But if you could just write me out
To neverless wonder... happy will I become
Be true that this is no option
So with sin I condemn you
Demon play, demon out!
Welcome Home - Coheed and Cambria
A/N Kuat, Kintan, and Akiva are with the First Order. Chandrila, Corellia, and Coruscant with the Republic
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife as the various parties took their seats at the huge round table; Cyrilla sitting at what seemed to be the head in a large throne-like chair. Clustered together were representatives of the three distinct groups, the New Republic, the First Order, and the Hapans.
Rey took her seat between Leia and Finn, swallowing uncomfortably as all eyes rested on her making her feel incredibly insecure. Leia had told her the dusky purple dress with its rounded neckline and long sleeves was appropriate. She knew her hair, pulled into her signature three-looped style was presentable so what were they staring at? Perhaps Leia had been right, perhaps she really was a commodity. Or a freak, for that matter.
She glanced around the table self-consciously, trying not to let her gaze fall on Ben, who was looking so damn good in formal clothing.
Cyrilla looked at each person seated at the table in turn, her eyes lingering on Kylo Ren, Leia Organa-Solo, and the Jedi Rey. She knew all three were Force-sensitive and she was hoping she was not broadcasting her nervousness outward towards the group. She'd been coronated only a few months ago, these peace talks marking her first real forray into intragalactic politics and Maker was she hoping it went well! Normally she hated the thick ceremonial face-paint that came with the title; today she was thankful as it helped hide her expression. Today, it felt like armor.
She cleared her throat, "On behalf of the people of Naboo, I welcome you all to Theed Palace. We are here because we believe with some compromise we can end this war without any further bloodshed and I am honored to facilitate these negotiations. I've spoken to each of the different delegations individually and I believe we can do so today."
It was a half-truth at best.
She looked to General Organa-Solo and her mismatched group. "General Organa-Solo, you want the First Order to recognize the self-sovereignty of the New Republic, end the blockade, open the trade routes, end their current stormtrooper program and stop their expansion into territories previously held by the Republic."
Leia nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."
She looked to Prince Isolder. "Your Highness, the Hapes Consortium wants an end to the war, for the First Order to reopen trade routes in its occupied territories, assurances neither the First Order or the Republic will try to enter Hapes, and concrete trade agreements with both entities."
Prince Isolder nodded regally but remained silent.
She turned her gaze to Kylo Ren, just as imposing without his famous helmet as with it. "Supreme Leader, the First Order wishes to be recognized as a legitimate state, to be granted easy access to the Core worlds, specifically," she eyed a man and a woman representing Kuat and Coruscant respectively, "Coruscant and Kuat. You also wish to continue expanding into new systems that request to join you."
"That is correct," the Supreme Leader's deep voice carried across the room.
Chancellor Florin, representing Corellia in the New Republic snorted derisively. The rest of the table studiously ignored him.
"Let's talk about recognition and expansion first," Cyrilla suggested.
"While the First Order recognizes the Republic, we are not willing to stop our expansion into territories formerly held by the Republic should the systems wish to join the First Order," the Supreme Leader said matter-of-factly.
YOU ARE READING
Confronting Fear
Fanfiction"When I offer you my hand again, you'll take it." What if Kylo Ren had been right? What if Rey had taken Kylo Ren's hand when he offered it the second time, deciding her best chance at defeating Palpatine and saving the galaxy was with him? But can...
