Heirs of the Fallen {1} (Remastered)

Chapter 6

The Senate building on Klemied was akin to Coruscanti architecture, much like the planet itself, but different enough that Leia wasn't reminded of the similarities often. The halls were broad and tall, with columns holding it up, but they were also very open to the outside world, with actual openings instead of windows. As Leia walked down the hall, passing through rays of sunlight and pockets of comforting heat they created, she fixed her hair a bit. "Threepio, how long until the meeting starts?"

"The gathering will begin at eight oh clock, Mistress Leia." The protocol droid declared. Leia checked her chrono. 7:42, she was making good time.

She rolled her shoulders and cracked her neck lightly before putting on a smile and strolling into the meeting room. "Good evening, everyone." She greeted with a practiced poise and grace.

The room was small but fitting; there would only be maybe twenty people in attendance at this conference. But these twenty people were extremely important to the different nuances of galactic control, in charge of reaping the benefits and exposing the negatives of outer-worldly domination. Leia had only met with at most half of the people here prior to this meeting, which was why as New Republican delegate she had to be on her best behavior.

Once 8:00 rolled around and everyone arrived Leia stood up from her seat and walked to the front of the room with a smile. "If you have just arrived, good evening. My name is Leia Organa, former Princess of Alderaan and commanding officer in the Rebellion against the Empire. After the Empire was scattered and the Emperor destroyed approximately one rotation ago, myself and the other Rebel leaders assembled a plan to ensure that something as heinous as the Empire will never rule again."

Leia turned on the holotable in front of her, projecting the symbol of the New Republic. It was almost the same as the Rebel symbol, but with a ring surrounding the outside and a few star shaped circles representing the planets that had joined. As of now there were only six, but hopefully after this meeting there would be seven. "The New Republic. This plan had come to be even before the Empire was eradicated; we had been ironing out the kinks and analyzing the system back during the battles of Hoth and Yavin. But we could never put the system into place, not until the reigning galactic superpower was abolished."

"The New Republic takes the benefits of the Old Republic and analyzes the flaws so that they will never be repeated. The reigning line of power will remain, with the Chancellor being the icon of the New Republic."

A few murmurs of distrust and hesitancy ran through the crowd, something Leia was prepared for. "I'm well aware what you're thinking; 'the Chancellor of the Old Republic was the man who toppled it and created the horrible Empire'. We hear you, and are determined to never make that same mistake. In this system emergency powers are granted by a 3/4ths vote instead of 2/3rds in the Senate, and also require every assistant of the chancellor's approval. There is also a plan in place in class emergency powers need to be granted quickly, in which the New Republic Council votes and needs to be in unison."

"The New Republic Council is a group composed of former Rebel leaders, such as myself. Our goal is to ally planets to our cause and see the overarching big picture of how the New Republic is operating, whereas the Senate is more focused on the details and politics of the system. The chancellor will be a member of both."

Leia switched the holotable to project a map of current galactic highways the New Republic ruled. "As for trade routes and travel, the New Republic has already seized control of former Imperial routes. The rule remains that if your planet is not a member you will be taxed to travel, but if you are a member of the alliance you will be taxed at a lower rate in exchange for fair and fast travel from world to world, and a discounted tax on exchanged goods."

"Our main epicenter will be the planet of Alonia." Leia pulled up a projection of the planet. "On this planet there will be harsher restrictions granting access purely for security reasons, because this is where our Senate, Council, and chancellor will reside."

"And what about our benefits, Your Highness?" Someone called brashly from the crowd. Leia smiled lightly.

"Your concern of your planet is admirable and respectable. Your benefits will be access to all trade routes and galactic highways at a discount, and because you'd be ruled by a larger system you won't have to bother yourself as much with the minuscule problems that come with singular planetary rule. Plus, if a dispute were to ever arise either within your planet or with another, you will always be able to be protected by the military effort of the New Republic which is growing quickly."

Leia stopped the projection. "Any other questions?"

After letting the silence sit for a few seconds, Leia smiled again. "Thank you for your time, and I hope this presentation brought you clarity and gave you something to think about. I'll be eagerly awaiting your response tomorrow."

Chatter started up and Leia sighed lightly to herself. "That could've gone much worse." She muttered to Threepio.

"I agree, Mistress Leia." Threepio nodded encouragingly. "I believe you did wonderful."

"Thank you, Threepio." She gave the droid a small pat on the shoulder before collecting her things.

"Excuse me, Your Highness?" A young voice called from below her. Leia peered down and smiled at a young woman staring up at her. Once she realized she'd gained the princess's attention she flushed lightly and clasped her hands together. "Do you have a minute?"

"Of course." Leia stepped down off the podium. "What can I do for you?"

"I'd, um... Just like to say that I really admire you and the work you do and did. We need more people like you in the galaxy."

"Well, it seems like I'm talking to one right now." Leia stuck out her hand. "What's your name, miss?"

The young woman shook Leia's hand enthusiastically, her black curls bouncing lightly. "My name is Kiracel, I'm with the SIT program on Coruscant."

"SIT, isn't that senator-in-training?"

"Yes Your Highness, I'm currently still enrolled in the school but I'll be graduating soon." Kiracel beamed, bright green eyes sparkling. "I hope to live up to your example someday."

"I'm sure you'll exceed mine if you keep that optimism up." Leia let go of her hand with a grin. "It was nice meeting you, Kiracel. I hope to see you again."

"Me too, Your Highness." And with that the young woman was gone. Leia watched her go with a small smile, keeping in mind that she wouldn't mind having an SIT if it was someone like her.

Meanwhile, someone slipped out of the shadows of the crowd leaving the room and walked away, towards the balcony. Once they were secluded they pulled out a comm, and a small blue figure appeared.

"Any updates?"

"It's time, Mother."

The holographic woman turned towards the speaker, her eyes narrowing with a small encouraging smile. "Very well, you may begin."