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“You know Your Excellency, it might be more productive to call an expert to handle this matter. Just in case the Jedi and their morals get in the way.”
Palpatine considered the idea. It was not a bad one. It would certainly cover him legally and morally if anything went wrong. “Indeed. Find me an expert on creatures and have them sent to my office straight away.”
Amedda bowed and departed, leaving Palpatine free to return his attention to CC-1010. “Now you have been disrespectful to me. Do you wish to correct that mistake?”
The clone rolled its eyes. “No. That’s a terrible idea, and I hope that thing eats you.”
“Perhaps I shall feed you to it instead.”
“Can you wait until after Friday? I have a date, and I don’t want to miss it.”
“I shall have her watch then. Get out of my office.”
“I can’t wait to celebrate my date by watching you get eaten by that thing. Hope it likes rotting scrotum.” CC-1010 sprinted out of his office before he could do anything else.
Palpatine sighed. He could surely find a way to feed the clone to the beast. Surely. Even if he didn’t, perhaps an accident that resulted in some loss of life wouldn’t be so bad. Perhaps.
(line break)
“Sir, the expert is here to see you.”
“Bring her in please.”
A Mirialan in rather untraditional clothes walked in. Her face was covered in diamond tattoos, and she carried a datapad with her. Her scarf was covered in animal patterns. “Chancellor, it’s an honor to meet you. My name is Dr. Marceli Amaya. I was told you wished to speak with me about a new creature that’s been discovered?”
“Yes, Miss Amaya.” He turned on a hologram. “Here is the-“
“Dr. Amaya. That is my proper title, Chancellor.”
“Doctor Amaya. This is the beast in question.” He waved to the holo.
She frowned at the holo, markings on her nose wrinkling. “A large reptilian species, likely above ground due to the large and well developed eyes. It appears to be a species that would thrive in a mountainous habitat or an aquatic one judging by the limbs. Most likely an ocean cliffside dwelling reptile. Where was it discovered?”
“It was found in a hole deep underground on Malastare. Believed to be the last of its species.”
“Oh, the poor thing. It is functionally extinct then although I would like to conduct a search for more of its kind. This creature was likely forced underground or perhaps was living in a tunnel system which does lend to the theory of functional extinction. Why did you call for my expertise?”
“To be honest, because I was told to. I am going to bring it to Coruscant to study it.”
She looked away from the hologram, blinking slowly. “That is completely illogical. What would be the point?”
“As I said. To study it.”
“But why? Transporting this creature would put it in considerable distress. Bringing it to Coruscant would not allow me or anyone else to study it properly. The best solution would be to send someone to Malastare to study the creature in its natural environment. That would produce much more viable results.”
“Why not? It would be here in your labs. Wouldn’t they make it easier?”
“No. I could not accurately study the creature nor could I produce viable results in a lab. The creature should remain in its natural habitat. If you wish, I will leave my conference early and travel to Malastare at once to begin studying this creature.”
Palpatine sighed. Couldn’t she see the advantages? “The reports state its plating is impenetrable. I want to use it to create better armor for our troops.”
She adjusted her animal patterned scarf and moved the hologram, looking over the beast. “I would like to discuss this creature with the natives of the planet and perhaps even the Jedi present if they would consent to a meeting with me.”
“Why would we do that?”
“Because we cannot just remove such a massive predator from an ecosystem without ensuring that it would not cause severe harm to the planet. I would like to discuss this creature with the natives and the Jedi before making any further plans for the creature.”
“They don’t want it. They tried to kill it. We’re going to bring it to Coruscant for you to study.”
“No you will not! That is completely irresponsible! If the creature is indeed a nuisance, then I know several planets to where it can be taken and ethically released. I have some colleagues who will be able to study it there.”
He would have to find a different one. “I suppose I can let you speak to the Jedi on the campaign who fought it.”
“I would like to do so as soon as possible.”
“That can be arranged. Are any of your fellows from the conference able to discuss this matter with me?”
The diamond tattoos around her eyes crinkled as she frowned. “No. They are too busy arguing about which genus of felines Togruta are evolved from. I am available and willing to continue this discussion. How soon might I call the Jedi and the natives of Malastare?”
He sighed. “I will call them now.”
“Thank you.” She sat, waiting patiently as he called the Jedi back.
“Master Windu, Master Skywalker, Doge. I was advised to call in an expert on ecology to help us discuss the matter of the Zillo Beast. If you would like to hear her opinion, it is quite strong.”
Master Windu bowed. “It’s a pleasure to speak with you, ma’am. I am Jedi Master Mace Windu.”
She returned the bow. “Dr. Marceli Amaya. It’s an honor to speak with you as well, Master Jedi. The Chancellor called me to discuss handling of this Zillo Beast. I would like some firsthand accounts of this creature before I can recommend the best course of action.”
“It’s dangerous,” Skywalker growled. “Lightsabers and blasters do nothing against it.”
Windu stared at him. “Did Obi-Wan not teach you to greet a Mirialan woman before speaking to her?”
Skywalker winced, bowing quickly. “Sorry Master. Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. I am very sorry for my poor manners.”
The Doge made an odd bow. “I am the Doge of Malastare. I want this thing gone from my planet.”
Dr. Amaya waved them off. “Yes I gathered that. Tell me more about this creature. It is new to me, and I wish to know more about it.”
“It is dangerous and a threat. It must be killed.”
“It is not the Jedi way. We cannot allow the creature to be killed.” Windu gave Skywalker a look. “Please leave this conversation to me.”
“Why?!”
“So we don’t offend Dr. Amaya. For being so close to Padawan Offee, you know remarkably little of their culture.”
She recoiled at the name but quickly composed herself. “Do not worry, Master Windu. I am a woman in science, and I married a nonbinary person. I am quite beyond offense. I agree that the creature should not be killed, but I would like to know if it is a nuisance to the natives.”
“It kills us and destroys our homes! It must die!”
“Has it done so in recent memory? I was told that the Zillo Beast was found deep underground.”
“It will! And it has! It must be killed!”
“I understand. Would you be more willing to allow the creature to be transported off planet? I know of multiple uninhabited planets with an identical climate and environment to Malastare. The Zillo Beast and others like it could be released there without threat.”
“No! It must be killed! It is our way!”
“But it is a cruel way,” Windu sighed. “Dr. Amaya, what would you recommend? The creature is aggressive to organic life forms and cannot coexist with the Dugs.”
She tapped on her datapad. “I suggest sedating the Zillo Beast and removing it from the planet. I cannot recommend killing the creature as it is critically endangered at the very least, and that goes against my morals and duty. If we could transport it to a different planet, the Zillo could live out its days in peace and would no longer be a threat to the people of Malastare.”
“The Chancellor says we should take it to Coruscant and study it.”
“Are you the Chancellor?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
“Um…” Skywalker looked awkward.
“Is your name Sheev Palpatine?”
“No.”
“If I want to know what the Chancellor thinks, I’ll ask him. He’s a big boy, okay? He can answer questions. If I want to know your opinion, I will ask. Okay?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“In regards to the Chancellor’s opinion, it is stupid and so poorly planned that I might have well asked a member of House Monki’li to pick a safe settlement for a village.”
Windu stifled a laugh.
Palpatine snorted. “Do you have a better idea, Doctor?”
“Indeed. The best solution will be to sedate the Zillo Beast and transport the creature to the uninhabited planet Zico which has an identical environment and climate to Malastare. The Zillo can be protected and studied while the Dugs can be safe. I would repeat this process with any more Zillos on Malastare.”
“I agree.” Master Windu crossed his arms. “We should defer to the experts here, Doge. Dr. Amaya has devoted her life to preserving threatened species. If she says this is our best shot, I believe her.”
“But she doesn’t know how dangerous it is!” Skywalker protested. “It ate my ship!”
She perked up. “Oh? Ate it entirely or simply snapped at your ship when it was flown too close? I would also like to note that I have five degrees and twelve years of experience in this field. I am quite knowledgeable about this, Knight Skywalker.”
“I don’t know! There was a big crunch and an explosion.”
“Fascinating. It was likely very angry that you were attempting to shoot it. Regardless, this is the best solution that I can think of. If we move forward with this plan, the Zillo can just be released and you can leave. Ethical studying of the creature could begin almost at once.”
He was aware he looked angry about this. He was. “What about using its plates for clone armor?”
“Chancellor, that is illogical and impossible. Removing the Zillo’s scales to create armor is very inhumane not to mention painful and likely too difficult to be worth the effort. Small samples of the scales could be taken to see if a synthetic substitute of similar strength could be made. I am willing to do that, but I will not kill a member of a functionally extinct species simply for armor. Besides, if it’s impenetrable, how on Ryouto’s green earth are we supposed to make them into armor?”
That…was completely fair. He sighed. “I suppose that makes sense. What if you were to clone the beast?”
“Not only do I lack the facilities for such a thing, we know next to nothing about this creature or how it reproduces naturally. We also know nothing of what substance it requires to be sustained. We cannot care for a young. Cloning is also incredibly damaging to the genetic diversity of a species. I will not do it. Your plan is illogical and unintelligent.”
He snorted, lip curling. “Unintelligent?” There was only one unintelligent being here. He’d give the greenie a chance to apologize.
“Indeed. Your ideas lack logic and critical thinking. If a lightsaber cannot penetrate the Zillo’s scales, then they cannot be molded. Bringing a creature so aggressive and so large to a planet of a trillion is so incredibly stupid that it makes me wonder if you have any ancestry from House Tano. Cloning the Zillo will only decrease the genetic diversity of an already crippled species if indeed there are any left at all. No logic, no intelligence, and no critical thinking. That is simple fact, Chancellor.”
Palpatine looked at Skywalker for help. He refused to make eye contact.
Skywalker crossed his arms. “There's no need to be rude. The Chancellor just wants to help our troops.”
Dr. Amaya fixed him with a stern look incredibly reminiscent of that one greenie Jedi. “I am not being rude. I am stating a professional opinion that was explicitly asked for. His suggestions are illogical and lack critical thinking. Your suggestions are fueled by anger and impulse, and they lack much of the same. This is a solution that needs professional opinions and logic.”
He folded immediately, looking away.
“Let’s just move back to the problem at hand. How are we moving the beast?” Windu sighed.
“Do you have a ship large enough to hold the Zillo?”
“We do.”
“Where is the Zillo currently?”
“We used the gas on Malastare to sedate the creature, and it is currently restrained. What do you suggest we do from here?”
“Move the Zillo onto the ship and keep it sedated. Take it to Zillo and release it under sedation. It is an apex predator and will awake in its own time. I will be able to begin studying the Zillo Beast as soon as my conference concludes.”
“That sounds fine. We’ll do the same for any others discovered on the planet.”
“Good. I look forward to working with you more, Master Windu. I assume you would like to be updated on the progress of this study?”
“I would appreciate it if the Jedi Council were kept updated on the situation. If our resources would benefit your efforts?”
“Of course. I will keep you updated. Your resources would be highly beneficial to my efforts in conservation and species research, particularly with the Zillo Beast.”
“Just let us know what you need, Dr. Amaya. We’ll get you what you need.”
“I will keep in contact with you, Master Jedi. Thank you very much for your support of my efforts.”
“Of course. Is there anything else you need?”
“I would like to read the reports on the Zillo Beast and any information that the Doge might share with me. I like to have as much as I can before approaching a new creature.”
The Doge huffed. “We will not turn over our private information to outsiders.”
“I understand. Is there anything I could persuade you to allow me access to your records, myths, legends, anything relating to only the Zillo Beast? I want to understand it so I can remove it as painlessly for the Dugs as possible and not cause your people undue stress.”
He frowned. “I will speak to our historians and see what we can give.”
“Thank you very much, Doge. I am very grateful for your help in this effort. I will keep in contact with you.”
“I look forward to seeing how an expert would handle our problem.”
Miss Amaya smiled. “I and my team prioritize working with the knowledge of the indigenous people. No one knows your problem better than you.”
“Thank you very much! The respect is appreciated. Not many prioritize such things.”
“My spouse is a Togruta, and we adopted a Twi’lek baby recently. This issue is very important to me, I assure you.”
Palpatine wrinkled his nose and made a mental note to either replace her or disappear her. There would be no mixing of species on his staff. “Thank you for your input, Doctor. We will contact you if we require further assistance.”
“Actually, Chancellor, I will be leaving immediately to accompany the Zillo Beast to its new home. Master Windu, I will be sending you the coordinates for the planet and I will meet you on the way.”
He bowed. “Thank you, Dr. Amaya. Your help is most appreciated. We will get started on the transport immediately. How soon can you arrive?”
“I need to retrieve my spouse and our son, so I will be slightly delayed. I shall arrive on Malastare tomorrow morning or meet you enroute sooner.”
“Of course. It would be best to have you there the whole time. We await your arrival eagerly.”
“Thank you. I am eager to study this new creature.” She bowed. “Good day to you, gentlemen.”
“You as well.” The call clicked.
“I’m sorry to cut this meeting short, but I should be on my way, Chancellor. I must prepare for this journey.”
“Yes of course, Miss.” He gave her an icy look. “You are dismissed.”
“Doctor. Good day to you, Mr. Palpatine.”
“Good day,” he bit out. “Dismissed.”
She left with a sickeningly sweet smile.
How he hated people.
“Ama’s going to save a three-armed lizard. Yes she is. Yes she is.” Her spouse cooed, bouncing their son on their knee. “You’re so adorable. Your ama is so smart. She’s going to save a whole species!”
Marceli sighed, smiling fondly. “Why do you tell him all that?”
“Because it’s true! You are very smart, and I want him to know how smart you are. He should be proud of his ama.”
“And he should be proud of his Tayan. I can’t save this species, Jaska. It is functionally extinct because of overhunting!”
“You will find a way, my love. Besides, this animal cannot have a lifespan of ten thousand years. It must have come from somewhere. You will find the rest of them.”
She raised an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure there are more?”
They smiled. “I just know.”
“I will have to win over the Dugs then. If you say so, then it is true. Perhaps there is a significant population in hibernation like this one was. I would love to perform a planetary bio scan or some sort of signature search. An infrared scan would be useless. Reptiles in deep hibernation produce so little heat that a scan would pick up nothing. Perhaps if the Dugs would agree to let me research the Zillo Beast further. I am hoping that observation and study of the creature in an identical habitat will give me more answers than the Dugs can.”
“See? You will find more. Here. Kiss your son before you go.” They handed her the baby.
She accepted the baby, tucking his head against her neck. “Will you be alright while I’m gone? I know you and Nuam feel my absence dearly.”
“Are we not coming?” They frowned. “I thought we go with you.”
“Of course you do. I simply meant when I am actively studying the Zillo. I am trying to be more aware of other’s emotions when I am in my ‘science mode.’ You said that you miss me when I am gone and do not ask about you. Am I doing better? I can’t tell.”
They smiled, patting her head. “Thank you for trying. I appreciate your effort. Yes, you are doing better. Just keep doing what you do. You’re doing great. Promise. I love you.”
“I’m glad. I’ve been working on it. I love you too. And I love our son very much.” Marceli kissed Nuam between his tiny lekku nubs. “He’s growing so well.”
“Yes. He is healthy and strong.” They wrapped their arms around them both and kissed the top of her head. “And my wife is smart and courageous and wonderful.”
She smiled, leaning into the hug. “Careful, dear one. You’re going to give me an ego.”
“What is so wrong with that? You are the ka’am. It is your job. You should have pride in your job.”
“I do take pride in it. I do quite well with my job although I wish I could do better. I am still very angry about misidentifying the polar mammals used by the Talz on Ordo Plutonia.”
They grinned, brushing her scarf back to rub their fingers through her hair. “My love, you are angry about misidentifying something no one has ever seen before.”
She sighed, tilting her head back for better access. “I should have known that they were not an avian species. Their ‘feathers’ are very clearly fur when examined under a magnifying glass! And they lacked wings. A complete disgrace to my degrees.”
They swept her into their arms, ignoring her squeal of surprise.
“Hey! Be careful of the baby!”
“The baby is laughing, dear.”
She huffed. “I’m sure.”
“My wife thinks someone can tell her she is not smart.” They shifted her weight into one arm and scooped their son up with the other. “Hello little one!”
Nuam squealed, grabbing onto Jaska’s thumb. They laughed, dropping the baby onto his bed.
“Dear! You dropped him!”
“Six inches onto a bed. He is fine.” They tossed her onto their bed. “Now, who is telling my wife she is not smart?”
She yelped. “Jaska! You threw me!”
“I dropped you a small distance onto the bed.”
“You dropped your wife. ”
“A foot onto the bed. Now who says you are not smart?”
“I was the only woman in attendance at the conference, and they all refused to use my proper title. I had to defend my experience and degrees! They refuse to believe a woman can be smarter than them which I am.”
“You are the most smart.” They plopped down next to her, pulling her scarf off entirely. “You do not need a room full of idiots to believe something for it to be true. If you did, nothing would be true at all.”
“I know that. They do know much about our shared field, but they lack any sort of common intelligence and that is what makes them stupid. It is still so irritating that I must prove myself over and over just so that I can share my opinion at a conference without being talked over.”
They kissed her neck. “I’m sorry dear one.”
She gave them a look. “Our child is in the room. It’s alright. You should have seen the look on their faces when I gave my presentation on the missing link in Togruti evolution and proved all of their theories wrong. That trip into the caves was the most perfect birthday gift you could have ever given me.”
“I do not understand how a visit to Dihaya’s Womb and a story of my people’s beginning makes you so happy, but it does and you shall have it.” They kept kissing her neck, fingers dancing along her waist.
“I found the missing link in the line of Togruta evolution! It’s an incredible scientific discovery! Those pictures of the skeletons were so valuable to my research! My dear one, our child is in the room.”
“He does not understand what I’m doing.” They smirked against her skin. “Relax.”
She tilted her head to the side to allow them better access. “I am grateful that I wear high collars. I am meeting with two Jedi and a planetary leader tomorrow morning.”
“And they will know I am a good spouse.”
“Because I have a wedding band and I’ll be walking funny. You are a very thorough spouse. I also talk about you and your ability to care for me and Nuam very often. I have a great spouse and a great child. It is only natural that I share this with others.”
“Good. I will have to make you walk funny more.”
(line break)
Marceli walked down the lowered ramp with Jaska beside her and Nuam strapped to her chest. She stopped in front of the Jedi, bowing slightly. “Greetings Knight Skywalker.”
They both bowed and Master Windu spoke. “Dr. Amaya. I presume this is your spouse and child?”
“Yes. This is Jaska and our son Nuam. Jaska helps me take notes when I am studying things. Where is the Zillo Beast?”
“On the ship we’ll be taking to the location you selected. Our droids will take your luggage to your rooms. Take your time to settle in and let us know when you are ready to begin your work.”
“I wish to see the Zillo Beast immediately. I want to run some basic noninvasive tests to ensure that no extra precautions need to be taken.”
“Right this way, Doctor.” The Jedi turned toward their ship and Marceli followed, squeezing Jaska’s hand.
Their ship was not outfitted properly as a science vessel. No proper lighting for a reptile so large, no safe lab, no anything.
Her wrinkled in disapproval, prompting a chuckle from Jaska. “Do not laugh. There is no proper equipment!”
“My dear, this is a military ship. Of course there is no proper equipment.”
“I suppose. Oh my, what a gorgeous creature.” Her eyes widened as she looked at the colossal reptile restrained and sedated in the belly of the ship.
It was brown all over its thick, heavy plating and sharp spines around its head. Its eyes took up most of its head although they remained closed for now. Three large claws sat at the end of all five limbs. Their serration would be perfect for carving up prey and keeping a grip as it climbed. It must be incredibly agile.
“I think it’s kind of ugly.” Skywalker wrinkled his nose. “What do you think it is?”
Marceli gave him a look. “It is clearly a reptile. Likely a cliffside dweller and obviously an apex predator. An incredible creature.”
“It ate my men.”
“Obviously. It felt threatened, and you were acting as an aggressor. If this is a female, I wonder if she might have been so aggressive because she was protecting young or eggs. Was anything found in the cave this creature emerged from?”
“Uh, we didn’t have a chance to look before the Dug poured their fuel in it.”
“They did what .”
“They said it’s toxic to the thing and that’s how they killed them in the past. It was right after it showed up. We couldn’t exactly stop them.”
“Unbelievable! You could have killed the last of a critically endangered species! Besides, you had no idea what effect that gas might have upon the environment or the human body. So irresponsible! It is a wonder that this poor creature survived.”
“It was killing us!”
“That does not mean you kill it,” she huffed as she pulled a device out of her pocket.
“Well what did you want us to do? And what is that?”
“Not attempt to kill it. As I said, I wish to perform some tests on the Zillo to see if any extra precautions need to be taken.” She walked right up to the Zillo’s underbelly, looking up over the vast expanse of scales.
“Don’t get that close to it! It’s dangerous! Your kid could get hurt!”
Jaska laughed. “She knows what she is doing, Skywalker. I trust my wife.”
“How can you just let her walk up to dangerous things like that and not say anything?”
“She spent an entire year living in the territory of Mirialan mountain wolves to study them and spent several months living in the midst of an akul field to study them as well. She managed just fine with dangerous creatures. Besides, if it is dangerous, it could kill anyone in this room just as quickly as where she stands.”
“I guess that’s true,” Skywalker grumbled. “But what about your son?”
“If it was not safe, then I would take him somewhere less dangerous. This creature is sedated and restrained. I see no reason why my son would be in peril.”
He sighed. “I guess. So are you a scientist too then?”
“No. I help my wife when she needs it, but I am no scientist. I care for our son and our home, and I sell wooden furnishings at the markets.”
“Oh. Cool.”
Marceli ignored their awkward conversation as she continued studying the creature. She did not have the equipment for a proper examination, but she could certainly do the most basic tests. Vital levels were fine though she would like to see them higher, no injuries seemed to be present, no blights or diseases. All seemed fine.
She flicked a switch on her scanner and walked along the creature’s underbelly. It was unlikely that she would find what she hoped for, but she needed to check.
An unexpected beep made her stop in her tracks and her eyes widen in shock. “Oh my.”
“What?” Jaska walked up behind her. “What is it dear?”
“This is a pregnant female! She carries a clutch of eggs! See?! There are six! Six eggs! This is not the last Zillo Beast! Oh this means there is a male present on the planet. We will have to search for him. Mating couples should not be separated, and we have no idea how their family dynamics work. But there will be more!”
“See? I told you so.” Jaska smiled. “And don’t many reptiles have the capability to reproduce via parthenogenesis? So the species could survive for the time it took you to find the male.”
“Yes but those are small geckos. I have never seen parthenogenesis in a species so large, but it is possible. I will have to begin a search for any males immediately. We must take great care with this creature now. She carries eggs.”
“Yes. See? They are not extinct.”
“Not yet. There may be a possibility of saving this species, but it will be hard.”
“I know you can do it.”
“I certainly will. Master Windu! This is a pregnant female. She carries six eggs.”
“Good thing we stopped the Dugs from killing her. Is there a male to look for?”
“Most likely. We should search for it as soon as possible. I would hate for the Dugs to kill it.”
“I’ll let our team know. Anything else?”
“Just keep an eye out for any more of these creatures and notify me if any are found. If they are, I would like them delivered to the same set of coordinates.”
“Of course, Doctor. Let me know if you learn anything else.”
“Yes of course. I will keep you updated regularly.”
Jaska smiled. “So what now?”
“I will ensure the female’s health and that of her eggs as I finish the rest of my examination. After that, I will make sure we are settled in our quarters and begin processing my data.”
“Alright. I’ll take Nuam and get him settled while you finish up. I love you.”
“I love you as well.” She unwrapped the baby carrier and handed their son to Jaska. “I shouldn’t be long.”
“Take all the time you need.”
“I will. Thank you.” She went back to rubbing the creature’s scales. “Very hard. This reminds me of the plates on blurgs yet it feels much thicker and heavier. How fascinating.”
“Tell me all about it. I can’t wait to hear.”
“You will hear nothing but this until I have discovered all I can.”
“And I can’t wait to hear every word. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Marceli walked into the Council chamber, bowing at the Jedi. “Master Jedi. My presence was requested.”
Master Windu returned the bow. “Dr. Amaya. We are glad to see you although we didn’t expect you in person.”
“I needed to return to Coruscant for the foreseeable future. How may I be of assistance to you?”
“We were only hoping for an update on the Zillo Beast. What can you tell us?”
“Of course. The Zillo Beast has adapted very well to its new home. It is very happy, and it has laid a clutch of six eggs, all of which are quite healthy as far as I’ve been able to tell.”
“Wonderful. How do you feel about the species survival?”
“We have located the male with which this female mated. They seem to be very loyal and take turns sitting on the eggs. Likely a monogamous species. The Zillo Beast species is still critically endangered, but I was able to locate a second mating pair and several clutches of eggs. There is some hope to revive the species.”
Master Windu smiled. “Good. Have you moved the second pair and the other eggs as well?”
“I supervised their trip before my return to Coruscant. All have settled in very well, and my colleagues have been keeping great track of the study in my absence.”
“Is there anything we can do to help support your study?”
“We have sufficient funding, but I would like to offer a copy of our records for the Archives. Several members of the Agricorps have been assisting us and requested permission to add this study to the Temple’s records.”
“Of course. Please keep us updated, Dr. Amaya.”
“I will. The records will be left with Master Nu before I leave. There is an issue I would like to discuss first however.”
“What is it?”
She frowned. “The Chancellor has been making very odd requests of this study, most of which he makes in your interest or upon your alleged request.”
He frowned. “Any requests we had were made directly to you. He hasn’t brought this up to us. At all.”
“I thought not. All of his requests have been denied, but they are of a very strange nature.”
“How so?” Master Kenobi asked, stroking his beard. “What exactly has he requested from you?”
“He wished that I remove scales from any of the beasts and study their makeup. I refused as that is highly unethical, but the request is made repeatedly. His other requests include the sentience of the creature, which is remarkably high, and their ability to be trained. Those requests were made under the Jedi Council’s name.”
“We have no interest in the creature beyond its continued health.” Master Plo said. “Why would we want to train it?”
“The Chancellor was hinting heavily at a military use in training the creatures or even training it to hunt specific people after a very interesting incident.”
“What happened?”
“As I said, this is a sentient creature. Its only lacking ability is interspecies speech and use of tools. However, it is still a sentient creature. The specimen we took from Malastre, who we have named Sirmaya, demonstrated the ability to recognize humanoid faces and also hold an incredible grudge.”
“Please elaborate.”
“Upon seeing a hologram of Chancellor Palpatine while I was speaking with him, Sirmaya entered what I can only describe as a vengeful rage and destroyed the projector. With further testing, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Zillo Beast is capable of understanding speech to an unknown extent as it understood the Chancellor’s orders to kill it and harvest its parts. I am certain of this because Sirmaya has displayed no level of aggression towards anyone that has not outwardly stated an intention to harm her or her kind. She does know who I am and shows a remarkable level of affection towards myself and my team as well as pictures of Master Windu that we showed her. Sirmaya will not actually allow us to remove the cardboard cutout of him from her nest.”
A Jedi she didn’t know snickered. “The lizard likes you Mace.”
“I can send you to Hoth.”
“She also shows familiarity toward me. She accidentally sent me flying, so my spouse heavily recommended I return to Coruscant.”
“A good suggestion,” Master Windu sighed. “We don’t want you injured. Are you alright?”
“I am. Sirmaya is very affectionate with those she seems to consider good people. However, the grudges the Zillo Beasts can hold are considerable. They are even able to communicate these grudges to their fellows as well as the affection. Your cardboard cutout receives the same amount of care as the egg clutches while we have gone through roughly twenty-five cutouts of the Chancellor. They have been torn apart, eaten, sat on, stepped on, and even thrown into a boiling salt lake by Sirmaya’s partner, Nadje.”
“I…see.”
“Sirmaya has been acting upset since I left. We believe she may have viewed me as another female in her group.”
“Fascinating. Will you be returning soon?”
“As soon as I can convince my spouse that this is safe. Jaska is very worried for my wellbeing even though the Zillos treat those they consider friends with great care. They simply seem not to know their own strength. But in regards to their behavior, the Chancellor wants them trained to hunt enemies of the Republic. He said the request was made on your behalf.”
“We never requested anything of the sort.”
“I didn’t think so, but I wanted you to be aware. He also demanded that I clone the beasts and threatened to replace me with someone who would if I did not comply. Most unfortunately, the second female, Arwena, ate the holo projector before anything else could be said.”
“I see. Any communications we might have will come through us. You may disregard anything he says.”
“Of course, Master Jedi. I just wanted you to be fully updated on the situation.”
“Thank you, Dr Amaya. Also, congratulations on the new family member.”
“Thank you, Master Windu. The well wishes are very appreciated.”
“Of course. Good luck with your study.”
“Thank you. I will keep you updated. May I make a request?”
“Anything at all that we can help you with.”
She sighed. “While my team and I deeply appreciate the supplies the GAR has been delivering to us, I must request that the troopers delivering the supplies do not come in their armor.”
“Why not?”
“We stuffed a spare set of armor with pillows, and it was promptly stomped on by all four creatures before they threw the remaining bits in the boiling salt lake. They do not like the clones for whatever reason. It’s for their safety that they don’t wear their armor while dropping supplies.”
“Understood. We’ll pass that on.”
“Thank you. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Actually yes,” Master Kenobi said. “We’ve received reports of the Blue Shadow Virus appearing again.”
Marceli’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? Where?”
“A lab on Naboo. The situation has been dealt with, but we’d like the creatures effected by the virus to be studied regardless. Where could we do that?”
“I will leave the contact information for a dear friend of mine that will help you. Anything else?”
“We also encountered a species of brain worms on Geonosis. Do you happen to know anything about them?”
“Long, green, enter the nose, and force the host to be part of the hive?”
“Yes, exactly.” Master Windu looked surprised.
“An old colleague of mine conducted a study upon them. Unfortunately, my colleague was an Offee and as such used herself for the experiment. It was enlightening though.”
“I…see. I didn’t realize there were any left outside of asylums besides Padawan Offee.”
Marceli made a sign of protection against evil. “Some of them escape us, much like that padawan. I am not entirely sure anyone on Mirial even knows that she exists.”
“Well, she’s perfectly sane so far.”
She raised an eyebrow. “No sadistic tendencies, no sudden loss of empathy, no unethical behavior?”
“None that we’ve observed. Should we have seen any of that?”
“If her parentage is true and she really is an Offee, then yes. It’s an old Sith curse.”
“A Sith curse.” Master Windu sounded skeptical.
“Calypso Offee. She went insane due to the Dark Side and cursed her descendants to the same madness. Every Offee has a psychotic breakdown before the age of twenty-five. It’s why we put them in asylums. Padawan Offee’s mother murdered seventeen people, her unborn child, and herself some years ago. Someone else flew a cruise liner into a black hole.”
“Judge by those in the past, Padawan Offee, we should not. Her actions, they are not. Caring and kind, she is.”
“Of course. She is lucky to be in a place that offers her more grace than our home planet.”
“How would Mirial handle her?”
“She would be watched closely and placed in an asylum as soon as she displayed any signs of being a threat to those around her.”
“What does Miral consider to be threatening behavior?”
She shrugged. “Any excessive aggression, psychotic traits, sociopathy, or attempts to harm anyone. If she were to do anything concerning, Mirial would recall her and place her in an asylum.”
“What are your asylum conditions?” Master Kenobi stroked his beard.
“I don’t know. From what I have heard, they are…not the best.”
“What does that mean?”
“People who go in do not come out. Even dead. The asylum is their tomb. No one knows who programmed the droids or what they do. We send them there and don’t ask questions.”
“To be clear, if Mirial recalled Padawan Offee, she would essentially disappear from the galaxy without a trace?”
“Only if she inherits the Offee curse. It is entirely possible that her heritage is a lie.”
“How so?” Master Windu asked, frowning.
Marceli sighed. “My loyalty to my spouse and my honesty about my child’s paternity is a rarity among my people. Cheating is incredibly rampant. Padawan Offee very well could be an affair child. It’s honestly more likely than her being a real Offee. Her apparent mother had the curse, but there are two copies of the birth certificate for the same child. The same birth date, time, and parents. One for Barriss Offee and the other for an unnamed baby boy. One is false and we don’t know which.”
“I see.” Master Kenobi looked troubled. “Is there any way to tell the false certificate from the real one? We would hate to lose one of our own in such a manner.”
“Certainly. A simple blood test would tell the truth. Who her real parents are don’t matter so long as neither of them are Offees.”
“Thank you. I will speak to Master Unduli about the blood test. Since she’s a padawan, we need her master’s permission. Do you need anything from our archives?”
“You’re welcome. No. I have access to all that I need.”
“Very well. Please keep us informed and don’t be afraid to ask about any other projects you may have.”
“Of course. I will do that and continue to keep you updated on the Zillo Beast project.”
“Thank you for your time, Dr Amaya. Good luck with the chancellor.”
“Thank you as well. I will certainly try my best.”
“Good morning, Chancellor. I have the update on the Zillo Beast as requested.” Marceli folded her hands on top of her bump. “Shall I proceed?”
“Go ahead,” he grumbled, waving a dismissive hand.
“All of the creatures are doing excellent. We expect hatchlings soon, twelve total with six from each set of parents. The zillos are all safe, happy, and well cared for.”
“Wonderful.” He didn’t look up.
“They are very territorial and mildly sentient. How much I haven’t yet discovered, but they are at least able to communicate with each other, possess an impressive memory, and can process complex emotions.”
“Hm.”
“As such, we will not comply with your requests for military training and experimentation.”
“What? Why?” He finally looked up, confused.
“Because it is unethical and cruel. It also seems that you lied to me as I discussed this matter with the Jedi Council, and they were rather horrified at the requests made in their name. All factors considered, the requests are denied.”
He scoffed. “They weren’t requests, they were orders. So you have made no progress.”
Marcelli raised an eyebrow. “I am not under your command to be ordered therefore you made requests which have been denied.”
“I am the Chancellor of the Republic! You will do as you are told!” He glared at her. “Or you will be replaced.”
“You cannot replace me as I do not work for you nor your government. I am employed by an independent, neutral organization. If you mean to threaten me, you should stop doing so at once. The Kaiserin will not allow his citizens to be threatened, or he may end your business deal.”
Palpatine grumbled, but subsided. “Do as ordered, Miss. I expect actual progress in your progress report.”
“There is actual progress if you would care to read the whole thing. I have already told you. I am not obligated to follow your orders, nor will I or my team. This project will continue as is.”
“Then your project is over and your team will be removed.”
“Certainly if you wish. My employers will take over the project then and we can remove it from your very busy plate considering the zillos are currently located outside of the Republic and you outsourced this project to an independent organization. I will remove you from any updating lists about the project then.”
“What? No, your project is over!”
“The Republic funding and assistance I receive for it is over. The project was given over to my complete authority. You provided extra funding and assistance, nothing more. The project will continue, and our contract together is now void. Is there anything you would like to discuss before I take my leave?”
“Your project is over and access revoked. Get out of my office.”
“The only revoked access to the project is yours. Thank you for your time, Chancellor. In the future I highly recommend not threatening a member of the Mirialan government when you have so many business contracts with us. Good day.” She started trying to stand.
The chair twisted under her and she grabbed the back of it to steady herself. That failed miserably when the chair simply tilted with her weight and she tumbled to the floor.
”Oh dear. Are you alright?” He didn’t sound at all concerned.
Marcelli groaned, clutching her stomach. “I require assistance standing up. This child is very heavy.”
“I’m sure your husband would be happy to help you.” He went back to his datapad.
She squirmed, trying her hardest to roll over. “Chancellor, if you would not mind calling in a service droid, I cannot stand on my own at this stage of pregnancy.”
“You should have the number in your comm.”
She sighed and tried to reach for it. Fortunately, the door opened and several clone troopers walked in, stopping short at the sight of her on the floor.
Palpatine waved a hand. “Report, CC-1010.”
“In a minute sir.” The clone in almost all red armor bent down and grabbed her arms, helping her sit up. Another clone grabbed her hands, and they pulled her up, gently setting her on her feet.
Marcelli brushed off her shirt and glared at Palpatine. “Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.”
“I said report, not help her up. Now do as you’re told!”
He sighed. “Thorn, help her out.”
The other clone offered her his arm and helped her out of the office. “Sorry about him, ma’am. Are you okay?”
She winced, rubbing her belly. “I fell on the bump. I fear that may have triggered labor. Thank you for helping me up.”
“Do you need to get to a doctor?”
“As a precaution, I probably should. I am close to term.”
“Got it. I’ll take you down to the medbay.”
“No you will not! You will come back here and attend the meeting!” Palpatine yelled,
“Sorry sir, medical emergency!” Thorn called back. “Gotta do my duty and serve Republic citizens!”
“She is fine! Get back here!”
“No sir. She’s not doing so good. I have to take her to the medbay.”
“I don’t care. She can walk.”
“Can you wait?”
“Not really!”
“Sorry sir, medical emergency that can’t wait.”
“Either you come now or you come later.”
“I’ll come later. Medical emergency and all that.”
The door shut and he guided Marceli down the hall. “Sorry. He’s a racist old fuck.”
“I can tell,” she grunted. “Thank you.”
“Of course. You doing okay?”
“Just some mild cramps. I fell on my stomach and perhaps kickstarted my labor.”
“Okay. If it’s nothing too bad you’re probably fine.”
“I should be, but I can’t be too careful.”
He nodded. “Should I call anyone?”
“No thank you. I’ll call my spouse. I just need some help getting down there if you don’t mind.”
“No problem. Where do you need to go?”
“Just down to the front doors is fine. A colleague is waiting for me, and I can call my spouse.”
“Okay.” He pushed the button for the elevator. “I’ll just take you down then.”
“Thank you very much, Commander. I really appreciate the help.” Marceli rubbed her belly again, relaxing slightly when she felt the baby kick.
“No problem sir. Takes a lot of guts to tell off the Chancellor.”
“Oh my name is Marceli. He doesn’t have any authority over me or my projects. I fail to understand where he got the impression that I care to hear about his opinion.”
“He thinks everyone and everything should answer to him.”
“I can tell. Thankfully I kicked him off of my project. It’s a shame that you have to work for him still. That must be miserable.”
“Yep. It is. I’m just hoping he’ll go easy on me. He doesn’t like it when we disobey him.”
“Oh. I see. Commander, what duty is designated to you by law?”
“Uh, escorting diplomats. I do other stuff, but that’s the top priority.”
“Wonderful. Since that’s your top priority, I just realized that I will need an escort today as Mirial’s ecological department head. Our Right Hand is here as well. She will need your help too.”
Thorn’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank you sir.”
“Of course. You have to do your duty, and I need the help. It’s no trouble at all.”
“You definitely seem like you do. You look ready to pop.”
“Thirty-four weeks out of roughly thirty-seven. I can have the baby at any moment.”
“Oh.”
“Mirialan pregnancies are typically forty-six weeks, but given this is a hybrid baby, we have been closely monitoring development and as far as we can tell, I have about three weeks left.”
“Yikes. That sounds awful.”
“I am very excited for this child, but I would like to be done with the pregnancy. As you saw, I can no longer stand up on my own.”
“Wow. I don’t know why natborns have kids at all. It seems so much harder.”
“It’s how we reproduce, and we do want them. Pregnancy just takes a toll on the body.”
“Yeah I can tell.” The doors opened and he fell in step behind her. “Are you meeting the Right Hand here?”
“Yes. Her and her associate.” Marceli leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. “Forgive me, I find it difficult to breathe when I move that much.”
“Take your time.” He stood next to her in parade rest.
“You can relax too. That looks uncomfortable.”
“Oh this is my relaxed. I can hold this for hours.”
“I see. Well as long as you aren’t uncomfortable.”
“Nope I’m just fine. You okay?”
“Just winded. I have no stamina in this advanced stage of pregnancy. I also fell quite hard.”
“Understood. Do you need anything?”
“No thank you. Just a moment of rest.”
“Take your time.” He took a step forward so he was shielding her from the rest of the room.
When she regained her breath, she straightened and looked up at him. “Not that I’m not grateful, but why are you blocking me from sight?”
“Just in case. You don’t need an audience. Good to go?”
“Thank you. It’s very appreciated. I am, thank you. We can proceed outside. The Right Hand should be waiting there.”
“Understood.” He fell in step and followed her out.
Marceli held his arm as they walked out front. She looked around and waved to Neveah. “Over here! Good to see you again, Neveah. I do appreciate the ride. This is Commander Thorn. He’ll be joining us for the day.”
“Of course.” She bowed to him. “Doctor Neveah Offee.”
Thorn saluted her. “Commander Thorn at your service, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well. This is my companion, Lieutenant Jaing. Are you two familiar?”
“Null.”
Jaing gave him a short nod. “Tolerable midget.”
“Those with dwarfism consider that an offensive term.”
“Do you have dwarfism?”
Thorn rolled his eyes. “Nice to see you again too. How’s the work?”
“Fun. How’s it going dealing with all the mongrels?”
“Awful thanks. Let’s get you on the speeder, Dr. Amaya.” He helped her climb in the speeder and settle in a seat with a groan.
“Thank you. What’s a mongrel?”
“Natborns we don’t like. What’s wrong with you?” Jaing started up the speeder.
“I’m very, very pregnant with a nine pound baby, and I fell quite hard on my stomach. Forgive me for not feeling very well.”
Neveah winced. “Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“I would like to for my own peace of mind. I’m nearly at term, and this is an unstable hybrid child.”
“Hospital it is. Jaing, if you please?”
“I’m going. Don’t worry if you make a mess in the speeder. It isn’t mine.” He pulled off into the lane and started driving.
“Jaing Skirata!” Neveah said in a scandalized tone. “Did you steal this from a civilian?! Again?!”
“No, calm down. I stole it from A’den who stole it from a civilian.”
“I suppose that is within parameters.”