Faction Fortunate Son (Anyone at the Federal Assembly Building)

[Maldor Mecetti]

​

Coruscant.

Jewel of the Galaxy.

And at the heart of that jewel?

The Senate District. Here, the decisions which directed the entire Galactic Alliance were made. Here, the fate of the Galaxy was decided.

And here, at long last, Maldor Mecetti had come to claim his rightful place as a power-broker in galactic affairs.

Things were happening fast in the galaxy. Wars were scarcely cooling off before they heated up again in new places. It proved the truth of what Maldor had learned in the secret Mecetti vault: Peace is a Lie.

Back home, on Obulette, the recount was still happening. But there was little doubt about its outcome. Even if someone else somehow managed to get the necessary votes to challenge Maldor, his mother would find a way to 'adjust' those votes so that they came out in House Mecetti's favor. Such had been the reality of his whole life thus far. He had been placed where he was needed. Democracy was an illusion.

But here, on the galactic stage, he would be handed no further victories by virtue of his parents' influence. Here, he would win his own battles, and prove his own mettle.

With war on the horizon, he could not ask for a better proving ground.

'Zephyr,' his Executive Shuttle, soared through the sky above Coruscant and set down on one of the Senate complex's landing pads. Maldor stood, smoothing out the crimson cloak which flowed over his earth-toned jacket and pants. A proper balance of prestige and relatability, his clothing colors had been carefully chosen after weeks of secret polls and focus groups. The common man needed to know you were better than he was. But he also needed to know that you could understand him and his woes.

And the common man was so common, so utterly stupid, that he believed what his eyes told him.

That had been his father's first lesson in politics: "Never believe what they show you. Only believe what they do."

Maldor's hands drifted to the lightfoil hilt at his waist, under his cloak. The weapon was a common affectation of those who came up through the Tapani sector's noble ranks. 'Saber Rakes,' was the term given to the young, duel-obsessed nobles in Tapani sector. Maldor himself was getting too old for such activities to be a benefit to his image. Only the very young were forgiven, and even celebrated, for their violent bouts of honor. So he'd had to give up dueling his rivals. But he suspected there would still be times- even as a respectable Senator- that bravado would be required to get what he wanted... and perhaps even to secure his life.

Maldor didn't forget the lessons of the past. He built upon them. They were his foundation.

Zephyr's rear ramp lowered. The droid pilot announced, "The Federal Assembly Complex," quite unnecessarily.

Maldor wondered if anyone would be here to meet him. Senate security? A future colleague? A constituent, come to wish him well?

Perhaps the recount had been concluded during his flight, and it was time to be officially acknowledged?

If not, it was only a matter of time.

His journey to true power had begun.

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

Kostodu leaned back against one of the structural supports for the massive building behind him. The Federal Assembly Complex. Where Senators talked and talked for hours at a time, and accomplished close to nothing. Time after time, the Twi'lek had found himself questioning: Why not find a better system? A system where less officials were corrupt?

Although of course, that might never happen. As long as there was money and power, there was greed.

And today, Kostodu found himself guarding that greed. Not that he had any to hide. As a Jedi Padawan, he was assigned to protect the Federal Assembly Complex for six hours straight. Probably to test his patience and will.

Hopefully he'd pass.

As the wind whistled past, making his dark brown cloak flutter, and his tan robes underneath rustle, he sensed a presence. People had been going in and out of the grand building all day, but this person was different. They had a darker aura to them, almost...Sithy.

Immediately, the Padawan stood at the ready. If this dark-sider was trying to assassinate an important Senator...or even become a Senator, the GA could be in real trouble.

Soon, a shuttle swooped down to land on the pad Kostodu was guarding. This was the source of the aura. When the ramp lowered, a red-hooded man cut through the cloud of white exhaust smoke. Kostodu stepped forward, partially blocking the way to the turbolift. Out of all the times Kostodu had been posted at the Assembly Building, he'd never seen this man before.

"Greetings, stranger!" he said, his voice filled with fake enthusiasm. "I haven't seen you around before. What's your name?"

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

As Maldor disembarked the shuttle, his eyes fell upon the lone figure who had come to meet him at his disembarkation.

He could not be entirely sure, but this green-skinned Twi'lek looked like a Jedi. He had the sort of simple, monastic look that one tended to associate with those people. It made sense. The Jedi were the power behind the Galactic Alliance. Their warrior monks had helped vanquish the foes of the Alliance, and were naturally selected to secure the leadership.

While Maldor had some Sith training, thanks to the artifacts lurking in his family vaults, he had no allegiance to the Sith nationalist or political movements. To him, the Sith holocrons had merely contained one thing of note: Power.

Some might have called it Knowledge.

The two were close cousins, in any event.

As such, he felt no concern at the appearance of the expected Jedi security presence. To him, the monk was just a fellow practitioner of the Force Arts.

"Senator Maldor Mecetti, representing Obulette." It was a presumptuous declaration. He still didn't know the outcome of the recount. But he couldn't imagine any other result.

He glanced to the left and right, before settling his gaze once more upon the Jedi. "Are you my escort?"


Kostodu Xyston

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

Kostodu's brow raised at the man's suggestion. Escort? Usually that duty was left to the Senate guard soldiers...but he supposed, since he was the guard of this platform, that he should show some respect and hospitality by guiding the Senator through the maze of corridors within. And it might give him some insight into what the man's true goals were here.

"I suppose I am. Follow me, if you will, Senator Mecetti," the Padawan said, waving a hand and heading to the turbolift. "Could you tell me a bit more about the world you are representing? Obulette? I believe I've heard of it before, but not much."

With his current knowledge, Kostodu didn't believe that world was under Sith control. But that didn't mean they weren't allied or affiliated in some way. Though this senator could be just like the others. The dark aura he felt might just be an abundance of greed and selfishness, not the dark side.

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor stepped into the Jedi's wake, accustomed to having guards or servants precede him in the halls where he tended to tread.

But when the Jedi mentioned he hadn't heard 'much' about Obulette, Maldor was taken aback.

Ah... but this was to be expected, wasn't it?

Didn't the Jedi traditionally expand their ranks by stealing force-sensitive children from throughout the galaxy?

A commendable practice, allowing for complete indoctrination of recruits. As a member of a noble house, Maldor had likely been spared such a fate by his parents. He'd been free to learn the use of the Force without the Jedi's heavy propaganda and control.

With all the senseless ideas the Jedi were forced to absorb to indoctrinate them into the Order, they likely received precious little in the way of real education about the galaxy and its politics.

"Well, young Jedi," Maldor said, resuming his pace behind the Twi'lek, "Allow me to illuminate your mind."

He began to gesture as he spoke. The topic of his homeworld- and his larger region- was one that interested him. Like many Senators, he was most enthused when the topic was, essentially, himself.

"Obulette is the Throne World of the Mecetti noble House. We are the most prominent and powerful of the seven Great Houses of the Tapani Sector.

We lead the MRC Coalition, which is an Alliance of Houses Mecetti, Reena, and Calipsa.

We control the formidable Mecetti province, with its Mecetti House Guard. Our House Guard maintains a dozen capital ships, and over a hundred-thousand ground troops.

We operate the Obulette shipyard, which puts competing shipyards like Fondor's to shame in both its sophistication and productivity of output.

In short, a Senator from Obulette is among the most important figures you are ever likely to meet."

He gave a dramatic pause as they entered the lift and added, "Particularly a Senator who is also the son of the Provincial Lord."

Clearly, where Maldor was from, that was an impactful boast.

Maldor waited for the Jedi to make a suitable remark or gesture of acknowledgement.


Kostodu Xyston

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

Kostodu nodded to himself. Now that the man explained the planet...he had heard of it before. He just hadn't been to it. And the Senator was right. He did seem important. Especially since he was the son of the Provincial Lord. Or so he claimed to be. Senators tended to lie a lot.

"Thank you for enlightening me, Senator Mecetti. I believe this is your first attendance at the Senate?" Kostodu asked, turning back to look at the red-hooded man as he pressed the button to summon the lift.

If it was Mecetti's first time at the Senate...he might get torn apart by the more voracious and experienced Senators. Funny, Kostodu thought. Getting beaten up and attacked...by words? In Kostodu's field, a battle was literally getting attacked, by someone wielding a lightsaber, or a blaster, or some other physical weapon. But in the field of politics, words, secrets, and promises were all that it took to take someone down. Further evidence that the GA's governmental system was flawed.

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

The Jedi was an amiable man, and even thanked Maldor for the education. A fortunate acquaintance!

"Yes," Maldor explained, "Obulette's previous representative at the Senate passed away unexpectedly- of natural causes- and we were forced to hold a special election to replace them. I believe I am the youngest Senator ever to serve from my world. A heady responsibility."

He smiled at the young Jedi, "I am grateful for your assistance in finding my way around."

Maldor was only infrequently grateful about anything, but he understood the benefit of making people feel that you were grateful.

"I've been informed that my offices will have an expansive view of the neighborhood," he said, as though it was a special honor. In fact, all of the Senatorial offices had expansive views, as did the Senatorial dwellings.

Then his gaze dwelt upon the Jedi, "I suppose the Jedi temple also has favorable views," he offered generously.

Then he inquired, "Are the Senators assigned individual Jedi protectors, or are your services shared? Perhaps I could make a nominal donation to secure your services full-time? You seem like a good bodyguard. I can tell. You have the gait and balance."


Kostodu Xyston

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

As Kostodu entered the turbolift, he replied, "You're welcome for the 'tour'. And yes, the Temple does have some great views. I just can't really see them from my quarters, since I'm smack dab in the middle of the first floor. Also, sorry about your first Senator. But hey...at least you're here!" he pointed out cheerfully.

He pressed another button that would take them to the main floor, where all the politics were done. His brow shot up as the Senator asked him for full-time protection. Really, Kostodu didn't think of himself as being tough enough for a bodyguard. "Uh, well, as I'm a Padawan, I haven't even completed my training yet. And we don't really have individual Jedi protectors-your bodyguards would probably be Senate guards, or a private security company if you wanted to pay the money. There's much better bodyguards out there than me. But thank you for the compliment!"

Maybe...maybe he was tougher than he thought. Other than that one time a spider had crawled into his bed, and he shrieked so loud he'd woken up five of his neighbors. But that was just one time.

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor looked at the Jedi incredulously.

"Come now," he protested, "it is commonly known that Jedi are among the most powerful warriors in the Galaxy, and have been throughout all of recorded history.

At this point in your life, you must have been training for nearly two decades. Even if you were only a normal man, you'd be a finely honed killer. As a Jedi, with access to the Force, you are worth any ten ordinary soldiers."

He sighed, "But I suppose modesty is a tenet of your order. A sentiment I value as highly as celibacy- which is to say, not at all."

He patted his chest, "Throughout the Tapani sector, we have a tradition of dueling with exquisite weapons. Honor, skill, and danger wrapped up in a show of bravado that puts every witness into a state of awe. We should spar some time."

Then he considered the matter of protection further. "Senate Guards are surely far less effective than Force-wielders who were recruited as child-soldiers into a martial monastic order. They should be on the platforms, and you Jedi should be on personal protection for the Senate."

He touched his bearded chin.

"Perhaps I'll propose it during a session, once this business with the Mandalorians is settled."

Mandalorians... one of the few warriors who could contend with a Jedi. And now the Galactic Alliance was likely to go to war with them. That matter would be his first vote.


Kostodu Xyston

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

As Kostodu marched out of the turbolift, he listened to the Senator intently. Until he heard the part about killing. The Jedi weren't supposed to be cold-blooded killers. They prized knowledge, and used the Force for defense. At all times, killing was to be avoided if possible.

"Um, well I see how you could have gotten that assumption. However, Jedi try not to kill if possible. Oh, and a sparring sesh' would be nice. I haven't swung my lightsaber around in weeks," he chuckled. And hoped he'd changed the subject. Senator Mecetti gave off a dark vibe. Not quite Sith, but somewhere in that sector.

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor raised a brow at the Jedi's protestations.

Clearly, his assertions were just a facet of Jedi propaganda. Perhaps he even believed them.

But Maldor knew the list of wars the Jedi had participated in was as long as his own arm. The Jedi Order had probably killed more people over a thousand generations of existence than the Death Star had at Alderaan.

"Of course, of course," he allowed diplomatically, "it is always a regret when an enemy forces you into the position of killing them."

Then, less diplomatically, he added, "It is a shame that so many hundreds of millions have chosen that path over the years."

But the Jedi's deft maneuver to change the subject was successful.

"Ah, we shall schedule that sparring session soon, then. Only a Saber Rake can properly challenge a Jedi in combat! Or a Sith. Possibly a Mandalorian..."

He trailed off, and his thoughts turned once again to the upcoming war with the Enclave.

"That messy business on Ryloth will certainly test that last match-up. War is inevitable, and Jedi will be in the thick of it.

Before it is all over, the Jedi Order may even require reinforcements all the way from Coruscant to bolster their numbers.

But I do not intend to sit idly here and send others to battle on my behalf from a safe remove. No. The Senate will need accurate intelligence about happenings at the front.

I intend to go there and see the fighting first hand."

 

[Kostodu Xyston]

Kostodu grinned inwardly when he had successfully changed the subject against the politician. And his smile dropped when he mentioned Mandalorians. A war was on the horizon, and it would be the bloodiest thing the Twi'lek had ever seen. All this war and fighting...for what? Political glory? For the achievement of conquering one's enemy? Foolish, all of it. He sighed.

"Uh, yes. The war is coming. Completely unavoidable. But I just wish we could settle our differences, you know? But I know that's childish of me and that it will never happen. As long as there is a lust for power, there will be confrontation. And that's...noble of you, Senator Mecetti. Some news companies aren't the most trustworthy. An eyewitness would be perfect.

"And maybe you will be assigned a Jedi bodyguard since you're going into a warzone. It would make sense at least," Kostodu reasoned. However, the fact remained that there was great hostility between the New Jedi Order and the Senate at the moment. Not many Jedi would want to be babysitting a politician.

Maldor Mecetti

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

"It is never childish to wish for peace," Maldor said, and one might have imagined he was going to say something light and inspirational.

But he continued, "War grants short-term economic gains for certain industries, but is a long-term drain on the economy. The Galactic Alliance is just coming out of one conflict, and here comes another. It will harm the economy of a thousand systems.

I wish the Mandalorians had more open markets and a more expansive interstellar commerce. There would be more incentive for them to avoid conflicts like this if their economic interrelationships with other factions were stronger.

Business interests. That's what unifies the galaxy.

People complain about profit motives creating conflict. But the truth is, for every war fought to secure resources, a dozen conflicts are avoided because they would be mutually unprofitable to the parties involved."

With the unwanted lecture about the benevolence of money finished, Maldor considered the final words of the Jedi.

"And maybe you will be assigned a Jedi bodyguard since you're going into a warzone. It would make sense at least."

"I accept your proposal," he said as they arrived at their destination, "I'll send a message to the Order letting them know how much I appreciate your offer of services."

For Maldor, it was a done deal.

Kostodu Xyston