The (In)Stability of Makeb

“Your name is Pious?” The Major asks the Jedi consultant.

“Yes,” the robed woman replies simply.

“That’s not a little on the nose?” Major Devega jests.

“I’ve heard all the jokes, Captain-”

“Major,” he corrects.

“Oh? You’ve been promoted. I’ll update Republic records to correct that. Congratulations.” Pious says with genuine sentiment.

“It happened two years ago, but thank you.” Major Devega escorts the Jedi from the landing bay. “Welcome to Makeb, Jedi Knight Pious. I’ve acquired for you quarters within our barracks.”

“It was a given name. I was adopted by the order. The Jedi Master who found me also named me.”

Devega continues walking, not breaking pace. “I didn’t ask and won’t pry.”

“It’s not necessarily a personality trait,” the Jedi woman insists.

“I wasn’t going to assume.” The Major returns, continuing to escort Pious through the spaceport. He expedites her passage through customs. Pious carries no luggage and brings only the clothing on her back and a lightsaber.

“I say this because I want us to have an effective and positive working relationship.” Pious stops forcing the Major to stop and face her.

“As do I, Jedi Knight Pious, but perhaps we can continue the discourse in my office?” He looks around, indicating the hustle and bustle of the Talaos City spaceport.

Pious understands his meaning. She follows Major Devega to his speeder, waiting to broach conversation until they are seated in his office.

“As I was-”

“You’re an imposition,” the Major interjects. “Oversight from the Republic to ensure we’re caring for our own citizens. Makeb is not your purview. It is not your system. We control it. It is a colony of the Deep Stellar Coalition now and we do not need Republic permission to run day to day operations. The fact you’re here is a goodwill gesture on behalf of my superiors to sustain trade and diplomatic ties.”

“Oh,” Pious adjusts her robes in her chair.

“Then you must understand my position, Major. Your people took Makeb by force, under threat of destroying the planet in its entirety. This includes former Republic citizens and assets which were not evacuated or chose to stay. Your leadership is also composed of Sith, or at least former Sith, who are by nature the mortal enemy of my Order. I am not here to give orders or mandates, but to assess the quality of life on Makeb and report back to the Republic. My reports will affect diplomatic relations and your interactions with your superiors. Have I made myself transparent?
The Major leans back in his chair, nodding.

“Perfectly. Now we’ve an understanding, tell me why a Jedi Master would name you Pious of all things.”

Pulling her cloak hood back to reveal her long, red hair Pious exhales sharply. “That- that’s a long story…”