And so, we were back on Coruscant again.
From the outside, it looked as though nothing had changed at all: the same endless masses of buildings visible even from orbit, the same chains of airspeeders dividing the sky into rectangles, triangles, and other, more intricate shapes.
After requesting clearance to land, we waited in orbit for about an hour before the controller finally directed us to the familiar military quarter. Flying over long rows of enormous barracks, our ships began landing one after another on the pads situated between the buildings.
Ahsoka and I headed toward the hangar, then crossed the access bridge leading into the structure. The rest had routine work ahead of them: unloading equipment and units, handling ongoing maintenance and repairs on the ships, replenishing food and fuel supplies…
As for us, we had to deal with something far less pleasant: transporting the repulsor stretcher carrying the body of Quinlan Vos, sealed inside a special container. On the upper lid rested a smaller box—just a little case—holding the shattered fragments of the Kiffar's lightsaber as proof of his fall to the Dark Side. Even through the metal, I could feel the lingering emanations of the Dark Side. Disgusting…
We were already expected. This time, our reception party consisted of Master Shaak Ti, an unfamiliar corporal from the Senate Guard, and several Jedi from the Service Corps.
"Master Shaak Ti," Ahsoka and I bowed in unison.
"I am glad to see you both," the Togruta said with a smile. "And welcome home. This time, you… did quite well."
With a small gesture, she indicated the repulsor stretcher, which the Service Corps Jedi immediately took into their care. They hurried away toward one of the gunships. Most likely, after the Council examined the body, it would be buried according to Jedi rites.
Ahsoka and I, however, would miss that ceremony…
"It is our duty to protect the Republic," I said, trying to deflect the praise with a general statement. The master, however, was not deterred.
"Even so, the treaty between the Republic and the Hutts is far from an ordinary event. The High Council has duly recognized your achievements, Mikore. By decision of the Council, you are hereby granted the rank of Jedi Master."
"Well… that's something."
Well, would you look at that… Jedi Master… wait! That means I've been promoted—and now I'm a senior general. Not bad… though unexpected, especially since the reward is not for my accomplishments on the battlefield, but for diplomatic work. Well, that's quite in the spirit of the Order.
"Master!"
Looking at Ahsoka, I saw that the girl was practically glowing with happiness, as though she herself had been honored. The emotions radiating from her were entirely positive.
"Uh… I suppose I should say thank you," I said, giving Shaak Ti a grateful nod before asking, "What is our new assignment?"
"Oh, there is much work ahead of you. However, first you should visit the healing halls. The chief healer was… rather insistent. In any case," the master handed me a holodisc, "all the necessary information about your new appointment is here. I should also inform you that your address to the Senate, which had been scheduled for this morning, has been postponed indefinitely due to an emergency…"
Well, I'm not upset about that in the slightest.
"…This morning, Finis Valorum was murdered, and the Senate is currently occupied with discussing the matter."
"I see. That's unfortunate… very unfortunate. He was the previous Chancellor, if I'm not mistaken?"
"Yes. The investigation has been assigned to us."
At that moment, the corporal from the Senate Guard approached us.
"Sir, permission to report?"
After waiting for my nod, the man spoke quickly.
"Chancellor Palpatine regrets that your address will not take place. However, he wishes to express his gratitude personally and therefore invites you tomorrow at eleven forty. You are to report to the Senate building, where you will be met and escorted."
Well, damn… I would have preferred speaking before the Senate—less stressful. But refusing… that would be excessive.
"I will certainly attend."
"There is also…" The corporal handed me a plastic?.. card that, at first glance, resembled an admission pass. Or perhaps an invitation. "You are invited to a banquet celebrating the conclusion of the treaty between the Republic and Hutt Space, which will take place tomorrow at nine o'clock in the evening."
Well… now that's interesting. Have Jedi been invited to events like this before? Most likely yes—though I suspect I'll be one of the few who actually shows up. Oh well.
"Sir," the corporal said, handing me a datapad. I pressed my code cylinder against it. The guardsman saluted and vanished almost instantly.
"Are you finished?" Shaak Ti asked.
"Yes. My apologies for the delay. I believe it's time for us to head to the Temple?"