Redemption's Price: A Star Wars Story

Chapter 24

Stepping through the door, Leia was surprised to find every Jedi around sitting in her living room. Reva, Kaider, Rena, Maja and Luke all turned. "I didnt realise I would be interrupting the Jedi Council."

"Sorry, Leia," Luke remarked as he stood. "We needed to talk. Have you seen the press release from the Legislative Assembly?"

Taking the datapad from Luke's hands, she scrolled to see it. She had taken the afternoon to speak with Ambassador Hirsi; surely there wouldn't be a motion yet. Yet as she read, there was a sinking feeling.

~~~

When Luke came with the news of the upcoming motion, I didnt know what to expect. The cross-examination felt more like an interrogation than a judicial procedure; perhaps in the Empire, they were the same. Yet, two options were put forward, the death penalty and public service in a term of remaining natural life. The look in Leia's eyes was as cold as ice. Somewhere in her, she knew why death had been put forward; in fact, it had been implemented before for several high-ranking Imperial officials but never for a force-sensitive being and member of the Jedi Order as a sanctioned reprimand of the Galactic Republic. Well, not in this way, at least.

"I'll have to talk with the Chancellor about this!" Leia said as she looked up from her data pad. "I can't let this go ahead."

Before Leia could leave, Luke blocked her. "We've all talked about it..."

"...whatever the Jury decides will be the will of the force," Kaider replied as she looked up at Leia.

"As am I. I've avoided ill sentiment for too long. Besides, we are Jedi; we do not believe in death. It is a natural part of life, and our life force will eventually rejoin the cosmic force anyway," Reva added as she stood, allowing her light brown robe to sway. There was no fear in her words, not unlike Leia, whose emotions swirled like a stormy sea.

As Luke met my eyes, he wanted me to speak with her. So, as I took her to the balcony, I tried to ease her worry as best as possible. She was an empath; with time, I knew she would hone her skill in the force but now was not that time. "Leia," I said softly as we stood, the wind wafting our hair. "Share your thoughts."

Looking at me, she let a tear drip down her face. "It isn't as simple as I thought. I fooled myself into thinking that ... somehow the galaxy would be fixed." Pausing again, she laughed as she looked out over the city. "The death penalty is so barbaric and something I certainly didnt imagine in the future when I dreamt of today."

Gipping the handrail, I understood how Leia felt. The very concept was disgusting to me. Life was sacred, yet as I thought about it, any true Jedi would not fear it but welcome it as the Jedi on Corocaunt had. With no choices at onces disposal, the concept of being one with the force wasnt that foreign. It was a genuine sacrifice once done by the elder members of Khebian nobility, or at least it seems that way in the archaeological record. Yet in my heart, there was fear and yet peace too.

Looking at me, Leia reached for her necklace. "This is the last gift from my father. Something so precious that reminds me of them. Part of me wanted to burn the Empire to the ground. I wanted revenge for the pain it coursed me." Taking a breath, she blinked back tears.

"My mother taught me that anger is like a fire that burns in our bellies when we feel disappointed, hurt, or betrayed. It's a natural and powerful response to injustice. It can be constructive and energising, preparing us for action. Or it can be destructive and consume our thinking, leading to impulsive actions that might be hurtful or violent." Pausing, I looked at Leia. "The sages urged our ancestors to learn to respect the power of anger and channel it constructively as it is an important part of the spiritual path. Yet more importantly, as a Jedi, I must examine my feelings and search the force for wisdom and insight. Actions and words have effects, and we must ask ourselves if we respond out of vindictiveness or justice."

Turning to me, Leia smiled. "Luke once said, 'do not allow your feelings to cloud your judgment.' Of course, it was advice from Master Kenobi, but it feels hard to remain detached."

"It shouldn't be detachment; try thinking of it as a personal boundary. It will be different for everyone." Looking back into the Alderaan Embassy, I could see the group talking amongst themselves. "Kaider has sought relief from the pain of her past, just as I imagine Reva has."

~~~

Meanwhile, Myrrine paced as she waited for her mother's meeting. Lady Maera had arrived at the Royal Consulate in a hurry. Something had bothered her about the proceedings. There was nothing Myrrine could do but wait. If she were home, she would have gone to her sister and formulated a guess as to Eema's mood. Instead, the raised voices from the room were that of a heated argument. As Myrrine paced, she listened to what she could.

"... no, absolutely not. I forbid it!" Maera asserted as she swung open the door tossing her datapad to the ground.

Reading the brief on the screen, Myrrine understood. Looking up, she saw her other mother watching her as if waiting for her response.

"Are you and Eema okay?"

Smiling, Hirsi rolled her eyes. Then, with a nod, she answered, "Yeah, you know your mother. She'll think over my suggestion and come around later."