The Shadow of the Jedi

5. Corruption

We departed from the planet's atmosphere as soon as we reached the Coruscant hangar to board our consular class cruiser, heading towards the mid-rim, where we would either use force or diplomacy to put an end to this rebellion permanently. I warned my padawan throughout our voyage about the delicate nature of our mission and the necessity to proceed with caution since one mistake could cause everything to go wrong.

During my diplomatic mission to Ord Mantell with my Padawan Tira Mestra, the Consular-class starship Tranquil Envoy was traversing hyperspace. The quiet hum of the hyperdrive provided a soothing backdrop for the conversation between the Jedi Master and my apprentice.

Tira was a young, gregarious Padawan who was always voicing her opinions while I watched over the ship's systems. "Master Kodo, I'm curious about your opinions of the rebel actions in the Outer Rim. How do you see the Republic's endeavors, and why do individuals join them?"

I turned to face Tira, years of experience and wisdom reflected in my eyes. "Tira, the Outer Rim, is a place of adversity and sorrow. Many of its residents believe that the core planets have forgotten about them. People are often drawn to rebels by the promise of change and a voice for those who feel powerless."

Tira listened carefully, her eyes reflecting the brightness of the starlines flying past outside the ship's glass. "But, Master, isn't the Republic supposed to protect and defend each and every one of its citizens? Why do some individuals not accept it?"

I sighed and looked up at the vast expanse of stars. "The Republic is a big nation with a bureaucracy that can be slow and inefficient at times. People in the Outer Rim perceive corruption edging in and think the Senate is staffed by bureaucrats more interested in serving their own interests than the welfare of the galaxy. Padawan, it's challenging to untangle this intricate network."

Tira took in her master's words and nodded. "So, do you sympathize with those who join the insurgents, Master?"

From her point of view, my eyes were a mix of understanding and sadness. "Tira, I'm sorry for those people. Because of the hardships they face and the drastic methods they take to attempt and effect change, I feel bad for them. But I can also see the dangers ahead of them, the dark path. It is our duty to guide them back to reality and show them that there are other, more potent ways to bring about change."

My pupil and I continued our conversation as the spacecraft moved forward through hyperspace. Having visited Ord Mantell, I knew that a diplomatic solution may be possible, but I also knew that the Outer Rim was confronted with serious issues. Both of us were politely bracing ourselves for the challenges that awaited us.

After the standard landing procedure, we reach Ord Mantel and quickly proceed to the nearby village bearing news of the rebel sighting. So that we may start talks, we need to find the assumed Republic senator and his supporters.

We were able to confirm and possibly send a message to the senator to negotiate peace as we were traveling from city to city throughout the globe. At the cantina, we were both waiting for the messenger to come back to us when he informed us that, as a token of his confidence, we would be guided straight.

My curiosity about how they were purchased or stolen was piqued when we were taken by armed guards dressed in military-grade gear. First, I would assume that they were either stolen from a pirate or freighter crew, traded, or purchased with senatorial savings. I noticed how the planet's greenery is fading and how dark the ashes of fire have made it throughout our voyage out of the village. The route we are taking is covered in the stink of corpses and people becoming sick or dying on the street.