Republic's Attempts

~~~(POV: Nathan Opal)~~~

~~~(Location: Tatooine)~~~

Marisa and Satele being here means the Republic is serious about talking with me, and I'm not sure if I want the Republic on my side. "Out of all the people I thought I'd never see again, you were one of the ones at the top of my list, Satele..." Instead of focusing on Marisa right now, I want to speak to my old master. Satele unfolds her arms and walks over.

Standing next to Marisa and keeping a neutral face, and her emotions are now under control. "You've become a big disappointment, Nate... All the power you have, and you're wasting it on selfish reasons. Have you forgotten everything you were taught?" Her attempts at unbalancing me emotionally are noted, quite Sith of her.

You can't unbalance someone like me. My abilities in the force aren't limited to one aspect of light or dark. "Who's a bigger disappointment? Me? Or the one who made me who I am?" Her eyebrows twitch, and some pain flares in her. "Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, Satele Shan. An undeserved title, your failures are evidence of that." I should know. I'm one of them in her eyes.

The clenching of her teeth can be seen hidden behind her lips. What gives it away is the flexing of her temple. "You didn't have to react the way you did, Nate... Letting your anger and pain pull you away from the Jedi... Away from me..." Her voice is sharp at first but softens as she comes to the end of her rebuttal. I look at the diplomats and senators behind her.

They're staying quiet and waiting for the time to talk to me. They're smart enough to know that this isn't a conversation to interrupt. My eyes land on Noman Karr and his apprentice, Jaesa Willsaam. He moves to shield her. "Debating rights and wrongs with the Jedi are meaningless, and I left because I was never a Jedi." Both of Satele's fists clench at my words.

A lot of emotion is going through her, but the master she is. She gains control. She's changed herself... Maybe it's me being here that's changing her. "Now, let's talk about the real reason you're all here. Why should I align with the Republic when I can destroy the Empire on my own..." I'm not arrogant in my power, I'm sure of it. There's a difference.

The senators and diplomats walk up behind Marisa and make sure that I have a view of them. "We want to join forces with you, Nate. While we don't know the enigma that is the force, it's obvious that you have power and connections..." Marisa is the one to start speaking. And I can read her like a book, just like I can anyone.

She's speaking half truth's, while it's true they want me on their side. They also want all of my allies at their side. I'm just a piece of their puzzle. "Marisa, I'm not an idiot, and I'm not easily fooled. Especially by someone who doesn't have force abilities." Having anything to do with the Republic will only slow down and tie up my efforts.

Satele and the rest of the Jedi are more on edge now, and the troopers that have come with them have their weapons drawn. "Nate, imagine the good we could do if we are working together... Imagine how many people we could save from the Empire..." Marisa is playing heavily on the family card, and she knows I couldn't bring myself to harm her.

She's my father's sister, after all, and it goes to show that the Republic is just as crafty as the Empire. "My goals and objectives have nothing to do with saving lives, and the Empire would've been long dead by now if the Emperor wasn't hiding from me. I don't need the Republic." This pretty much ends any discussions that are to be had.

Before the conversation can progress, a voice interrupts us. "Why are you the way you are?" The apprentice to Nomen Karr decides to voice a question. Nomen Karr is quick to shush the girl, and I can see that she doesn't like the position she has. She is a Jedi. I can sense that. But she's tired of being treated like a little girl.

She wants to know why someone like me is doing the things I'm doing. "Because I want to be free, Jaesa Willsaam. I'm allowed to do what I want when I want to do it. I don't abuse my power, but I don't neglect it either. Reaching ones potential is entirely determined by where you set your limits." My words cause a reaction from her, a consideration. How rare.