“We thank the Jedi,” the chancellor said, resplendent in a long gown of nanosilk, her amplified voice echoing off the buildings of the harbor square. She swept a smile across the crowd, a gesture expertly designed to take in as many cams as possible. “It is good to see so many of you here today. Citizens from the Core, from the Inner and Mid Rim, and of course here from the frontier, the latest members of our galactic family.” She raised her hands wide, as if she could see the entire Republic in front of her.

Maybe she could.

“For that is what we are. Who we are. A family, many but connected. Brothers, sisters, guardians, clan-kin, loved ones, and friends …” With that, Soh made a point of turning to Elarec, seated with Ambassador Tiss, her royal guard never far, lined up toward the rear of the platform. The regasa inclined her head in acknowledgment of the sentiment.

“Some have traveled far, some are close to home,” Soh continued. “But we all are one. We are all the Republic, and this fair is for all of us. This day is for all of us. Together we will experience new things. Together we will witness marvels from across the sectors. Art. Music. Drama. Innovation. They belong to us and they bring us together. This is a chance to understand one another; to realize once again what we all bring to the Republic, each and every one. This is our time. And it is only the beginning.”