Star Wars: Hidden Fates

Chapter 14: Business

Damian passed the holotablets around. "This is what the Sith Empire hides from the public. I had to do investigations to obtain this information."

Bastila took a look at the data. It broke her heart seeing that. She was beginning to question if violence was worth freely using her talents and skills. She brushed the thought aside, she was still convinced the guilt was a Jedi trick.

"The Jedi lie. For all you know, that information could be fabricated." Bastila was looking for a way to show her claim. "For example, how did he obtain the passwords?"

Leilani gently put her hand out to gesture to Bastila to wait. "Let's hear his explanation before we jump to conclusions on either side."

The Republic representative frowned at Bastila. He felt that she believed she was capable of instilling doubt about the Jedi. "The boy may be a young Jedi but he is still part of the Order, and should not be underestimated."

President Carsen took a look at a holotablet. "Our planet's philosophy is to not aid those who intentionally harm others for their good and to do nothing with them. This data looks convincing, except for the lack of physical proof."

The Republic representative was worried that it was coming down to physical proof. "If we have proof, will it be definitive that you will remain in the Republic?"

President Carsen shook his head. He looked at everyone and then directly at the Republic representative. "Even if the information is true, I would have to see if what the Empire does are worthy sacrifices for prosperity."

Bastila smiled, things were appearing in her favor.

However, Leilani was not going to sit there and not do what she came to do, mediate. "President Carsen, as you speak, are you also asking yourself if sacrificing innocent lives is worth success? At the end of the day, how could you go to bed being okay if something bad happened to innocent civilians in exchange for your prosperity?"

Bastila looked at Leilani. "Surely the sacrifices must be worthy enough for prosperity."

The Republic representative shook his head at Bastila. "Prosperity should come from the result of a time of peace, not at the cost of innocent civilians dead or alive."

Bastila shook her head at the Republic representative. "Why you! The Sith empire does better than the Republic. The Republic holds people back from their true potential to prosper."

The Republic representative smiled, "Bet."

Leilani looked at him. "Let's look at all the information so the president can make his decision. We are not trying to start a war. Save any fights for the battlefield– preferably none at all."

President Carsen was intrigued with Bastila's words. His planet was famous for their jewelry and was considering the Sith empire would help the planet become more rich from the exportation of resources.

The Republic representative looked at Leilani to intervene.

"Your planet is very successful, if I recall, this place is the number one jewelry maker. This planet is already wealthy, what will accumulating more wealth do? There is only so much you can do with money and how will a lot more money make people happy if all they are worried about is getting rich?"

The Republic representative chimed in after her intervention. "The Sith that run the Empire are the ones who are actually wealthy. Any attempt to take their wealth that was stolen from the people will be suppressed by the military.

Thousands of people get killed in a day for starting an uprising. Look at the holonet news from outside reporters that show live images taken from space."

Bastila looked angry. "What they show is propaganda."

The Republic representative sounded like he was taunting her. "Where is your proof that it is not? Show us some live footage of a planet run by the Sith."

Bastila pulled up a live recorder of a planet on the outer rim. "See, no abuse or cruelty from the Sith. This place is prospering."

Leilani took a look. "That planet is run by Darth Thoro Tylin. She is more of a psychological manipulator than a person who results in threats and violence unless her manipulation fails. Most Sith bark and bite extremely to keep people in line which forces them to act a way in order to survive. They prosper but at the cost of their sanity."

"Darth Tylin?!" The Republic representative looked at Leilani. "That is why you looked like someone I know. You're related."

Leilani was making a weird face as she explained herself. "Yes, but actually no. I am not a Sith. This has nothing to do with the matter."

The republic representative stayed quiet, no point in arguing with a Jedi.

The president spoke. "I want to see other planets' footage. One ran by the Emperor."

Bastila reluctantly pulled up another live footage. "Things come at a cost, the question is– will it be worth it? I believe the answer is yes."

The president rubbed his chin. He was beginning to agree with the Republic. "If this is how the average Sith runs a planet, I am becoming skeptical if this will be for the greater good of my people. "

"The Sith are more controlling than the Republic."

The president changed his mind, he believed there was a better solution for his people. "I have heard and seen enough. I am going to inform the lower courts about leaving the Republic to become a neutral planet. That can be a win for everyone."

The Republic representative did not want to give up yet. "But–"

Leilani looked at him with her resting face. She did not want to risk any wrong actions from occurring. "We cannot force him to choose a side. He has heard both of you and made a decision that is neither good nor bad. Let's not cause tension."

President Carsen pointed at Leilani. "Whoever sent this mediator deserves my thanks. This negotiation may have been short but it could have been worse if the representatives had no one to hold them back."

Leilani smiled and felt proud she did a good job. Damian was happy for her, not just because they were friends.

On the other hand, Bastila knew she had failed. She almost bursted out in anger but she remembered a way to redeem herself, kill Leilani and her friend would be a bonus. All she had to do was walk out and quietly follow them.