The doors to the meeting room slid open, Finn and Link entered. The room was simple yet elegant, with smooth, polished walls and a long rectangular table in the center. Senator Connix was seated, her expression tense, her fingers drumming lightly against the surface of the table. Beside her sat Captain Sarthus, his face expressionless as he stared out the windows.
They saw the Jedi enter and stood to greet them. Kaydel smiled and said, "Finn! It's good to see you, it's been too long."
"Kaydel! It's good to see you too. This is my Padawan, Link Na'tina."
Link bowed slightly and said, "Hello, Senator."
"A Padawan?" she said, sounding surprised. "Nice to meet you, Link." She gestured at the table. "Please, have a seat."
The four of them took their seats, Link did her best to remain quiet and composed. This was her first time meeting a politician.
Captain Sarthus spoke first. "I'm glad you're here. I'm concerned there will be another attack."
"We could minimize the risk," Finn said, leaning forward slightly. "Go back to Dulathia. You would have more security. It would be much safer than staying here on Chandrila."
Kaydel shook her head firmly, her eyes narrowing. "No, I'm not leaving Chandrila. I'm here for a reason, and I'm not going to abandon my duties just because of a threat."
Finn met her gaze, sensing her determination. He had expected resistance, but he needed to make his point. "I understand that, but if there's another attack, it could be worse than last time."
"There's a vote tomorrow," she said. "The Senate will be voting on expanding the New Republic Security Force. I would no longer be allowed to contact any member of the Jedi Order. My constituents want me to oppose it. I will not run away."
Link, who had been listening intently, glanced between Finn and the Senator. She wasn't used to this kind of tension, not in a room that was supposed to be filled with allies.
Captain Sarthus shifted in his seat, his frown deepening. "With all due respect, Senator, staying here could put your life in even more danger. You're a key opponent to the expansion of the New Republic Security Force. Whoever is behind these threats, knows that removing you would shift the vote in their favor."
Kaydel sat up straighter, her resolve only hardening. "Senator Mothma and I are in agreement with the rest of the committee. We are not going anywhere until after the vote."
Finn sighed softly, considering their options.
Link's gaze darted to Finn, as she grappled with the situation. She had been trained in the ways of the Force, in combat and discipline, but diplomacy and political maneuvering were new to her. She could feel the tension between the Senator and her Master, and it made her uneasy.
"Master?"
"Yes, Link?"
"What if…" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "What if we compromise? We could stay on Chandrila, but increase security by moving to a more defensible location?"
Kaydel's eyes softened as she looked at the Padawan, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I appreciate the suggestion, Link," she said. "But if I go into hiding, it'll look like I'm scared, I need to project strength."
Link nodded, the situation was more complex than she realized. It was difficult to reconcile the teachings of the Jedi with the realities of political life. She had learned about balance and harmony, about finding peaceful solutions, but here, things were messier. More complicated.
Finn let out a deep breath, leaning back in his chair. "Then we need a plan. If you're staying, we need to make sure security is airtight. No more chances."
Captain Sarthus nodded in agreement.
—
The twin suns of Dalna hung low on the horizon, casting a dusky glow over the streets of West Platt. Once, this place had been a quiet, unremarkable settlement nestled in the outer reaches of the galaxy. Now, it had grown into a bustling city, its streets crowded with traders, travelers, and the occasional off-worlder.
Rey and Ben walked side by side, their hoods drawn up to shield their faces from curious eyes. The air was thick with the scent of spices, engine fumes, and the faint hum of chatter in dozens of languages. This wasn't the Dalna from the stories Rey had read; the city had transformed into something far more complex and alive.
Rey's steps slowed as she glanced around, her eyes scanning the crowded streets. "We should split up," she said quietly.
Ben nodded. "I'll talk to some locals."
"I'll look for the temple."
With a subtle nod, she continued down the winding street, disappearing into the crowd. Ben paused, watching her go for a moment, then turned and made his way toward a nearby cantina, the neon sign flickering above its entrance.
The cantina was dimly lit, its atmosphere thick with smoke and the scent of spilled drinks. It was packed, filled with beings from all corners of the galaxy. Conversations hummed around him as he moved through the crowd.
He approached the bar and signaled for a drink. The bartender, a pale woman, glanced up from her work. She poured him something strong and slid the glass across the counter.
"Where you from?"
"Tatooine," Ben lied, his expression unreadable as he lifted the glass to his lips. "I'm here to sell some ship parts."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Not much of a market for that here."
He leaned in slightly. "I heard a rumor. There's supposed to be a temple around here. The Path of the Open Hand, right?"
Her expression shifted briefly. "The Path, huh?" she muttered. "Yeah, there was a temple. Long time ago. Abandoned for centuries."
"So no one goes there?"
The woman shrugged. "People come and go from that place. It's a smuggler hideout now, or so they say. Don't go there, unless you're looking for trouble."
Ben took a sip from his drink as she walked away.