Chapter 26: For the Sake of Peace
It was a pure and innocent answer that made Rey smile. It was the correct answer; the issue was how to make those people happy. The master didn't want to burden the little girl's mind with the troubles of politics and hugged the child, “Good answer, now off to bed. Tomorrow’s going to be busy.”
Fama was plopped onto the floor and whined, “But do I have to go to daycare.” Her eyes lit up, and she offered, “I could follow you.”
Rey smiled at this and, in a happy voice, responded, “Not a chance. Now, to bed with you.” The girl left muttering to herself, including a few phrases the Jedi Master did deem very appropriate. She called after the girl curiously and innocently, “What was that?”
Knowing she would get in trouble if she confessed or prolonged the conversation, Fama blurted, “Nothing, goodnight!”
The Padawan darted away, causing her Master to smile slightly more before her expression grew grim. She desperately wanted to go to sleep but knew she couldn't. There was still too much to plan and think through.
Finn was out of control, and to say there was a schism in their church would not be inaccurate. Rey wished her old Master Layia was still alive. She would certainly know how to deal with this mess.
At the same time, the Jedi knew she was still swimming in deep water by joining the Peace Seekers Alliance. And was probably in an even more risky position by dealing with Admiral Primidian directly.
All the while, she was still woefully unprepared to deal with the world of politics and join the Peace Talks meaningfully.
The Jedi’s grim and depressive thoughts were interrupted by a soft beeping sound from her feet. Her expression grew soft, temporarily forgetting BB-8 was in the room after her fight with Finn. She rubbed the droid's head and responded, “You're right, I shouldn't worry about it.” She stood up, recollecting her strength and determination, adding, “I'll deal with everything one step at a time.”
Rey returned to her room, sat on a mat, and meditated. She mulled over how to deal with Finn and the Padawan problem. She contemplated what she had learned today from her new aid. She pondered what her duty was as a Jedi during these Peace Talks. After an hour, she felt clearer about everything and decided it was time for bed.
The next day came bright and early, and she did feel a little better after getting some sleep.
Rey woke Fama, and the two completed morning training before a nanny arrived to pick the girl up. The Padawan gave her Master pitiful puppy eyes, though Rey only smiled and waved, calling, “Play nice with the other kids.”
Seeing the girl want to stay with her so badly made the Jedi happy. However, she was struck by instant karma as Emi let herself in. Rey wanted to run and hide, having been under the influence that lesions would occur during afternoons.
Sadly, it was too late for this as the petite woman cornered her against the couch, “Good morning, Rey. Are you ready for your lesson?”
The Jedi in question shook her head and whined, “Can't we do it later? I have things I need to do.” Rey wanted to talk with Finn again to try and clear the air, and touching base with Poe, Chewie, and Minerva couldn't hurt.
In response, the aid perked up, responding, “Indeed, you do have things to do. We have lesions till noon. A formal lunch hosted by delegates of the Corporate Alliance. A tour of the old Senate building. And then a series of speeches.” The summary of appointments left Rey's head reeling, though Emi didn't hesitate to add, “We don't have a moment to lose, so let's begin.”
The cyborg flew into a long but well-articulated lecture about past, present, and possible future Galactic affairs. Which systems were allies, and which were old enemies? How to properly handle oneself during a speech, debate, or social gathering. The current economic situation of the Galaxy, at least to the public's eye. As well as another review of what subjects would be brought up during the Peace Talks.
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These would include matters like defining war crimes. Paying compensation to wronged parties. Reestablishing a Galactic common law. Breaking up monopolies. Redefining what parties were allowed to have active militaries. And hopefully, laying the groundwork for a new Galactic government.
Each subject would be taken up by different committees of delegates assigned by their respective party. Supposedly, the logistics behind these Peace Talks had been a nightmare, though with people like Minerva at the reins, the kinks had all been ironed out.
By the time they finished the lesion, Rey's head was again throbbing with pain. She moaned while covering her eyes, but Emi spoke up, “My apologies, we ended up running late. To make the luncheon, we must leave immediately.”
Rey looked up, feeling mentally exhausted, and asked, “Do I really need to go.”
Emi grew serious and stated, “Your schedule was designed by Lady Organa after a lengthy debate with Admiral Primidian. Your compliance is mandatory.”
The Jedi grimaced, realizing there was no hope of escaping what was to come. She sighed and nodded dejectedly, “Alright then.”
The aid acknowledged this and gestured to the door, “Our transport is waiting for us, and you can change clothes on the way.”
Rey found herself being herded out of the room and off to a lift, unable to resist Emi’s polite but stern directions. She was quickly led to a formal transport with the aid close behind. While boarding the craft, Rey couldn’t help but ask, “Will you be going to the luncheon as well.”
Emi nodded and responded in her usual monotone voice, “I’ll be accompanying you on all your outings from now on.”
The Jedi Master felt a bit relieved to have Emi by her side, given the girl’s extensive knowledge base. However, a troubling idea soon came to mind; as the ship’s doors closed, she asked the cyborg, “So, do you work for the Vice-Chancellor or the Admiral.”
Rey didn’t put it past the sly Imperial to have sent this kind-looking girl to secretly spy on her. This fear was elevated as Emi’s facial expression changed significantly for the first time since the meeting. Appearing as though she had just swallowed something disdainfully, she responded, in her usual voice, “I have worked for the Organa family my entire life, and I will only work for them.”
The Jedi could tell there was a back story to this, but Rey didn’t want to pry. Worried she had insulted her new aid, she quickly responded, “Thank goodness. You did seem like a good short. Minerva always surrounds herself with good people.”
If she had lost any point due to her previous question, then this remark won them back. With an almost happy expression, the woman nodded, “Indeed. Lady Organa is both wise and kind.” Emi then refocused and returned to her default setting of monotone emotionlessness. “We will be arriving at the event shortly. Please change into the clothes provided in the back room.”
Rey was happy to have recovered her fumble and decided not to risk making any more mistakes. Returning to the back room, she nodded, “Right, I’ll do that.”
Emi was the kind of person that Rey admired, but also made her nervous. The girl’s intelligence and sense of duty were worthy of respect. However, her cybernetic implant made it hard to visualize her true emotions through the Force. Most people were a mix of light and darkness, which, at times, could be confusing but at least alluded to the inner workings of their minds. Emi, like most cyborgs, had almost no signature in the Force, as though it was a transmission being disrupted. Still, if Minivera trusted her, then Emi was, without a doubt, a person who could be depended upon.
Once in the rear room, Rey almost changed her mind about her good impression of the aid. The outfit that had been prepared was an ornate ivory robe with golden trim. Its material was soft but had several overlapping layers, adding to its design and making it look stifling. She considered refusing and staying in her comfortable shirt and pants. Still, she doubted Minerva or the Admiral would be happy about that. With a heavy heart, she dawned the robe and returned to the sitting area.
Emi looked the frustrated-looking Jedi up and down before nodding, “Very good. This is a traditional religious garment of the Muun hosting this event.”
Rey took a seat and grumbled, “I look ridiculous.”
Emi wasn’t phased by this and responded as though quoting a book, “To be successful in Galatic politics, it’s is first necessary to understand and respect the cultural costumes of all its inhabitants.”
The Jedi couldn't deny this logic but still didn’t like the sweltering robe and grumbled, “And who said that.”
Without missing a beat, the woman responded, “Chancellor Skywalker.”
Hearing her old master’s name brought up in this context made Rey feel ashamed of her closed-mindedness. She leaned back and sighed, trying to look at things from Laya’s perspective. In a quiet voice, she mumbled, “If this is what it takes to achive peace, then so be it.”
The rest of their short trip was silent, which gave Rey some much-needed time to rest her brain.