Bab 150: Chapter 147
General Kota and his small group walked into the halls of Throne room escorted in by the Guardian Knights. But Kota was walking a bit faster than the Guardian Knights as he was impatient. But this action to the Guardian Knights looked to be disrespectful as they could feel how impatient he was.
And so this act by General Kota was met with Force as the Guardian Master who was present and also the leader of the Guardian Knights protecting his highness had reached his hand out and forced General Kota on the ground.
General Kota was caught by surprise as his face hit the ground hard and his body unable to move.
The rest of his party which included some of his elite fighters tried to react but they too found themselves unable to move.
The Guardian Master step towards the group as the Guardian Knights surrounded the group.
Meanwhile Alexander sat on his throne and watched the scene occurring in front of him. He didn't see anything wrong with what they were doing since he could sense how impatient General Kota was and how his action could be seen as aggressive and even disrespectful towards Alexander.
The Guardian Master began to speak, his voice echoing off the grand arches of the throne room. "Impatience is a vice, General. And disrespect towards His Highness will not be tolerated." He looked at General Kota disdainfully as if trying to assess whether this man truly had been ignorant of his misstep, or had deliberately chosen to defy their customs.
On the marble floor, General Kota struggled against the hold that was keeping him down. His men were just as helpless, their muscles rigid under the powerful influence of the Guardian Master's force. All they could do was watch as their leader was chastised for what they now realized was a mistake on his part.
Though none of them had laid eyes on the Emperor themselves, they were well aware of the consequences for those who dared to show any disrespect towards him.
Slowly, the Guardian Master released his hold on General Kota, letting him scramble back to his feet. A murmur of relief ran through his men as they were granted movement once again. The Guardian Master turned towards Alexander, bowing deeply in deference before returning back to his place among the Guardian Knights.
Kota brushed off his uniform, a hint of embarrassment colored his usually stern and serious face. His eyes met the Emperor's and he nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of his error. "My apologies, your highness," he said, his voice echoing through the large throne room. "It was not my intention to show disrespect."
Alexander stared at him from his throne, taking in the sight of the humbled General. He did not speak for a while but when he finally did, his voice was calm yet carried an authority that commanded absolute respect. "Impatience is not a trait that befits a general," he said coolly. "One must always remember that in this galaxy, respect is paramount above all else."
The chastising words hung heavily in the air as each man present took them to heart. Even Kota, an experienced war veteran whose name was known throughout the galaxy understood that he had to tread carefully here. Even if he was a General of the Rebel Alliance, he was now here on Coruscant which is under the control of the Terran Ascendency and no one was beyond reproach or discipline in Alexander's presence.
Still General Kota didn't take his words to heart and only asked the question in which he came here to ask.
"Your Highness, Why did you not allow us to destroy the Death Star, It is a threat to the Galaxy even if it's under your control" Asked General Kota. Plus he was also furious at how many lives were lost trying to destroy the station yet it was still operational and had only transferred ownership. It seemed like a waste of lives of that was to be the outcome.
Alexander leaned back in his throne, a contemplative look on his face.
"The Death Star is an instrument of power General, just as a sword or shield is," he began. His eyes were steel-cold as he locked onto Kota's gaze. "And just like any other weapon, it can be used for both good and evil."
He paused and motioned for one of his attendants to approach. The attendant swiftly brought forth a holographic map of the galaxy and Alexander pointed to a specific sector.
"Here, we have the Outer Rim territories, lawless zones riddled with the remnants of the Criminal Syndicate whom still threaten peoples lives even now," he said. "Imagine if they had such a weapon. What do you think would happen?"
Kota clenched his fists at his side but didn't respond.
Alexander continued, "The Death Star under my control ensures it's not misused. I understand your concerns and if you think that those soldiers died for nothing then you are wrong" Stated Alexander.
"They fought to protect the lives of the people on Alderaan, destroying the Death Star was just a secondary Goal which had little chance of success without my interference" Finished Alexander.
"And now," he waved his hand over the holographic map, "with this tool of terror under the control of the Ascendancy, I can use it to keep peace, to deter those who would upset the balance of power in this galaxy. It is a weapon sure, but a weapon without an arm to wield it is just a piece of metal."
Kota gritted his teeth, his mind whirling with thoughts. He remembered the brave men and women who had given their lives for their cause, and anger flared within him. "A weapon without an arm can still kill innocents," he shot back. "And a weapon like the Death Star in the hands of anyone... it's too much power for one being."
Alexander's gaze did not waver from Kota's furious eyes. "Too much power for one being?" he echoed slowly. "Perhaps. But remember, General Kota... a lightsaber can maim, and kill as well. It is not about the power one wields, but how one wields that power."
Alexander leaned forward in his throne, resting his elbow on its ornate armrest and cupping his chin thoughtfully. "You don't trust me, General Kota. That's clear enough," he said, his words slicing through the tense air like a vibroblade. "But consider this... what other option do we have? To let it fall into the wrong hands? Or destroy it entirely and risk another faction coming up with something even more deadly?"
He held out his hands towards Kota, palms upturned in an open gesture. The holographic map between them showed the vast galaxy poised on the brink of chaos, untold worlds and lives hanging in the balance. "So, I ask you again, General Kota... What other option do we have?"
Kota's eyes, hardened from countless battles and the toll of leadership that bore heavily on his shoulders, stared back into the Emperor's gaze. He was silent for what seemed like an eternity before he finally spoke.
"Perhaps none," he admitted begrudgingly. "But that doesn't mean your actions are without consequences. To rule with such a weapon in hand... it's a dangerous game you play, your highness."
Alexander nodded, acknowledging his words. "True," he responded. "But isn't that what we do? As leaders, as warriors... we play the game to protect those who can't protect themselves. We put ourselves on the line to ensure others don't have to."
He leaned back into his throne again, steepling his fingers in contemplation. "The Death Star is a tool," he continued. "A powerful one, but a tool nonetheless. Its wielder determines its purpose."
"And if its wielder falters?" Kota asked pointedly.
Alexander smiled at the question, though there was no warmth in it. Just the cold understanding shared between warriors of their respective burdens.
"Then another will take up the responsibility," he replied simply. "That has been the way of things since time immemorial."
"But remember this Kota," Alexander added sternly, "as long as I breathe, that weapon will not be used to wreak havoc upon innocent lives. It is here to maintain order and stability within this galaxy."
General Kota had nothing more to say. Every argument he came up with proved useless. While he didn't trust Alexander he didn't have the power to Force him to destroy the Death Star.
"Very well, Emperor," he said finally, each word measured and heavy with reluctant acceptance. "We put our faith in you then, your highness."
Smiling Alexander had stood up and walked up to General Kota where he extended his hand to Kota. The gesture was unexpected but the general accepted it, his grip strong and unyielding.
"May we find peace in our time," the emperor said solemnly. His words echoed throughout the chamber; a promise or a prayer, perhaps both.
With this their meeting concluded. General Kota gave a stiff bow and turned on his heel to leave, his cloak whispering against the polished floor. A heavy silence settled over the grand hall as Alexander watched him go.
Then from the shadows emerged two figures who looked like younger versions of Alexander.
"And that is how you settle things the diplomatic way my sons" Said Alexander as Prince Luke and Prince Jais walked up to his side.
"Settling things this way will avoid having to make harsh choices in the future and to explain to those who don't understand your actions why it was the right action to take" Explained Alexander.
He had basically used General Kota to show his sons how proper diplomacy is performed so that in the future they can become great rulers.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Dr_Dred
Dr_Dred Like it ? Add to library！
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone