Location: Concordia Summit Station
Neutral Systems Diplomatic Summit
Date: 22 BBY – Two Weeks After the Fall of Kadavo
The summit chamber was vast, polished, and bright, suspended in orbit above Concordia, chosen for its neutral position between major systems. Marble-white pillars supported a vaulted glass dome, where the galaxy spun lazily overhead.
Representatives from dozens of star systems had gathered—Chiss, Bothan, Mon Calamari, Sullustan, Muun, Togruta, Rodian, Mirialan, and many more. Cloaks shimmered in varying shades of status and wealth. Senators, planetary leaders, spiritual guides, and heads of commerce filled the rows in a half-circle seating pattern.
At the highest point of the chamber stood the two delegations that had shaped the war and would define the future.
The Republic—led by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, flanked by Mace Windu, Depa Billaba, and Republic Guards.
The Eternal Alliance—represented by Cain, in black and silver ceremonial robes with golden trim, Anakin Skywalker, in his battle-adapted Jadaii armor, and Master Plo Koon, whose quiet authority drew reverence from both sides.
Seris remained in the diplomatic gallery with the aides and planet-bound liaisons, her presence felt even if she wasn't on the platform yet.
Before the summit began, the two delegations stood across from each other at a raised platform—an informal space designed for pre-summit dialogue.
"Master Plo Koon," Mace Windu greeted calmly, hands behind his back.
"Mace," Plo nodded, then his eyes moved to Depa. "Depa. It's good to see you whole."
Depa Billaba offered a small bow. "And you as well, Master."
She turned her eyes to Cain—examining him not with judgment, but curiosity.
"I've heard… stories. Of what you and your Order are becoming."
Cain bowed respectfully. "I hope to show you truth today. Not just stories."
Before Mace could speak again, Palpatine's smooth, silken voice broke the moment.
"Cain. It's been too long."
Cain turned slowly, inclining his head. "Chancellor."
They exchanged formal smiles—both of them veiled in layers of knowing silence.
Palpatine's blue eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke.
> "Word of your actions has spread far and wide. The galaxy listens closely now… as it did in the time of Revan. Tell me—do you seek to be something more than Jedi?"
Cain answered evenly. "I seek only balance, Chancellor. What follows is the will of those who believe in a new dawn."
Palpatine gave a slow, deliberate nod.
Windu interjected now, voice firm. "Many in the Temple wonder—what lines has your Order crossed? Military cloning. Gene enhancements. Jedi commanding entire fleets."
Before Cain could respond, Plo Koon stepped forward.
"I've known Cain since before his training began. I taught him, walked beside him. I stepped down from the Jedi Council because I believed… we forgot why we exist. He reminded me."
Mace folded his arms. "That's not a denial."
Anakin took a single step forward, hands behind his back in perfect military form.
"Because no denial is needed, Master Windu. The Republic arms itself with clone soldiers. The Jedi fight beside them. We simply choose not to be blind about what we are."
Depa looked at Cain.
Her voice was calm. "Your path is dangerous."
Cain nodded. "So is complacency."
Before more words could be exchanged, a soft chime rang through the chamber.
The summit had begun.
As the chamber filled with dignitaries, the atmosphere shifted. Conversation dropped to whispers. The light from the central platform dimmed slightly, creating focus.
A Mon Calamari moderator began the introductions, then yielded the floor.
The first to speak was Senator Drol Tharan, a Togrutan from the border world of Akaris.
"The Eternal Alliance claims to fight for peace, yet they stormed a sovereign system without Senate approval. What guarantees do we have this 'freedom' they offer won't one day reach our doors with fire?"
An angry murmur spread.
A Mirialan representative rose next.
"And yet, Kadavo was a kingdom built on slavery. My people were taken, sold, bred like cattle. You ask why they intervened? I ask why you didn't!"
Cheers rose from several delegations.
Another—a Chiss admiral named Vos Taren—spoke coldly.
"You've made waves, Cain. Powerful ones. We admire order. But we do not admire instability. You must prove that your Alliance is not an empire dressed in golden robes."
Cain stepped forward as the room quieted.
"I won't insult you with empty promises," he began. "The Eternal Alliance does not ask for fealty. It asks for unity through choice. Through action. Not rule, but partnership."
He turned slowly.
> "We do not conquer. We liberate. And then we stay to rebuild what others left to rot."
Seris's voice echoed next, standing from the gallery, hands clasped.
"We don't ask your children to die for us. We offer your people options. Safety, medicine, dignity. Voices."
Anakin stepped beside Cain.
"Ask Tatooine if they wanted us. They called us. Ask the Wookiees. Ask the Twi'leks. Ask the freed. We don't burn worlds—we stop the ones who do."
The room quieted again—until Palpatine stepped forward.
"Your words are… persuasive," Palpatine began. "But rhetoric has toppled republics before."
He stepped onto the platform casually, but every eye followed him.
> "Cain, you claim balance. But balance is… perspective, isn't it?"
Cain met his gaze. "Perspective must be rooted in truth."
> "Indeed," Palpatine said, folding his hands. "So tell us—how does your alliance avoid becoming the very tyranny it claims to replace? Who holds you accountable?"
Cain's voice was quiet—but heavy.
"The Force."
Palpatine smirked. "Spoken like a zealot."
Anakin flinched—but Cain raised a hand gently, stopping him.
"No. Spoken like someone who remembers what happens when men write laws in shadow, manipulate armies from thrones, and smile while they pull strings."
The words held weight.
Dangerous weight.
Palpatine smiled wider, but his eyes glittered.
> "Then perhaps we'll see what your truth builds. Let us hope it lasts."
When the summit ended, several systems submitted interest in joining the Eternal Alliance. Others remained neutral—skeptical, watching.
But the message was sent.
The galaxy knew who Cain was now.