Fallen Knights

Twilight strained to see what was going on.

It had only been about an hour since these aliens showed up. Ever since the ship had landed, Twilight had wanted to go and explore, but Celestia had refused.

Moreover, she had refused to let Twilight read any of the reports her diplomat had gotten for her. Now that they were here, Twilight wanted nothing more than to sit in on this meeting and learn about them, but once again, Celestia had refused her. So here she was, trying to look in through the windows, doing her best not to be seen by anypony.

"Twilight, I'm hungry..." Said Spike. He was sitting against the wall, looking bored out of his mind.

"We'll eat soon, Spike." Twilight promised as she leaned closer to the window, hoping to hear more of what was said.

She couldn't hear much, but watching was also interesting. The aliens in robes, and the aliens in white armor. She had heard about the robed ones, apparently they were some sort of knights. Princess Celestia had been very tightlipped, only telling Twilight the bare minimum of what was going on.

She had been very clear that Twilight shouldn't try and intercept one of these aliens, at least not until an understanding had been reached. Twilight wasn't sure what kind of understanding they needed to come to, as she had already said she didn't think they were a threat, but she was the Princess, and it was usually best to heed her teacher's words.

Although she hoped she would be able to talk to them soon...

The universe had just become so much bigger, and she didn't intend to miss out on anything!

For a Jedi, the Force is their greatest ally.

It allows the Jedi to sense the universe around them, and grant them power to do what ordinary beings cannot. It allows them insight into the thoughts and emotions of others, and what Liam could sense from these ponies were astonishment, fear, and paranoia.

Liam could sense it clearly through the Force, as each minister listened intently to his master explaining the nature of the clone wars. The flickers of their emotional shifts stood out like rocks hitting a calm river, sending waves through the Force.

It only became more clear as Nemo showed them footage of some of the battles they had been in. The footage of their fleets, the battle droids, and their worlds, made the fear stand out not just within the ministers, but their faces. Liam could not blame them, their entire view of the universe had been shattered. It was like a pet fish being let out into the ocean.

But in the center of all these impressions and emotions, Liam couldn't sense Princess Celestia. At least, not in the same way as he sensed her council members. She was like a pillar of calm, standing firm, and her mind was closed off to him.

Liam stretched out with the Force, trying to get a sense of her feelings. But no, her mind was closed to him. He did however sense something else, or rather someone else. He glanced towards the windows, and his eyes met those of a unicorn filly. She quickly got down and out of view, but Liam had no doubt she knew he had seen her.

Who was she? Celestia's daughter perhaps?

"I must say," Celestia said, gaining Liam's attention once more. "This war is quite confusing. These separatists want to break from the Republic, but they are conducting offensive warfare, and are conquering other systems." She tried out the last word, clearly used to dealing with nations, and not planetary systems.

"However, I cannot say I condone the Republic using a slave army either." She continued.

Liam felt a stir within Nemo. "If I may, your highness..." Nemo said, his words polite, but his voice was tense. When Celestia nodded, Nemo stood. "We clones are soldiers of the Republic, and we are not slaves. We fight to protect the innocent, not to conquer. Me and my brothers serve the Republic proudly."

Liam looked to his master, who listened calmly. The Jedi had never been thrilled about the clone army, not because of the clones themselves, but for the same reason Celestia had brought up. They had been bred to be soldiers, they never had a choice.

Celestia inclined her head to the good captain. "Yes, please forgive me. I didn't mean to offend you, or your brothers." It was a diplomatic answer, but Liam could see genuine concern. "But we have never experienced anything like an army composed of clones. It is all new to us."

"I understand, ma'am." Nemo responded, sounding less tense as he sat down.

Celestia glanced at the window for a moment, then addressed the room. "I think we have a better understanding of how things stand now, I thank you for coming to us to explain."

Allusis gave a polite nod. "Of course, your highness."

"I think a break is in order. Please, everyone, there are some refreshments prepared in the south garden. Master Jedi, you are of course most welcome to join us. I would love to continue our conversation under a more relaxed setting."

"We would be honored," said Allusis, giving a small respectful bow. "Thank you for the invitation."

As the room started to empty of the many ministers, Nemo stepped up to Allusis and Liam. "General, if you don't mind, I will go back to the gunship and oversee the cargo."

"Very good, captain." Allusis responded. Liam looked at his master, who turned to him as Nemo walked away. "Come, Liam. There is something I would like to discuss with you before we join the others."

"Master?"

Allusis gestured for Liam to follow, and so he did. Liam didn't speak, waiting patiently for his master to elaborate as they stepped into the large hallway of the palace.

"I have spoken to the Princess, and I think it would be wise if you stayed here at the palace, Liam. Acting as our ambassador." Allusis explained as the two walked side by side. "There is still much that needs to be done back at the ship, and this would be a good opportunity for you."

Liam considered his master's words. He wanted to help, but he could see the wisdom in his master's decision, so he nodded. "Yes, master. Will I be alone?"

"No," Allusis answered. "I'll leave a squad with you, along with some equipment so you can contact the ship."

Liam nodded. "Perhaps, if the Princess allows it, a gunship, and my starfighter?"

"A good suggestion, Padawan. I will ask her." The two walked for a bit before Allusis continued the conversation. "Your primary duty will be to establish a relationship with the natives, learn about them, and let them learn about us. If nothing else, we may have at least gained an ally once we contact the Republic."

Liam frowned, glancing up at Allusis. "Master, what if we can't get in contact with the Republic?"

"We deal with that then. Full loss of contact isn't the end of our options." Allusis explained, calm as always.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Liam sighed.

Allusis placed his large hand on Liam's shoulder. "Keep your concentration on the here and now where it belongs. Be mindful of the living Force, my young Padawan."

"Yes, master."

Liam followed his master into a large impressive room. The ministers mingled about with ponies that hadn't been at the meeting. There was a large table with all sorts of foods, and even a small band playing relaxing music in the corner.

As soon as Liam and his master stepped inside, a servant near the door announced them. "Introducing, Jedi Master Ven Allusis, knight of Republic, and his student, Padawan Liam Valar."

Every head in the salon turned towards them. There was a ripple in the Force as Liam felt the many emotions in the room. Although, he didn't need to be Force sensitive to see the slight nervousness in their eyes. To them they were aliens from a galaxy that had just become much bigger to them.

Liam had been used to seeing different species from a very young age at the Jedi Temple. To him this wasn't very shocking, but he could see a species who hadn't even reached out to the stars yet would be shocked. But that didn't mean he would ever get used to being the center of attention.

Master Allusis didn't acknowledge the attention, instead started walking calmly into the room, with Liam walking close by. Allusis was used to diplomatic missions, and of course being his Padawan, Liam had attended some of those meetings with him, but that was more before the Clone Wars.

Allusis led them to the end of the large room where Celestia stood, and greeted some of the guests. When she spotted Allusis and Liam, she smiled warmly at them both.

"Ah, and these are our esteemed guests." Celestia said to a young and elegantly dressed mare. She wasn't alone, as the stallion beside her was the young Fancy Pants who had been visiting them regularly.

The mare's eyes lit up, and she took a step forward, smiling brightly at both Liam and his master. "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer tous les deux. Est-il vrai que vous êtes tous les deux de nobles chevaliers?"

Liam blinked in surprise at the words, he'd never heard her language before. Allusis however didn't show a hint of surprise, and just smiled at the young mare.

Celestia giggled a bit. "Please, excuse Fleur de Lis. She is visiting from Prance, and while she can understand our language pretty well, she has a hard time speaking it."

The mare gave a sheepish smile. "Toutes mes excuses."

Allusis nodded, still smiling. "What did she say?"

"She said it is a pleasure to meet you, and asked if you were truly noble knights?" Explained Celestia, with a small smile of amusement.

Allusis chuckled warmly, while Liam felt a little self-conscious. Never had he heard anyone call them noble knights before. She made it sound so romantic.

"Thank you for the compliment, young lady." Allusis said, with a warm and almost playful tone in his voice. "Yes, we are indeed knights, sworn to protect the innocent." Liam couldn't help but chuckle at his master's display.

The young mare however seemed to love it, and almost squealed in excitement. Fancy Pants told her something, and she was quick to thank Allusis for his time before the two left. Celestia giggled behind her hand, and looked at Allusis with a hint of approval.

"I am glad my kingdom is able to host such noble knights." Said Celestia.

Allusis turned to her, and bowed a little. "We are at your service, your majesty." The two shared a laugh. It was strange to see master Allusis so relaxed. Not that Liam hadn't seen his master like this before, but it had seemed almost a lifetime ago since he last saw him this relaxed.

"Now, Princess." Allusis then said, looking at Celestia, and nodded towards Liam. "My Padawan has agreed to act as our ambassador, while I tend to our men, and ship."

Celestia's eyes lit up, and she looked at Liam with a pleased smile. "I'm glad to hear it." She said, "we still have a lot to learn about your Republic, and the galaxy out there. I am sure your time with us shall also be enlightening for you." Celestia beamed. "I have set up the west wing for you to use as a sort of embassy while you're here."

Liam bowed respectfully. "Thank you. It will be my honor to be at Equestria's service, Princess."

"The honor is mine," Celestia said. "It is a historic day for Equestria, and I feel working together will bring a lot of benefits, and make your stay here as peaceful and easy as possible."

"I couldn't agree more, Princess." Master Allusis nodded.

Allusis and Liam had left the festivities an hour or so later. They had acted as expected, politely making conversation, and answering questions posed to them by curious nobles and ministers. Most of them were innocent enough, but some had been vague attempts of leaning more of their ship and troops.

Allusis hadn't been too worried, and skillfully answered every question with a diplomatic tact that Liam could only marvel at. Once again he was reminded of how much he admired his master, which was why he was even more determined to make him proud during his new assignment.

They came back to the two gunships, with the clones waiting for them. Liam noticed a few crates had been carried out, and placed near the doors to the palace.

As they came out, Nemo turned to them. "General," he greeted respectfully. "Commander Valar's squad is ready, sir." A group of ten clones were lined up, standing at attention.

Liam looked from Nemo to his master. Sensing his confusion, Allusis turned to his apprentice. "Yes, the Princess and I thought it best if you had a few clones with you, and protect your new embassy."

Liam was about to ask about it, but he stopped himself. It wasn't strange for diplomats and ambassadors to have protection, and while Liam didn't need it, he knew it would look strange to onlookers if he was simply here alone, with no staff or protection whatsoever. At worst, it might tempt rash actions from those with ill intent.

"I understand, master."

"Good," Allusis said, sounding pleased. Then he smiled. "I thought it would be best if you had someone you were already familiar with."

As if on cue, a clone at the end of the line took a step forward. "Sergeant Lucky, reporting for duty, sir!"

Liam couldn't hide the small smile that graced his lips. "Sergeant, congratulations on your promotion." He said, glad to have Lucky here with him. If he was here, then surely Dex and Jeice would be here too.

Allusis smiled too. "Sergeant, please prepare to move everything inside."

"Sir!" Lucky promptly responded, and turned to his new squad.

While the clones started to work, Allusis turned to his Padawan. "You should have everything you need here," he began. "I'm leaving you a protocol droid for you as well, to handle the data, and running of the day to day operations." Allusis started to walk towards one of the two gunships.

"Learn as much as you can about their planet, and their culture. We don't know how long we will be here, so we might as well make the best use of our time." Allusis stepped onto the gunship with Nemo, leaving Liam to stand a few meters away, watching him. "I'll contact you every day for a report."

Liam nodded. "Yes master. Let me know if I can do anything to help, and... Let me know if Talek wakes up."

Allusis nodded, folding his arms in those large sleeves of his robe. "I will. Goodbye for now, Liam, and may the Force be with you."

The gunship hummed as the engines started, and soon enough it started to ascend. Liam watched as his master flew back towards the Venator, leaving him with his first solo diplomatic mission. Although his master would not be far away, Liam couldn't help but feel the hint of trepidation and excitement to be on his first solo mission.

While it wasn't the most exciting mission, he was determined to not letting his master down!