::LOCATION::
::Alderaan::
Many thoughts were on Nicolas's mind as the shuttle's ramp descended and touched the surface of the Palace's landing pad. Alderaan had always been one of the centers of the Republic. The Organa household, especially, had always given so much for the Republic. There was a point when the entire planet had paid the ultimate price for the sake of the Republic. Nicolas was glad that the planet had been brought back, though he hadn't ever really tried to figure out how. That Alderaan, since being brought back, had seemed to become the whipping boy of the Republic had never sat well with him. He had taken the job of the Jedi seriously, determined not to make the mistakes that so many Jedi had made before, in serving only the Republic instead of the Galaxy. That had made him absent for so many of the Republic's crimes, both against Alderaan, and against its own people.
There were nights when the what ifs still broke through his concentration. What if he had been there, at Roche? Would he have been able to stop Hadrix from spacing civilians? What if he had been closer to Lasedri, while she was in office? Would he have been able to spot her darkness fast enough to save the Republic then? What if he had been more active in the Republic during Suravi's tenure? Would he have been able to wrest control away and bring the Republic back into the light?
Those What Ifs had brought him here. He could no longer claim the job duties of a Jedi Knight while the Republic burnt itself again and again. It was why he had taken charge and evacuated all who considered themselves Republic citizens from Denon, and a handful of other worlds. It was why he constituted the Republic in Exile, a flotilla of various starships looking for a new home.
It was why he was here, setting foot on the soil of Alderaan as a leader of the Republic. He had been a Jedi his entire life, but he had never been as apprehensive about his duty as he was about leading the Republic.
Nevertheless, he led the Republic Delegation off of the shuttle, and smiled at Ana as they approached. He offered a shallow bow and his hand to the handmaiden.
"
I presume you are Ana. Thank you for meeting us out here." He and Ana exchanged pleasantries, then moved into the palace. Inside the palace, they came across [member="commander firestorm"], and Nicolas motioned for him to join the delegation as they continued to the throne room. Ana and the Royal Guards halted them just outside while Ana went in to announce their arrival. Once announced, Nicolas and the delegation stepped into the grand chamber. Nicolas walked to a point roughly halfway into the room, then stopped and bowed low to [member="Faith Organa"], then to [member="Draco Vereen"].
"
Your Highness, thank you for agreeing to this meeting." He began, then took a deep breath and looked Faith in the eye. "
Before we begin, I need to apologize for the ordeal that happened in orbit. It was not the intention of the Republic to have a Star Destroyer make orbit. I take full responsibility for the miscommunication, and I hope it will not hamper our discussions on this trip." He was thankful for [member="Cambria Zadira"]'s benevolent aura, as it helped keep him on track. He did his best to exude his normal calm confidence. However, this was a new role for him, in a relatively new arena.
[member="John Ash"]
[member="Valkren Calderon"]
[member="Mensa Dak"]
[member="Rashae"]
[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]
[member="CC-1147"]
[member="Ja’rrod Categaern"]