Pantora even exported part of its harvest, gathered twice a year, since it held a monopoly — blo'ku haven't taken root anywhere else in the galaxy. The former rulers had worked hard to promote the fruit on the market, and for three hundred years blo'ku had firmly secured its place among the "elite" fruit segment, gracing the tables of many influential politicians and other intelligent beings in positions of power.
For a brief moment, the girl's smile softened — memories of her homeland always warmed her heart. However, reality offered little cause for joy. It was becoming increasingly difficult to defend Pantora's position. Through incredible effort, Chuchi had managed to get her name on the list of senators accompanying Senator Amidala on her diplomatic mission to the distant planet of Randon. Perhaps this journey would allow her to draw attention to herself — and to Pantora's plight.
The ship that was to take them to Randon was already waiting. A Jedi appointed to accompany the delegation stood by the open gangway.
Yes, the Jedi. At one time, Chuchi had been deeply interested in the Order. Senator Amidala had once succeeded in drawing their attention to her own planet — and later, she had learned how to win their favor, using them as a political tool. She had considerable influence over the Order. How could it be otherwise, when at Amidala's first request they had provided her with a ship and a Jedi as escort?
Despite all the rumors, the Jedi Order was still a formidable and influential organization. Chuchi hoped that one day she might be able to gain their interest as well. The upcoming trip seemed like the perfect opportunity. Perhaps this will allow me to draw attention to Pantora and its problems.
Following the others aboard, Chuchi caught the Jedi's gaze. He was… unusual. The man was young and clad in blue-steel armor. Beside him stood a Togruta girl — clearly his Padawan.
Once aboard, the senators took their seats in the bow compartment — a comfortable chamber with a large table, perfectly suited for discussions...
Senator Amidala and Bail Organa were already talking, going over the main aspects of the upcoming negotiations, while Chuchi and the others listened attentively.
After a while, the Jedi joined them, announcing that the ship had entered hyperspace. Then, without another word, he sat on one of the corner sofas and began reading a file on his datapad.
Chuchi hesitated for a moment, then moved to a seat beside him. He looked up.
"Riyo Chuchi, I presume? From Pantora?"
"Yes. You know about my homeworld?" the girl asked, surprised.
"I've heard a little. How are things there?" the Jedi asked politely.
"These are not the best of times," the Pantoran began cautiously. "The war has drawn the Republic's attention away from the Outer Rim, and various criminal groups have begun to rise. Pantora is a peaceful world; we cannot manage without the Republic's help. There's also the threat of a Separatist invasion. I've appealed to the Senate several times, but each time I'm told there aren't enough available forces or resources."
Chuchi clenched her fists, remembering the humiliation she had felt after yet another rejected request for aid.
"Perhaps the Jedi Council could help us," she said quietly, "but they wouldn't even hear me out…"
"I think I can help you," the Jedi said, studying her intently.
"Will you contact the Council?" Chuchi asked hopefully.
"I'm quite capable of solving your problem without the Order's help."
At that moment, Amidala, who had stepped out earlier, returned to the cabin, interrupting their conversation.
"Knight Vikt," she addressed him, "I noticed clones with weapons aboard the ship. Is it wise to involve them in a peaceful mission?"
"It could become very unpeaceful at any moment," the Jedi replied, spreading his hands.
"Do you think our negotiations will end in failure?"
"One way or another," he said evenly, "regardless of what you say, Randon will either remain neutral or side with the CIS. Either way, it will become a problem for the army."
"Any issue can be resolved peacefully. The army is no help in such matters!" Amidala protested.
Chuchi listened with interest.
"I wonder," the Jedi continued, "how the Republic would have survived if we hadn't had an army to fight with? But if I recall correctly, you voted against creating one."
"That's not true!" Padme tried to defend herself. "An army would have been useless—"
"Tell that to the inhabitants of those worlds invaded by battle droid armies," the Jedi interrupted sharply, giving Amidala a disapproving look. "And don't forget to add that it was you who insisted the Republic should have no defenders. I'm sure they'll be very grateful."
Riyo Chuchi, along with the other senators, listened intently to the exchange.
"There are the Jedi—" Amidala began, but the Jedi cut her off.
"Ten thousand Jedi against a multi-billion-strong army? Don't be ridiculous. Do you think Geonosis was the only world where combat droids are produced?" Seeing the disbelief on her face, Vick explained: "The Techno Union alone is capable of supplying the entire galaxy with droids — and it now works against us. Meanwhile, in your Senate, you're delaying the allocation of funds. Without ships and weapons, we can't fight."
"Diplomacy and democracy will help us," Organa replied confidently, but the Jedi's expression remained skeptical.
"You know," he said with a faint, ironic smile, "it's rather amusing to hear a former queen and a hereditary aristocrat speak about democracy."
"What do you mean by that?" Amidala asked, taken aback.
"Exactly what I said. Now, if you'll excuse me — I have matters to attend to." The Jedi rose, gave a short bow, and left the hall.
Chuchi was left astonished. The Jedi was nothing like the image she had imagined. Interesting… He's not afraid to voice his opinions so openly? Still, there's some truth in his words.
(End of Chapter)
Bonus chapter for 1200 Power Stones. Thank you for your support!