Convergence (Star Wars: The High Republic)

by Zoraida Córdova

The viceroy grimaced as he faced the chancellor. “Favoritism already?” Chancellor Mollo did not step into the viceroy’s verbal trap, though he did run his fingers through his tentacles. “I assure you, Eiram’s delegation has already complied.” “I am not talking about Eiram, I talk of the Jedi.” The viceroy split the last word into two long syllables. “As I understand it,” Captain A’lbaran said, “they are more than weapons.” “Right you are, Captain,” Master Roy explained, his soothing voice easing the tension in the room. “For Jedi, lightsabers are extensions of us and our connection to the Force.” “And yet still a sword,” the viceroy countered. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he smirked the entire time. “We would feel safer if the Jedi kept their trinkets,” Queen Adrialla said coolly. Gella frowned at the word trinket. Masters Sun and Roy were often sent by the Order to negotiate in distant worlds, but this wasn’t what she’d expected. This was letting all parties sink verbal teeth until they drew blood. If she remained with their team, would she learn how to navigate these waters?