Chapter 23: The Student’s Mistake
Rey processed this but couldn't help but repeat hesitantly, “Peace Seekers Alliance?”
The Vice-Chancellor nodded earnestly, “The name is quite fitting.” She elaborated, “We’re a small faction, but our goal is simple: achieve peace. We’re made up of ex-imperials, old rebels, and others.” After giving it a moment of thought, she added, “It's not as proactive as the Rebel’s Alliance or Resistance, but we refuse to remain silent at such a critical juncture.”Then, in a worried tone finished, “I was hoping you wouldn't get dragged into it.”
The Jedi’s eyes lit up as she blurted, “Why, I want peace too. Even if there's ex-imperial involved, they can't be all bad.”
Minerva sighed while shaking her head, “It's not like that, dear. Being part of the Peace Seekers Alliance makes you innumerable political enemies. I didn't want you burdened by consequences when you have such great aspiration.” Her eyes gained a sad gleam, “Laya told me a Jedi should stay as neutral as possible regarding politics. I promised her I would do my best to help and protect you.”
Rey grew confused and inquired, “But Laya was the Chancellor of the old New Republic. Isn't that un-netural?”
Minerva shook her head, “Laya told me a Jedi could be a public servant so long as they were dedicated to serving everyone. She became Chancellor without joining any factions while remaining dedicated to serving the people. It was her greatest strength, as well as her greatest weakness.”
Hearing this, many of Rey’s insecurities had been elevated through the tale of her former master did give her a little hope. Laya had managed to rise to power free of political confines. Still, at the same time, as soon as a chip in her armor appeared, without a faction to back her, she was removed by people with more selfish interests. She nodded and answered, “I understand.” At this point, her eyes grew resolved, “But, I'm willing to make these enemies if we can bring back peace.”
Minerva looked Rey over with a contemplating gaze as though she were looking at a child who had just demonstrated a burst of unexpected maturity. The woman appeared proud but also worried as she nodded, “Seeing how things have come so far, I won't try and stop you.” Growing focused, she continued, “Now then, Primidian may be in our alliance, but in the end, we were only cooperating due to a common interest. Tell me exactly how you met him, every detail.”
Rey nodded and spilled her guts completely, feeling enormous relief as the truth quickly came to light. The secret hadn't been kept long, but it had felt like an eternity to her. She finally concluded, letting out a breath, “That's everything.”
Minerva nodded, taking this all in, and let out her own defeated breath, “My, my, that is quite a story.” The Jedi appeared with pleading eyes, no longer wanting to try and fight this war on her own as she had first envisioned. Minerva comprehended this and nodded, “I don't see any glaring issues, but I'm sure he has something more up his sleeve. Some sort of leverage.”
Rey considered and asked, “Do you think it has to do with my parents.”
The older woman shook her head, “I don't know, dear. It's very unlike the Admiral to lie, but he rarely tells you the whole truth.” With worried eyes, she added, “I can’t pull you out of his web now as long as you need those Jedi relics. You’ll have to go along with what he says.” In response to the Jedi's face going pale, she quickly added, “But I can make sure he won't force you to do anything that crosses your bottom line. I can guarantee you that.”
Rey’s body relaxed at this, and her gaze grew full of gratitude, “Thank you. I've been so conflicted over this.”
The Vice-Chancellor looked softened as she spoke supportively, “Not at all, you did great, darling. You just need some more experience in politics.” Growing more weary, she added, “As much as I hate to say it, this is a good learning experience for you…” The woman grumbled out her final words, “I won't be around forever, so you’ll have to learn to manage on your own sooner or later.”
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Rey chuckled at this and retorted, “Like you’ll ever retire. Everyone says you're next in line to be Chancellor.”
Minerva's eyes glinted with a mix of emotion, though she grew playfully smug at this, “Of course. I meant in the grand scheme of things.”
The two made eye contact and laughed for a while before calming down, at which Rey asked, “So, ah, what do I do now.”
Minerva considered before answering, “I’ll handle the negotiations with the Admiral from here on out. In the meantime, you need only follow the schedule I make for you and not cause any more trouble.”
Once more, feeling embarrassed, the Jedi nodded obediently, “Right, of course. I'll follow your schedule.”
The Vice-Chancellor shook her head resolutely, “Not good enough…” She appeared to be in deep contemplation for a moment before appearing to settle her mind. A devilish grin appeared on her lips, “I'll prepare a bodyguard for you as well to ensure no misshapes occur.”
Rey really didn't think a bodyguard could do a better job keeping her safe than she could with her Jedi senses. But those same Jedi senses told her that refusing the woman would be an incredibly dangerous move. Thus, the young lady nodded emptily, “Right, thank you.”
A knowing look marked Minerva's face, though she didn't push any harder, knowing Rey was sincere. She nodded back, “Good. When we get back, you can wait in your room till I can make the necessary adjustment to today's itinerary.”
Rey nodded again, feeling embarrassed that she was being told to go to her room. The Vice-Chancellor was pleased by the young women's newfound obedience and added, “Fama’s schedule has already been prepared. Aside from any training or task you assign her, she can spend the rest of her time at the hotel's daycare service.”
Rey was surprised and asked worriedly, “Can they handle her.”
The older woman nodded quickly, “Oh, it's a first-class establishment. I'm sure Fama will be having too much fun to cause any trouble.”
The Master felt relieved. The subject of what to do with Fama had been overshadowed by more urgent issues but had still been gnawing at the back of her mind. She smiled, “Good, I'm relieved.”
Minerva nodded but added more seriously, “On the note of Padawans. Finn will be at the ball for another hour or so, and then he will stick with the Chancellor for another couple of hours of meetings. You should consider what you want to discuss with him once you meet this evening.”
Rey swallowed at this, her feeling of relief quickly fading back to worry; she nodded again. “I know… I just don't know what to say.”
The Vice-Chancellor shrugged, “This is Jedi business. I really can't help.”
Rey fell into deep contemplation with a grim exasperation, though their transport stopped after a few seconds. They had returned to their lodging, and it was time to disembark. Like so, the two ladies returned to the elegant hotel, though before Rey could so much as turn to finish their confrontation, Minerva was already surrounded by three underlings. The Vice-Chancellor smiled at her and waved her along merrily. Rey nodded back and returned to her room.
As she walked, the Jedi still couldn't help but admire the beauty of the building, but every time she sank into this feeling, she would be assaulted by an echo of the Admiral's words, ‘Do you like art?’.She can't help but wonder if her father would have felt the same way if her grandfather would have felt the same way. It was a strange, melancholy feeling that she struggled to banish from her mind. Even if it was beautiful, it did not matter; as a Jedi, she need only look towards the Force.
When she arrived at her room, her mind was mostly calm, and she entered looking forward to seeing her padawan. This emotion quickly faded to confusion as the child appeared nowhere to be found, but this too quickly faded, replaced with anger. The girl was nearly comatose on her disheveled bed, surrounded by plates of residual cake, pastry, and other foodstuff. As ferocious as a shot from the Death Star, the Master howled, “Fama!”
The girl jerked awake, her mouth stained by icing and crumbs, screaming in fright. She quickly looked around until she saw Rey and guiltily avoided eye contact. Madder than a bantha with a broken horn, the Jedi master pointed to the places and demanded, “What are these.”
In a pleading voice, the girl began to beg for leniency, “It's not my fault, really.”
With flared nostrils, Rey demanded, “Then who's fault is it.”
With frantic eyes like a cornered nyrat, the girl quickly blurted, “I was ordering lunch after training, and the lady asked if I wanted bonne-bouche. I thought it was a custom, so I said yes. Then they came with a cart full of this stuff and left it. What was I supposed to do?”
Rey herself had only come to know the joys of sweet food and candy after destroying the Star Killer base, and soon after this, her Jedi vows prohibited her from indulging in such lavishness. At most, she would savor a luxurious meal only when she felt obligated to for cultural purposes at peace talks. Given the Padawan's words and demeanor, the Jedi could infer the child's actions were a mix of an honest mistake and youthful abandon. The Master was still furiously angry, but the girl suddenly went purplish-green in the face and vomited onto the sheets.