Chapter 27: The Propaganda Machine
In the end, Rey found the luncheon was incredibly boring. She and Emi had been escorted inside an extravagant building along a red carpet. Then, they sat at a table in a large banquet room. They were joined by two older Muun who was very interested in her. The conversation was rather slow-moving, which gave the Jedi time to think ahead. At the same time, whenever a difficult subject arose, Emi would speak first and lead the Jedi along. After an hour, a Muun delegate gave a short speech, and everyone left.
The Jedi master was rather peeved by this and, once back in their shuttle, whined loudly, “What even was the point in that. We didn’t even discuss anything important.”
Emi answered promptly, “Lady Organa thought it best to start you with a simple assignment.” She sat and continued, “This Luncheon was also far from pointless. Those Muun used to sit on the council of elders of their species and still hold great power. The Muun who gave the speech was Az Tavuurd, a Corporate Alliances Chairman. We were sitting with his father and uncle.”
Rey sucked in a sharp breath, not realizing they had entertained such important guests. Now worried, she asked, “Did I do good?”
Emi nodded, “You didn't make a fool of yourself, at least, and they were so excited to see you I doubt they came off with a poor impression.”
The Jedi was surprised by this but then did some thinking and blurted, “Wait, why didn't you warn me about them. I could have prepared myself.”
Emi looked at her completely seriously and responded, “Lady Organa has recommended I not do that. She said knowing too much ahead of time may lead you to overthink and fluster yourself. Rather, if you act yourself, you will surely do well.”
Rey considered this and responded, “I don't know if that is an insult or a compliment.”
The cyborg gave no answer.
Compared to the luncheon, the tour of the old Senate building was almost enjoyable. Rey had joined a tour group composed of many elderly delegates from various backgrounds. They seemed well acquainted with each other and treated her with courtesy. What made the experience unpleasant, despite the majestic architecture and dazzling art, was the presence of Emperor Palpatine everywhere. He had statues, pieces of art, plaques, and memorials everywhere. It was as though he had converted the building into a temple to himself after disbanding the Galactic Senate.
Rey could even slightly feel his shadow over the place via the Force. Like a stain in the very fabric of reality that made one feel like everything around them was an illusion. She did her best to ignore this and enjoyed the tour guide discussing the key historical events of the last thousand years or so of Galactic history and how it all pivoted on this very building.
Her fellow tourists were likewise entertained by this but seemed already familiar with the place, giving them time to talk. They asked many questions about her past and goals, which Rey found perfectly innocent, but her aid jumped in before her each time. The Jedi master was no fool and could tell these old foxes were not as friendly as they appeared and were testing the waters with her. However, Emi’s superb reaction time and conversational abilities easily deflected all their tricks and deceptions.
By the time the tour was done, Rey’s feet were tired, and the other delicate seemed to have lost interest in toying with her. The Jedi was too well guarded, and when she did speak up, her responses lacked any trace of political agenda or comprehension. Even with their years of experience, they couldn't tell if the young woman was clueless or keeping her cards close to her chest and feigning ignorance. Given Rey's identity, most went with the latter, assuming she was graced with mystical wisdom rumored to be found among Jedi Masters. In so doing, Rey had successfully accomplished her second task of the day. Despite being worn out from her morning lesson, a stuffy lunch, and a long tour, there was no time to rest. Rey could only assume the Will of the Force was punishing her for trying to get involved with politics by making it as irksome an ordeal as possible.
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While en route to where she was supposed to be giving a speech, Rey couldn't help grumbling to her aid, “I've never even given a speech before. What am I supposed to do?”
Emi was unswayed by this and responded, “It's easier than it sounds.”
Rey glared and retorted, “What if I mess up and make a fool of myself.”
The aid looked at her and answered, “That won't be possible.”
The Jedi didn't understand what this meant and asked, “How long of a speech is it?”
Emi responded promptly as though the math came naturally to her, “There are a total of 37 speeches you will need to present. Their durations range from 3 to 9 minutes for a minimal total duration of 4 hours and 11 minutes.”
Rey's eyes bulged at this and blurted, “I can't do that.”
At that same time, their transport stopped, and Emi looked at the door, “It appears we have arrived at the studio. If you work fast, we may have time for dinner.”
The Jedi Master had to chase after her aid, who left the craft moving swiftly into a rather generic-looking skyscraper. However, once inside, Rey found herself in a world of gold and silver. She pursued her aid to a receptionist’s desk where a female Rodian waited in a neat suit. The secretary inspected them and asked, “Are you with the Admirals Party.”
Emi nodded and handed over a data chip, “Pontifex Rey Skywalker and her Aid, here for a recording.”
The secretary nodded excitedly and pressed a button before speaking into a microphone, “Sir, Pontifex Rey Skywalker has arrived.”
A door in the rear of the room opened only a few moments later, and a gaudy, older man with bleached hair and a golden robe rushed out. He was thin and had a big forehead and slightly reminded Rey of Snok in a creepy way. His eyes were excited like a kid getting a new toy as he blurted, “Oh, Lady Palpatine, it's such an honor, such an honor.”
Rey recoiled at this, put on guard by this strange man who knew her true identity. In an instant, she snapped out a response, “It's Skywalker, and my name is Rey.”
The man rolled over on a dime and nodded, his expression becoming one of knowing as though he were in on a secret, “Of course, of course. Rey, it is whatever the Lady wishes.” He approached the Jedi, getting far too close for comfort, and whispered to her, “Very few people know of your lineage, my dear, but don't worry, I'm still loyal to the True Emperor.”
Rey had no idea what was happening but wanted to punch this man in the face. Before she could do this, Emi appeared at her side and startled the man, “Mister Janus, the lady is on a tight schedule.”
The man recoiled, looking surprised and worried before blurting out, “Of course, how silly of me. Let us get to work. Follow me.”
He hurried to the door where he had come from and gestured for them to follow. Rey and Emi followed the man down a hall lined with screens and holograms that displayed numerous videos. There were people giving speeches, live-action footage from battles, news reports, and more. Alongside each was a medal, plaque, or troupe of some sort. The Jedi leaned over to her aid and asked in a hushed voice, “Who is this guy? What are we doing here?”
Emi leaned in and whispered, “This is Liam Janus, the most influential media caster in the Galaxy. He’ll record your speeches, edit them, and publicize them for us.”
When Eey had heard about speeches, she thought this meant in front of a crowd of real people. Not here in the stronghold of some influencer. The Jedi muttered back, “I don't like him.”
Her aid nodded slightly and informed her, “Janus is a staunch Imperialist. He was one of the Emperor's most trusted supporters.” She glanced up at their host to ensure he wasn't eavesdropping before adding, “We've only been able to get this far due to the Admiral's involvement.” She paused and added, “It would be best to play along and humor this man. He could be very detrimental to the peace effort.”
Rey's eyes grew irritated, but the expression faded, and she nodded begrudgingly, “Fine.”
Having sensed the conversation, Janus turned and spoke with a submissive hint that bordered on groveling, “A thousand apologies for keeping the Lady waiting. My office is right through here.” They passed through another set of doors into a lavish lounge with a desk at one end and a wall of mirrors to the left. A recording room with a microphone and cameras built into the ceiling was on the other side of this mirror wall. Janus smiled as his guests entered and announced, “I welcome you to my sanctuary. Within these walls, I can craft you daggers from rumors and arrows from gossip.” His gaze grew scheming as he added, “If you so wish, I can even turn fact into fiction or lies into truth. It would be my deepest pleasure.”