High Republic Wednesday: Chancellor Lina Soh

The High Republic era is led by Chancellor Lina Soh, who is often flanked by her two targons, Matari and Voru. Named after ancient Coruscanti gods, the targons are pets, comrades, and protectors who can sense Lina’s emotions. It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve seen in the High Republic, among a lot of cool things.

Lina is a great visionary for the Republic at this time, and is responsible for the idea of Starlight Beacon, which was meant to be the first in a network of such stations across the galaxy. It is one of her Great Works, meant to bring the galaxy closer together, particularly to bring the Outer Rim into the fold. Lina Soh coined the term “We are all the Republic,” and came up with the theme of The Spirit of Unity for the Republic Fair. She believes the galaxy is stronger if everyone works together. A simple, if idealistic, belief that doesn’t prepare her for the scourge that is the Nihil: mauraders who take what they want in violent, cruel ways, and has no respect for the Republic or the Jedi, or the sanctity of life, for that matter.

Lina has a 17-year old son, Kitrep (“Kip”) who doesn’t always like the limelight of being the Chancellor’s son. But they are close, and he was one of the first at her bedside when she was injured during the Nihil attack on the Republic Fair (she lost part of a leg in that attack).

Here’s a little blurb about her from Starwars.com:

Here is a part of her speech at the dedication of Starlight Beacon:

“You know I envision a galaxy of Great Works — connected and inspiring and filled with peace for all citizens. I believe this is possible, but not because of me, or any special ability of mine. I believe it is possible because of us. Because we can and will work together to achieve it. We are, every one of us, a great work. I see a galaxy where we use our strengths to shore up each other’s weaknesses, where we understand and celebrate our differences and hold them up as valuable. We are a Republic where every voice matters, whether in the Core or on the farthest planet at the edge of the Rim.“

She’s a true foil to the selfish anarchy of the Nihil.

Here’s a lovely rendition of Lina by Ironickdesigns:

We are all the Republic.

Thanks for reading, and see you next time!