Star Wars_ Darth Bane 02_ Rule of Two - Drew Karpyshyn [80]
When he arrived at his destination he was surprised to find the door to Farfalla’s private quarters standing open, the Jedi Master seated at a desk inside, deep in study.
“You wanted to see me?” Johun said by way of greeting, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
The room was decorated much as Farfalla’s private cabin had been aboard the Fairwind, the flagship of the now disbanded Jedi fleet. Fine art adorned the walls, and expensive rugs covered the floor. In one corner sat the four-poster bed depicting the key stages of Valenthyne’s rise to the rank of Jedi Master.
“Johun,” Farfalla said with mild surprise. “I did not expect to see you so soon.” He turned in his seat and motioned to one of the other chairs in the room, indicating that his guest should sit.
“Your summons sounded urgent,” Johun answered. He spread his feet and stood stiffly, refusing the offer of a chair.
“I need to speak with you,” Farfalla said with a weary sigh.
“As my friend, my Master, or a representative of the Jedi Council?”
“That depends on what you have to say,” Farfalla answered, ever the diplomat. “I have heard that Chancellor Valorum intends to petition the Senate for funds to create a memorial to Hoth and the other Jedi who fell on Ruusan.”
“No doubt he believes this to be a fitting tribute to the people who gave their lives to keep the Republic safe,” Johun remarked. “A tribute some would say is long overdue.”
Farfalla raised an eyebrow. “So you had nothing to do with this request? Valorum came up with this idea on his own?”
“I never said that,” the Jedi Knight replied. The truth, as both he and Valenthyne were well aware, was that Valorum had agreed to do this to show his gratitude toward Johun for saving him during the attack on Serenno.
“As I suspected,” the Master said with another sigh. “The Jedi Council does not approve of this, Johun. They see it as an act of pride and arrogance.”
“Is it arrogant to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice?” Johun asked, staying calm. He was a Jedi Knight now; the Padawan who would fly off the handle at the slightest provocation was long gone.
“Requesting a memorial to honor your former Master smacks of vanity,” Farfalla explained. “In elevating the man who first trained you, you in effect elevate yourself.”
“This is not vanity, Master,” Johun explained patiently. “A memorial on Ruusan will serve as a reminder of how one hundred beings willingly marched off to face certain death so that the rest of the galaxy might live in peace. It will be a powerful symbol to inspire others.”
“The Jedi do not need symbols to inspire them,” Farfalla reminded him.
“But the rest of the Republic does,” Johun countered. “Symbols give power to ideas, they speak to the hearts and minds of the average person, they help transform abstract values and beliefs into reality.
“This monument glorifies the victory on Ruusan: a victory that came not through the strength of our army, but through the courage, conviction, and sacrifice of Hoth and those who perished with him. It will serve as a shining example to guide the citizens of the Republic in their thoughts and actions.”
“I see Valorum’s flair for speeches has rubbed off on you,” Valenthyne said with a rueful smile, recognizing that he would not be able to convince Johun to change his position.
“It was you who chose to assign me to the Chancellor’s side,” Johun reminded him. “And I have learned many things in my years of service.”
Farfalla rose from his seat and began to pace the room.
“Your arguments are eloquent, Johun. But surely you know they will not sway the Jedi Council.”
“This matter falls outside the Council’s authority,” Johun reminded him. “If the Senate approves funding for Valorum’s request, construction on Ruusan will begin within the month.”
“The Senate