Serra sits at a large ornate table made from the wood of a wroshyr tree across from Navik Roosh and his security detail. They are in a large yet cozy conference room where the Grand Protector normally met with offworld dignitaries. Though Navik had a full compliment of bodyguards and other security personnel with him, the Rodians had insisted that Serra’s security team wait for her meeting with the Grand Protector to end in a separate waiting room. The request was met with resistance from Barthon, however, he reluctantly accepted the terms when Serra had insisted.
Serra is uneasy. Though Navik was a friend to her parents, they are gone. She does not have the benefit of years of friendship that her parents had enjoyed, and she knows that it is because of her parents, that she was even granted this meeting in the first place. As the meeting had progressed, she got a sinking feeling that her words had done very little to sway Navik, and thus the people of Rodia.
“So you see, Grand Protector. I believe that not only does Rodia stand to benefit greatly from its continued relationship with the Republic, but the Republic needs Rodia’s leadership if we are going to continue to flourish.” Serra concludes, hoping to appeal to Navik’s notorious vanity to her advantage.
<”Leave us.”> Navik says to the others in Rodian, and waits until they do as he instructed. When the last of his security detail leaves, Navik looks back to Serra and exhales deeply.
“Serra, my dear. I understand where you are saying and I agree whole heartedly that Rodia’s best interests are served by remaining with the Republic. Yet, there are those among my people who do not feel the same way.” Navik tells her.
“Can you not just tell them your opinion? You are the Great Protector, your word is law among your people.” Serra responds.
“I’m afraid it is not that simple. That may have been true in the past, but things have changed. My position is but a ceremonial post these days, the true power lies with my advisors and the other politicians. Sadly, many of them do not share my feelings about the Republic.” Navik admits.
“But surely, you know that Rodia’s people need the Republic, without the Republic’s aid you’re government cannot sustain her people.” Serra says.
“I know this, and I will do my best to convince my people that-” Navik is cut off as explosions suddenly rock the Senatorial Palace. Navik and Serra look at one another with shocked confusion as another round of explosions continue to shake the Palace.
Suddenly, Navik’s security detail rush back into the meeting chambers with Barthon and the rest of Serra’s security team right behind them.
“What is going on?!” Navik asks as the two security teams approach.
“We’re under attack.” One of Navik’s men exclaims.
“Is it the pirates?” Navik demands.
“No Grand Protector, it is- Someone else.” The Rodian says.
Navik rushes over to the far wall and presses a button, suddenly the wall opens revealing a set of blast doors. With another press of a button, the blast doors open, revealing a set of windows. They gather in front of the windows and are speechless as they see the numerous wedge shaped command ships overhead. Suddenly, the screeching whine of TIE fighters can be heard overhead.
“By the stars!” Serra exclaims as it dawns on her what exactly it is that she is witnessing. As a child, she learned the history of the Republic. She watched the historical holovids of the rise of the New Republic after the defeat of the Empire, and she, as well as every being in the room with her knew all too well exactly what they were seeing. “It’s impossible.”
“Senator Eclipse,” Navik says in a formal tone. “You must come with us, there is a bunker below the Senatorial Palace, it is our only chance.” He finishes speaking and closes the blast doors covering the windows and motions for Serra and her team to follow his men and he down to the sublevels of the Palace.
