As the second phase of Star Wars: The High Republic is coming to a close, I have been thinking about other time periods I would love to see get this kind of treatment. Obviously the origins of the Jedi, or the Jedi/Sith Wars would be cool, but I think if you want to continue with the theme, then we need a period called The Dawn of the Republic.
The High Republic, which takes place 500-100 BBY (before Battle of Yavin–or the end of SW:ANH), has laid out the downfall of the Jedi and the Republic. Especially when you consider some of the things that Count Dooku said about Yoda (I wrote about this before, and it does fit nicely with The High Republic). THR also shows how the Jedi were entangled with the Senate, and on the path of leading a Clone Army against the Separatists.
So what would The Dawn of the Republic be about? It would be set about 1000 BBY. Yes, the Galactic Republic has been around for like 25,000 years (yeah, Star Wars timelines are insane), but after the Sith Wars, things fell apart. Then the Republic was reestablished around 1000 BBY (not sure how canonical this all is either). I would love to see the Republic being a bunch of Core Worlds, trying to establish some control after the end of the Sith. Maybe a major mistrust of the Jedi, like the Senate will grant them permission to be involved in peacekeeping, but they do not want the Jedi Council involved in their Senate dealings. The Jedi have to earn their trust back.
I would be interested in seeing how the Republic expands from the Core to other worlds. How do they deal with the fallout from the millennia of wars that happened and basically decimated so many systems. The newly reformed Senate would need to be optimistic and full of leaders who are full of idealism. As the Jedi offer help, they sometimes turn them away, and at other times accept. I think whatever the main threat is, the Senate tries to deal with it alone, but eventually need the Jedi to come in and save the day. In the end, the Jedi pledge to defend the ideals of the Republic. This idea of the Jedi being peacekeepers within the Republic also eliminates the need for a standing military (perhaps that is where the failure occurs early on, the Republic tries to muster forces from a bunch of planets, but the coordination and response is not up to the task of facing down a real threat).
You can make up an enemy, like the Nihil for THR, or you could change some of the history to fit a new canon. For example, this could be the period when the Mandalorians strike at the Republic. Perhaps they think this new government will be weak, and this is their opportunity to expand. Maybe since the Jedi Order and Senate do not work together, this is the point when the Mandalorians raid the Temple and steal the Darksaber. Come to think of it, I really like this idea.
So hey Disney, give me a call, I am willing to oversee this chapter of Star Wars.
