Chương 14: Winter

[ALDERAAN CULTURAL BULLETIN // ROYAL HOLONET SERVICE // 941 ARR] ROYAL MUSEUM ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF "ALDERAAN ON THE GALACTIC STAGE""The past is a mirror polished by many hands," states Noble Curator Dreya.

"We shall show only what is worthy of being seen." [TRAVEL LOG // ROYAL EXPEDITIONARY CORPS ARCHIVE // 4200 BRR] Alderaan greets all with gentle waters. The wise remember what even the most placid lake may hide in its great depths. ~*~*~*~ 59 BBY – 941 ARR – Alderaan"Very good, padawan." Rann couldn't find the spare attention to reply to Master Nu as he piloted the craft down to Alderaan's surface.

She had requisitioned one of the few EduCorps craft that wasn't a Praxeum vessel in use by the Jedi Academies, which for some bureaucratic reason placed them under EduCorps. No, they were using an almost equally antiquated transport vessel, which was almost two centuries old and had a laundry list of issues. For this reason, many of the Temple hangar's astromechs absolutely adored it, since it was constantly giving them novel mechanical failures.

Rann tried to push these thoughts out of his head as he neared the landing pad. After deploying the landing gear, Rann brought them in for the final approach. They hit the pad with a distinct jolt, prompting him to wince as miscellaneous items around the ship clattered.

"We will need to practice that," muttered Jocasta. As they exited onto the tarmac, a small entourage of officials and a spaceport technician approached them. A man in blue and gray formal robes stepped forward, wearing the cape that signified Alderaanian nobility. Malden Organa, Rann guessed from the debrief he and Master Nu had been given for the assignment.

"Master Jedi, we of Alderaan are deeply thankful for your presence."

"Thank you, Senator Organa, for the warm welcome." Rann and Master Nu placed their hands inside their robes and bowed with the perfect Jedi synchronicity that outsiders seemed to find off-putting but certainly reinforced their image as otherworldly mystics. Rann turned, and soon the polite patter of conversation fell away. Aldera Spaceport was built on the edge of the capital city, which was on an island on an enormous lake.

Before him was the largest body of water he'd seen in this life, large enough to have waves and make its far Western shore hard to see, even if the Triplehorn Mountains rose up from the Eastern horizon. It wasn't an ocean, but just seeing waves and hearing surf twisted something inside him.

"It's pretty, ain't it?" Rann turned. The tech had walked over to him. His gaze fell back to the rippling water and soaring birds.

"Yes. It's something I've been missing."

"How's that? Y'grew up on Coruscant, dincha?" Rann panicked, before answering.

"I was born on Alderaan."

"Indeed." Senator Organa had walked up behind them, Master Nu trailing. He placed a hand on Rann's shoulder before continuing, "We were very excited to learn that a son of Alderaan had become the Chief Librarian's apprentice and knew that we must invite you both to our opening ceremony."

"Thank you, Senator," said Rann, stiff and unsure. Anyone with eyes and half a brain could tell they were there to make the event look more important. Master Nu gave it gravitas, and Rann gave it the local angle: a homegrown Padawan on display. With only around ten thousand active-duty Jedi drawn from a galaxy of worlds, every planet wanted to claim a piece. Alderaan was no different. They weren't just honoring him; they were trying to keep him tied to his homeworld. The senator drew his hands together.

"Well! It has been wonderful to meet you both, and I am certain we shall meet again before the official ceremony. For now, I must depart as I have other appointments to keep. My aide here shall see you to yours, with Archivist Dreya of House Alde. I hope that you both enjoy your stay on Alderaan."

With a few more polite noises, the Senator and most of his entourage left, leaving behind only the technician in grease-stained work clothes who was looking over their ship and the aide in nice but simple outfit of silver and blue colors he'd directed to 'take care of them.' With one last look to the sea-sized lake, Rann followed Master Nu and the aide out of the spaceport, where there was a hovercar waiting for them. The aide, who they learned was named Drelna, directed the driver to take them to the Museum.

They were going to receive a preview of the exhibit.

"They're going to have documents on display that haven't been open to the public in hundreds of years," explained Jocasta with bridled excitement.

"The Royal Charter of House Alde is considered the founding document of Alderaan's constitution. It took significant time and effort to gain access to it when last I was here." Soon they arrived outside a large, silvery building which stood out for being relatively squat. It was four stories tall, taking up four entire city blocks, with four minarets at each corner and art deco columns revealing an interior courtyard, which contained a statue garden.

Dozens of well-dressed Alderaanians milled about, examining statues or talking quietly. Rann marveled at the architectural wonder as they climbed the steps. Once they entered the statue garden, they were greeted by a tall man with tufts of gray hair adorning his head, the slightly stooped shoulders of those who spent much of their time bent over books, and round-rimmed glasses, an affectation on a planet with one of the best healthcare facilities in the galaxy.

He was dressed in ostentatious gold and white robes with high shoulders, which both signaled his affiliation with House Alde and was a mark of office. His cape was over the right shoulder and embroidered brilliantly with elaborate designs. The man walked over to greet them.

"Hello, Master Jedi. It has been many years since your visit, but I do hope you remember me?"

"Of course, Noble Curator Dreya. Though when last I was here, it was Deputy Curator," said Jocasta, a polite smile making its way to her lips.

"Indeed, Chief Librarian Nu. It seems we have both collected titles in the intervening years." They had both reached the top of their field and were now standing before each other. It was rare that such an occasion occurred, where two hoarders of knowledge came before each other.

"I trust you still find the time to peruse your archives?"

"Not nearly as much as I would like." They shared a chuckle at that, understanding the sentiment.

"Other matters conspire to steal time away from me," she replied, placing a gentle hand on Rann's shoulder.

"I see you have a Padawan. A son of Alderaan, I've been told." The tall man peered down at him through his glasses.

"An Antilles, no less. Your House holds the throne currently, young man, but it was my House that crafted the seat and the realm." Rann smiled awkwardly.

"I know. I've been reading up on Alderaanian history since we received the assignment to come here."

"You've only now looked into your people?" he drawled, looking even further down his nose with a contemptuous sniff.

"The Jedi are my people, sir." Rann replied firmly, though perhaps a little too much so.

"I have no memories of Alderaan. My hope is that with this visit, I can reconnect with my heritage." Rann was… surprised at the sincerity in his words. He'd said them to placate the older man, but realized that to one degree or another, it was true.

"I meant no offense," said Dreya unhurriedly, robes rustling as he performed a twist of his right hand, which signaled apology on Alderaan according to one of the etiquette classes Rann had taken.

"I simply meant if you've not been researching Alderaan, what have you spent your time on? I assume that if Jocasta took an interest in you, you must have some academic interest yourself?"

"Indeed he does," replied Master Nu, subtly cutting through the awkwardness Rann and Dreya had found themselves in.

"My Padawan has proven quite the master on obscure topics, whether it be arcane lore from defunct Force sects or the Mandalorians."

"The... Mandalorians?" The older man blinked.

"They're considered a subject worthy of study to the Jedi?"

"Yes. Rann here owes a report to Master Barina, who says that it will likely cross Master Rancisis' desk at some point. He's quickly becoming known for his rather salient political analysis." Rann didn't need the Force to feel the pride radiating off Master Nu.

"Wonderful." With that, Rann's role in the conversation faded as the two master archivists regaled each other with stories and asked questions about work. They began to walk further into the garden and then finally entered a cavernous hall that was the lobby. While many buildings on Alderaan kept to simple, muted colors, this museum used gold and a whiteish blue as accents, with a kind of off-white duracrete serving as its base. Altogether, it made for a striking if somewhat overwhelming effect.

It was clear too that this was the domain of House Alde, as it was bedecked in their colors. And though the lobby featured the banners of every Great House, those which had held great power over the years, House Alde's banner was the centerfold. House Organa's banner was next, with all-but-defunct House Panteer being placed third. Odd, that House Antilles isn't given a central placement despite currently holding the throne, considered Rann.

They journeyed further into the massive museum, passing curios along the way. A pitted, but still clearly cared for blade labeled "Last Sword of House Ulgo." The first star chart drawn by House Organa's early astronomers. A folded cloak said to have belonged to Queen Celly Organa during the Alsakan Conflicts. At last they reached the room which was said to house the now-inert wayfinder which had originally pointed to the Alderaan system. It was at the very center of the museum, its heart.

The Alderaanians took their early spacefaring days very seriously, claiming to have been responsible for the Third Great Expansion which saw pockets of humanity deposited across the Outer Rim in the distant, dim past. This artifact represented the time before that, an almost primordial time in Alderaanian history. Before the kings, the Great Houses, the eco conscious cities of spires, there was the spacer and his wayfinder which guided him to Alderaan. The most beautiful planet in the galaxy, according to them.

It was behind this room, which represented the deepest past of this long-storied planet, that the new exhibit was to be placed. Alderaan on the Galactic Stage. It was an ambitious name. Long ago, though not that long for a planet with Alderaan's memory, they had been isolationist. In the over three thousand years since, they had largely shed that reputation. By placing their present and future next to their past, they hoped to counter their growing isolationist movement, explained Noble Curator Dreya.

"And of course our esteemed guests shall be allowed to preview the exhibit," beamed Dreya. Master Nu looked largely impassive, but Rann could feel her anticipation through their bond. Without further ado, they walked through the doors which separated the area off, saying "NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; NEW EXHIBIT COMING SOON""This exhibit has displaced the previous one, The Venncenian Movement: Alderaanian Naturalism.

That exhibit has gone on tour, currently visiting some of Alderaan's other cities before being sent abroad to the wider galaxy, where it will first visit Chandrila and then Coruscant. We are still evaluating partners after that."

"How exciting," said Master Nu. Her eyes shone brightly as they darted around the not-finished exhibit that looked like a construction site. Some plaques and pedestals had been installed, while others were in progress, with teams of humans and droids working. Unlike many other construction droids Rann had seen, these had been designed with an eye towards aesthetics, with sleek lines and smooth movement.

Rann noted that all of the humans made sure to wear gold and blue, either as a pin, pendant, earrings, or in some other fashion, even if their clothes were much more appropriate as work-wear. The droid's chassis were polished silver, but all possessed House Alde's crest on them.

"Our Archives don't do anything like that," noted Rann idly.

"I would imagine not," replied Dreya.

"Your Temple is not open to the public." This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"It isn't," Rann agreed easily.

"But the Halls of Healing operates a separate clinic that is. Maybe the Archives could manage something similar."

"Perhaps," allowed Master Nu. Her pace had slowed as she turned to focus on Rann.

"Why should we?"

"What good is the knowledge we collect if it's not bettering the galaxy? Or the mountains of artifacts we possess?"

"We loan some out to museums, on occasion," she replied testily.

"Besides, some are quite sensitive, and others dangerous."

"I'm not saying we put Sith tomes in an interactive exhibition, Master. Just that it would be nice to display some of our millenniums of acquired objects to the public, and give them a Jedi perspective on things." Master Nu opened her mouth to reply, then looked around.

"We should discuss this later, Padawan." Rann realized that their guide had been standing back with a carefully neutral expression on his face. Some of the humans working on the exhibit began their work again, now that the Jedi weren't debating in public.

"It is good to see the next generation have such firm ideals," ventured Dreya.

"Indeed. Let's take a closer look at the plaques. Is this where you will put the Alderaan Convention?" Master Nu moved to one of the stands which was in the center of the space.

"Yes. Once we're done here, it would be my honor to show you the artifacts themselves." Master Nu nodded and said her thanks as she read the display. She moved on to the next.

"And this relates to Crown Prince Gaul Panteer's Declaration of Secession after leaving the Senate in rebuttal to the Treaty of Coruscant?"

"Yes, one of Alderaan's most historic moments. And preceding one of Alderaan's darkest times." Dreya led Master Nu onward, to the next display. Rann lingered on the Declaration of Secession. He had some knowledge of the Alderaan Civil War from his previous life, but had learned quite a bit more since receiving the mission briefing. He wondered if his viewing a document about secession as he tried to prevent another, much larger incident was serendipity or the Force's odd humor.

Before he could get trapped in those thoughts, he rejoined Jocasta and Dreya. They were viewing the display for the Accordance of Peace, the document signed at the end of the Alderaan Civil War. THE ACCORDANCE OF PEACE Old Republic Era – 2625 BRR Original Document – Royal Archives of Alderaan This historic treaty formally ended the Alderaan Civil War (2, 651 – 2625 BRR), restoring unity to the noble houses and establishing a planetary commitment to nonviolence.

Signed beneath the vaulted dome of the Mountain Palace's Hall of Light, the Accordance of Peace bound each Great House to renounce armed conflict, accept neutral arbitration in all disputes, and reaffirm Alderaan's ancient principles of dignity, stewardship, and collective harmony. The treaty was signed by representatives of Royal Houses Alde, Organa, and Panteer, as well as other Great Houses.

The Accordance is widely regarded as the foundation of Alderaan's modern pacifist philosophy and a defining milestone in the planet's political and cultural rebirth, the first step back into the galactic stage. They continued their tour of the half-finished exhibit before getting on an elevator and descending several stories.

"And here, we have our own archives," announced Noble Curator Dreya proudly, gesturing outward to the rows and rows of boxes, crates, and other storage devices for all of the museum's artifacts. Master Nu's fingers twitched in anticipation.

"Last I was here, it took me months to receive the clearance to visit. And I was followed by a droid the whole time," she said. Dreya chuckled.

"Yes well, perks of the job, no? Last time, you were simply another Jedi. Now, you are mistress of one of the greatest repositories of knowledge in the galaxy." Master Nu simply nodded as they were brought before a series of plastoid containers labeled "FOR AotGS EXHIBIT: DO NOT MOVE." Dreya opened the first container, then produced thin white gloves and handed pairs to Jocasta and Rann. They put them on as the older man gently pulled out a parchment scroll and unfurled it on a nearby table.

"Here it is. The Accordance of Peace. It is the foundation of our modern state." He looked up at them.

"Alderaan's trust in the Order has always been strong, even when we felt the Republic had lost its way. Look here, this clause notes that Jedi shall be called upon as arbiters of last resort. We were one of the first worlds to fully incorporate the Jedi into our legal system outside of the Republic's charter." Master Nu gently stroked a corner as she looked it over.

"How wonderful, to see such an example of our people's shared history. I wasn't able to view it when I was here last." Rann looked at the old, faded scroll with reverence. This would be his first chance in two lifetimes to actually touch something so old and meaningful. He had hugged a Redwood tree and talked to ancient beings like Yoda, but it was… different, to see the underpinning of an entire society in person.

While the Royal Charter of House Alde was considered the beginning of Alderaan's constitution and history as a state, this was the document that defined so much of Alderaan's core beliefs for over three thousand years, and the galaxy's perceptions of Alderaan. He had had entire units in his History of the Galaxy and Diplomacy: Level Four classes dedicated to it, written papers about it. When he finally mustered the nerve to reach out, he immediately sucked in a breath and drew his hand away.

"What's wrong," asked Master Nu. She had felt his discomfort rippling through the Force.

"It's…" Rann furrowed his brows and reached out again. He pressed four fingertips against it, searching in the Force.

"It's been… altered in some way."

"Ah." Noble Curator Dreya looked momentarily stunned, his head bobbing up and down.

"It's had some restoration work done – to have it prepared for viewing by the public, you see. To think that you can sense such in the Force, how fascinating. Can all Jedi do this?"

"No, they cannot." Master Nu still looked at him in concern.

"I certainly was unable to sense it."

"It's my method of meditation." Rann was still unable to pull himself away from the paper, fingers gently following the words.

"Making a mandala requires one to attune themselves to Force of their environment very deeply, to let the inanimate beads become a reflection of the living Force. It has made me very sensitive to how the Force moves; through spaces, objects, even people." There. Rann's fingers stopped their tracing suddenly. This part right here feels… off. He looked down at the scroll.

PRINCIPAL SIGNATORIES: DURANT OF HOUSE ALDE, KING CHARLE REMMOT OF HOUSE ORGANA, GAELA OF HOUSE PANTEER, WITNESSED ALSO BY: HOUSE RIST, HOUSE TERAAN, Rann noted but largely ignored the line about the principal signatories. House Alde was normally put first on documents like this. Despite not having ruled Alderaan for over 20, 000 years, House Alde was still a Royal House.

They were often listed as the first principle signatory to show that the document was official and would be kept in the Royal Archives of Alderaan, which was maintained by House Alde and the planet's deepest repository of historical and political legitimacy. … there. Rann concentrated, feeling the off-key pulse of the Force beneath his index finger, pointing at House Teraan. He couldn't tell quite what was incorrect, but his instincts and the Force had alerted him.

Lifting his fingers carefully, he turned to look at Noble Curator Dreya.

"I guess it was the curation efforts I was feeling, then." The older man's pensive expression changed somewhat, his sharp, blue eyes behind the glasses lifting to meet his.

"I see. Remarkable, truly, that our restoration efforts can be sensed through such a means."

"The Force is capable of many things, but timing certainly plays a role. In a year or two, the force signature I felt would be lost," murmured Rann, unable to look away from the document. Now that he knew what to look for… Rann closed his eyes. Several other artifacts meant for display felt wrong. With growing alarm, Rann stretched his senses further. He perceived that throughout the entire collection, there were even more aberrations.

Careful to keep his face neutral, Rann followed along, letting Master Nu talk to Dreya as he noted which things felt off as they were led through the archives. At the conclusion of their tour, they were brought back to the lobby. Rann could feel Master Nu's questions buzzing through their bond, though they were both very careful to keep their faces neutral. The Senatorial aide, Drelna, met up with them again, pleasantly rounded face not matching her serious demeanor.

They were cordially escorted back outside, where Rann had to brace himself against the cold. The sun had fallen beneath the horizon, leaving behind a spectacular sunset, backset by the jagged mountains that ringed Aldera Lake. As they entered their hovercar, Master Nu requested that they be taken over the city center so Rann could see it. As they flew through a city of glinting spires and swooping buildings, he was treated to the sight of their surroundings in miniature.

The aide, Drelna, chose to play tour guide and explained that the park was created to have a lake with an island in the middle, to represent Aldera city and lake. The surrounding buildings had been created by Ar'Ven Vence, the master architect whose designs had become the whole planet's principle design aesthetic.

"The government buildings surrounding the park are meant to evoke the Aldera Alps that envelope the city. That building in particular," she gestured to the far side of the massive plaza, "houses our Parliament. It is intended to resemble the Triplehorn Mountains. Vence grew up and lived through the Alderaan Civil War, and saw the destruction wrought on our planet by violence, whether it be from Killiks, House Ulgo, the Republic, or the Eternal Empire.

They chose to model nature, to bring us closer to it, in order to remind all Alderaanians of our heritage and duty to our planet." Rann nodded along, taking in the beautiful, swooping lines and aesthetically pleasing space. He noted the many Alderaanians walking throughout the city center, some clearly on business while others strolled leisurely. Mostly human, the crowds were all so… peaceful. All of a sudden, the sheer wrongness of what the empire had done struck him.

Billions killed, a planet destroyed, simply to test the Death Star and send a message. The Force, which had been quiet, reached out to grab at him with a vision of the tragedy. He thrust it away. His eyes grew blurry.

"This is wonderful," he managed to choke out. I can't let it happen. I'll drag the Order and everybody else along with me, but something like that can't happen.

"Many are moved by our architecture," replied the Senatorial aide uneasily. She directed the driver to take them to their accommodation, clearly uneasy with the suddenly tearful Padawan. Rann spent the next few minutes centering himself and reminding himself of when he was. Thankfully, he had managed to keep his… episode quiet and Master Nu didn't seem to have realized what happened.

The hovercar stopped in front of a beautiful building that roughly resembled a manta ray, aptly named The Thranta's Respite, after a large, flying cetacean native to Alderaan. When they entered the lobby, a BD-3000 luxury droid with a distinct blue and silver color scheme greeted them.

"Hello. I am Thrantelle, the concierge of the Thranta's Respite. We are very happy to be your hosts." The droid gave a neat little bow before turning and allowing them to fall in behind it.

"Your luggage has been retrieved and should be waiting for you in your suite. All meals and drinks are free, courtesy of House Organa. If you find yourself free of obligation, please feel free to contact me and I can arrange excursions for everything from a skycruise of the Juran Mountains to a shoreside banquet at the Coralstone Pier." The droid paused for a moment. Then let out a hissing sigh.

"We also, of course, offer many Thranta-themed experiences."

"Is interacting with you one of them," asked Rann cheekily. The droid barely turned to acknowledge him before replying with an especially dull and mechanical tone.

"Yes. In addition to being named… Thrantelle, I have been programmed with over 10, 000 Thranta facts to entertain guests of all ages and levels of knowledge." All of a sudden the droid whirled and bent over until they were almost at eye level, startling him and Master Nu.

"Did you know, little boy!" She said, with a gratingly false cheer, staring at Rann with photoreceptors that seemed to have a malicious gleam.

"That Thrantas manage their buoyancy with a modified air bladder? Instead of using oxygen, they use lighter-than-air gases to keep themselves aloft. Neat!" The droid splayed its hands in a 'dazzle' motion, before whirling around and continuing her advance down the well-appointed hallway.

"I hope you enjoy your stay," continued the droid in a much more normal tone as it deposited them at their suite. Master Nu thanked the droid before shutting the door. Rann marveled at how quickly his life had transitioned from contemplating planetary annihilation to making enemies of nonorganic lifeforms.

"Your sharp tongue has a way with making friends. I dare say you managed to annoy that poor droid."

"How was I supposed to know it didn't like its name that much," grumbled Rann.

"Well, little boy." Rann glared at her sharply as her mouth twitched.

"If you were named Thrantelle, put in charge of a hotel called Thranta's Respite, and programmed with more Thranta facts than even I could deem reasonable, might you be a bit sensitive?" Rann waved off his bemused Master's point, but mumbled, "I'll apologize next time I see it."

"Very good."

"Why is everything so strongly Thranta-themed, though?"

"I believe this hotel is owned by House Organa. They are known for their skills as Thranta-riders and maintain a large stable of them." It clicked for him. Much like how House Organa largely controlled Alderaan's diplomatic relations, they also had a deep connection with Alderaan's tourism sector. This whole place is a giant advertisement, he thought with amusement. If he had to guess, all of the excursions Thrantelle could book were run by House Organa, a sub-House, or an allied one.

They spent the next few minutes unpacking and making small talk, during which they also searched the room bugs. Over twenty minutes later, Master Nu gave the all clear signal through their bond.

"No listening devices?" queried Rann.

"We are here to attend the grand opening of a museum exhibit, not negotiate a multisector trade deal. They likely assumed such was unnecessary. And Alderaan is rather civil," replied Master Nu.

"They use civility as a mask, is what you told me."

"Indeed. Alderaanian politics is a viper's nest. All of the bowing and scraping hides the fierce competition of each House. It's as if because they forsook the battlefield, they were forced to come up with equally devastating methods in the social realm."

"That brings us to the next topic. Master, those documents… something was wrong. They felt like they had been tampered with, altered in the Force. And it wasn't just the Accordance of Peace, either, there were dozens." Master Nu adopted a stern face.

"I didn't see the Accordance of Peace the last time I was here, so I can't say if it was altered. But there were some other documents that I seem to recall referencing Houses other than Organa that have been changed to say such."

"What's going on?" asked Rann, bewildered.

"It's hard to say. We have three days until the opening ceremony for the exhibit. That time should hopefully be enough to understand what exactly is happening and why." Rann felt like this was tickling something at the back of his brain, but couldn't quite figure out what it was.

"So, what do we do?" he found himself asking.

"We shall hold our tongues. And in the meantime, collect evidence. I shall contact the Archives and have someone bring us our records of Alderaan. Though I haven't seen it personally, our Archives also possess an original copy of the Accordance of Peace, as well as copies of a few other documents of significance to this matter. It should substantiate our claims of alteration."

"Thank you, Master." Rann was touched that his Master didn't even bother to question him as to if he was sure it had been altered. He'd said they were so they must be, in her eyes.

"For what?"

"Believing in me."

"Always, my Padawan." They spent the next few hours strategizing before turning in for the night. The next three days were going to be a whirlwind of dinners, galas, dances, and more, capped with the opening ceremony. And they had to find the time to figure out what was happening, why, and present their findings to the Jedi Council. Wonderful. Rann lay in his bed, tossing and turning.

The faint hum of the city he was born in and might have lived in, in another life, failed to comfort him as he contemplated the next couple days.