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[b][center][color=BE494D]SENATOR JEH LAIRK[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=BE494D][I]19 BBY[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=BE494D][b]THE MEETING[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=BE494D]500 Republica // Galactic City[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=CD7477]It felt strange to see the Jedi Temple, which Jeh always saw in the distance from his balcony, still on fire. He always had respect for the Jedi Order, even if he didn't publicly show it. Perhaps, it was good that he kept it a secret or not... And yet, he wasn't able to stop thinking about the survivors inside. Jeh didn't believe that the Republic triumphantly eradicated the order because they were the Jedi. He heard the stories about how they won battle after battle against the droids across the galaxy. There was no way that they would've been caught off-guard by the clone army.

And no reason to betray the Republic... unless...

Jeh was interrupted by the sound of his doorbell going off, which made him investigate the door. Upon opening it, some of the twenty had arrived when they got the message. It included Senator Alavar, Bancii, Bendon, Zar, and Mothma. He felt relieved and quickly let them inside his home, but was confused that they would've risked coming to his apartment. So, Jeh asked one of the senators about it, [color=BE494D]"What happened to the usual meeting place?"[/color]

[color=712F2C]"We haven't been able to contact Senator Amidala since the Chancellor's speech."[/color] Senator Mothma answered.

[color=BE494D]"Well, that's unfortunate."[/color] Jeh replied with a hint of concern yet understood he needed to step up until she returned. [color=BE494D]"But, this meeting needs to happen, especially after what the Chancellor said. Let's wait for more senators before we start. I will prepare some drinks for everyone in the meantime."[/color]

A few minutes later, more Senators arrived, including Senator Danu, Breemu, Tills, and Bronk. And they were the only senators to come to the meeting spot. Jeh was disappointed but understood why the remaining twenty didn't come. They were afraid that the newly founded Empire just began watching them. After all, they did sign the Petition of 2000. Regardless, Senator Lairk introduced his guest with some drinks before starting the meeting. 

[color=BE494D]"I thank you all for coming here at such short notice. I understand that everyone knows why I called this meeting."[/color]

[color=DEB887]"The Chancellor."[/color] Senator Zar said with disgust.

[color=BE494D]"Yes."[/color] Jeh responded. [color=BE494D]"He has virtually killed democracy in favor of the Empire. I am concerned about what he has planned for the Senate next."[/color]

Senator Alavar stood up from the couch and tried to comfort the senators by revealing her plan. [color=6D4F73]"Our alliance in the Senate may have failed, but it isn't over. Tomorrow, a few other Senators and I will confront the Chancellor over his latest attempt to seize absolute power."[/color]

[color=FD6A02]"Are you sure it will work?"[/color] Senator Bronk asked.

[color=6D4F73]"We have to try. I believe the Senate still has the chance to stop his plans."[/color] The Lorrdian answered honestly but remained confident in front of her fellow senators. There was a moment of silence before the Kedorzhan indicated he would join them with a hint of fear in his voice. Then, the room went quiet again until Senator Breemu spoke up and pledged her support. Then, she turned to Jeh and then asked him a simple question. 

[color=5D477E]"Will you also support us, Senator Lairk?"[/color]

Jeh didn't know how to answer that question. On the one hand, he knew that the Chancellor must answer for what he announced today. But on the other, he had absolute power to do whatever necessary for the "Empire." This might be the last chance to get the Chancellor to return the powers and resign. But if Jeh were to go with the other senators, he feared that all of them would be arrested. Maybe the entire Delegation of 2000, including him, will be arrested soon; however, selfishly, he still wanted to remain a free man—for as long as possible. 

[color=BE494D]"I can't join you... I'm afraid that the Chancellor will straight-up order for your arrest even if you request a meeting."[/color] Jeh answered truthfully to the senator, which was met with disappointing looks. Senator Danu, meanwhile, finally looked up for his drink and interrupted with a horrifying likelihood that made everyone, especially Jeh, freeze with fear. 

[color=E5D8D8]"If there's even a Senate left..."[/color][/color][/indent][/indent][/indent]
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