I'd say neither of us is going to get much business done at Chazwa this time around…

[Corvus Raaf]

The starlines shrank back into stars, and Raven was back in normal space. Straight ahead was the tiny white dwarf sun of the Chazwa system, not all that distinguishable from the bright background stars around it. Nearby and a little to one side, a mostly dark circle edged by a slender lighted crescent, was the planet Chazwa itself. Scattered around it in the darkness of space the exhaust glows of perhaps fifty ships could be seen, both incoming and outgoing. Most were freighters and bulk cruisers, taking advantage of Chazwa's central trans-shipment location.

They’d agreed to meet at a neutral venue. A restaurant of all places. Perhaps the fact that both readily agreed without question suggested both knew this meeting would be different.

The Prime Minister and the Grand Master had met before. Invariably one had hosted the other. This would be the first time they’d spoken away from the Ossus Academy or the Prime Minister’s office.

So Corvus took manual control and headed for the coordinates she’d been given. This promised to be a very frank discussion. And, she hoped, fruitful. But only time would tell — and time was the one thing that the Republic didn’t seem to have at the moment.

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

It was no less than annoying to make a scene and clear an establishment out for the sake of simply having a conversation over lunch, but protocol and common sense dictated that she have her security posse around and keep the public out of this quiet little restaurant, Varsågod. Barricaded off from what crowds might be around to spectate at the official convoy, the Prime Minister took her time in stepping out, sunhat absent for the occasion, though a flowing, cream-colored shawl draped across her body in the brisk breeze. The clouds hung overhead like an omen of coming rain, but the sun yet peeked through the layers intermittently to reassure the inhabitants of Iritsa that it was no dreadful cold front approaching.

Escorted through the doors and greeted humbly by the proprietor of the restaurant, Geneviève subtly tipped her head in appreciation and meandered over to a table set for two. She was then left alone by her bodyguards and only approached by the waiter once to provide her with her choice Chandrilan red wine. Until the Grandmaster arrived, Lasedri would be left alone, ruminating over the state of things and imbibing as had become her habit--and in increasing volumes.

What she had requested Raaf to meet with her over was no light matter. The truth was nothing if it was not grim.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus found the nearby hangar simply and disembarked. She wore her traditional robes and strode to the designated location.

As she approached it, she saw a crowd and wondered if there was a problem. Fortunately the people parted as she walked forwards and soon she realised they were simply being kept out of an exclusion zone. And once two or three gather, a crowd appears.

As she stepped forwards, rumours of who was visiting the restaurant varied. The common opinion was one of three holostars or maybe even a famous musician who was playing locally tonight. Not that Corvus recognised the names. Holovids were not something she had time for.

As she reached the cordon, she was asked for ID? She raised an eyebrow. “You think I carry a passport? Or a driving license?”

A superior officer rushed across and waived her through. “He was doing his job, go easy on him,” she offered as she disappointed countless people by being one of the diners.

The door was opened by one of the PM’s people, Corvus bowed and walked through. Finding her dining partner was easy, given the restaurant was cleared.

“Water please,” she offered to the waitress as she sensed the question before it was asked. “With a slice of something citric please.”

She bowed to the PM and took a seat.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Geneviève offered a genteel nod, setting down a glass of her crimson drink and speaking the name of her friend and confidant over the years. "Corvus." Associated with a certain wise breed of fowl in their respective circles, one might expect them both to be brilliant in mind and spirit. Such may or may not be the case (That was dependent on the beholder.), but it was symbolic in a sense that they were rather compatible in effect. Not that they eternally agreed on everything. And neither was entirely informed in the opposite's field of this shaken Republic.

After the Grandmaster had taken her seat, the Prime Minister allowed several moments of silence before speaking up. It was a potentially touchy subject she was intending to broach today. But broached it must be. "I need Jedi." That was perhaps not the most shocking thing to be announced to the leader of the Jedi Order, but such confusion would only last a second. "Strategists, tacticians, warriors... generals. Republic-blooded Jedi who will do what is called for us to do in order to defend what little shell of stability and hope we have.

"Most of them are Republic citizens--just like the rest of us. It's duty and responsibility." She expected the Jedi Master to be less than receptive to this request--or demand, as some might see it--but Geneviève saw no time for playing games now. The Jedi either had to put their two hundred percent behind the Republic's war effort to repel the murderous Sith, or they might as well be called cowards. They either cared for the weak or they were hypocrites. They either defended their Republic... or they were traitors. "Give according to the needs of others as according to one's ability. Is that not insinuated in the Jedi Code?" The only issue in this moment was her own plight that nearly mirrored the Republic's as a whole. She had less leverage and was more-or-less relegated to pleading.

Unless Corvus said no.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was an Empath. It was something she dialled up and down at times and for meetings like these, she avoided the temptation to gain an advantage in sensing the other person’s mood. So she’d closed down that part of her brain. She was going to deal with Geneviève on purely equal terms and whatever was discussed would be managed without emotions.

The opening remark was innocuous enough — except that invariably boded poorly.

“We are not warriors per se. We are peace-keepers. There is a subtle difference. And I thought Jedi generals were forbidden in the Republic ranks, or am I so out of date?”

“And our Order serves the Republic. And though choice, that is why people join. They are not coerced and held to account to serve. We are galactic peace-keepers after all. There are more planets in need of help than just those that call themselves part of the Republic. Many planets that were recently part of the Republic are currently in disarray and need help for sure.”

“But we shall not let you down. For duty and responsibility are our watch-words. We are selfless by definition. But..I wonder why the meeting? So far, I feel we are going over old-ground. Either I’m missing something or you’re not sharing the whole story yet.”

She cocked her head to one side, considering her dining partner. In duelling terms, they hadn’t even taken their sabers off their belts yet.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"There are no restrictions to Jedi serving within the military. Only in government office." In truth, the Republic had never barred members of the Order from military participation. It was actually a Jedi who refused to allow the Knights to serve unless another enemy arose to threaten the Republic as a whole--in which case, Geneviève was fairly certain that the One Sith qualified under those terms. "I believe your sister has taken part with the Navy, in fact.

"Besides, what is a peacekeeper if they are not a warrior?" The ones who carried such authority were the ones who had the power to impose judgment and could thus be feared by infringers of the peace one protected. "In the large picture, do you truly believe any good can be saved without the organized sovereignty of the Republic defending it? You can't save them all alone, Corvus. Neither can I. If the Republic should fall and the Jedi live on--as they are known to do--you are still not powerful enough to stop them. Trust me. My time in the Rebellion has taught me the value of solidarity."

Now came the headline question from the Jedi Master, and surprisingly, it caught the Prime Minister slightly off guard. "My foremost duty is the security of the Republic. I have failed so far. And that is why I require drastic changes." She paused to sip from her glass, careful not to drink too much lest she reveal her weakness to her friend. Then again, had she not already displayed pure fragility to her once before? Their meeting at the Temple had been quite shaking to her. What was Corvus' weakness? "What would you be willing to do for the safety of your family?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded. She stood corrected. “My apologies. Acts seem to come and go and I have to admit I don’t keep up with what affects the Jedi. I read incoming mail of course, but I suspect not every relevant piece of news crosses my desk.”

“And Jedi are barred from public office. That is a Code restriction. And we fight alongside the armed forces for sure. But there is nothing in the Code that prohibits a military rank. There is certainly precedent.”

And Corvus smiled. “And we could debate the difference between a peace-keeper and a warrior all day. Suffice to say our primary role is to maintains or restores peace and amity. We are mediators. We restore peace at most. A warrior engages and is typically aggressive in their outlook.”

She looked her counterpart in the eyes. “A warrior starts wars. A peacekeeper ends them. Without wars, a warrior has no purpose. There is a significant difference right there.”

“And I for one believe wholeheartedly in solidarity. In being part of a greater whole. The Jedi are good examples of this. We are galactic peace-keepers. But those I represent? We always look to the needs of the Republic.”

The final question was an odd one to Corvus, but she answered it truthfully. “I am a Jedi. My family comes second. It always has and it always will. No attachment should ever come between a Jedi and her duty. So the honest answer, but not the one you seek I suspect, is that, in my capacity as a Jedi, I would treat my family as I would a total stranger. They would receive the same level of support and help. No more and no less. But surely you expected this answer?”

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"Can a warrior not restore peace to a world that has none?" the Prime Minister replied, by now understanding the Jedi's point of view but not entirely accepting of it. The role of peacekeeper as Corvus describe seemed not only preserving of peace, but downright pacifist. "There are people out there who were once under the protection of the Republic. And now they need warriors to return; to bring peace. We do not start wars, but the frak are we not going to finish one." Lasedri caught her language a little too late and offered a gestured apology. She knew her Jedi friend was not concerned about it, but even the cynical Geneviève felt enough respect for the knights of such an Order that she found it practically sacrilegious to swear in their esteemed company. Corvus had a more proper air about her in comparison to the apathetic nature of the politician.

Continuing, Gen tried to explain a more proactive, militant stance. Peace was all well and good, but there was no way this continual defensive stance was going to bring the Republic into the years to come. Times were dangerous. "I understand that violence doesn't seem like the answer. But the fact is that it is the only answer when it comes to the big picture." One might argue that he who lives by the sword dies thusly. Gen was willing to take that fall. "Even as you breathe, you are fighting a battle. Every heartbeat is a struggle. Without a threat of retaliation, evil persists and expands--as we are witnessing now."

The waitress returned to take the orders, and Geneviève requested one of her more favored meals for 'special occasions'--a bantha empanada lathered in dioche sauce. As the server turned to take Corvus' order, Gen looked directly into her lavender eyes. "Raaf, please..."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Semantics. So useful and yet so darned annoying at the same time.

“A warrior and a peace-keeper have intrinsically different viewpoints. The latter maintains peace where it exists and does just enough to obtain it, if it does not. A warrior will look to eradicate any opposition. Civilisation does not, in a peace-keeper’s eyes, work that way. Healthy opposition ensures peace. No opposition ensures tyrants.”

“Is it peace you seek…or an Empire?” Corvus spoke frankly. They had to. There was no time for months of debate and political correctness. “I too seek a Republic that welcomes planets to the fold that wish to be part of the democracy.” She held up a hand, “And let’s not debate that, you know what I mean. And we shall continue to fight where the Republic needs. In almost every sense, we are in accord.”

“But there is something underneath the words that doesn’t sit right for me. Me as in Corvus, not me as in Jedi. I do not advocate sitting back and waiting for planet after planet to fall. To see countless billions die needlessly. We need to liberate them. Corvus. The Grand Master. Both would agree to that.”

“But your language? It troubles me. It feels…militant. And a militant Jedi is an oxymoron. It is not about retaliation. It is never about retaliation. It is about justice and peace and the greater good. A measured response, not a purely military one. Remember, wars do not make one great.”

She looked to the waitress. “A blutfish risotto please,” she said, smiling.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Though the Jedi Master sitting before her knew almost every secret Gen had dared share with anyone, there was yet one secret of hers that Corvus did not know. Even so, she was almost indignant that her friend would suggest that she might desire something so atrocious as an Empire. The fascist indications of that were preposterous. Yet she understood that there was no ill intent in the Jedi's words, even if they angered her on the inside. "No." Could her friend so quickly believe she was seeking empire--the very instrument of destruction she had fought against for so long? "I seek a republic. I seek a pure republic. One that does not falter and plants its foot in the turf. One that no one goes into battle against and comes out alive.

"What is a government for? For a lethargic senate to harass and defile itself while its people are eaten alive? To content a people to rest on their laurels and let their minds be held hostage by evil with no resistance?" And that was sadly how she saw the Republic as it stood now. If the Jedi were not going to be part of a proactive movement, then they might as well be contributing to the fall. "A government is for the welfare of the people, to protect them from enemies abroad... and to protect them from themselves. I can do that, Corvus. We can make it work for once."

Wars do not make one great, the Minister recited in her mind as the waitress retreated to the kitchen with their orders. Maybe it was easy to say that for some. But war was what had made her. Rebellion was almost an innate trait of her soul. War had brought her to this point. War had made her great, had it not? "War is all we have." And it had been for eight years now. "How do you think we will ever attain peace unless we win the war?

"I need your support, Corvus." Geneviève slowly reached across the table and rested her hand atop the Grandmaster's--a foreign move for her, not being one to typically initiate any sort of physical contact. Perhaps it was a manipulative gesture on her part, but she wanted one person's trust. Her friend's. "Do you believe me?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened and nodded. What you want and what you got weren’t always the same thing — even if you believed them to be identical.

She reflected on her role model. His conversation with Anakin on that fateful day. His former Padawan’s insistence he did what he did for peace. That the end justified the means and the outcome was entirely satisfactory to all concerned.

Not that Corvus was comparing the two directly. But she saw such a determination to succeed at all costs that she wondered what the Prime Minister would not do to be successful.

“We all falter,” said Corvus, softly. “It’s what makes us human. And it makes us stronger too. And vulnerability is endearing, even in a Republic. We take one step at a time and press on, we wish we were better and berate ourselves. And we drive for perfection even though we know it’s out of reach.”

“We once talked of checks and balances. We have our Code. The Republic has a Senate. It is not perfect, but it is what we have. As a Jedi, I have learned to work with what I’m given, not what I’d like. Not to rest on my laurels, but to accept what I cannot change. To press for what I can — and enough wisdom to know which is which.”

“But…to protect people from themselves? I understand what you mean up to a point. But that’s the trouble with points. Once you get close, the bar is raised and before you know it, we profess to know what’s best for everyone. All the time. So much so that we take away the option of choice. Which then starts to sound like an Empire, yes?”

Her voice remained calm and soft. There was no accusation in her voice, just an outpouring of thoughts, ideas…to help her friend come to the right outcome all by herself. Corvus was hoping, if nothing else, to be the voice of a conscience. Not the conscience but a voice.

“I serve. The Republic. And I always shall. Never doubt me. If you say defend a planet, I take the Jedi there with me. You say rescue a planet from the One Sith, I lead the Jedi there too. I fear our current predicament is not down to the willingness of the Jedi to fight for the greater good. We have never shirked a battle yet.”

She allowed the Geneviève to take her hand. “I believe you will do anything and everything to defeat the One Sith. I believe you want the Republic to flourish once more.”

“But I ask you one question. Is that what you want me to believe in? Or something else? Something…more?”

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"But was I not elected to change things?" No one ever was elected on the promise of bringing more of the same--unless it be prosperity. Those who wanted progress sought it, and those who cared not got what they deserved. "You see, comrade, you are far different than the galaxy at large--and I am not sure if that makes you transcendental or naive. Most would fight for their family or whatever they hold so dear, rest of the galaxy be damned. The position I hold is no different." It could be violent and cruel at times, but was their a choice in the face of violence and cruelty? The Republic did not choose this war.

But maybe Geneviève did choose it. Did that make her wrong? Did that make her evil? Or, in the terms of Corvus: dark?

"I want you to believe me." Her words were more harbingers than prayers to a dear friend. There would be storms ahead--controversial times, even beyond what the majority had come to expect from such a controversial leader already. The Jedi Order might even find itself cast into the mix of things, whether it wanted to be involved or not. Jedi did not belong in politics, but politics often referenced the Jedi. That was the cost of being the foremost symbol. Discerning the truth from here on would be nigh impossible. And that was why Geneviève needed Corvus' reassurance. "I want you to believe what I say today, yesterday, and down the line--whether to you or to the public. What I say, I mean. I say what I have to and do what I must to preserve and resurrect our Republic."

The Prime Minister released her hand from atop the Grandmaster's as a certain phrase came to mind. It was something the woman before her had taught. And it was what Gen felt she had to hit home. "Follow your heart, yes?" She smiled, and in that moment, she wondered whose smile she had stolen.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus both sympathised and empathised with the woman sitting opposite her.

“You were elected to lead. To make decisions. If change is the right decision, then you should not doubt it. The trouble with change is that people don’t always like it — even if it’s better than before. But that should not deter you. You were elected to lead, not to be popular.”

“They don’t always go together.”

“And to your next point, I always work for the greater good. The reason we eschew relationships and attachments? So we don’t make decisions based upon what is good for them — but what is good for the galaxy. We seem cold, aloof even. Maybe we are. But that is our way.”

“And I shall always believe you. You are many things, but a liar is not one of them. Not in my experience. Putting the Republic first is not a bad thing, I am not saying it is. All I counsel is that the end does not always justify the means.”

“And yes — if, in your heart, it feels wrong — then it most certainly is.” And she smiled back.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Whenever talk of the 'greater good' was brought up, it most often signified sacrifice on a more local level. And that was only proper. The 'greater good' indicated there was a lesser good to be cast aside for the benefit of the general populace. Many could vouch for Lasedri's own sacrifices in terms of her life versus the lives of societies her liberators had affected, but, to Geneviève, there was now a calling for a greater amount of sacrifice to be made across the board for the sake of the Republic. It could defy the very core values democracy applauded.

But what must be done must be done. "I'd like to say that I could treat all equally in every circumstance. But I would save you before I'd save many others." How confusing it was to her own mind whether Corvus--her dear friend--had achieved the role of associate or asset in this moment. The lines had been grayed for so long that each pit seemed like a haven and each summit like a mass grave. They had the same goals, in a sense, and the same willingness to sacrifice. But the objects of their sacrifice were discrepant. "Call it irresponsible--but I take care of my own." That was why they needed to establish a system that constricted inherent selfishness and promoted the benefits across entire worlds that only unified work for progress could attain. There was a new day to be seized with the rise of communal entrenchment.

Inside, she knew her heart said her plans were wrong. But she had done worse before...

Right?

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled softly. She was a true Jedi — and so never judged. Everyone had their own priorities and morals. And anyone who did what she thought was right — what was the correct thing in their heart? How could anyone say that was wrong?

Certainly not Corvus.

If this was the part where Corvus would reveal she would put the Prime Minister above any other, then Corvus would disappoint. Not that she share that information here and now.

Instead she stared her friend in the eyes. “Tell me what you need. And I shall do whatever I can. You know that. I am your humble servant, remember.”

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"Integration," she said. "Work with the troops more closely. I fear the Jedi do not understand the needs of the common soldier, nor do I believe the troops understand the limits of a Jedi. As I said, solidarity; fluidity is what we need. Even a Jedi is nothing without their friends, is this not correct?" Even if the Jedi would never join the military, they needed to at least train with them--and perhaps even associate with them.

The universe was more like Geneviève than Corvus in many ways. Few were as well-wishing and selfless as the Jedi Master, and camaraderie was not to be underestimated on the battlefield. Unity would win.

But then there were those who not only betrayed and threatened the Republic, but who did so to the Order as well. "And, most importantly, be careful. You are not far removed from a time when a Grandmaster killed your own council and undermined the Republic at Coruscant." Her message was as truthful as it was foreboding.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Nothing the PM had asked or said felt wrong — so why did Corvus still have a bad feeling about this?

“Integration?” she echoed. “Yes, you’re right. We should work more closely with the troops.”

“And thanks for the advice. I’ve survived one assassination attempt since I became the Grand Master, so I’ll keep my eyes and ears open but…you know me. I’ll trust in the Force.”

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]