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Smuggler's Alliance

Chapter Twenty Eight

Elassi paced back and forth across her study; her assistant Shani seated in a plush nerf-hide lounge watching the ruler. “This smuggling situation is getting worse. These pirates are becoming more aggressive than we can afford. And I feel that something else, something far worse is being planned.”

“My Lady, I am sure the situation will be sorted out in time.” Shani spoke in a calming tone, hoping to alleviate some of the anxiety her leader was feeling.

“I know, but my time is running short and I feel I should be here to make sure that the planet is strong when the time comes.”

Shani got up and placed a hand on Elassi’s shoulder. “You will be in their hearts for the rest of the existence of Chandrila. You are the unifier of this planet, it would be sacrilegious for them to forget you at any time of need. Many of the youth on the planet see you as their inspiration to make the galaxy a better place.” She smiled softly, “I think it will be impossible for them to forget you.”

Elassi smiled gratefully. “You always seem to know the right things to say, my friend.” She sank down into the seat where Shani had previously been seated. The elderly ruler tried to block those worries from her mind and concentrate on other matters. “However, at the moment we have other work to do. As you know the Parade of Children is fast coming upon us and preparations need to be made.”

Shani nodded. “Yes I know. And since the subject is upon us I think it is time to choose the Youth Speaker for this year.” She handed Elassi a datapad that had been sitting on the large fijisi wood desk that occupied a corner of the room. “Here are the profiles of five students at the Universite. All have outstanding credentials and excel in the classroom.” The woman’s eyes sparkled, “There is one girl though that I think you are going to choose.”

“Oh really? Am I that predictable?” Elassi skimmed through the first profile. It contained a large image of a pale-faced young man wearing a lopsided grin. “Ah, Elwin. He was in my class last year. Very intelligent boy, however a bit clueless when it comes to galactic affairs. He lives in his own dream world.”

Shani nodded and motioned for Elassi to continue. “This next one may be more to your liking.”

Elassi pressed the command to open the next profile and smiled as she skimmed over it. “You know me very well, Shani.” She stood and strode over to her desk and she rifled through several notes she had on piled on it. “Yes, this is the one, however, it seems that our orator is currently on Commenor; away on family business. If you would be so kind as to inform her of our selection, my dear Shani? I would contact her myself, but that would imply favoritism. I have seen just how nervous she gets when I call on her in class. She worries about how she looks in front of the other students.”

“I would too, if I were trying to get along with an unfamiliar collection of young people. They can be quite cruel at times.” Shani smiled and added, “I shall contact her immediately.”

“Thank you Shani.” Elassi waited until the woman had left before she put down the datapad and turned to look at a collection of holos on the mantle. Wedged between two massive shelves of ancient books, the fireplace, with its enormous mantle was her favorite place to keep her holos. She picked up one and a distant smile came across her face. The holo had been taken years ago, it contained the image of Elassi, some twenty years younger and holding a lovely baby girl, surrounded by about ten other children, all of different ages. The eldest was a young woman in her mid twenties, and in her arms was a beautiful baby boy.

Elassi touched the young woman’s face and sighed, When you came to me, you were a frightened ten-year-old. Then you blossomed into a beautiful woman, and a good friend. She choked back the tears as she recalled the rest of the story...

Creator: Jedi Girl of Corellia (Sarah)

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