join now.”
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The butler bowed his head, responding professionally, “As the lady wishes
Rey skirted around the edges of the ballroom, absorbed in the artistry of the walls, marveling at the incredible workmanship. She observed the ceiling more closely and was amazed by the incredible detail. She might have continued to float about in a daze if not for a voice soundly calling, “Oh my, is that Rey Skywalker?”
The Jedi turned around, noticing she had unknowingly drawn near a small group of well-dressed ladies. The woman who had called to her was vaguely familiar, and after searching her memories, a name emerged. As the small herd of five approached in elegant dresses designed to fit their bodies, Rey smiled and nodded, “Ah, Ms. Marina, I didn't think we’d meet here.”
The lady Rey had addressed hugged her side with one arm while cupping her face with another, responding, “I could say the same. This is quite a surprise.”
The Jedi would have to be blind to not detect the superior attitude and subtle social innuendo behind the woman's words. Nonetheless, Rey was still completely oblivious. She nodded and responded, “Would you mind if I joined you. I’m new to social events.”
Realizing they were dealing with a true novice, some women chuckled, but Ms. Marina waved at them, “Of course, you can; having a Jedi in the group will make things.”
Rey tried to recall more detail than just Ms. Marina’s name. But, she could only recall that the beautiful, dark-haired thirty-year-old was a two-time widow who had recently remarried a business tycoon. However, it was said she was still seen around many men. There were rumors, but Rey took such gossip with a grain of salt. As for the other ladies, Real didn't recognize them at all.
One of these women with pale skin, short blond hair, and a yellow dress spoke up loudly, “Of course you're welcome. And might I say your dress is truly interesting?”
Rey looked at her garment merrily and responded, “It's not my favorite, but its design is very traditional.” The fact that a war of verbal repartee was raging around her went straight over the humble Jedis head.
A different woman quickly spoke up at this in a slightly squeaky voice, “Ooo, I always wanted to meet a Jedi. Is it true you can use the Force to do magic?”
Rey smiled like a teacher and responded, “Well, it's not magic, but I can use the Force.”
A flash of amusement swept across the faces of the other ladies as though they had just found a new toy. Ms. Marina gestured kindly to the other ladies. She added, “Jedi-ism is difficult to understand for us mundane people.” She then met Rey’s eyes and added, “But Rey, you're new to gatherings like this. Let me show you around.”
Considering this, Rey decided it was better to have a guide she was at least a little familiar with than no one at all. She nodded pleasantly, “Thank you, that would help a lot.”
Rey found herself quickly whisked away and on a tour of various conversation circles as though she had just opened Pandora's box. Most of these people were foreign to her, and their names did not trigger any memories. Despite her eagerness to try and network and learn, it seemed that Ms. Marina was the one doing the talking on this trip. Rey was shown off to these people like a piece of fine jewelry. The Jedi soon realized no one at this event took her seriously and viewed her as a celebrity guest at best or, for certain imperial purists, a painful eyesore. Despite her passive position during this time, Rey began to understand what was going on and found Ms. Marina as a source of great inspiration.
The woman was talented at manipulating the conversation to her advantage. She uses Rey to get a foot in the door and then invades the conversation through her wit and technique. In the end, most of the conversation was gossip, though a few economic issues intrigued Rey. Still, after a half-hour, the Jedi had grown tired of people asking her to do stuff with the Force, being told she was pretty, and being indirectly made fun of or insulted. When she did try to join a few political discussions, she was quickly dismissed, causing her to grow slightly frustrated.
Though in the end, it made sense, her only true political position was the leader of the Jedi. Jedi-ism was made the state religion of the New Republic. Still, with only herself, Fama, Fin, and his unknown Padawan as members, it was a rather unimposing faction. Her brief time at the ball had already opened her eyes to the fact that, as an individual, she truly lacked political influence.
Just as Rey wondered how much longer she would be tugged around to different groups, a surprised but familiar voice sounded, “Rey, is that you.”
The Jedi turned around happily and found her mentor, Minerva Orgona, in a plain white dress. The woman may not have been in her prime, but she was nonetheless charming and elegant in this outfit. Rey smiled, releasing this may be her chase to escape, and quickly moved over to the vice-chancellor. “Minerva, what a surprise.” A logical fallacy appeared in the Jedi’s mind since the Admiral had said this ball was a gathering of all the opportunistic scumbags in galactic politics, yet Minerva was also here. Rey knew she couldn't trust the Admiral, but from what she had seen, most of the people present were indeed douchebags.
Minerva grabbed Rey's hands, looking her over as if a word she may have been injured, then growled, “What on Alderan are you doing to her?”
At this point, Ms. Marina arrived a few feet from Minerva but stopped at this distance as though an energy field kept her from approaching further. Looking distressed, she commented, “Rey, what are you doing. There are so many people that still want to meet you.”
Before the Jedi could answer, Minerva responded firmly, “No worries, Rey will accompany me from now on. You may stay if you like, Ms. Marina.