The Jedi
Coruscant
Senate Tower
The room was packed. Grand Master Satele sat next to General Garza and Supreme Chancellor Saresh. I had just finished testifying. For the last week an uneasy cease fire had been called and today was the day for the full senate hearings about everything that had transpired on Voss and beyond.
“Thank you for your candor, Master Xerrin,” Chancellor Saresh said as I finished.
“Just Xerrin,” I corrected gently. “I am no longer a Jedi.” That brought a quite hush to the room. Before they could grill me about that, I continued, “Chancellor Saresh, Grand Master Shan, General Garza, members of the Senate, I have invited someone here today that I felt needed to be a part of these proceedings for the sake of our future.”
“This is a private inquiry, Ma-” Chancellor Saresh corrected herself, “Xerrin. Who did you invite?”
“Sith Emperor Vanceto Jinobie.”
My mouth twitched in amusement at the shocked expressions on their faces. Before they could argue one way or the other, Doc had opened the door to the room to let Vanceto, Veltana, and Lancoro walk in. Vanceto pulled his hood back, exposing his Sith face and Veltana did the same. I had employed the help of Master Sumalee to smuggle them onto Coruscant.
The troopers in the room immediately pointed their blasters at my niece and nephews. Vanceto calmly put up his hands. Tana rolled her eyes. Lancoro glared at the Trooper closest to him.
“Get that gun outta my face,” I heard him snap. I bit my lip to keep from chuckling.
“Master Xerrin what is the meaning of-”
“Supreme Chancellor Saresh we are unarmed. I arrived with no additional forces. I merely wish to be heard,” Vanceto said.
I stepped aside and motioned Vanceto forward. He moved almost mockingly slowly so the Troopers wouldn’t shoot him and I had to resist the urge to laugh again.
Stop that I mouthed to him. He merely grinned wolfishly at me. I hugged him as he approached and then stepped aside as he took to the podium.