Chapter 31:
Meanwhile in the Empire, Lyn Rakish went to report Barriss Offee's betrayal to Emperor Palpatine.
"So it appears that the Confederacy of Independent Systems has returned, Lyn Rakish." Said Emperor Palpatine.
"Yes Emperor Palpatine, and Barriss Offee betrayed us. She has sided with them." Replied Lyn Rakish.
"You will take her place, Lyn Rakish." Said Emperor Palpatine.
"Yes master." Replied Lyn Rakish as she tried to contain her excitement.
"Do not fail me." Said Emperor Palpatine.
"I won't master. And you won't regret your decision." Replied Lyn Rakish.
The hologram of Emperor Palpatine disappeared.
The next day in the New Confederacy of Independent Systems Taun We started to wake up.
"I suppose I should go and see what the others are doing." Taun We said to herself.
She then got dressed and went to find her friends.
She found Padme Amidala, Cale Lestin and Barriss Offee sitting together, looking out a window at the stars.
Barriss Offee was trying to make friends with the New Confederacy of Independent Systems, but making friends wasn't exactly her strong suit. Cale Lestin knew that it would take time for Padme Amidala and Barriss Offee to get along, and he decided to sit between them to keep the peace. But they just sat there in an awkward silence and Cale Lestin wasn't sure how to break it.
If it was just him and Padme Amidala they could have talked about their adventures together, but that would lead to Anakin Skywalker and he knew that would be a very touchy feeling for Padme Amidala. And if it was just Barriss Offee he could have asked her the questions that he needed answered, but she would barely answer when they were alone let alone around others.
As Taun We walked into the room they all heaved in relief that something had broken the silence.
"Taun We, it's good to see you." Said Cale Lestin.
"Yeah, we've just been sitting here in awkward silence." Replied Barriss Offee.
"Assessment it's dinner time, masters." Said HK-47.
"That's HK-47, he's a hunter killer series assassin droid that belonged to Darth Revan." Replied Taun We.
"Darth Revan? It's amazing that it survived this long, but as my father says never underestimate a droid." Said Cale Lestin.
Asoka Tano nodded with a smile, R2-D2 had taught her that lesson.
"Let's eat, I'm starving." Replied Asoka Tano.
Padme Amidala smiled at Cale Lestin before kissing him gently on the lips and went to the diner table.