Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 2: Koltav Catroe

Once we grabbed a ship, the three of us made our way inside. And I flew us over to Corellia. Corellia contained many features such as dense forests, lush bright green fields, vast seas, pristine beaches, mountain peaks and crystal swamps. When we landed in Coronet City of Corellia, the Corellian Council awaited us on the platform along with a few soldiers. Coronet City's the Capital of Corellia where many places including the Diktat's palace. One of the council members approached us with a smile. He seemed to be around my age. He wore the usual attire that all Corellian Council members wear. He had short sandy brown hair with dark ocean blue eyes.

"Greetings Jedi! My name is Korste Catroe, I am a member of the Corellian Council and the younger brother of Koltav Catroe, the Diktat of Corellia." The council member greeted us with an enthusiastic tone.

"Pleasure to meet you. I am Master Stass Allie and this is my former apprentice, Jedi Knight Storm Ca'ana." Master Allie greeted, introducing us.

"The pleasure's all ours, Jedi." Korste replied. "Come, we will show you the palace."

With that we followed Korste to the palace. It was a huge and magnificent palace with the flags of Corellia hung over the tall towers, including the Coronet Capitol Tower. The inside was just as marvelous as the outside filled with beautiful marble polished floors, many antiques from all over the galaxies, and crystal chandeliers on the ceilings. The palace was filled with armed guards in all the hallways. No doubt they increased security as soon as the assassination attempts drastically increased. As we walked through the hallways, Korste then spoke up. "We're very relieved to hear that the Jedi Council would help us."

"We're happy to help." Master Allie said with a smile.

With that we reached the audience chambers where the Diktat Koltav Catroe sat with a few soldiers around him. He seemed to be in his late twenties. Koltav was rather handsome with short dirty blonde hair neatly combed to the side and with honey colored eyes. As soon as his honey colored eyes met mine, I was breathless. I stared at him in awe.

I continued to stare until Master Allie gently nudged me with her arm before clearing her throat. I wore a sheepish smile as I felt my face heat up. Master Allie then bowed before the Diktat Koltav and I followed her lead, bowing as well. Great...this is my first impression on the Diktat of Corellia.

"You must be the Jedi." Diktat Koltav said as his eyes lit up.

As we rose, Diktat Koltav made his way towards us. "I'm so happy that the Jedi Council have sent help. I haven't been able to do anything without worrying."

"We're honored to help, Diktat Koltav." I replied, offering a smile.

Diktat returned my smile and grabbed my hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. "Please call me Koltav, and believe me the pleasure's all mine."

My smile widened as I looked into his eyes. Master Allie then cleared her throat, causing us to quickly look away from one another and I hastily pulled my hand away from his grip.

"Perhaps you could tell us all you know about these assassination attempts such as when did it first commence?" Master Allie questioned.

"It started ever since I had gave my opinion on the Military Creation Act. I at first believed it to be a few extreme protestors who were against me..." Koltav explained.

"What changed your mind?" I inquired.

"The fact that it continued well after I withdrew my vote from the Act. I knew that it had to be from outside the planet." Koltav continued. "They were too frequent...too many to be my people. So I decided to close the borders, but it was too late by them. Whoever's planning this is already here..."

I wore a sympathetic look as I glanced over at him. Koltav looked so dejected and hopeless. I spoke up with a determined expression. "Don't worry, Koltav, we'll stop whoever's behind the assassination attempts."

Koltav wore a relieved look at my words. "And I'll be internally grateful for that."

"Excellent!" Master Allie exclaimed as she clasped her hands. "Storm, you stay here with the Diktat."

I furrowed my brows. "Where are you going, Master?"

"Into the city. I need to gather intel concerning the assassination attempts and whether anyone has seen or heard anything." She explained before turning to Koltav. "Don't worry Diktat Koltav, you're in safe hands."

With that Master Allie left along with Korste, the other council members, and the guards who also left the throne chambers to escort my master outside, leaving me alone with Koltav who flashed me another charming smile. I glanced over at him, losing myself in his gentle eyes. However at that moment R3 beeped, reminding us he was still here. I turned to R3 with a flustered look. "R3! I'm so sorry, I forgot you were here."

"This is your droid?" Koltav inquired.

"Yes, I made him myself." I replied with a proud look.

He seemed impressed. "That's amazing. You must have a gift."

I waved it off, not believing it was of such importance. "It's nothing."

"Are you serious?" Koltav asked as though I said something absurd. "You're truly talented."

I then wore a sheepish smile as I averted my gaze, looking anywhere and everywhere but him. "Thanks..." 

Oh stars! This was going to be a very difficult mission.