The Legend of the Jedi Queen

41. How Liberty Dies

None of the Jedi or palace guards stationed inside and out of the room seemed to care about the three of them walking in late. Nellith released upon looking for nameplates that all of the kids were in the same place. Her, Tallis, Miri, Amilyn, and Sam were the youngest delegates, and they were all next to each other.

Why would they organize it that way? Nellith wondered as she looked at how the other delegates were set up.

The rest of the First Order delegates sat at one of the four long tables, the Imperial Royal family sitting right in the center. Adjacent to them was the New Republic's table, and directly across was the Second Order. The table Nellith and the other underage delegates sat at was also shared with the Artorian Royal Family, who appeared to be the ones who would run the conference.

King Ambrose rose as Tallis and Miri sat down. He surveyed the room with a gaze before he spoke.

"I think we can say that we are all here today for the galaxy's last hope," Ambrose said. "We have seen three wars already. The Republic versus the Separatists. The Empire versus the Rebel Alliance. The First Order versus the Resistance. There were heroes on both sides of these wars, and it is clear that the story is repeating itself. Some would ascribe noble causes to these wars— but there is nothing noble about the taking of so many lives."

Nellith could feel both her mother and her father's anger flare up, like a river beginning to overflow and a wave towering too high over he beach. She couldn't help but be confused as to why.

"We will give everyone time for opening statements and initial demands," King Ambrose said. "Then we will begin negotiations. Let's start with the New Republic."

King Ambrose then gestured towards Chancellor Connix. "My dear chancellor, if you will?"

"Yes," Connix murmured as she stood. Watching her, Nellith realized that her height did not match the energy Connix wielded. Kaydel Ko Connix, despite her lack of said stature, had an imposing presence, within and outside of the Force. She had clearly learned plenty from Princess Leia.

"I, Chancellor Connix, only wish for peace," she began. "But it must be peace on moral terms. The reason we went to war in the first place is because the Second Order, when it was still acting as a part of the First Order, broke several terms of the Treaty of Hoth. I will list them to you. The Bogan Squadron was sent out five months ago to attempt an assassination of Nellith Solo and attacked in Republic territory, such as Tatooine and the Calrissian Belt. The Bogan Squadron has also occupied Corellia for many years and has corrupted the local government. They employ torture tactics and are traitors to the First Order. The final offense may be forgiven if the Second Order renounces their attacks, assassination attempts, and their occupation of all planets other than one we shall designate."

"Thank you," King Ambrose said. "Andromeda Hux, if you will?"

Hux arose from the center of the Second Order table, her father looking at her with absolute pride.

"We have only one demand," Hux said. "We will cease the war if given Tallis Shan so he may rule as our rightful emperor."

Tallis stiffened next to Nellith. She glanced at him— his face was blank and stoic, except for his eyes, which revealed the true panic. He wanted to run right then and there— but she didn't know what had stopped him. She placed a hand over his, and his muscles seemed to loosen up.

"We won't let them take you," Nellith mouthed to him. He nodded, shaking a little.

"Very simple, then," King Ambrose said, looking cheerful. "Supreme Leader— is it Ben Solo or Kylo Ren now?"

Rey and Ben exchanged a glance as Ben rose.

"Ben Solo," Ben announced. "And I have my own statement. I cannot ignore that the Second Order initially existed as a traitorous conspiracy to overthrow me, and to reinstate the Galactic Empire. That isn't what the First Order is about anymore. She has undermined all of that, and it will cost our reputation and our attempt to put things right. She has attempted to murder me and my family several times, and was a willing host to one of the greatest evils the galaxy has known! My demand is that we come up with a new government— throw it all away, the Republic, the Empire, all of it— my demand is that we build something new."

With that, rather awkwardly, Ben sat down.

"That is an interesting speech, Supreme Leader," King Ambrose said. "Perhaps we will have to work on your negotiation skills. You do realize that we are at a peace treaty, right?"

Nellith's cheeks turned red as she prayed that her father would keep it together. . .

Oh, who am I kidding? This is gonna be bad, Nellith thought. Tallis wrapped his hand around hers and gently squeezed it upon sensing her distress. She glanced at him, taking her eyes off of Ben for exactly three seconds.

"You realize that we are dealing with severe violations of treaties and laws here, right?" Ben demanded. "We cannot simply let it all to the side? What would Padmé Amidala say?"

Whispering began to fill the conference hall. Murmurs for and against Ben's proposals, as well as the general gossip about the Skywalkers that followed them everywhere.

"Calm down," King Ambrose said. "Diplomacy needs a diplomatic attitude. Perhaps we should break off for the day—"

Amilyn Dameron rose. "Your Highness, we should not. We need peace in the galaxy. We need to work this out."

King Ambrose shook his head. "Conference dismissed for the rest of the day!"

Grumbles roared through the conference hall. The Second Order members immediately pushed back their chairs and left, looking quite pleased with themselves. All except for Galen. Galen stepped up and walked over to Tallis and Nellith. Tallis gripped Nellith's hand so hard it hurt, and the two rose to their feet hurriedly.

"Just wait, just a moment," Galen begged. "Please, Tallis. All I want is to talk to you, to have a civil conversation. Can you do that?"

"No," Tallis said coldly. "I thought we established that. Leave me alone."

"You're my son," Galen said, a sad gleam in his aquamarine eyes. "I'll always keep trying to talk you again."

This hit Tallis like a blaster bolt to the chest. He froze completely, and seemed to no longer be there.

"We'll talk," Tallis agreed, his voice a murmur. "But I want Nellith there."

Galen looked to Nellith, resigned to her existence.

"Then it is agreed," Galen said.

The three then left the room and the failed day of diplomacy behind.