By evening the next day...

Sariss stood on the central podium before the Senate. Just six hours before, she had been elected the new Chief of State. Her position was temporary, based on Kas Haan's recovery. But based on the doctor's reports, Kas Haan would not be getting better anytime soon.

"Senators, I have met with the Security Council, and we have come to an agreement. A Galactic Alliance task force, aided by Loyalist Jedi, will be sent to Kashyyyk to demand that the Paladin Jedi hand over the assassin so that they can stand trial against the charges of attempted murder of Chief of State Kas Haan."

A massive wave of support filled the chamber. The identity of the assassin had not yet been revealed to the public, only a small handful knew. However, the knowledge that the assassin was a Paladin had been revealed. Sariss was merely biding her time. Keeping the holonews reporters well fed was trick she had learned well. Feed them scraps, and feed them often.

"The Galactic Alliance will uphold the values on which this government was founded." She continued. "Justice and order will be served, and no Jedi is above that. The Paladins would do well to follow the example of their fellow brethren, the Loyalists. And let us not forget senators, that if it were not for the Loyalists, we would not even know the identity of the attacker."

Sariss noted how large of support she had this day. Never again would it be this overwhelming. It was the price of politics. But she knew her support would not dwindle that far.

There were far too many Senators who'd fallen into the anti-Jedi camp.

It wasn't that they hated the Jedi or wanted their destruction or disbandment. It was fear.

They were wary.

Better to have a Jedi in your house than one next door. The one who lives with you is a trusted friend. The neighbor is a liability.

It was cold logic, but it held true, at least amongst this crowd.

With her perceptive, reptilian eyes, Sariss made careful note of who was silent. The Wookiees and the Mon Calamari were very quiet. A dozen others were just as reserved.

Enemies? Sariss wondered for a second. No. There are no enemies in politics. Only people who don't yet agree with you.

Sariss finished her speech, assuring the Senate, and galaxy who would see the holonet news casts, that all was well or would be made right.

The situation was under control.