Star Wars: Rebuilding of Empires Story Thread IX

[Corp]

Endor

“Try and block out your senses and focus only on the Force. You can touch it here just as easily as you did out in the forest. The Force is everywhere. Out in the forest, here in the school, even out in the emptiness of space. Feel it flow through the walls, through the floor, through every object in this room. You might even be able to see pattern through its flow and through those patterns sense when something is out of place. Do that now, focus on the patterns and reach out through the Force. Do you sense anything that seems out of place?”

A robotic voice answered. “I sense…Master Halbret. And she seems annoyed.”

Rillao was a bit surprised at this but reaching out with the Force she too noticed that Halbret was moving through the school. Opening her eyes she stood up and looked to her student. “Well then I think we should call it a day for now Chee'ad. I wasn’t expecting Halbret today so she’ll likely want to talk to me about something. We can continue this lesson before dinner but for now I’d like you to go to the library and start working through that list of texts I gave you.”

”Of course Master, I understand,” Chee'ad replied, fingers lightly moving across the keypad in his hand. He rose and started to leave the study just as Halbret was coming in. ”Hello Master Halbret.”

“Hello Chee'ad,” Halbret replied as the student headed out into the hall. After the door had closed she gave Rillao a questioning look. “Is Chee'ad ok?”

“He’s fine, he’s just trying something to make himself, in his words, a better agent and Jedi. I guess they never let him do much field work due to his voice, plus it was causing some distractions when others were meditating. Typing out his words was his solution, although I don’t think he’s completely happy with it and wants to try a more permanent fix.”

“Oh, ok I can understand that I guess. It’s not like Ayrou can whisper. How’s his training coming along?” Halbret asked as she sank into a chair.

Pouring herself a tea Rillao also poured a glass of brandy for Halbret. She looked like she could use it. After offering the drink Rillao took a seat herself. “Good so far, though it will take some time for him to stop thinking of himself as an intelligence officer. Part of me thinks he sees this as a big training course. But he’s shown a great talent for reading people. He was able to pick up on you…so what’s wrong?”

“That obvious? Well to start with I’m had a rough couple of weeks trying to convince the Anoat system to stay in the Federation. Once I had done that I figured I could use a break and spend some time with family. However Lusa helping hunt down pirates and my husband got called away to EofH space to talk about the possibility of the regular military taking over operations. So given how my luck has been going lately by the time Streen is about to come back home I’ll be busy with something else. Is your family doing any better?"

"I honestly don't know," Rillao admitted. "I haven't heard from Tigris since he returned to SAS space, and I've been busy with the school. I could use your help if you're going to be sticking around a bit. With the Rangers still debating where they want to set up their own school it's a bit crazy here. Or maybe you need to go on a trip yourself. I've heard that the Centrality has opened New Holstice to the public."

That made Halbret sit up. "Have they now? I've heard that the Jedi Monument has survived all these years but that area of space has always been so unstable it's never been safe to go see for myself. Well if the area is safe again I might just take this chance to go see the monument. I never got the chance to back in my time."

"Maybe you can take the twins with you. I've sure they'd like to put in a moth for their father and getting off the planet would do them some good. I'm sure they would love the idea."

"Sure, plus it would give you some more time to focus on Chee'ad and the Horn children. I'll talk to their mother tonight and get her permission."

Actions:
Halbret, along with Pondo and Ponto, make plans to go to New Holstice.

[Dark Primus]

Coruscant




Feeling slightly chained to the rules of being a politician Alaeon had taken the day off from his work and stayed at home at his apartment, he needed a break from his duties so he could clear his thoughts.
He was dressed in his civilian clothing and took a drink of orange juice and sat at the large balcony staring high above the rooftops of many visible skyscrapers before him.

He took a slurp from the glass and putted it on the table next to him and leaned back and breathed out and started to listen to his own body and relaxing his muscles and for the first time he could finally feel relaxed.
But the silence and the delightful relaxing moment came to an abruptly end as the doorbell sang out and it triggered a drawn out sigh from the tired politician who rose up and took the glass with him and walked up to the large wooden door and gently opened it up revealing his friend standing on the other side.

“Maddox?” He said surprised, seeing him standing in his military uniform.

“Alaeon I need to talk to you about a very urgent matter.”

He hesitated a second, feeling this conversation would only end with his first day off in years would mean getting ruined.
“Of course.” He said and opened the door up allowing the admiral to walk in.

“What can I do for you my dear admiral.” He walked up to his couch and sat there leaning backwards in a relaxed matter. “Since you are here it must mean it is a military issue.”

“You are correct.” He replied, and he stood on his two legs and his arms casually hanging down his sides.
“I trust my intuition and after have studied the rogue Vong attacks and the consequences of said attacks I have concluded Pentastar Alignment will be their next target.”

The eyebrows on Alaeon's face rose up slightly.
“Fill me in.” He leaned forward to listen more closely to what the admiral had to say.

“First sign was the dead Vong shuttle craft one of our frigates ran into. The shuttle had been fire upon by Vong attack crafts and had been without a doubt been placed in front of the frigate flight path so it would get discovered. The data retrieved from it pointed out the Vong were planning to attack one of three systems, but we didn't know which one of them.
Pentastar forces were closest to most of the systems so we could cover them but we could not send enough ships to fully protect all three of them from a full Vong armada and our enemy knows that.

Only twenty Pentastar ships were close enough to be sent and additionally a force of twenty Calamari Star Cruisers arrived to boost them up. But still they were outmatched by the attacking Vong fleet which seems to suggest they were heavily outnumbered and outgunned and that fleet is still lurking out there somewhere.

With the loss of both Republic and Pentastar fleets it is obvious to me the Vong used the growing anti-Republic feelings in the council to blame me for the disastrous loss and it resulted me getting voted out from the PA council, and probably sever our alliance.” He drew out a deep breath.
“PA stands right now alone; they have no military alliance with any other power. They are vulnerable for a major attack and our enemy knows that but I don't think PA sees this.”

Alaeon nodded. “Assuming you are correct you have to admit it was well planned for the Vong. We both fell to their schemes.”

“Yes.” Maddox nodded. “But imagine the following chaos that will ensure should Pentastar Alignment leadership be removed what would then happen to the territorial remains?
I ensure you it will be nothing but disaster.”

“It does fit the picture of what we know of the Vong.” Alaeon agreed. He took another slurp of the juice but his thoughts were too focused on the words spoken by Maddox to even notice its delicious taste.
“I have always trusted your intuition Maddox when it comes down to these sorts of things. But you may have overlooked something, what if they instead attack us and not of Pentastar Alignment?”

“They won’t gain anything by attacking us. GC core systems are too well protected and surrounded by friendly governments. Mon Calamari is protected by early warning sensors and tens of thousands of weapon platforms and any attack there would result in all nearby GC ships to rush to Calamari defense.”

“Vong always seems to have something in plan that will in the end hurt us twice more then it will hurt them.” Alaeon said.

“I will take the Valiant with me along with a battle fleet hopefully big enough to thwart off any Vong attack.”

“Better right then wrong I suppose.”

“And after this…” He looked upon Aleaon’s light clothes. “I will take my first vacation since I became an admiral.”

“That’s a lot of years.”

“Yes senator, a lot of years.” Maddox repeated.

[Coyote]

Theed Palace, Naboo




Queen Ranya Saviya sat, quiet, pondering. Her nightmare from the previous night had left her drained and listless. She stared at the curtains of the Throne Room, in an uncomfortable silence. From time to time, she rapped her fingers on her chair arm, contemplating.
"Majesty..." Chief Th'andra said.

The Queen held up a finger, sighed, and looked ather Intel Chief. "Yes?"
"The Jedi has examined your room, and found a residual Force signature," the Falleen said. "Definitely Dark Side. And the description you gave me matches the one of Darien Tesher, so what you saw was not imagination but... a reality, or at least a vision, projected to you by the Force..." Th'andra stammered. "At least that's what Irena seemed ot explain, to me..."

Queen Saviya nodded. She didn't need a formal report to tell he rhow real it was. But it was good to have something to back up her tale; to assure people she wasn't cracking all of a sudden.

The last week had been hard on the Queen. The fleets had come limping back from Cato Neimoidia, with a thin coating of wan praise from the public and media for their role. War, when no one wanted it; defending Neimoidians, whom no one has any love for; and now a battered Ex Force... she thought.

To top it off, the report from Jedi Master Whitesun was sobering --and frustrating. I regret to report, it had said, ...that any direct or immediate actions to end slavery at this time would cause traumatic social upheaval on the world of Orvax-IV, upheaval of such that a humanitarian crisis the likes of which has not been seen in the Galaxy for generations...

She realized that Th'andra was still looking at her, and that the door had opened to admit Irena... and Tigris. In fact, everyone in the Throne Room was looking at her, and there was a distinct tension in the room.
"Well," she siad, brightly, "I suppose it had to happen sooner or later, yes? What is they call it? The... Honeymoon period? It is definitely over. After months of diplomatic fetes, and media success, I have 'hit the wall', as they say. So. The sobering period of realization. Let's get to it. Master Jedi, what have you found?"

The room was quiet for a moment, not sure what to make of Her Majesty's outburst, but Irena recovered quickly. "Majesty, I have purged the Dark Side aura from your chambers," she assured, "I do wish you would consent to a medical exam, though." Next to her, Tigris stood firm and said nothing.

"I assure you, my physical body is all right; it is my thoughts I wanted checked," Queen Saviya said. "I suppose it should come as a reassurance that I find my inability to handle the Orvax situation with callous ease as a blessing, hm? We will stay the course I set: increasing pressure, patrols, and stifling of the slave trade. Make it expensive and risky. Show no mercy to slave runners and smugglers."
"Very well, Majesty," Th'andra said, and went to make plans with Chief Judicial Officer Alya Tasko.

"What can we do for you, Majesty?" Irena asked, "Please-- we need to do something about that place. Those people."

Queen Saviya sat, quiet, steepling her fingers before her lips. "I know," she said, pain in he reyes. "Nobody wants to do something about Orvax more than I. But we have to be careful. Be smart. If what Master Arik says is true, we could break Orvax but only by pushing the SAS as a whole to the breaking point."

"Majesty--" Irena began, but the Queen held up her hand.
"Please," she siad, "This has caused me grief enough for a week, and I fear the sun has yet begun to rise on this problem." She thought for a moment, and switched focus to something else. "Any word from Tavion?"
"None, Majesty," Irena said.

"That will haunt me as well, I am sure," the Queen said. "Most likely becaus eof all the things I can be held responsible for, that is the one with which I have the least amount of control or influence with..."





Results:
Queen will maintain steady, increasing pressure on Orvax, but won't move in troops.
Her Majesty feels the weight and pressure of leadership in full now that she has made unpopular decisions.
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Citadel Station





Ambassador Noora Raidaa went through her days, reading the reports, the requests, the queries of diplomatic interest. She went through the motions dutifully, getting the hang of the real job of Ambassador, rather than the official title. A great deal wa sreconstruction was needed for the Empire of the Hand; could the SAS, perchance, spare some funds or goods? Could the SAS open up markets to Hand small businesses; what were the tariffs involved, were there any import restrictions?

A warning about a stem weevil infesting some of the crops out of Ord Mantell; the farmers were eradicating the pest but a handful may have gotten out. Please alert the appropriate authorities regarding the last two shipments.

Noora slumped in her chair, feeling the coldness and emptiness of her new chamber in full. Rather than turn the heat up, she'd kept it at a very modest temperature, and simply put on sweaters or cloaks as needed for comfort. She had no appointments that day, so could lounge in comfortable clothes as she saw fit.

A soft, polite tootle sounded sounded nearby-- it was R8K9, bringing her a cup of hot tea. She smiled at the droid and closed her reader.
"Thank you, R8," she said, and took a sip of the tea.
The droid beeped an inquiry.

"If you're wondering how I'm adjusting, I guess okay," she said, admitting he rprivate thoughts. "I like the security and stability, I guess, but..." She didn't want to say she missed Rayce. But she did. "Actually," she suddenly said aloud, "I miss all of them. Terribly," she said.
The droid beeped, and rolled forward to bump into her, lightly, and made a scolding beep.

"What?" Noora asked, amused. "What is it?"
R8 bumped into her again, and she moved the chair back-- but the droid didn't stop.
"R8, what...?" she asked, and she got up from the chair. The droid squealed with delight and turned in a little circle.

"You want me to get up?" she asked. The droid zoomed over to the doorway and made excited beeps.
The light came on in Noora's mind.

"You're right," she said, "Let's go out and do something. I've been cooped up in here since I arrived. Let me change, and we'll see if we can catch something interesting happening." She changed and put on informal clothes for going out, subconsciously clipping her lightsaber to her belt without realizing it.

Gods, it'll feel good to go out and see something besides the same four walls...



Results:
Noora going a little stir crazy, thinking too hard.... and too much.
Droid pesters her to get out and live a little.
***

[Lord Castellan]

Blenjeel




"This is going to be alot of things, Chaos really, but the last thing it will be is easy." Hirrack said over comms. "These droids may seem like tincans but they know how to fight, much more they know how to fight Jedi. Stay on the balls of your feet."

There were a series of short acknowledgments in reply. Hirrack checked his gear from the co-pilot seat of the Lumina. To his left, Master Arik held the ship in position, engines running silent and waiting. Hastur was standing at the door gently stretching his muscles. Jungo lay on the floor, a bulkhead pulled aside as the Sullustan boy worked away with his hydrospanner. The repairs were minor, and uneccessary, but this was how the boy prepared his mind, doing what he loved most and coming into tune with the Force. Hirrack could not think, could not be at peace. He only felt the pain of the friend below.

"Rayce, you three set?"

"Good to go Hirrack. Just goin through some training exercises with these two."

"Good good. From what I understand those Talon Fighters are nasty." Hirrack replied.

"Damn right they are!" Batu interjected. Everyone had a slight laugh.

"Alec, you good?"

"Good? Hell I cant get Maris away from this thing!" They could all hear MAris in the backround. "Well look at it! Alec, this cannon is almost as big as your-" The line cut, and Hirrack was all too happy to move on as he and surely a few others blushed.

"Alright, Geo'll be sending the signal in about two minutes, we give him a thirty second window before we move in. See you guys downstairs."

The Bothan cut the comm off and looked forward to the deserts below. They had found a small dust cloud to hide in, waiting for the Shard Jedi's timed signal. Arik looked over to him approvingly.

"You've come a long way Hirrack. No dont get like that I mean it. You're a Knight, tried and true. Everything that you and Saren have been through, well you two are a good influence on one another. Shayyla would be proud."

Hirrack smiled, pride flustering in his chest, filling him with determination. "We are Jedi, we do what we must. Its something I learn from Saren. He always finds it so easy, he always knows what to do and how to make it through every challenge. He cant be stopped, not when there is good to be done. Its inspiring being around him."

Arik thought for a moment, seemingly making a decision on something he and Bronwyn had been discussing for sometime. "Lets get Saren back with us, and then turn to Orvax. I think it may soon be time for a little expansion." He left it at that for now, allowing Hirrack to assume what he may.

The Bothan looked at his chronometer. It was time, Geo should be signalling them now.

Five seconds went by.

Ten seconds.

Fifteen.

The Jedi grew tense and gripped their controls, fearing the worst.

Twenty eight seconds after Geo was due to signal them, and a line came over the comm. Three rapid beeps followed by a pause and two more beeps. The signal.

The Stryker-II dropped first, descending upon the planet below as the three Ralwing fighters followed. The Lumina went next, taking a slower, more cautious decent whilst they scanned for threats. There was nothing, at least not yet.

"We've got surprise, lets do it!" Maris exclaimed. Below, the Stryker-II pulled out of it's dive last minute, dropping the Executioner Grav-Tank just outside the outcropping. Lasers and Plasma opened up from the tank, Maris laughing all the way. Alec hurriedly landed the ship and dashed out to join Lorrak on the ground, sabers drawn deflecting any blaster fire that came near. Rayce's Ralwings swooped down firing lasers at any targets they could see. Beneath the outcropping was a large, well concealled door, lined with turrets and struggling to open as Plasma buckled the frame. HK-77 droids spit out from the mouth of the cave but were cut down by the surprise attack's fire.

The Lumina's alarms went off as, sure enough a Wildfire Frigate appeared on the horizon, dispatching a squadron of Droid Fighters.

"Rayce, bogeys incoming." Hirrack warned.

"Got it, Batu go wide Tilho with me!"

Hastur was off the ship before it landing, charging the door on all fours. Jungo, Arik, and Hirrack werent far behind, Lightsabers flashing. A trio of Spider Droids rushed from the cover of the base and tried to charge the tank. One was caught by Hastur and ripped in half. Another met Lorrak'chi's thrown Lightsaber, and the third was gripped through the Force by Hirrack, and then crushed against a wall.

The cave entrance was being torn from it's hinges, melting beneath the heavy mess of Plasma. Hirrack and Arik found a way through, slipping off to one side passage as Jungo ran through another to find Geo, Hastur at his back. Alec and his Wookiee Padawan moved closer to the gate, taking the fight inside while Maris gave them covering fire. She laughed hysterically every time the cannon cooled down enough to be fired again. Above, Rayce, Batu, and Tilho met a cohort of well trained and organized Droid Fighters, pitting them in a hard fought battle for the skies.

Somewhere deep beneath the earth, a Jedi's pain subsided for but a moment, as a glimmer of a feeling thought lost resurfaced. Hope.

[Corp]

Lwhekk

Setting down the body armour he had been given Dencr said goodbye to the soldiers he had gone out on patrol with and went to find Corran. This had been the third patrol he had gone on so far this week, the purpose being to not only provide the soldiers with some Jedi support but to also allow Dencr to learn about the planet and its people in the hopes that he might gain some insight that would help in the murder investigation. Corran had been on a couple himself but he had decided to focus his attention on research within the base itself.

Dencr still had mixed feelings about the whole situation. When he had returned to the Endor Praxeum he had planned to finish his training and then return home to his family. That way he could better protect them and the friends he had made. Of course Master Rillao was having none of that and was determined that he would become a Jedi in fact as well as name, putting him in a situation where he would see how he could make a difference. Dencr could see what she was doing and part of him resented being manipulated in such as way. However another part of him found working with Corran and the murder case itself very interesting. He had always had an interest in law enforcement and during his first phase of training had found that part of Jedi training the most interesting. Even so he wasn’t sure he wanted to take on the whole Jedi role with the long periods away from his family that came with it. For now he’d just learn what Corran had to teach him and focus on solving this murder case.

Not finding Corran in their rooms or the mess hall Dencr had to ask around until he found someone who pointed him to the morgue. Getting there Dencr found that some of the murder victims had been pulled out and Corran was looking over them. An empty examination table was covered with papers and datapads that contained the research he had been doing. When Dencr entered the room Corran looked up briefly before returning to his study of the bodies. “So how was patrol Dencr?”

“Well enough I suppose given that I made it back in one piece. Is there anything I can help you with Master Horn?”

“Yes I’d like your opinion on something,” Corran said waving Dencr over to the bodies. “I’ve been studying the various symbols that were cut into the bodies. From what I can tell most of them are religious in nature, dealing with how the society is ordered, the origin of the Ssi-ruuk, and the coming of their prophet. Is he dead by the way?”

“The Keeramak was more of an it from what I’ve been told. Was a mutant so had both parts. And it’s an open question on if it’s alive or not. However since we been able to step all over the Ssi-ruuk the popular belief is that the Keeramak was killed at Bakura. Still a large part of the Ssi-ruuk fleet disappeared so who knows?”

“Well hopefully the dead theory wins out. Now then some of these cuts aren’t symbols but rather words from an ancient Ssi-ruuk language. I’ve been having a bit of trouble with the translation though,” Corran admitted.

“Maybe we can ask Yalaasees to help us with that. He might be able to find some local translations that we can then use to put into basic.”

Corran considered this for a moment before finally nodding. They had been a bit uneasy with Yalaasees at first but after calling Endor everything had checked out. ‘The Brown with the tattered cloak will be the most helpful Ssi-ruuk around’ had been the message from the Rangers. “Ok we’ll set up a meeting with him tomorrow and see what he can do to help us out. For now I want you to look at this symbol. I’ve looked through a dozen sources but I can find no reference to it.”

Leaning over the body Dencr examined the symbol Corran had pointed out. It was a ring of seven triangles that were grouped around a circle. “Hey wait a minute I’ve seen something like that while out on the patrols. It’s been painted in walls and what not, like a gang marking its territory. The soldiers I’ve been talking to think it has something to do with the Ssi-ruuk loyalists. Leftovers from their last rebellion attempt.”

“Keeramak loyalists are more likely, if what I’ve read about him is right. Seven triangles, seven casts, all of them coming together to form a circle, which I’m guessing represents the Keeramak. However this symbol only appears on the last three bodies. So what does that mean?”

Dencr had come to recognize that tone of voice. Corran already knew the answer to his question but want to see if Dencr knew. “Well it seems to confirm the theory that our killer’s earlier victims were just practice and that whatever plan he, or they, might have it’s being played out right now. Further more since your research didn’t come up with this symbol it’s safe to assume that it’s new, part of something that started up after the war ended.”

“Very good,” Corran praised. “Maybe there’s hope for you after all. Now then were you able to put together any kind of background on our victims?”

“Not much I’m afraid. Naturally we have nothing on the Browns, though I’ve asked Yalaasees to ask around. As for the priest while I had a hard time getting anyone to talk to me I did get a bit of information. Seems he was a bit of an oddball and kept getting moved around due to his views on the Ssi-ruuk belief system. He’s been pushing reforms for a few years now and have only been pushing harder during the war. Saying that the religion needed to be completely reworked. About a year ago he was made the local records keeper, mainly to get him out of the way.”

“Ok so he would have access to all of these old texts. Could be that our killer was doing his own research and our victim happened across him and was killed for it. Or maybe he was killed for favouring Federation rule.”

“Could it have been a non-Ssi-ruuk?” Dencr asked.

Looking up Corran studied the young man for a moment before nodding. “Good thinking, many would automatically rule out their own people. I checked with the Colonel and all everyone on the base is carefully monitored so if someone disappeared it would be noticed. Plus I don’t think anyone is stupid enough to go walking around alone. The locals aren’t exactly welcoming of aliens.”

“Figured as much but thought it was import to ask. Do we have cause of death?”

“Yep,” Corran said. He picked up a pad beside him and tossed it to Dencr. “Blunt force trauma to the heads of all the victims.”

Dencr flipped through the report, trying to recall the medical training he had been given. “Would a Ssi-ruu be able to inflict this kind of blow? These wounds are too small to be a tail, which they mainly use in beatings, and their arms aren’t really long enough to deliver blows to the head.”

“Maybe our killer used one of those paddle beamers to knock off their victims first and then delivered the killing blow then. Either way I think the purpose is to kill the victim without damaging the body. That way he has a clean slate when he does his ritual or whatever this is.”

“So where do we go from here?”

“Well from here I go and get something to eat. You are going to your fresh eyes and go over everything and see if you can find anything I missed,” Corran said as he slid the bodies back into the stasis drawers.

“What? But shouldn’t we, I don’t know, follow up on leads or go question people?” Dencr asked, eyeing the pile of documents.

“No leads to follow,” Corran reminded him. “At least none that we can easily look into. I’m afraid we’re going to need to rely on Yalaasees for that and hope that in our research we come up with something groundbreaking before there’s another body. This is part of police work as well and I wouldn’t want to deprive you of it.”

Dencr gave a sigh and began to gather up the papers as a grinning Corran headed out the door. “Yes Master Horn.”

[PhantomVX2000]

Mandalore
Sundari city

It was just another typical day in the domed city of Sundari. Janus sat in the reserved area of restaurant that opened off the regional governmental building’s large and somewhat lively lobby area, having a meeting with Grand Marshal Hark Cawrat and Guri before the lunch. This place was chosen for convenience, since it provided them a secure environment to discuss certain matters.

“We need to bring the fleet up to the standards as to simplify logistic and reduce the cost.” Cawrat said as he looked levelly across the table at Janus. “We need to expand the fleet to reasonably defend our space.”

“I had that thought when the CIS merged with us. We have a big responsibility to the citizens when it comes to defending them from the threats of piracy and raiders, but not mention to the potential greatest threat mentioned by one of our shadow teams out there.” Janus replied.

“Fortunately, we inherited the Corporate Sector’s massive industrial capacity along with their numerous shipyards.”

Janus nodded and clasped his hands on the edge of his table, “Indeed, we could build up our fleet reasonably quick if we wanted to, but doing so would strain our economy.”

“Accord to our experts, it would take at least a decade to gradually reach the required strength of five thousand ships. They believe that it would generate tens millions of new job slots in the shipbuilding industry which would be the biggest boon for the civilian population. That would bring up the shipbuilders’ manpower to the optimal capacity as they have been deliberately understaffed for two last decades to save the money. We are exploring other options to dramatically cut down the time to reach the full fleet strength.” Cawrat told him.

Janus took up an electronic paper earlier provided by Cawrat and took his time to study the projection charts along with detailed information, liking what he was seeing. From what he had gathered, it was projected that this fleet expansion program would stimulate the economy in a variety of ways, and that made him feel somewhat pessimistic about the immediate and long terms. Furthermore, the expansion like this one would provide a credible defensive capacity the Mandalorian Order needed to defend its border, worlds, and shipping lanes. Certainly he knew that with current mindset of the Mandalorian population the galactic conquest was not in their interest for foreseeable time but like most civilizations his people will only defend themselves when attacked. The expanded fleet would effectively serve as a powerful deterrence against belligerent forces, let it be the pirates or intruders. However, the upcoming threat mentioned by his wife had him deeply worried considering she told him the half of the galaxy would burn and their daughter was a harbinger of worse things to come. He could only imagine what kind of threats the galaxy would face.

He thought that bringing down Count Dooku would make the things somewhat better for the galaxy, but apparently, it had not. The truth to be told that he wondered if it was premature to believe the threat was over. He, however, knew that his wife and daughter along with many other force-users would not rest until this new enemy was neutralized.

“We need to get all options on the table in addressing our potential shortcomings. The southern galactic is rife with piracy and raiding problems from what the foreign affairs ministry have gathered from our friends. It is the matter of time before it would spread all way to the northern galactic.” Janus said. “The post-war environment has made it easier for the pirates and raiders to get their hands on the military-grade weapons as well as the warships. Secondly, we doesn’t know what kind of threat the Prophet’s faction pose. With that said, I want to the Mandalorian Order to be ready.”

Cawrat nodded grimly, “That is unavoidable especially after a major war. It happened throughout the history.”

“The price of peace and liberty is eternal vigilance.”

“Nothing is free.”

“Indeed, at least there will be always individuals who would step forth and fight for these causes.” Janus replied.

“Speaking of that, I wonder if the galaxy is ready for another galactic conflict assuming if what everything so-called prophet said was any true?” asked Cawrat.

Guri, who was sitting across the table, was regarding the grand marshal for a moment before saying, “As a former Centrality ambassador, it is safe to say that the galaxy had become so accustomed to the warfare considering there were a half dozen of the major wars along with countless minor conflicts in last twenty years. There is only one thing that might make it possible: we are divided, it would be easier for them to take on the fractured galaxy.”

Janus nodded in resigned agreement. “If it was that case, then we will need all help we get.” He said, “I could start by asking Jensaarai for their help. They had been sitting around, doing nothing at all. It is time to give something very worthwhile to fight for.”

“That would be a good start.” Guri simply said.

“Yes, um, I think it is time for me to stand up along with my family and prepare for the inevitable conflict. It is better to do something than waiting for it to come for all of us.”

ACTION:
- The Fleet Expansion Program initiated by the government to gradually bring the Mandalorian Order’s fleet to proper strength.
- Janus is concerned about the threats posed by the Prophet’s faction and decides to take a pro-active role.
- Janus also decides to enlist the Jensaarai’s assistance.

[Ironanvil1]

Minos Cluster



Albor stood silent in front of Kalth's desk, clutching the datapad which contained the source of his apprehension.
He had agonised over the subject for days, ever since the full enormity of the information had made itself clear, but it must be done, he had to be made aware, no matter the pain that it would cause.

The investigation had been as thorough as he could make it, each and every agent that could be spared from the inquiry into the Terminus attack had been assigned to hunting down whatever scrap of information, rumour and hearsay was available related to the facts the old assassin, Edar, had provided.
Every single element of Commander Fol's history - his military career, his movements, his friendships, even his diet, had been gone over in microscopic detail. No secret could be maintained once put under the volume of scrutiny he had applied and this one had been no different.

"My Lord Protector, I have a report on the investigation you ordered into the activities of the Veiled"

He could see in the other mans eyes that his formality was no camouflage for his trepidation.

"I remember when you started calling grandfather Milord Moff before a report Albor, it meant it was something you didn't feel comfortable telling him."
The younger man laid his spread hands on the desk and leaned forward slightly.
"So what is it my old Uncle Alb doesn't want to tell me?"

The young mans gaze was disturbingly penetrating, so reminiscent of the old Moff.
"It's Fol - he's one of them"

The face of the younger man seemed to become a mask at the words, all expression absent, but he could still see the disbelief in his eyes.

"It's true Kalth. Evidence came to light associating him with the beginnings of the Veiled and I had my people begin to examine every facet of his life we could track."
"We found a transmitter hidden in his quarters. Unknown manufacture, not Compact military issue, operating on a coded deep subspace band. Custom work similar in concept to what my own agents use - a spy's tool."

Albor took a deep breath before he continued.
The rest of the evidence his investigation had found had surprised even him, jaded by a lifetime in the twilight world of espionage.

In the chaos of the Vong Invasion, the pandemonium following the disastrous first battle against the alien aggressors , the suicide of Kalth's predecessor, Admiral Silgre, had been brushed over in the rush to install the new commander, to respond to the oncoming Vong threat. No great investigation had been performed into the mans suicide, so obviously prompted by his shame over his incompetent performance in the initial battle.
In retrospect, too obviously.

It had begun with the psych profiles his analysts had worked up from examination of Silgre. The Admirals prior behaviour painted a picture of a deeply self centred man highly unlikely to have taken his own life - in fact their analyses predicted that he would attempt to shift blame for his failure to a subordinate rather than suicide. He'd reviewed the records, and to his now suspicious mind, the fact that Fol, alone, had discovered the dead Admiral in his quarters, previously coincidence, now took on a far more sinister aspect.
He had set his slicers to work, men and women who could coax information from the darkest recesses of any machine and in the shadows of the Conciliators computer logs they had found the final link.
The work was accomplished, they said, if not to their own exalted level, but whoever had attempted to alter the records had perhaps been rushed, had overlooked tiny telltale traces, indistinguishable to most but a glowing beacon to his cybernetic bloodhounds.
The trail led back to Fol - he had been the one to alter the records, disable the monitoring, trying to scrub the origins of the blaster drawn from stores.

"Not conclusive on it's own, but second, and far more damning is what we found when we re-examined his recent past. Your former commander, Admiral Silgre, he didn't commit suicide - Fol murdered him."
"The computer records all lead back to him, he took the murder weapon from the armoury and faked an authorisation from Silgre for it. I'm as certain as I can be that Fol is a mole for the Veiled. I know how close you are to him - it's not an accusation I would make lightly."

The disbelief shining in the windows in that masklike countenance was gone now, being replaced by a growing anguish Albor found he had to avert his eyes from. He'd known the boy too long, felt too much fondness for him, to be comfortable bringing him this news.

The Lord Protector's voice was almost frighteningly controlled when he responded - the near void of emotion only giving hint to the cauldron hidden beneath.
"I've known him for nearly fifteen years. Since the Cult War. I've saved his life and he's saved mine. And now you say he's an assassin? One of these Veiled? I can't believe that."
"He saved my life - he took a dagger full of poison in the belly saving me."

Albor could understand the other mans quandary. The dichotomy of a man who had knowingly sacrificed himself to save Kalth yet who also seemed to be a member of a group of assassins had vexed Albor as well.
As a function of his duties he was used to holding conflicting viewpoints in equal regard until final judgement could made, but on a issue so personal as this it was trying even for him.

He sighed as he continued.
"I'm sorry Kalth, the evidence is overwhelming. The likelihood of any other explanation is deeply unlikely."

The response was given in that same dangerously restrained tone.
"So it becomes even more vital to bring Fol back to good health, to find some means of defeating the poison. The life of my betrayer is worth more even than that of a friend who saved me."

Again Albor found himself unable to meet those eyes.
"For the knowledge he can give us of the Veiled - yes. The medics say there is some possibility that we can revive him if we can obtain kolcta of the necessary purity."

"Very well, see to it." The tone was curt - a dismissal.

As he turned and left, the door closing behind him, Albors mind was not eased by having finished the difficult report. Kalth's reaction had only deepened his worries.
He had felt for the boy as he had revealed the sordid tale to him but the emotionlessness - that glacial, rational manner over the fire beneath, that concerned him.
He feared the boy was becoming the machine, too hard, too cold - a dangerous road for a ruler and a worse one for his people. The thought of it disturbed him - he had seen too many in positions of power go down that dark path, but such thoughts were why a dust covered bottle languished in his office sideboard.

He knew there would be less dust on it tomorrow.

[PhantomVX2000]

Reaper’s World, Nilgaard Sector
Outer Rim Territories

The life of a former dark acolyte had taken a new direction the day his master, Count Dooku, died on his secret retreat. Finding himself masterless, he became his own master and living freely, without rules and constant fear of failure, which was preferable to following Jinni who was likely to kill him at the slightest reason. Her bad-temper was a widely known fact in the Sith circle. There was a good reason to why many acolytes righteously feared her even more than they hated her. And they certainly knew that she was too passionate but lacked a vision, which was considered as an unsuitable trait for a potential heir to Dooku’s empire. Furthermore, they also lost their faith in Count Dooku. So instead of blindingly follow either Dooku or Jinni to the death, like many other acolytes, he simply abandoned his post and disappeared to somewhere unknown.

To survive was certainly in the Sith nature.

He recently turned up on the world Reaper’s World along with a half dozen of his fellow dark acolytes, with an intention of living a lifestyle that would suit their dark side nature. They became the underworld criminals with him running the things as an alpha dog, having successfully carved out a sizable private empire somewhere in the Vandalar City. No one on this place was prepared for a small group of dark-side force sensitives establishing their presence. None of locals dared to defy them; neither have they had any sense of courage of doing so. That made it easier for them. Soon they killed off the underworld rivals. They also bought off several local politicians and law enforcement officers, turning them into the valuable assets. Now he was enjoying the privileges of being his own master. He earned the respect from his fellow acolytes and commanded the fear from the natives. And that was what he hoped for.

Even if he and his fellows were on a different path, he knew, lay some rewards. What they gained only brought them closer to the most coveted aspect of the dark side, the power, or at least close to it.

Unbeknownst to him, everything was going to be changed this tonight.

He made his way into the night club that opened off the busy street somewhere in the heart of his territory. Glancing over his shoulder, the club staffs avoided making an eye contact with him and scurried to get out of his way. For him, to be feared was something enjoyable. He forced a false smile at the others before turning his attention to the bouncer, his face turning somber. The bouncer stepped aside allowing him to enter the VIP room. He moved the doorway, seated himself the table, and greeted a dozen of city officials who came here at his request. The corrupted officials silently regarded him. He came here to make sure his underworld empire was running smoothly.

The reality was, he saw his underworld world as a stepping-stone toward his ultimate dream: a full fledging empire with new Sith ideologies. Of course, he had to start from somewhere.

After the meeting was over, the former acolyte headed out into the main room filled with club goers, paused, and looked around with a curious air, sensing strong Force signatures within the crowded room. They were unfamiliar to him. At first thought, he assumed they were Jedi, sent to capture him and dismantle his kingdom. Then he realized they weren’t them. He knew from his experience that the Jedi agents would usually conceal their signature for stealth. There was a good possibility they were the local force-sensitives and he perhaps thought that they could be recruited into his organization. He believed that they would make a fine addition to his army considering they were strong in the Force. That was if he could corrupt them. He did what any trained force users would have done in that situation: he hunted for them.

So the search for other force users proceeded for almost a minute, with the former acolyte finding the source of strong Force signatures near the entrance door, which turned out to be a pair of young human females having a good time. They were at the bar, having a few drinks, and bantering away with the bartender. As he moved closer to the bar, he had to admit that they were drop-dead gorgeous than they seemed from a distance. He unhurriedly straightened out his uniform and approached the ladies with a calm, confident center, while putting on a friendly face.

“Hello, ladies.” He said softly.

Nurola turned around with a cup in her hand, “Hi…” she paused, “um, do I know you?”

“Oh no, I don’t know you, but I couldn’t help but notice you two pretty ladies standing there.”

“We will take that as a compliment.” Nurola replied, smiling slightly.

“Let me properly introduce myself. I am Finn Galfridian.”

Tahiri was inwardly surprised to hear that name, but she managed to keep her feelings and thoughts shielded from the former Sith acolyte whilst maintaining her calm posture. She recognized that name from one of her Jedi fellows back in the Vong space as Kaye Galfridian’s supposedly dead brother, but now what she saw would bring the happiness to her friend. She was certain of it, but there was a small problem. He was a darksider.

To make the story short, the Galfridian siblings were separated during the eve of Yuuzhan Vong invasion when Kaye was evacuated from her homeworld along with her mother whilst Finn and her father stayed behind fighting off the invaders. And as months went by Faye believed that her brother was dead, presumably killed by the extragalactic aliens, and she was later discovered by Jorallan on the remote, backwater colony world, making her living on odd jobs to support her mother and their meager apartment. She took up on his offering for two reasons: first, she had no desire spend most of her life moving job to job, preferring to discover her true potential, as she always wanted since her childhood years. Second, Jorallan promised that her mother could move with her to the Jedi Praxeum as a support staff. For her, it was a win-win situation.

Then Tahiri realized why Finn fell to the dark side of the Force, it was the agonizing loss of his family. It had become depressingly clear to her that the war along with his grief and rage pushed him into the embrace of the darkness. She had a fierce hope that he was redeemable, and she knew that she had to try for her friend. On the other hand, Finn had no idea that they were undercover agents.

“I am Cazala.” Nurola replied although she only told him her middle name.

Tahiri forced a smile and nodded slightly, “Thiria, I am her young sister.”

“Ah, you two are sisters.”

“That’s right.” Tahiri nodded.

“I am wondering if I could keep you company.” Finn said.

“Finn, we don’t mind it.” Nurola replied.

“So what bring you here?” asked Tahiri.

Finn gestured them toward the VIP room, “Ah, I was meeting some acquaintances of mine.” He looked intently at them. “Do you both know about your Force-sensitively?”

Nurola and Tahiri silently stared at him for a few moments, exchanged each other a confused look, and started chuckling in disbelief.

“Seriously? Are you telling us that we are some kind of the Force users?”

“Yes, I am afraid so.” Finn smiled impishly and glanced in the direction of the nearest table occupied by a group of Zeltrons. “Let me demonstrate to you what I mean. I am going to lift all these cups off the table.”

And with a cool confidence, he subtly lifted his right hand, reached out within the Force, felt the cosmic energy flowing through him, and gradually Force-lifted the cups. The Zeltrons were stunned with what they were seeing. The ladies, however, managed to put on a fake but convincing amazement, pretending to be highly impressed by the darksider’s demonstration.

Nurola giggled and clapped her hands together, saying, “Amazing! You should teach us.”

“I could do that if you are willing to join my group. Well, there are others like us.” He replied before lowering the cups back to where they belonged.

“Oh, cool, I think we want to know more about… your group.”

“We just like to know what we are getting into.” Tahiri said.

“All right, we could discuss privately in the VIP room.” Finn replied, motioning them to follow his lead. “Come with me, please.”

Nurola and Tahiri, after exchanging each other a brief, silent look, followed him, moving through the crowd toward the other side of the room. In reality, they were undercover as natives in order to draw in him closer to them and catch him off guard. There was one thing they knew for sure: he bought the bait.

This is first. A darksider is hitting on us. Nurola sent Tahiri a telepathic message.

Even as if she was a special force operator and trained force user at the heart, Nurola was half flattered, half disturbed out over the fact that the young darksider was seriously digging her and her undercover partner, Tahiri. Admittedly, it has do something with the fact that she was unaccustomed to having real bad guys hitting on her solely based on her good looking. Then she shifted her mind to something more pleasant like finishing the mission.

I know that name. Tahiri telepathically responded as she reached out and clasped the Mandalorian’s arm.

Nurola glanced meaningfully at her and made a curious face. Him? Do you know that guy?

Well, he is my friend’s brother. I knew because she occasionally spoke of him during our post-training sessions. She thought that he was killed during the war, but here he is, alive and well.

That gives us one more good motivation to redeem him.

Once inside the VIP room, Finn closed the door behind and regarded the ladies for a moment, thinking the matter, before saying to them, “Well, I have to tell you that you both are strong in the Force, which make ideal recruits in my opinion. My organization is expanding slowly, trying to recruit the local force sensitives with little to no success. But tonight, not anymore. Both of you are the first ones.” He said as his tone grew ominous. “With the Force at your command, you will have everything you wanted. The power will be yours.”

“Funny… now that you have mentioned it, we already know how to proficiently use the Force.” Nurola said coolly, flashing him a mocking look.

Finn blanched in realization. “Oh shit…”

Just when the atmosphere was starting to get rough, the Force gave Nurola a glimpse of the future: the former dark acolyte was going to draw out his lightsaber. He was going to attack them. Her advanced battle promotion was a major advantage she had over him, allowing her to stay at least two or three steps ahead of her opponent. But, there was a small problem: Nurola and Tahiri were unarmed as the nightclub had strict no weapon policy though Finn was a special expectation. She had to act quickly and improvise. Then she shoved out her hand and with a soft touch of the Force, telekinetically pulled Finn’s lightsaber hilt away from his leather belt before he could start reaching for his weapon. As the hilt flew across the room, she swiftly redirected the lightsaber right back into Finn, slamming it into his forehead, sending him staggering backward into the couch. He let out a painful groan as his head throbbed with a sharp pain. Satisfied, she called Finn’s lightsaber back to her hand, igniting the red-glowing blade with a snap-hiss, and settled into a fighting stance.

Finn, however, was far from being defeated. Acting quickly, he called upon on the dark side of the Force and willed the pain aside. The dark side coursed through him, made him strong and furious. He quickly rose to his feet. Seethed with murderous intent, he let out a snarl, let loose a blinding stream of blue lightning at his offenders, hoping to finish them off.

Nurola caught it with the lightsaber blade and turned it aside by absorbing the electrifying energy.

“Now!” She called out.

Instantly Tahiri dashed like a blur toward Finn and shoved him into the wall, cratering it.

Then Nurola disengaged her lightsaber, came at him in a flat, inhumanely fast blur, reaching out with her free hand, and grabbed him by the collar of his suit. She twisted forcibly, tightening her grip on him. Shifting her body weight to her feet, she threw him over her shoulder into the small, circular table. The table exploded in a shower of wood splinters with a thud, followed by an excruciating groan from Finn.

“Give up, Finn!” Tahiri yelled at him.

The door opened and entered Zayles in his casual clothes. “Hey girls… ah, crap!”

“What took you so long?!” Nurola frowned, glancing at her brother.

“I got held up by a bunch of local girls who wanted my number.”

Nurola rolled her eyes and huffed, “Then help us out!”

However, the sudden arrival of Zayles gave the former acolyte an opportunity to capitalize on the distraction.

Finn grunted angrily as he grabbed one of the wooden splinters from the floor and drove it upwardly into Nurola’s stomach. His hand went through her chest without any apparent effect. He stared up at her, surprised, realizing she must have somehow anticipated and phase shifted to avoid his attack. She winked at him as if to mock him. Amazing how she did that, he thought. Now he was starting to grasp the reality that the odds were stacked against him. They have him outmuscled and outnumbered.

He then found himself flying through the air, spinning side over side, after Tahiri reacted and Force-pushed him with all her might. The former acolyte crashed into the wall with a loud smack before dropping into the floor, disoriented from the impact.

“Hold him!” Nurola barked.

Rushing forward, Zayles and Tahiri grabbed the former acolyte by arms and shoulders, propped him up, and arm-locked him in place. Finn blinked in surprise, then quickly stiffened up as they upped the pressure.

“The target is secured.” Tahiri calmly announced.

Nurola suddenly stepped forward, jabbing two-finger pop to the pressure point on Finn’s neck.

The former acolyte’s body went temporarily numb, effectively immobilized by the perfectly executed pressure point attack, much to his horrified dismay. Instinctively he went to his knees, his legs buckling from numbness, but the opponents firmly held him upright. Finn knew at that point that the battle was over along with his dream of building his own empire. They won; he lost.

“Tahiri?” Nurola called out.

Tahiri looked up at her, breathing shallowly, “Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“I am fine. I just couldn’t believe I kicked my friend’s brother all over the place.” The Jedi replied.

Zayles glanced at Finn then Tahiri, “Hey, at least he is still alive.”

Nurola leaned forward and gently lifted the still-disoriented former dark acolyte’s head with her right index finger, “You want to keep breathing? Shut up and come quiet.”

“He is confused. I could sense that in him.” Tahiri simply stated, still restraining his arm.

Zayles glanced at the Jedi. “It is probably because he doesn’t know us.”

“Someone wants to personally see you.” Nurola said with a slight smile. “You know her.”

“Let’s get out of here,’” she continued.

A moment later, somewhere in the other side of the city, a small creature scurried into the shadows just as they teleported into the dark, dank alleyway of the rundown industrial area. Bits of discarded papers blew past them, carried forth by the cool breeze coming down from the northern circle. There was a subtle motion in the darkness near the abandoned factory. They could make out two human-shaped outlines. Nurola stepped forward and gave the shadowy figures all-clear signal. Emerging from the shadows were Kiva and Ra’Vaka in their field armor, dark gray-blue armor plates over black body gloves.

Kiva smiled grimly upon seeing one of her old Sith fellows. “Hello, Finn Galfridian”

“Kiva, I thought you were dead.” Startled Finn said weakly, still restrained by Zayles and Tahiri. “Before our master bought it, Jinni told all of us that she killed you.”

“Ah, figures, she doesn’t want to admit that she failed to kill me.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Simple, I want you and your people.”

“What?” asked Finn.

“I am offering you a shot to clean slate, free from the darkness.” Kiva said, putting her hands on her hip.

Ra’Vaka stepped forward with a serious face, “We really meant it.”

Finn shot him a suspicious look, “Who are you?”

“Ra’Vaka, I am her mother.”

“Listen to me carefully, there are people looking for the surviving acolytes who served our master with an intention of recruiting or eliminating them. I should let you know that Jinni is looking for you. She already has killed several others for refused her offering or being not worthy enough to serve her. She sliced them up into pieces.” Kiva said, “You have choices, Finn. You could either join me or sign away your entire life to that psychotic redhead.”

Finn’s brows tightened and scoffed, “So you are asking me to pledge my oath to you?”

“No, we are giving you a second chance.”

“There is no way in the hell I would follow you. Jinni too.” He sharply replied, “I am my own master. If I have to, I would take a chance with death.”

Just at that very moment, Tahiri had felt a sinking feeling in her gut. She knew she had to intervene and save her friend’s brother from his biggest mistake in life – continuing on the path of the darkness. To lose him to the dark side of the Force would be very devastating news to Kaye and his mother, Nina. They’d all been through a lot of things and the last thing they needed was another misfortune. She felt that Finn’s alternatives were too horrible to contemplate. She clung to her hope that there was still an opportunity of redemption for him and reunite with his family. As an obedient student of Master Ikrit, she did what any Jedi would do.

He was not a lost cause, she told herself.

Tahiri cleared her throat as if to announce something very profound. “Finn, I seriously recommend that you should take it. You do not want to disappoint your sister, Kaye.”

The former acolyte lifted his head with a jerk, staring at the young Jedi with widen eyes in disbelief and shock.

“She’s alive?”

“Yeah, so is your mother too. Nina… she is a very kind woman. They are my friends.” Tahiri replied. “Please, I beg you to turn away from the darkness. Do it for their sake.”

“They are alive!” Finn cried out with laughter. ”I want to see them.”

Tahiri nodded, “I will arrange that. You have my word.” She paused. “Um, your sister is a Jedi knight.”

Finn blanched upon hearing these words, “What?”

“Finn, it is fortunate that they don’t know that you are a darksider. I imagine that finding out would have deeply hurt them.” Ra’Vaka said softly. “You do have a chance to leave all these troubles behind you and be with your family.”

“I… I want to be with them.” Finn said with his voice breaking.

“Then do a right thing…” Tahiri said. “…for Kaye and Nina.”

Finn looked genuinely remorseful; he was feeling the grip the darkness had on his soul was slipping away and a series of his deepest regrets and memories relentlessly surged through him. He’d realized the terrible things he had done in the name of the dark side of the Force and the Sith Order, and that they were permanently burned into his memory for the rest of his life. In the light of his past actions, he was somewhat grateful that his surviving family never had to meet him as a darksider, knowing his actions would bring a great deal of shame to his royal bloodline.

He exhaled in relief, feeling a warm rush of the light side of the Force coursing in him.

“The darkness is fading away in him.” Nurola remarked as she regarded Finn for a few seconds before looking at the young Jedi. “I think that you just redeemed him.”

“Tahiri, good job” Zayles said almost quietly.

For just a flicker, Tahiri felt her spirit leap.

“I am glad that you are with us. Well done.” Kiva told him.

“One down, six more to go.” Nurola remarked. “We have to find the others.”

Having made up his mind, Finn looked up at them with a meaningfully stare, “I‘ll help you find them. I want to do things the right way.” He said. “But we have a problem. They have nothing to lose. They just need to be persuaded. I might be their leader, but now I no longer want to lead them because the darkness in me is gone. They simply need someone stronger to follow. Perhaps they would be more inclined to follow you considering the fact that we always preferred you over Lady Venom when it came to the future of the Sith Order. All they need is a good reason.”

Kiva bit her lip and considered, “I think that I could give them a good, solid reason. My blood… well, you see, Count Dooku was my grandfather and my mom’s father…”


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

One hour later…

Thirty minutes with the Mandalorians and the young Jedi, Finn decided, was the longest in his lifetime. It certainly felt like it to him. When they released him near his current residence, he still couldn’t wrap his mind the fact that Kiva and Ra’Vaka was biologically related to Count Dooku, his former master and the most feared man in the galaxy. He had to admit that was not what he had envisioned his future, but he was glad to have a second opportunity in life, a gift from, ironically, the offsprings of Dooku. And for that, he was grateful. He decided to return them a favor by agreeing to call his followers to meet him at one of the safe houses and convince them to hear out Kiva. That was the plan – he simply wanted to right his wrongs and give his people the same opportunity as he had.

Now he stood somewhere in the empty warehouse, with his six followers standing still before him, explaining a few things about his recent encounter with the former Sith apprentice and the new future that awaited them. They were unaware about his recent redemption seeing that Finn was given a crash course on concealing his true aura from his people, which, in his opinion, was a good thing. There was no way around it. They listened and watched Finn’s every movement as he packed back and forth in front of them. At first, they were unsure about following Kiva and Ra’Vaka, but soon they relented after being told about the consequences of being approached by Jinni and the Prophet, her new master, and the shocking news what happened to the unfortunate acolytes.

“This is impossible for us to deny the test result.” Klin-Fa Gi, former dark acolyte of Dooku’s Sith Order and trained assassin, said with a tone of bewilderment. “Funny, our late master had a real heir under his nose all along and yet he didn’t know about it.”

Finn grimly nodded, “You gonna love the irony.”

“What will happen to us?”

“Well, she want the same thing as us: a better future. Jinni, on the other hand, was interested in looking after her own skin and satisfying her bloodlust. She would have us killed for slight mistakes.” He replied coolly.

“Of course, that is what she would do if she was our leader.” Klin-Fa said.

“We have to…” He said before he was interrupted by a chiming sound.

Everyone in turned their head toward the door, which was opening, blazing neon lights poured into the room like a tidal wave. Two brown-haired women entered, striding in with an air of grace and confidence. They were expected. After a few dozen of steps, the females stopped with everyone silently watching them.

Kiva regarded the crowd before her with a look of cool, calculated face. “Heya, I missed you guys.”

“We were told that we could find you here,” said Ra’Vaka.

Finn turned around to face the arrivals, “You came to the right place. I kept my word.”

“Then you all know why we are here.”

“Well, we have made a decision…” Finn said before swallowing visibly. “My brothers and sisters, kneel before the Ordo.”

With that, the other former acolytes all kneel down with their right hand curled to their left shoulder, bowing their head as if to humbly acknowledge their new leaders. The principle they had learned from Dooku and his higher-ranked apprentices a while ago was burned into their mind: always follow the strongest one or persist. For them, it was a logical decision to follow the best and strongest ones: the biological heirs of what left of Count Dooku’s empire. There was no hesitation among them. They willingly did that, somewhat surprising Kiva and Ra’Vaka who sensed no hidden agenda among these people. Then they gave Finn a curious look.

Finn nodded and smiled at the Ordo females before doing the same thing as his followers did, kneeling before them.

For a moment, Kiva and her mother bewilderedly stared at the former acolytes, trying to take in the scene before them, and exchanged each other a silent look.

[Lord Castellan]

Hyperspace



The Gran walked through the hull of his ship. The common room was silent, but not empty. He looked uneasily at the Human who sat in the corner, unmoving, head in his hands. The Gran remembered back planetside when the Human had stumbled up to his ship just before he left. He tried to acquire transportation, but the Gran refused. His wife was enough company and he didnt do passengers. But then his mind changed abruptly. Something the Human had said maybe? Somehow a sure no had turned into a stowaway on the ship. The Gran shook his head and continued on to the cockpit where his wife waited. The Human never said a word, he only sat there, and it was scaring her. They would be at Vigil soon, and then he could forget the unwanted passenger had ever existed.



Back in the common room the Man sat. He knew who he was, instantly. It was not amnesia, but something was very wrong. He shouldnt be here, how did he get to that surgery room? And who were the Sith who attempted to detain him?

The last thing he remembered he was standing aboard the Death Star, locked in a duel of the Force with the Emperor himself. He knew he would die, but it gave Master Kota time enough to get the Rebel Leaders to safety.

But now he was alive again, just like not so long ago when Vader betrayed him... The FIRST time. He was reconstructed. It was a uniqueness in his biology that allowed it to happen. Something about the Force infused in his very muscles allowed blood to keeping flowing and bring life back to this Jedi's eyes.

A Jedi. Thats who I am. He thought. I am Galen Marek, Jedi Knight. Or so Master Kota had said once.

Was that truely who he was? Only fleeting memories remained of his father Kento, and he remembered nothing of his Mother. Then there were the few times his father had come to him as a Force ghost. Other than that his only father figure had been Vader; giving him a life of cruelty. Darkness was all he knew.

Until.... Until Juno.

Galen looked up, head held high then. Wherever he was, whenever he was, he had to find her.

They arrived at Vigil a few short hours. It wasnt much , but maybe he could find out more information of where he was and what had happened. Galen pulled his hood over his head once more, and headed out into the cold.

[Ironanvil1]

Zeltros, Zeltron Space



Corin looked out with satisfaction over the delegates assembled here in the main hall of the Zeltron Royal Palace.
His months of negotiation and persuasion had culminated in this, a gathering of Mandalorian, Hutt, Humans of every political stripe, Muuns - even the Vong were here. Amongst the envoys were nations who had been considered pariahs but a short time ago, here now hopefully to take part in a new organisation intended to bring stability to the galaxy.
It remained now only to gain final agreement to his proposals.

"Gentle-beings before I begin I would like first to thank our gracious hosts King Arno and Queen Luxa for accommodating this historic meeting."
The two red-skinned monarchs nodded in acknowledgement.

"I would hope that it is a good omen for our efforts here that Zeltros possesses a proud history of such events. The first Conference of Free Peoples, which led to the declaration of the Alliance of Free Planets was but one of the most recent of these."

Using the controls on the podium in front of him Corin brought up the holodisplay behind him.
"As I have discussed with each of you previously, these are the underpinning principles upon which the Galactic League is to be built."

GALACTIC LEAGUE

Goals:
- Re-establish a solid, stable, politically neutral and universally acceptable galactic currency through the medium of the Galactic League Central Bank, backed by the Nova Crystal
- Provide a neutral forum for nations to settle disputes without recourse to ideological blocs.
- Cooperation to combat the crimes of piracy and slavery

Organization:
- League Council: Comprised of Member nations, Associates and Observers. Broad forum for general issues. Any nation can send representatives.
- Galactic League Central Bank: Issues, backs and operates new Galactic League Credit currency. Board Member from every sizable nation adopting League Credit, Muuns and Compact have a veto. Associate powers share rotating representation on the board. Guides economic policy and keeps signatory states economies on track.

Economy and Trade:
- Adoption of the Galactic League Credit as national currency
- Commitment to free trade
- General opposition to slavery
- Commitment to general economic development, particularly helping rebuild areas ravaged by war

Misc:
Broadly members should be non-aggressive governments with a general commitment to improving sentient rights.

"Created on these foundations, the League is intended to be a rock of stability in a turbulent galaxy. To provide a neutral forum to settle the disputes that arise amicably, to promote no ideology but that of prosperity and security for all."
"Honoured delegates, here, today, we have the opportunity to create a new direction for the galaxy, a future free of the divisions of the past."

"I now open the floor to discussion."

[An Ancient]

Deep Core Abyssal

The starship piloting and associated exercises in the Scythe Nebula had gone well, now the Chun'nthor had jumped even deeper into the heart of the galaxy, to a place only powerful Jedi could ever hope to reach. It was known by many names by various cultures, the Heart of Darkness, the Abyssal Plain, the Edge of Eternity, the Twilight Regions, it was in truth simply the heart of the galaxy, a thousand times a thousand supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars and victimised regular stars swirling in towards the event horizon of the super-massive black-hole.

Here there was no night, as the skies burned with the dying fury of a million suns, gravitational ripe-tides sundered any hyperspace path almost before you could follow it. Conditions changed by the minute, only a powerful Jedi deep in meditation had even the scarcest chance to reach this far in, it had taken Krennath, Andris, Cyrene and Evelyn working in concert to get the ship to it's current position.

But the rewards were well worth it.

As the ship surfed the sheets of dying star matter the views themselves were ones no others in the galaxy had seen in living memory, save a handful of other SWE Jedi who had been aboard on two similar trips years earlier. But moreover it served as an excellent location for meditation, power and destruction were so closely linked here yet the Force was calm as a result of the lack of any other life for thousands of lightyears.

As a result the ship was unusually quiet, various Jedi meditating, practising silently, contemplating their lives and surroundings, even donning shield-suits that let them drift outside the ship in little more than their regular gear. Krennath knew it would be back to regular training in the Empress Teta system soon enough, but in the interim he focussed to recalling the specific Force-signatures he'd detected during the attempted intrusion nights before. He also reviewed a quietly forwarded report detailing the encounter a number of other Jedi had endured with the so-called 'Prophet'.

It was only the relevant details with little elaboration but it made his blood run cold, if such a powerful individual was present in the galaxy already then it meant whatever others had reached out for his family were closer than he might have otherwise thought. His mind flitted back across his life as he learned the ways of the Force, of the ultimate balancing act he'd discovered and been forced to use at great cost. It was something he'd sworn to never use in combat again unless his visions came to pass, even against Dooku he had refused its call, he thought also of the many techniques, ancient and not so much, elaborated on in the forbidden vaults of Tython, in Palpatines writings, in the long forgotten knowledge of the Jedi that this very ship had carried. These also he could call to hand, if only he was prepared to use the power and balance required.

He stepped out of the forward airlock and drifted in his shield suit just beyond the hull, in the distance a blue supergiant, blazing defiantly with all it's might, swirled one last time before dimming as it became forever trapped in the event horizon, instantly destroyed by a power far greater than it. Such is the fate of most powerful beings he thought to burn brightest and strongest just before the end.

But despite the devouring darkness ahead of him, there was also a small note of hope, pulsing off to one side, a quasar whose energy output far exceeded the recently deceased blue supergiant had been orbiting the galactic centre for as far as sensors could tell at least a million years, fate, luck or the Force blessing it with exactly the right orbital path and avoiding any overpowering collisions that could've sent it to its doom. It was a one in a billion occurrence, but it was still there.

Krennath turned away from the vista and re-entered the ship, he knew what he had to do, he had to seek out this 'Prophet' as discern his intentions in person. Then he would have a slightly better understanding of what was to come, for good or for ill. In the meantime, the SWE would be strengthened, old friendships maintained, new ones forged and destinies met. The fate of the galaxy may hinge on such things, but Krennath did not care for that in particular, as he stepped into his private office he contemplated the shrinking constellation of pictures that marked out his friends and family, there were far to many black-edged holo's, their images darkened.

Once more the minor Force-visions that had plagued him since that night broke through, a mocking laughter rang out as the remaining holo's darkened one by one, he forced his way through it as focus returned and the holo's took their current forms again. But it was a clear enough message, it called to him Them or us, your life or theirs, to many it would have been a challenge, to Krennath however it was a meaningless threat, there was no choice in that statement, only fact.

He ran one finger over a family holo taken only a year ago, all five of the extended Krennath family clustered together during some break they'd taken during and official function to visit Citadel Station's extensive gardens. Apart from himself and Ty'lin, two of the remaining three had others to stand by them in their futures, something told him the last was not that far away from finding such a soul-mate either. He felt the ship shift as a new shift of Jedi took over navigation for the journey out of here and recalled words he'd exchanged with Grand Admiral Devan as they'd contemplated the start of the Vong War:

“I fight for my daughter, my people and my memories of those who have gone before, and for redemption. What do you fight for my friend? You have enough years even without the Force that you'll enjoy what we are trying to create far longer than I, if we succeed, do you fight for your future?”

“No, I've seen and done to much, I hope I am part of what will guarantee that future, but I don't think I will ever be a part of it. You know the vision I spoke of as well as I do, fighting for myself if pointless, I fight so that others will have a future and so that perhaps when they look back they will not judge my actions to harshly when it comes time to write the history books.”

“Then once more we find ourselves on the same course, fighting for our families and our own redemption and not ourselves.”

“I only hope it'll be worth it.”

As the ship leapt into hyperspace Krennath reflected back on that conversation, Devan had fought to the last, and beyond, he had fulfilled most of what he had set out to do, the torch for the remainder of the course was his now. It will be worth it Krennath vowed Prophets and Sith will not change that, not on my watch. He felt the tendrils of power long unused gathering in his mind, he let them flow and reread the report on the encounter with the 'Prophet'. It was time to take the first step once more.

(Music for this passage)

[Tabi]

Zeltros

"Queen Sebula," said a Zeltron with a simpering smile, "A pleasure to meet you. Your aides, I presume?"

The redskinned man gestured vaguely in the direction of two neimoidians in advisory robes and hats.

"Yes, yes," said the thin neimoidian with slight disdain, her tiny eyes taking in every detail of her surroundings, "Let us be off, we have much to see and talk."

The Zeltron bowed head his head as Sebula and her aides walked away from their shuttle, smile still plastered on his face before he discreetly spoke into his collar, "Please inform the Mandalore the neimoidians have arrived. Specifically the Queen and her aides."

-

The good Queen had arrived just in time for Corin's announcement. Sebula idly grabbed a flute of wine off a nearby waiter droid. She scanned the crowd for her prey.

[RocketMedic]

Erilnar
Darien Tesher sighed as he read over the reports. Saleucami was still quite active in their support of the Kegan insurgency, and of course, it was the northern terminus of the Orvaxian slave trade. With the Centrality tied up in Kegan, and the SAS refusing to take down Orvax, there wasn't much he could do about it, which was depressing....

*Darien Tesher contemplates the sad state of the galaxy.

[Darth Coyotus]

Nar Shaddaa
A Few Days Ago

He felt it. They all felt it. Everyone who had ever been linked to Saren could feel the hurt. He was sending them a message, trying to tell them something. Whatever it was he was trying to say, the gnawing throes of pain blared it out.

Kenzcee Kittrex howled, manic fear in her eyes as the images from Saren flooded her mind. She and Vergere had been at Nar Shadda, near the entrance to the Hutt Council Palace for days, trying to gain admission, but security was too tight. Up-armored B2 Battle Droids with eerie Force signatures patrolled the grounds, and Bounty Hunters and actual Hutt commanders were out in force. Making it more difficult was that Vergere had not wanted to trick or force her way in, since she was hoping to latch onto the Hutts as prospective employers.

She was under the increasing impression that such a thing was going to be difficult with Kenzcee losing control in a crowded cantina the way she was.

"GETOUTOFMYHEAD--!!!" the girl shrieked, her face pale and her pupils dilated.
"Calm down, babycakes," a grizzled spacer said who saw an opportunity. "C'mon, I'll but you something to take the edge off."

"Mistake," Vergere said calmly as Kenzcee suddenly focused on the spacer.
"What's up with you, eh?" the spacer asked. He looked like a guy who was trying to play bounty-hunter dress-up based on a picture he saw in a costume shop. He reached out to put a hand on her hip.

It was his last mistake.

Vergere calmly walked away, knowing that the situation was already beyond her ability to control quietly --and besides, didn't little Kenzcee need to burn off some of her emotions?

The twin lightsabers flew into action in the wink of an eye, and the spacer flew into three seperate directions at once as the bar cleared a space around Kenzcee Kittrex. The body sections had barely had time to thump to the floor when she looked around at the patrons, her mind a haze of raw, naked fear and loathing.

Someone --no one would ever know who, because he was unrecognizeable afterwards-- made the mistake of making eye contact with her. With a shriek she catapulted across the room, driven by the Force, and sank her lightsabers into the man's chest and then twirled, pirouetting like a ballerina on his form as it slumped to the ground, the swirling blades hacking brutally into the unfortunate victim.

Kenzcee bounced from person to person, finding offense in anything-- a facial tic, a scar, a mole, or just a frantic look as the patrons in the cantina fled for their lives. As the room cleared out in panicked shrieks, Vergere scribbled something on a napkin and-- just as Kenzcee was about to start pursuing people outside-- hit her with a disorienting Force blast that knocked her out.

The human girl slumped to the floor, ragged, spent, and passive.

"Let's go, kiddo," Vergere said, "You've clowned around enough for one night. Can't hold your liquor, can you? Back to the hostel, some rest... yes, that's what you need. I've already left our calling card, so maybe some good will come of this after all."









Results:
Kenzcee flips as Saren's mind reaches out.

***

[Lightning_Count]

Genon, near to Denon, neutral space



“This is Alpha, we are still under fire, receive, over!”

There was an ear-splitting scream as the speeder slid across the ground before hitting a wall and cart wheeling onto its roof pouring out black smoke. Its companion veered sharply away as pulses of blaster fire chased it behind one of the ferrocrete buildings.

“One down!” Selvaria called, her heavy blaster hissing as it cooled.

“In the ground!” Elaine confirmed. “Eyes on infantry heading to outflank us!”

“Keep moving back!” Colonel Vanessel ordered. “I’ll cover, move!”



The team had run into a spot of trouble during their investigations, their undercover assignment apparently not so secret as earlier believed. They had been lured out to a small town bordering a thick forest and ambushed by mercenaries, well armed but with no clear connections. It was impossible to tell who had hired them, at least for now.

What was clear was that someone didn’t appreciate their nosing around and was taking it rather personally.

Vanessel laid down as much fire as he could while his team members withdrew, finding cover and then supporting him, Selvaria’s gun chattering as Elaine picked off anyone who broke cover for longer than a heartbeat.



“Getting a little short on rounds boss.” Elaine warned. “Two cells left.”

“One left over here.” Selvaria added.

“We might have to go hand to hand.”

“Standby team!” A radio message suddenly arrived. “We’re in system, heading your way!”

“Confirm that?” Vanessel checked.

“Confirmation Citadel Flame, we have your location and we’re coming in hot!”

“That you Mel?” Elaine asked.

“With some friends!” She answered. “Watch your heads, I’ll see you at the evac point!”

[Corp]

“I’m still not getting any readings Jedi Lwothin. Are we sure this is the right way?”

“Well this is where the locals said the pirate base,” Lwothin said as he paused to look around. There wasn’t much to see since most of the moon was barren rock broken up by a random swamp. Even with the unfriendly terrain a small mining colony had done very well for itself, that was until a small pirate group had decided to set up a base on the moon. Since then the colony had been terrorized by the pirates who raided them for supplies and ‘fun’. The Federation had recently destroyed the pirate fleet and were now moving in to secure the moon and finish off any remanding pirates. Lwothin was helping Federation soldiers as they searched for the pirate’s base.

“Well then I guess all the money they saved from not repairing their ships was invested in shielding,” muttered a soldier as he adjusted his scanner. “I’m not picking up anything. No com chatter, no life signs, nothing.”

Hundreds of soldiers were spread out across the rocky ground as fighters flew overhead. The locals had pointed them in this direction as where the pirates were located but so far no sign had been found. Lwothin wasn’t picking up anything in the Force either and coming to a canyon he decided to pull out his com and double check the information they had gotten. “Hey Lusa, how are things going at the colony?”

“Good for the most part, though this is the oddest reception I’ve gotten,” Lusa replied.

“Locals hate us?” Lwothin asked. It had been a common response from systems that had found themselves taken over by pirates, feeling that the Federation had left them to suffer.

“Well yes they don’t like the soldiers but they’re really happy to see me. They lead me to what passes for their hospital before I told them I was a healer. They said they had been told I was coming and were very grateful for what the Jedi have done for them. Do you know if Zekk is working in the sector?”

“Last I heard he was heading for Bespin,” Lwothin replied, just as confused as Lusa sounded. “Maybe it’s one of the Rangers. Though would have thought they would stick around to give us a hand. Maybe-“

Lwothin was cut off by the yelling of some soldiers who had gone down into the canyon. “Hey we found the base!”

“Lusa I’m going to have to get back to you. Looks like we found the pirates.”

Half way down the canyon wall was a large cave covered in camo netting, hiding it from the fighter flybys. Shuttles were called in and the soldiers gathered together and busied themselves with checking their weapons and other gear. Soon the shuttles arrived, loaded, and headed down towards the cave. Gunners stayed alert, waiting for any incoming fire from defenders but none came in. The soldiers quickly offloaded and moved deeper into the cave. About twenty feet in they found the first body. Ten minutes after that they found the others.

Lwothin was studying the first body when one of the officers came over. "We've done a quick sweep of the base and everyone is dead. Looks like they put up a bit of a fight but we haven't seen any bodies from the force that hit this place. Looks like the defenders were taken completely by surprise. My people are doing a more careful search but I don't think we'll find anyone alive."

"And you likely won't Captain. The person who hit this base is long gone."

"What person? Are you saying a single person hit this base?"

Reaching out Lwothin used a claw to trace a deep wound. "This man was killed with a lightsaber. If you could let me know what you find I'd be most grateful. I'm heading back to the colony to see if I can't get some answers."

Getting into one of the shuttles Lwothin head back to the colony deep in thought. What had been a smooth operation had just taken a turn for the worst. As far as Lwothin knew he and Lusa were the only Federation Jedi in the area and other Orders would have told Master Rillao if they were going to enter in Federation space. Which only left a few options, none of them pleasant. A Sith could have done this, though they were more likely try to control the pirates than kill them. Plus the Sith had never shown much interest in the Federation in the past. It might have been someone just using a lightsaber, but this seemed unlikely given that this person was able to take down over a dozen pirates with ease. Finally it could be that some other Jedi decided to cross the border and just not tell anyone. This was perhaps the most frightful option of all. Over the years the various Orders had worked very well together. The last thing they needed was a Jedi war.

On reaching the colony Lwothin went off in search for Lusa. Looking around he saw that while the locals gave the soldiers glares they greeted him with smiles and waves. The soldiers by now were use to it and continued about their duties of delivering supplies and making repairs to the various damaged buildings. It just struck Lwothin as odd. After being given directions from a helpful local he found Lusa healing some of the colonists who had been wounded in the last raid. They looked surprisingly good given what medical supplies they had to work with. "How are things looking?"

"Surprisingly good actually. Their wounds are a lot better than I would have throught given what they've told me. I've also been told that a Jedi was here before me and helped heal them. But that can't be right can it?"

"Actually it might be but now I'm even more confused. They say this Jedi healed them?"

"That's what they claim. Whoever this person was the locals really liked them. So did you find the rest of the pirates?"

"What was left of them anyway. They had all been killed sometime in last few days. They were all killed by a lightsaber and not all of them were armed."

That caused Lusa to look up sharply. "But that doesn't make any sense. A Jedi wouldn't cut down unarmed enemies."

"And a Sith wouldn't bother to heal people. Now you see my confusion."

"Excuse me," Lusa said touching the arm of one of the passing locals. "Can you tell me more about the 'Jedi' who was here before us?"

"Well I can't say much since she kept mostly to herself," the woman informed them. "However she was very kind to us and listened to our troubles. The second she heard about what the pirates had been doing to us she set off to deal with them. Then she returned and did the best she could for us. We tried to give her a reward but she refused saying that it was the will of the Force that had brought her to us. They felt shortly before you arrived, telling us that you would finish the job she began."

"I'm sorry...they?"

"Oh yes of course, I forgot to mention the Jedi's friend. She was much more outgoing for the most part, though tended to avoid any of the men. Guess she's had a hard life. But she was right by the Jedi's side while she was here, giving her whatever support was need. The two of them was just what this town needed to lift our spirits. Even her name gave promise for the future."

"And what was that name?" Lwothin asked, having a sinking feeling that he knew what was going on.

"Hope. The Jedi called her Hope."

[PhantomVX2000]

Concordia (One of Mandalore’s two moons)

Captain Tallisibeth ‘Scout’ Esterhazy-Enwandung stood in the observation platform, watching a group of former dark acolytes departing the Shadowy Act-class vessel into the landing platform with Ra’Vaka leading them to the nearest building. They recently arrived from an unofficial mission to the Nilgaard sector. A relief sigh escaped her lip, her stance relaxed, she saw her children sallying forth from the ship. She was glad that they were all right and their recent mission was a success. The plan had been to bring the former dark acolytes here on this verdant moon and into a remote governmental base that once housed the war refugees, deep within eighty miles radius of the ysalamiris’ force-repealing field, with a main objective of turning them away from the darkness and if needed, help them to come term with their wrongdoings. Redemption was ultimately the goal Kiva and Ra’Vaka want to achieve.

Of course, Tallisibeth was going to help them to reach it. She was more than happy to do that because it was only the right thing to do.

And it was only the best for everyone involved. The mess left behind in the wake of Count Dooku’s ‘apparent’ death, Tallisibeth admitted, was providing to be far more troubling than previously believed once disturbing reports of a new enemy, the Prophet, came back from Ra’Vaka’s team a while ago. What made the hair on her neck stand up was the damning fact that he manhandled everyone effortlessly without using his lightsaber, therefore making him the biggest threat to everything she hold dear – at least, in her opinion. And the only way they could fight back was to systemically deny him potential recruits: the dark acolytes of the Sith Order. She certainly agreed with that, seeing it was a best tactical solution against a highly enigmatic enemy with information advantages and raw Force strength. She knew from her experience that it was effective against the Sith as it did with original Count Dooku during the Clone Wars, and it would work again against the Prophet.

Leaving the observation platform, Tallisibeth made her way down and headed out toward the building, entered, walked past the conference room where the Ordo women were briefing the former acolytes on their new future, and hugged her children, Zayles and Nurola, as they rose up from the couch in the lobby room. They were happy to see their mother again in person since a few weeks ago.

“Heya, mom,” said Nurola, cheerily.

Zayles smiled. “Mom,”

“How are you two?” Tallisibeth asked, releasing them from her embrace.

“We’re really fine.”

“Yup, for now, but we have a long road ahead of us.” Nurola said, and she eyed at the conference room. “We just started.”

Tallisibeth nodded in resignation, “There is no rest for the good guys like us. But then we will finish it together.” She paused for a moment, “I want to let you know that I am coming with you because I couldn’t sit around, knowing there is a new, big threat lurking out there. Not on my watch.”

“You are going with us?” Her son asked.

”That’s right.”

Nurola made a curious, confused face. “Who will watch Janus?”

“Well, he’s coming with us.” Tallisibeth replied as she crossed her arms over her chest.

They looked at her surprised. It was not very common for the Mandalore to go on a covert op mission, let alone with the force-sensitive team. Usually, in the wartime, he or she would be leading the armies out in the front. However, Janus Ordo was a special expectation considering his personal relationship with Kiva and Ra’Vaka, so hence he was more or less involved with the secretive world of force-sensitives despite his lack of force sensitivity.

“Seriously?” Her children said in unison.

“Uh-huh, just like me, he is not going sit behind the table when there is a grave threat against his family and everyone.”

“What about the acolytes?” Zayles asked, raising his eyebrow.

Tallisibeth tilted her head and sucked her lips slightly before saying, “Bardan and Guri will be keeping a close tab on them. They wouldn’t be alone. The rest of the Alpha Company, your old unit, is already here for their protection.”

“Oh I see,” remarked Nurola.

“We wouldn’t be leaving here for a few next days or so. These ex-acolytes need our help to guide them away from the path of the darkness.”

Zayles glanced at her sister, “Ra’Vaka told me that it would take a few weeks to months for them to come terms with their past and find their true redemption. Before we got here, Ra’Vaka made it clear to them that we could not release them back to the galaxy once they are redeemed, for a good reasons.”

“The Prophet. He would find and bring ‘em back to the dark side of the Force.” Nurola added.

“Ra’Vaka is seriously considering about offering them an opportunity to join our team. This way, they could do more good for the galaxy by fighting this new enemy. If not, they will have to stay here until the upcoming war is over while we would have to work on the alternative solutions for them.”

“New team?” Tallisibeth asked.

Zayles nodded, “That’s right. We are starting a new multi-organization force although this one will be temporary until the new threat had been eliminated. More like a long-term solution ‘cause something tell me this upcoming war will be a long one.”

“I hate it when you do that.” His younger sister frowned, giving him a pointed look. “Uncanny intuition.”

“Well, it’s a family curse.”

“Hmm, we were wrong a very few times before.” Nurola replied, shrugging.

Tallisibeth was about to say something when Rana showed up in the lobby with a small bag over her shoulder. The former CIS agent smiled upon seeing her friends.

“Hello, it’s good to see you all again.” Rana said.

“Rana!” Nurola called out delightedly. “What are you doing here?”

“You know why I am here.”

Zayles glanced at Rana with a half smile, “Let me guess… Kiva?”

“Yup!” Rana said with a nod. “Where is she?”

“She is in the conference room with her mom and the acolytes.”

“All right, I will wait here.”

“Just out of the curiosity, where is Tahiri?” Tallisibeth asked.

Somewhere else in another side of the building, Tahiri Velia was in the communication room, making a call to the Galfridian family on the secure and encrypted HoloNet channel. She had something that would bring the happiness to Kaye and Nina, her friends. She was going to tell them that Finn, a surviving male member of the Artoriasan royal family, was alive and well. The family was what really matter, she thought, considering many Jedi factions across the galaxy openly embraced the value of family, as opposed to non-attachment originally favored by the Old Jedi Order. She had first-hand seen that the family relationship turning out to be far more powerful force than a typical master-apprentice bond, which tended to run more deeply and mysteriously than even she could follow or fully understand. Now her time with the Mandalorians had changed all that, she was starting to understand why.

“Hello, um, I want to let you know that I found Finn. He’s alive… and he missed you very much…” She said coyly, starting at the holographic image of her friends.

[Darth Coyotus]

Nal Hutta
Hutt Council Palace








General Grievous returned from Cato Neimoidia expecting the need to explain his actions. He knew he was dealing with Hutts, which didn't bother him-- they operted on levels he could comprehend, after all, such as power-- but he also knew that they were typically concerned with profit as a primary motivating factor in their lives... and politics.

He was not prepared for the reception that greeted his return.

"So, theya, General Grievous," wheezed Ziro the Hutt, "I do suppose you have dealt with the Dominion situation to yoah satifaction?"
"I have, for now," General Grievous said, "I felt it was important to flex our power; show the Galaxy that we can do things decisively, even if we have no direct interests--" he started to explain, but Ziro laughed and waved a dismissive hand at him.

"Mah good General, ah assure you, you have no need to explain the situation to us," he said, puffing on his cigarelle in it's stylish thin holder, "If theye's one thing Hutts understand, it's that honor must be upheld-- and sometimes ah show of force is needed to keep people uncertain about oah intents and capabilities."

"You don't mind, then?" the General asked, surprised.
"Of course not!" Ziro said, "It is a tremendous way to flex our muscles and our independence. While you were gone, we sent Rotta to a conference of independent factions that is forming up. A break away from the old CIS notions, aftah all... well, we'll see how that goes," Ziro said, flicking ashes from his cigarelle. "Yoah operation in Cato Neimoidia showed the Galaxy that we are already on the path to recovery, and can write oah own checks if needed. Gave us some bargaining power, it did. And don't worry about no casualties-- most of them were robots, after all?"

"Of course," Grievous said. He would like working with Hutts full-time after all.
"Which brings us to anothah matter entirely," Ziro said, turning serious. "When it comes to notions of capabilities. You see, we're on the way to becoming a Galcatic powah again, but there's a few things we is missing, if you know what I mean."

General Grievous said nothing, uncertain where the effete Hutt crime boss was going.

"We have run across a coupls of Jedi Knights, right heah in our little town!" Ziro said. "Wouldn't you know, they was right here all along, hoping to come talk to us... and one of them just happens to have some... inside knowledge of the Yuuzhan Vong. Whadday say to that?"

"I say we should consider their offers," General Grievous said. "A lack of Jedi puts us at a serious disadvantage."

"Ah do declare, that is exactly what I said to the rest of the Council. Of course, Fulgar doesn't trust the little mumbo-jumbo types, and ah have to admit, I've had troubles with them my li'l old self. But these two seem to be like lost little pups, looking for a home."

"Where did they come from?" the Kaleesh cyborg asked.
"They said they recently escaped from the Sovereign Alliance of Systems," Ziro said with a smile and a wink.

"I see..." Grievous said, straightening. Much of his early years had been spent as a foil against the interests of the SAS and their meddling, at the behest of his old Master, Darth Venge. And if recent intelligence reports are true, the SAS has begun sticking it's nose into some of our sid eoperations on Orvax-IV, the General contemplated.

"Ah see those little wheels a-turnin' in yoah head," Ziro said, "You and me, we's thinkin' along the same lines. Jedi with knowledge of the Vong and the SAS both. Ah assure you, the Hutts, Galaxywide, have no love for the SAS either. Ah think we can use these Jedi to our advantage."

"Let me see them," the General said.
"Ah thought you'd nbever ask," Ziro said, and waved to a stern-looking Weequay guard. The guard pulled aside a simple curtain and motioned down an hall, and a pair of females entered the room: one an elderly Fosh, the other a young human. The Fosh was regal and stood tall, the human girl seemed brooding and angry, but also a little overwhelmed, which made her unpredictably dangerous as well.

"Have I seen you before?" Grievous asked her, pointing to the young girl.
"At Pithud," Kenzcee said, "You fought Rayce Tambo. Before Count Dooku showed up."

"Yes," Grievous said. "Rayce Tambo. Does Rayce know you're here?"
"Not yet," the Fosh answered.
"And you are?"
"Vergere," she replied.

"Never heard of you," Grievous said.
"Good," Vergere answered and fell silent, a smile on her face.

"You are th eone who knows the Vong?" he asked her.
Vergere's eye snarrowed. "I know the Yuuzhan Vong," she said, "And I may be able to help facilitate diplomatic relations with them."

General Grievous looked over at Ziro the Hutt, who grinned.

"You're hired," the Hutt said.








Results:
The Hutts take in Vergere and Kenzcee Kittrex, who is headed down the path of the Dark Side.

***

[Dark Primus]

Outer Rim - Deep Space




Their eyes focused as they paid attention to the two combatants before them. Tamith Kai, a Nightsister well trained in the Dark Jedi arts stroke and cleaved effortless the air with her crimson lightsaber were the padawans torso was a microsecond ago.
The young student held firm his defenses against the lightsaber strikes, blocking them one by one and he also used his superior speed to dodge another swing that would have otherwise cleaved him in half.


He felt the sweat pour down from his forehead but he kept his calm, he pulled strength from his own body and strength from the force and maintained balanced between the two factors, not trying to tap too much from either one there were limits but as long as this balance was maintained he could keep this up for hours.


“He is fast.” Djinn Kylo said. “His master would have been proud if he was here to witness this.”


Tremayne sneered at the remark as his cybernetic eye followed and watched the battle between light and dark. “I am sure Master Artex would be and you sound as you admire his skills.” He said cold and emotionless.
“But the padawan can't keep this up forever. I would rather have done it my way instead of seeing this... failure.”


“Admire?” The young Dark Jedi replied. “Not really. No I have better things to do then to admire a mere padawan.”


The Dark Jedi Olof stood at Tremayne's left watching the prisoner in action.
“You may get that chance yet, if Tamith can't bring out the Jedi's darker side out in the open I am going to vote the Jedi will be handle over to your care.”


Tremayne nodded. “Then he is going to wish for a quick death.” His both eyes then fell upon the distant observation platform to his right, though he could not see him but he could sense Caedus was in there, observing them. Then his focus shifted back to the battle.
“It has been a long time since I interrogated a Jedi. I need to sharpen my skills, the padawan would be an excellent specimen, break down his mental defenses slowly and painfully, I want to know all his secrets and when those secrets are mine I am going to mold him, rebuild him into my image.”






“You can very well be my equal.” Tamith spoke out.


Tobo raised his head proudly, his both hands holding firmly on the handle of his lightsaber ready to use it.
She stood four meters away from him, they both carefully measuring each others stance, strength and resolve.
Tobo returned at her with a neutral face trying to hide the uncertainty he felt slowly creeping out and he knew it could start to effect his effectiveness.
Their both sabers were raised, their tips on the verge of touching and their eyes locked.


Her eyes probed into his as if they were drilling past his very flesh and bone alike looking into his very soul. He felt another drop of sweat run down his cheek and down to his chin. He dared not blink he dared not move his eyes away from her, such a move could be seen as a weakness to be exploited and invite her to attack.


Those eyes annoyed him, they did not even blink they kept staring at him.
What was her next move, what was she planning, why is she doing this?
Those questions popped into his mind and as even more of those questions popped up then more it annoyed him.


“I can fulfill your training.” She offered. “You are strong in the force child, but can be even stronger still if you were to join us.”


Then he remembered something from his past.


“Always clear your mind from questions when you fight your opponent and focus your mind at the task at hand, how to best defeat your opponent.”


He could hear his master's words in his head guiding him forth, the Force was with him.
The annoyance he had felt just seconds before was gone and he suddenly raised his lightsaber above his head in a defensive pose showing an invitation for her to attack an attack she gladly gave him.


She attacked with fury this time the humming sound of their sabers and the sound they gave as they clashed echoed all over the chamber, their movements increased in intensity and speed as Tamith sought to end the half an hour stalemate they had fought.


“Your master has failed you Tobo.” Tamith said. “He is not here to help you. He has failed you. I can feel the bond between you and Artex, that bond is weak and breakable. Allow me to be your new master and I shall train you to become even stronger.”


She jumped over him and landed right beside him but he swung around and block her series of powerful blows that would have otherwise gut him.


“Really? Seems to me all that dark side has gone to your head. Every minute I live proves the success of my master's teaching.”


He swung his blade back at her with fast and quick strikes forcing her slightly on the defensive but she raised her blade and blocked his high into the air but with a quick move he sent his knee into her side breaking a rib and she buckled by the heavy painful blow forcing her to put some distance from him.


“The bond between me and master Artex was never strong but that is not a state secret but it can be strong in many other ways.” His eyes were firmed as was his resolve.
“I have taught a lot from him. His Jedi skills far outmatches yours Tamith. That skill I myself possess, I will never choose to replace a strong master for a weaker one.”


Those words cut into her very soul like a knife and the pain she had received to her side was quickly forgotten she roared in pure hatred at him and every strike was deadly fast and heavy and each block made against her attacks took a toll on his own strength, he was slowly buckling under her rain of strikes, he backed step after step in hope that her attacks would ease up.




Caedus stood above both combatants looking down upon them. He noticed Tobo was quickly on the defensive, averting heavy blows. He could feel Tobo's strength was fading against the bitch Tamith.
He stood glued to the window now fully visible on the observation platform he could see Tobo's strategy was was flawed, to let Tamith strike at him so she would waste her energy on her brutish attacks.
What he could see and also feel Tobo's own strength was fading far sooner then hers and she was just getting warmed up.


Through the force he opened up his mind.


“Tobo.”


He jumped to the side and for a second he calmed his senses and listened, he was certain he heard something.
He jumped high up avoided a big swing of her saber.


“Tobo.”


This time he could hear it more clearly.


“Caedus.”


“Hold out. She strikes hard at distance but she is weak at close range. Get within half a meter from her in between her big swings and it will confuse her for a second enough time for you to deliver the killing blow.”


He swung back at her but she quickly pulled herself out of his range.


“I don't want to kill her. And I don't want to argue about what is right, light or dark.”


Caedus looked on drawing a sigh. “All right but remember what I told you.”


She locked her saber with his and they both wrestled for supremacy in strength putting their bodies and the force behind them to push down whoever was the weak one. But her own strength slowly overwhelmed him and he was forced back and she added a push behind it creating a distance between them and she again was ready for a big swing drawing her saber backwards to gather in for speed and momentum.
He saw it coming miles away and threw himself forward landing on the floor underneath her on his knees and drew upon the force and unleashed a powerful force push that propelled her backwards high into the air unprepared, he quickly force jumped after her.


She landed on her two feet and turned her head upwards only to received Tobo's full body weight to her face as his boots slammed down upon her from above.
She quickly fell down to the floor dropping her saber to her side by the tremendous blow to her face.
He landed beside her and reached out for her saber and it flew to his hand welcoming the new master.


He walked up to Tamith who lied still on the floor with a bruised face and blood pouring down from her broken nose somewhat shocked or surprised by the event and was probably blaming herself for not see this coming.


He stood above her torso, wielding both lightsabers in his hand activated, forming an large X and she found her neck was caught in between both ends.


“Yield.” He said.


She breathed heavily as she felt their battle had taken a toll on her strength. She looked backed at him, he could see all that anger she had poured out was now gone from her eyes all that was left was a frightened woman.


She slowly tilted her head to the side seeing Lord Tremayne together with Olof and Djinn Kylo standing and observing from distance.
“Kill her Jedi.” Lord Tremayne said. “And you shall become more stronger then you can possible imagine.”


Tobo raised both blades and deactivated them. He lifted his eyes from her and shifted them to the Dark Jedi.


“Only a coward would take advantage by striking down someone defenseless. This battle is over. I am ending this.”




Caedus leaned forward against the window seeing the lonely Jedi standing before three great Dark Jedi Masters.
The black hair hung down covered his right eye and his left looked on with worried eyes knowing what will happen next.




A chilling silence followed. Tremayne raised his head and the other two who's gaze shifted back and forth between Tobo and Treamyne felt the atmosphere became charged. The hair on Djinn Kylo's arms slowly raised outwards as he could feel the electricity in the air growing stronger.


“So be it... Jedi.”


A bluish wave of electricity streamed out from Tremayne's right hand and it slammed upon Tobo's torso with such a tremendous force he was thrown backwards against the wall where he landed and fell unconscious to the floor and the force lightning ended swiftly as it came.






Caedus wanted to yell out and tell them to stop but he didn't. The sickening hesitation he felt overwhelmed him and it became drawn out and he could only hope Tobo wasn't wounded by Tremayne's wrath.


His crimson eye saw no movement coming from the padawan but he felt he was still alive and his eye shifted to lady Tamith who slowly sat herself up and wiped the blood from her nose and broken lip.


He signaled to his companions. “Take him to his holding cell and keep him there. Tomorrow I want to start my interrogation. There will be no one to stop me from this.”

[Ironanvil1]

Aboard Star Destroyer Conciliator, Minos Cluster


The hangar of the Conciliator was busy as yet another supply ship landed, droids bustling to unload the vessel of its cargo under the supervision of their organic handlers.

Two such handlers, humans in ratings overalls, watched the freight droids work from where they slouched against an empty cargo pod, smoke from the non-regulation cigarras in their mouths rising in thin trails above them.

Taking a moment to blow a perfect smoke ring, the taller spoke.
"So you taking your leave on Adarlon next week?"

"Yeah I'm thinking a trip to Jabba's Palace, see if I can bag me a dancing girl."

"Sounds good - I got talking to some Marines other day, said they could barely move for girls in metal bikinis when they were there."

He noticed his shorter companion didn't seem to be paying attention, staring at something past his shoulder. As he followed the others gaze he saw only an empty wall.
"What?"

Shaking his head slightly the shorter rating replied. "Nevermind - thought I saw something."

This drew a disparaging look from his companion.
"You been rolling your smokes with the funny stuff again?"

"Once! I cut a smoke with a pinch of brain jagger once and I hear about it forever!"

His friend sniggered. "Aww cmon, it was hilarious - you wouldn't stop going on about the pink banthas coming to get you with their lightsabers. You said you were turning vegetarian."

Reddening, the shorter pointed as he saw the freight droids emptying the last repulsor sled, idling awaiting instructions once their task was done.
"Come on, we better get this stuff down to stores before the Chief comes looking for us."

The shorter cargo handler was the only one to feel more than a momentary trace of the presence as it moved through the hangar and into the ship beyond.
It was no more than a flicker in the corner of the eye passing through the corridors of the massive ship, wending its way towards the medical bay used by the Protectors Guard.


-----------------------------


There was something, something beyond the pain. A touch on the edges of his mind - something familiar.

The pain was there, excruciating still, roiling in waves beyond the barriers he had erected in his mind to contain it, as his body was wracked with the potent toxin the assassins blade had carried.
But there was something... a feeling - close. Here.

"Fol, awake, my child. Awake."

Opening his eyes Fol could see the indistinct figure through the bacta tank which enclosed him, fresh infusions of the healing agent labouring to counteract the effects of the poison.

"Grey Father! Kalth? Is he alive?"

"Peace, Fol. You halted the Loag, only you were injured, the Protector was unharmed."

"However the Imperial spy who now serves the Protector has discovered knowledge of your true purpose here. He has informed the Protector of his suspicions, presented evidence.”
“I have come to remove you from this place - I have a small vial of a drug that should allow you strength to make it off the vessel. Your brothers and sisters have assembled the resources needed to heal you, they will be awaiting our arrival."
"Can you overcome the pain of the poison within you until we can escape?"

Fol felt the desire within himself to escape the agony that had enveloped him for what seemed like an eternity, but he drew back with the telepathic equivalent of a sigh.
"No Father. I can’t flee. Kalth is more than a duty, a cause. He is a friend."
“I’ll stay Father, I won’t disappear and leave him thinking me a traitor. He deserves better - the answers, not to live suspecting those closest to him always."

"You will risk death if you choose such a course my child."

"That was always a risk, from the beginning. If I am to die it will be knowing I helped make our goal come to pass. I am Faceless, I serve the Vision."

The hooded figure bowed his head in acceptance at this.

Losing focus, Fol felt the mental link drift away as his barriers weakened and the pain enfolded him once more in its dark embrace.

[Coyote]

Theed Palace, Naboo





"You about ready?" Tigris asked as he shouldered his knapsack.
"Just about," Irena replied. Her backpack was firmly on her back as she held baby Jerec in her arms. As she approached the door, Tigris smiled at the little boy.
"Hey, little man," he said, holding his finger up for the boy to grasp. Jerec cackled, a smile on his face that matched Tigris's.

"He likes you," Irena said.
"What's not to like?" Tigris asked with a big, silly grin.
"Tch!" Irena gave him an annoyed glance, but it was all in fun. She'd been in a good mood lately, almost to the point of feeling bad about it. The Queen was in a funk, and it seemed that the young woman who could do no wrong was suddenly mired in intractable problems.

Irena, meanwhile, had been having a great time. The period of stability and regimentation wa sjust what she needed to force her to get her life fully in order. She had been grumpy about not getting a flying assignment with the fighter group, but had to admit that she didn't want to face being seperated from Jerec so much--- and she certainly didn't want him to remember being raised by nanny-droids, no matter how wonderful they were.

"You gonna be okay, flying on the Queen's transport?" Tigris asked.
Irena bounced her baby playfully. "Yeah," she said, "He seems to love flying, just like his mama. The crew loves him. And I can take him along as I do my job."

Tigris smiled. He felt that baby Jerec loved flying because whenever his mama wa sin space, she was happy and relaxed-- and Jerec picked up on that, making him happy and relaxed as well. But he didn't want to spoil Irena's connection with Jerec-- and besides, chances are the connection was all too real, and had another explanation.

"Does he have the Force?" he asked her.
"He does," she said, beaming. "Very small, since he's just a baby, but he's got it. I'm so proud of him!"
"Good," Tigris said.

"Oh, Tigris," Irena suddenly looked up at him. "I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking. That was insensitive of me..."
"No," Tigris said, "This isn't about me, it's about Jerec. He has something that will really help him in life, and a sweet, loving mother who'll see to it he uses that gift for the best reasons."

"I just..." she stammered.
"Can it," he said. "We need to get going. Flight to catch, Queen waiting?" he teased her. She smiled and they went out into the hall, away from where the rest of the 210th was headed.

"Make sure you keep that bucket in the air, Lieutenant," Senior Lieutenant Darred Naberrie said with a big smile as he passed by them.
"I can run rings around you in that bucket," Irena said.
"Maybe someday," Naberrie said as he went with the rest of the pilots towards the hangar bay. Tigris kept a smile on his face during the exchange, but he knew that if he had any competition for Irena's affections, it would be with the dashing Darred Naberrie. Like Irena, he was a hotshot pilot, but while the two of them bantered playfully, Tigris had not yet seen any indication that Irena thought of Darred "that way".

Really, right now the only man in her life is that little bundle in her arms right now, Tigris thought with a smile.
"What?" Irena asked.
"What, what?" Tigris asked back.
"You had a silly grin on your face."
"Is there any other kind of grin?" he asked.

"Dopey, cheesy, confused..." she rattled off.
"I'll stick with silly, thank you," Tigris said. "I was just thinking about Jerec," he said with a nod towards the baby. "He's off on another adventure."
"Indeed he is," she said, smiling at him.

They reached the great hallway where they came to the juncture with the hall to the Throne Room. The Queen's party was just arriving, and they joined in, headed towards the upper level of the hangar bay. The Queen's silver transport sat, ramp open, and the party entered.

Inside, Irena took her place as the pilot as the Queen settled in her throne in the lower quarters. Irena's droid wa salready aboard, now regularly assigned to Her Majesty's ship even though Irena retained ownership.

"Preflight done, R7?" she asked through the comms. The droid whistled its affirmative down in the hold, which showed up on the computer viewscreen in Aurabesh. "I always depend on you," she said, smiling. "All strapped in back there?" she asked as Tigris came up the lift.
"We're ready," he said. "Her Majesty is uncharacteristically quiet and moody," he revealed.
"She has a lot on her mind lately," Irena said.
"None of it good," Tigris muttered as the ship came to life and they lifted off.

The Royal Transport was met in the air by the escorts from the 210th and the hyperspace coordinates were punched in.
"Off we go," Irena said as the stars blurred around them, forming the familiar tunnel-vortex of hyperspace.
"How long will it be?" Tigris asked.
"Few minutes," she said, "It's in SAS space, a little inside the Outer Rim Oversector. Then later we'll head coreward. That'll take a bit longer."

"Hm," Tigris said, acknowledging as Irena turned her seat to face Jerec, strapped into the copilot's chair. The child was reaching for the controls, but his arms were too short to even reach the console.
"Whoa, there, give it a few years, sweetie," Irena said as she picked up her baby and held him. Jerec gurgled happily. "That's my boy," she said soothingly.

"This is the most at peace I've seen you in a long time," Tigris said. "You've earned it."
"I'd like to get back in a fighter, though," she said. "Not that this is a bad gig. But I have a reputation to uphold, too," she said with a smile as she rubbed noses with Jerec, who practically bubbled with laughter. Tigris watched, himself enjoying seeing Irena so happy.

There weren't dating, but they weren't not dating, either. She spent more time with him than with anyone else, and while Darred Naberrie seemed to give her appraising looks from time to time, all of them --Darred, Irena, and Tigris himself-- were being very low-key and mature about the whole thing. Gone --thankfully-- was the drama that followed her around in those days at Tatooine, soon after Ganner's death and Jerec's birth. Tigris was going to be the last to upset the equilibrium, and he enjoyed it, at least for now. But someday, we'll have to decide where everyone is in relation to one another. Even if he and Irena parted ways, he would be glad for the time they share dnow... and glad, in a way, to have the whole thing done with.

"Whup, destination," Irena said as the proximity alarm came on. She strapped Jerec back into the copilot's chair as the ship emerged entering a crowded system.

"I didn't know there'd be so many ships parked here," Tigris said, staring out the windows.
"Fleet HQ for the Oversector," Irena said. "Notice it's all military. There's no civilian traffic here to interfere. Oh, look, there's Bronwyn's ship."
As if on cue, Bronwyn's voice came over the comms. "About time you got here," she said. "Did you have to put more tape on the hull and more bubblegum in the engines to hold it together?"

"We don't have a brand-new Jango-class garbage truck like some people," Irena replied. "How's things?"
"We're good," Bronwyn said. A baby squealed in the background.
"Is that Owen I hear?" Irena asked.
"Oh, both lungfulls," Bronwyn said with a sigh. "It doesn't help that Aetvar is making faces at him."
"He decided to come along?"
"It's his home planet," Bronwyn said, "He wanted to see the progress being made. You ready back there, Aetvar?" she asked.
"Yaah!" the voice of the young Nelvaanian replied. "See you dirtside," Bronwyn said.


Nelvaan



"...and so we dedicate the Nelvaanian Combat Academy to the people of Nelvaan, to their membership and prosperity in the Sovereign Alliance, and to even closer ties between our people, and theirs."

The Queen finished her announcement and the lights came on at the Combat Academy designed specifically to train the Nelvaanian warrior caste in the arts of modernized warfare. It followed several schools, a major hospital, and a peforming arts academy that had been built in rapid succession, part of a long-term dream that Jedi Master Arik Whitesun had held for the Nelvaanian people.

Cheers went up among the Nelvaanians tribesmen that had gathered for the ceremony, and the ranks of military trainers that had been assigned ot begin training immediately following the announcement. The Acedemy had been finished for some time, as far as construction went, and the first Nelvaanian warriors had arrived and been assigned barracks spaces-- but today was the official opening day and dedication, seen to by the Queen, and the last of the big projects to be built.

"So... more will be built, right? Later?" Tigris asked Irena as the applause thundered.
"Yeah," she said, "Homes, a vo-tech school, roads, that sort of thing," Strapped to her front was baby Jerec, looking at everything in fascinated, wide-eyed wonder. Nearby, Bronwyn stood, with Owen in a carry-strap as well. Both women were projecting a sense of calm to their babies, preventing them from panicking in the loud crowds, but the kids seemed to be handling the sensory input with a sense of fascination rather than fright.

A great deal of thought had been given to preserving the Nelvaanian way of life-- the SAS wanted to provide the things needed to make life easier, but they didn't want to pave over the Nelvaanian culture. They consulted with the Nelvaanian tribal elders before building anything, and so the homes and group buildings that had ben constructed had been built to conform to Nelvaanian aesthetics. Still, change would come with the new technology. They hoped they were properly braced for the after effects, but only time would tell.

The ceremony completed, there was a reception, which was scheduled to last for at least two hours, during which the Queen held informal meetings with tribal elders, answered some pre-arranged media questions, and engaged in light banter with various officials.

"She seems both lighthearted and preoccupied," Bronwyn said.
"She is, indeed," Irena confirmed. "The Orvax-IV situation weighs heavily on her. She wants to do something to clean it up, quick and big, but..."

"Yeah," Bronwyn said, "Arik sent me a sanitized copy of his report. I hate to say it, but I agree. As satisfying as it might be in the short term, an invasion will create more trouble than it solves."

Among the crowd, the young Nelvaanian, Aetvar, worked his way like a professional. He had long since exchanged his tribal clothing for more regular SAS styles, but for this event he wore a lot of new, custom-made Nelvaanian influenced clothing. He was proving to be popular among many officials, who found him not only "cute" --a notion he loathed-- but also something of a symbol of the Nelvaanian youth as it grew into SAS society.

"Is his grandma here?" Irena asked, smiling.
Bronwyn subtly pointed to a nearby corner, where a quiet, patient Aestro-Mree sat in a chair, herself in a new dress of classical, dignified yet relaxed cut. People were respectful to the old woman and left her alone as she kept an eye on her grandson.

"A new world for the Nelvaanian people," Tigris said.
"I hope they grow into it," Irena said, "And not get consumed by it."
"Indeed," Bronwyn said.

"Anything from Arik lately?" Irena asked.
"They went comms-silent a couple days ago," Bronwyn said. "So could be anything. But I haven't felt anything... alarming," she said. "Where you guys off to next?"

"New Cov," Irena revealed. "We want to start inducting them into the Alliance. It's a colony, and already dependent on trade with us for pretty much everything. The Queen wants to make it official."
"Smart," Bronwyn said, "Bringing a new world into the SAS is always a publicity boost. It will counterbalance some of the negative stuff that's been going on."

"Yeah," Irena said, "We technically won at Cato Neimoidia, but we got a bloody nose and it was General Grievous, of all people, who saved everyone's bacon. Having the fleet limp home from an unpopular engagement to save Neimoidians was not a good note to end last week on."

"So soon after letting Tavion go, too," Bronwyn said, "Good thing Orvax hasn't really made the news media's scanners."
"Nothing to report, really," Irena said, "We're trying to address the issue with increased patrols and sanctions, which is a realisitc and mature way to deal with it-- especially since no one even tried to deal with it before, at all. So now we have this--" she nodded towards the Nelvaanian reception-- "and the New Cov meeting to restore some of that 'Saviya is the next Raidaa' glow to the Administration."

"Speaking of Raidaa..." Bronwyn said.
"Haven't heard," Irena said, "Just standard Ambassadorial reports."

"No news is good news..."




Results:
Nelvaanian modernization publicly celebrated.
Plans to go to New Cov and induct them into the SAS afterwards.
Queen Saviya hopes that these successes will counteract recent negative publicity.
Nothing to report (yet) from Arik's Jedi group, or from Noora Raidaa.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Bannistar Station





Moff Adon Tabor had taken to a quiet, sedate life, burying himself in his work. He could not escape or ignore his part in the Sith infiltration plot during the campaign, and even though the Queen and almost everyone in the government had seemed to forgive him --That Prince Nizarr sure knows how to hang on to something, doesn't he?-- he couldn't escape his own sense of humiliation at havng been such a fool.

He'd mostly stayed in the Doldur Sector ever since, only rarely venturing to Naboo when needed for sessions of the Royal Court. Even then, whenever possible, he sent one of his deputies to simply carry out his vote on his behalf. He could get away with that for minor issue sinvolving upkeep type things-- only for major policy issues did he truly need to be ther ein person.

He knew that he risked being branded as an "absentee representative" but the thought didn't bother him. People might actually appreciate him laying low for a bit. So he whiled away his time, inspecting Bannistar Station, which had essentially become his hobby since seizing it in an election year ploy to gain systems on a map.

"Her Majesty will stop by for a quick inspection tour," Chief Th'andra informed him through the SAS internal-scrambled HoloNet. "She wants to see how repairs are coming to Bannistar Station. There will not be any media."

"Fine," Moff Tabor had said. It's not like I can say no, he knew. "What brings her all the way out here?" he asked.
"New Cov," Th'andra said, "Low-level talks have borne fruit, so she wants to make a direct meeting with the Adminsitrator and bring them into the Alliance."
"Ah," Tabor said, "Okay. Good." He was, in fact, relieved that he --and Bannistar Station-- weren't the focus of the attention. Better to be a sideshow, an afterthought. "Okay, I'll have everything ready. Will Her Majesty be staying long?"

"A few hours at most," Th'andra said, "It is unscheduled and un-announced, and unofficial. So she doesn't want to take up too much time. But she agrees with you that Bannistar Station is far more important to the future of the Oversector than people give credit for."

"Ahh, good," he said. He knew the truth-- people who were critical of Moff Tabor attacked him by attacking the validity of Bannistar Station. They did it because Tabor himself had the public support of the Queen, and the Queen still carried sufficient popularity that people didn't want to go against her directly... so they undermined Tabor's pet project rather than himself. "Alright, we'll be ready but we won't be ostentacious about it," he said with a smile.

Th'andra smiled back. "Very well. Thank you. Naboo out," she said as the comm went silent.
Moff Tabor smiled at the now-blank comm projector. Th'andra, oddly enough, has not evinced hostility towards me like certain others have, he thought. I guess not everyone back at the Palace has such a bitter taste left in their mouth about me.

He resumed his own inspection, and saw to it that word got out, quietly, that the Queen would be visiting within th enext 24 hours. Work picked up, and areas of untidiness were made orderly. A great deal of progress was made on Bannistar Station the last few weeks, but there was still much, much work to be done.





Results:
Moff Tabor isolating himself from public eye.
Overseeing a lot of work on rebuilding Bannistar Station, which is coming along slowly but surely.
***

[Herald]

Zeltros

Originally Posted by Ironanvil1

Zeltros, Zeltron Space



Corin looked out with satisfaction over the delegates assembled here in the main hall of the Zeltron Royal Palace.
His months of negotiation and persuasion had culminated in this, a gathering of Mandalorian, Hutt, Humans of every political stripe, Muuns - even the Vong were here. Amongst the envoys were nations who had been considered pariahs but a short time ago, here now hopefully to take part in a new organisation intended to bring stability to the galaxy.
It remained now only to gain final agreement to his proposals.

"Gentle-beings before I begin I would like first to thank our gracious hosts King Arno and Queen Luxa for accommodating this historic meeting."
The two red-skinned monarchs nodded in acknowledgement.

"I would hope that it is a good omen for our efforts here that Zeltros possesses a proud history of such events. The first Conference of Free Peoples, which led to the declaration of the Alliance of Free Planets was but one of the most recent of these."

Using the controls on the podium in front of him Corin brought up the holodisplay behind him.
"As I have discussed with each of you previously, these are the underpinning principles upon which the Galactic League is to be built."

"Created on these foundations, the League is intended to be a rock of stability in a turbulent galaxy. To provide a neutral forum to settle the disputes that arise amicably, to promote no ideology but that of prosperity and security for all."
"Honoured delegates, here, today, we have the opportunity to create a new direction for the galaxy, a future free of the divisions of the past."

"I now open the floor to discussion."

Emminence Harrar waited and listened to the proposal. Whilst many would believe a member of the priest caste would be placed within Yuuzhan Vong space, it was Harrar's previous encounters with the inhabitants of the galaxy that led to his continued appointment into a diplomatic post. First at Shulstine and now at Zeltros.

When the speaker had finished, Harrar decided to respond. "A noble goal and one that my people would consider joining... though my concern is the mention of this..." Harrar attempted to remember the word said earlier ..."League Credit and its adoption into member empires. We Yuuzhan Vong have no need for such things and see little need for its inclusion into the Yuuzhan Vong Empire. As to the other matters... we have little conflict with them. The practice of slavery has ended and we no longer harbor any intention of conquest. All we seek... is... peace."

Summary:
*The Yuuzhan Vong are willing to join the Galactic League though do not employ a currency and thus are unsure as to how this would apply to them.

Zonama Sekot

“Hello, um, I want to let you know that I found Finn. He’s alive… and he missed you very much…” She said coyly, starting at the holographic image of her friends.

It was an emotional time for Kaye as she spoke to Tahiri. They knew their friend and gone off on some form of mission but she did not enlighten them as to the nature of it. But still, to hear that Finn was alive. After a long conversation with Tahiri, Kaye ended the conversation after thanking her for the news. It took sometime before Kaye could stop crying and collect herself in order to tell her mother.

She quickly ran to find her mother and later discovered her to be out amongst the boras that inhabited the surface of Zonama Sekot.

"Mom! Mom!"
"What's wrong Kaye?" a hint of worry evident in Nina Galfridian, the Queen of the Royal Family of Artorias.

She and her family had suffered much during the Yuuzhan Vong War. At first, the alien invaders had embarked on their campaign of galactic dominance and inflicted on her home planet what they had done to countless others. Her people were enslaved and their world was transformed into a nightmarish jungle. The Galfridian family was separated during the struggle; Nina and her daughter Kaye had been taken by the Yuuzhan Vong and placed onboard a slaveship where they believed that Nina's husband, Caled the King of Artorias had been killed by the Yuuzhan Vong along with their son Finn. Nina believed that all she was had been lost and fell into depression. It was only the efforts of Kaye did they survive. And they were later saved by the Jedi under the leadership of Jedi Master Ikrit who helped look after them.

"I have good news! Tahiri just contacted me and she said that they found Finn!"
"By the Force..." shock filled her. Nina had believed that her son had perished in the war.

Mother and daughter embraced, both had tears of joy in their eyes.

"We need to tell your father...." Nina finally said.

Caled was also found alive and well. He had remained on Artorias where he led the Artorias resistance against the Yuuzhan Vong for many years. It was only after the end of the war did they find out. With the Yuuzhan Vong embarking on a path to peace, they decided to help terraform Artorias back to its original state. There was still some bad blood between both sides but with the Jedi and Zonama Sekot with them, it had been a smooth integration. Now the Yuuzhan Vong found themselves in the curious position of protecting Artorias from any further threats.

Summary:
*The Galfridian family are overjoyed to hear that Finn is alive

[An Ancient]

Genon

The strike teams ship careened low over the trees before pulling up sharply, the approach was not to defeat any kind of sensor detection system but rather because the drive plume of the engines showed up like a brilliant white torch in-atmosphere when at emergency power, like they were at this moment.

As it pulled up Mel looked out from her co-pilots seat and noticed the ships sensors overlaid her HUD with distinct thermal signatures:

“Evac point compromised, I think choosing the one clearing for twenty klicks may have been a bit of a giveaway.”

“Nice to know,” came Vanessel's voice “but no very helpful.”

The ship had slowed and under it's semi-cloak only the whine of repulsors and displaced air betrayed its presence. Those with sensitive ears heard the whine of a turret motor shortly followed by a explosion that registered on the minor apocalyptic scale, a mushroom cloud of flame and smoke rose from the forest, casting new and interesting shadows in the crazed flicker of the fires light across the battlefield. A muffled curse came over the comm. line:

“Sorry, didn't realise they'd been left on full power.” Mina said as she scrambled out of the gunners seat. “But we do have a new evac point, 2 klicks from your position.”

“Great, but somehow I don't think it's a secret one.” Elaine's sarcastic tone floated over the battle-net.

“We'll draw their fire, you get moving, then we all get picked up and go home.” Alrin cut in, having vaguely figured out his sisters plan. The four team members had already assembled at an open hatch, ready to go. Mina leapt out first, followed a few seconds later by Alrin, Amanda and Mel. They plunged towards the ground as the group covering the initial evac point opened up at them as soon as they showed up on sensors, the blaster fire stood no chance of hitting them as it was fired blind, the missiles on the other hand were already beginning to track in.

Above them, the ship wheeled and dropped its cloak, not because it had been detected but because with it on the team were the largest sensor contacts in the sky, with the cloak off the missiles happily charged after the new larger contact, which tore across the night before re-engaging its cloak. The missiles would've been confused if they didn't immediately pick up new sensor contacts almost dead ahead. The launching crews would've cursed in a number of different languages if their reactions had been fast enough to instruct their mouths to do so. As it was a few of the brighter ones thought some inventive vitriol about their commander and his love for missile trackers that engaged both ground and air targets before the warheads detonated.

Several thousand feet away vertically and a few kilometres horizontally the team registered the new fireballs off to their left as they became more immediately concerned with the chunks of burning forest keeping them company on their way down. Mina flared out first, landing at the edge of the forest in a flare of blue light as the single-use repulsor pack slowed her descent to a speed for commonly found in someone stepping off a kerb. Almost immediately she was going up again as she found a perch in a nearby tree, seconds after that a luckless merc dropped off the roof he'd been crossing as a sniper round slammed into his back.

Next to land was Mel, who'd adjusted her trajectory in flight and came down behind a low wall off to the left of the pinned down first half of their team. A series of precise bursts of fire dropped a merc team lugging an E-Web before return fire forced her to seek cover once more.

Last to land were Alrin and Amanda, the former coming to a dead halt on a lean-to roof and feeling quite pleased with himself moments before it gave way under his full weight and dumped him without ceremony onto a workbench. The latter settled for manual activation of her repulsor pack, which went off so close to the ground a shockwave of dirt and debris blasted out from her position, bowling over a few nearby mercs. She rose to her feet already firing, a short and decidedly illegal disruptor pistol (on most civilised planets) spat five shots in quick succession before melting itself into a puddle, the shots vaporised their armoured targets and left only free-floating ash, whilst the molten remains were already on their way before they'd even started glowing, smashing through a window and setting a nearby house on fire.

Faced with this unexpected three-way attack as well as continued fire from their original targets, most mercs would've run, that these didn't spoke well of either their bravery or their pay rates, but not especially of their intelligence.

The immediate effect was for a number of fire teams to wheel and keep up fire on Mel's position, whilst a great number of other teams who had not yet found a good fire point from which to shoot at their original target whirled in on errant young woman standing in the small market square. The reduction in incoming fire gave the original team an opening, Mel was moving behind the wall and keeping a number of mercs occupied and Mina's carefully placed shots were reaping a terrible toll of exposed mercs, who had chosen their cover with respect to people on their level, not snipers 20ft up a tree and a good fifty degrees further around.

Selvaria, Elaine and Vanessel ran for the tree-line, finding some more substantial cover there in the form of a series of slight ridges suggestive of large but shallow tree roots. Together they expended a great part of their remaining ammunition ensuring that Mel made it across the intervening ground from her wall to their position. As she ducked behind a tree and threw over some spare power-packs Vanessel glanced up irritably:

“Whilst saving our skins is welcome, having two team members trapped by mercs is only slightly better than three.”

Mel looked up; “Look's like Mina might've been onto something.”

Slightly bemused, the rest of the team used a lull in the mercs fire to look up before a stray shot from a grenade launcher splintered a sapling nearby and forced them to duck. The lull in the fire was not their doing, nor even Alrin or Amanda's work, it was Mina's despite her sniper rifle having nothing to do with. Gravity had apparently decided the debris from the clearance of the new evac point had spent enough time going up and had sternly recalled the assorted flotsam and jetsam to their appointments with the ground. The mercs had noticed this as well.

Alrin had rolled off the workbench just before a pattern of blaster fire immolated the tools he'd landed on, his armour prevented anything worse the bruises from the impact, but the dust and tile fragments were more lethal to pride than body. He returned fire with his blaster for a while before the burst of a flamethrower forced him to roll clear into the market square. Above him in the dust cloud the hum of a lightsabre was distinct and worryingly close as it batted away incoming blaster bolts. He hauled himself to his feet just in time to instinctively duck as the blade sliced through the space formerly occupied by his head on its course to send a burst of fire back at it's owner.

“Nice of you to join me.” Amanda called over the whine of a heavy weapon building up charge.
“We really should stop meeting like this.” Alrin retorted.
“I don't know, you take me to such nice places.” came the sarcastic reply as the merc with the large gun stood up on a set of external stairs, only to drop again as a sniper round removed a large part of his head, helmet and all.

It was about this time, just as a merc team rose from behind another crashed speeder to charge, that the debris the others had noticed began to land.

The merc team in question was the first victim, flattened by what looked suspiciously like a small copse of trees that was merrily ablaze. Fragments of super-heated loam smashed tiles, windows and paving slabs as half a tree collapsed a colonnade onto another fire team. Alrin and Amanda shared a briefly incredulous look before making a run for the edge of the town a few dozen metres away as a boulder crashed down where they had been standing moments before. They were forced to stop as the survivors of the teams formerly shooting at Mel and the rest of the team turned to face the new intruders and opened fire again, stopping the escape barely metres from a clear run to the trees.

Now there was a problem, Mina could pick off anyone trying to go through or around the edge buildings, but the remaining mercs had largely figured out this was a bad idea, likewise the ones with poor cover positions from the view of Mel and the others were already dead, so there was little supporting fire they could offer apart from when the odd merc forgot about them and tried to shift position. A new air speeder with reinforcements appeared in the sky, proving the rest of the team a brief target which was sent down in flames as the mercs already on the ground piled on the pressure.

Mina had a flash of inspiration:

“Amanda, think fast.” she intoned before loosing a sniper shot at her team-mates left shoulder.

The lightsabre blade met the incoming bolt almost without thought, deflecting it in a ricochet that dropped two briefly lined up mercs with it's remaining power. Encouraged, the rest of the team opened a steady fire, on their own team members, flashing blades scooping the predictable blast bolts in new directions to fell their own foes.

Another wave of debris began to hit the ground, Alrin noticed a large lump of burning soil about the size of a freighter and desperately punched out with the Force, it was not subtle or very controlled, but it did the job, the slightly deflected projectile broke up and rained fiery loam and undergrowth across the town. Given respite, the two made a concerted break for the tree line, dodging further rocks and trees as they fell to join the rest of the team in making an enthusiastic run for the waiting ship.

Scattered fire pursued them but continued falling debris was their main enemy now, the edge of the clearing that was more accurately a crater came into view just as a rock that resembled a house smashed into the canopy over their heads, everyone dived out into crater, tumbling down the still-smoking sides. Amanda didn't have time to think as a her forward speed carried her head over heels into the air, but did have time to register a large embedded chunk of rock that her head seemed to be aiming for. At the last moment a black blur appeared and she hit instead something altogether more yielding than granite, Alrin had twisted at the last minute to avoid a stump and thus ended up in a series of shallow bounces resembling a skipping stone down the crater side. That came to an end when Amanda plowed into him from above, their combined weights hitting the outcrop, as the wind was driven our of him he vaguely registered a horrible shattering crack that echoed from somewhere in the area of his lower back.

In a tangle of limbs the two bounced off the rock and rolled to a halt in the dust, Amanda disentangled herself first, rolling to her feet just in time to deflect a rocket from the a merc who'd just reached the craters edge. The Force-redirected projectile soared into the sky despite having been perfectly aimed at Alrin's head, the man himself stood up gingerly and felt around his back, his hand coming away with large fragments of shattered armour plate. The two shared a quick grin;

“Mutual save?”

“Looks like it.”

Mel cut in; “Enough flirting, let's get going!”

The team dived into the open hatchway some of them had only recently exited as the ship began to rise out of the most visible evidence that it had ever been there.

The entire team looked around at each other, dust covered, battered, gasping for breath and in several cases sporting slight scorches or minor abrasions, they looked less like a covert strike/intel team and more like the survivors of a long fall through a ferrocrete factory. It didn't take more than a few seconds for someone, Elaine is this case, to start laughing. In moments it spread and soon everyone was in some state of bemusement. Vanessel brought things back to a professional keel after a few moments.

“So we're all in one piece, good enough, but we are supposed to be covert, someone knew about us and thanks to that crater others will ask questions. I'll grant we all need rest, so take an hour to shower and get changed, plus another half hour to write your preliminary reports. Back here in a n hour and a half.”

The pilot coughed not-quite discreetly from down the hall:

“Um, there are only two showers on the ship at the moment sir, it's not fully fitted out, and one of those is broken, the working one only has frosted glass screens, the walls to the exercise area haven't been installed.”

Vanessel rolled his eyes, “So form a queue and avert your eyes if necessary.” He stood and marched off to find a towel.

Alrin and Amanda moved for their respective rooms, having been brought in by the ship they at least had some spare gear that they suspected would be partially requisitioned soon. Mina and Mel, likewise accommodated and likewise facing possible temporary loss of some possessions were right behind them, passing them as the first two reached their respective doors. Amanda heard her door close behind her, but not before Mel apparently idly commented to Mina as they passed:

“Of course, seven people in sixty minutes doesn't leave much time, but if some people shared we'd all get a longer stint.”

Flushing slightly, Amanda dove into her pack determined to forget that last dozen words she'd heard. Across the hallway Alrin very deliberately unpacked a slightly-to-large uniform he thought Vanessel might end up borrowing, the precise actions did a good job of occupying his active mind with other things to do, of course, he could do nothing about his subconscious taking the concept and running the possibilities around the back of his skull, which was possibly why his next action consisted of turning around and walking into the wall, rather than the door a few yards to his left.

[PhantomVX2000]

Toprawa

Saria Kane, a twenty-something female human and an official negotiator of the Mandalorian Order who was handpicked by Venku Skirata himself, was tidying up her Kalevalan-made business dress before turning her attention at a collective of the foreign representatives who came from all the part of the Kalamith sector. These foreigners were invited here to the regional meeting at the request of her respective government. As she evenly walked to the podium, Saria could see that the representatives were either eager or anxious to hear out what she had to say to them on the behalf of her government, leading her to believe her responsibility was much bigger than she would had liked to admit. But that didn’t bother her. Like any Kalevala-born individual, she believed nothing was impossible as long as she worked for it, and any political dream, even difficult one, could be achieved with proper preparation and strong determination.

There was a good reason to why Venku Skirata hand-picked Saria for this particular role – she was extremely intelligent, straight-thinking, and honest individual with strong interest in making a strong, unified nation a reality. She had a very appealing trait in Venku’s eyes was that she was not afraid to use strong-handed maneuvers to achieve the political objectives for the greater good of many people, preferring to serve the common citizens rather than her own interests.

She transfixed her eyes on the audience before her, “Gentlemen and ladies, on the behalf of my government, the Mandalorian Order, I am greatly grateful that you came here to this historic summit. Well to cut the chase, the reason why you was invited here is that my government would like to present a proposal that would benefit all the interested parties involved – the membership to the Mandalorian Order.”

That surprised many dignitaries in the room, prompting an outburst of murmuring among them for a full moment before quieting down, allowing Saria to speak again.

“My government wishes to offer you the membership entry to the Mandalorian Order with exactly same rights and benefits afforded to Corporate Sector sphere, and the assistance to rebuild your world devastated by the last great war. Our commitment is to facilitate the economic and political unification as one nation-state while preserving member’s culture identify and planetary self-ruling. We are also committed to protecting all the worlds within the designated border regardless of their economic and development status. That is provided if the members agree to strictly adhere to the universal rights. We stand together strong and united, lest we suffer, lest we get divided and conquered.

As many of you may have heard the rumors about the establishment of the Galactic League and the Mandalorian Order’s imminent entry into that said non-aligned organization. Well, they are true. The truth is that my people are looking forward to living in the interconnected economy backed by common currency, the future system that would make trading and galactic commerce much easier. Secondly, the Galactic League is strongly committed to bringing the stability to the galaxy.

Why we joined the Galactic League?

Five decades ago, during the Clone Wars, Duchness Satine Kryze of Mandalore, one of our greatest political leaders in the history, was leading the Council of Neutral Systems, representing over fifteen-hundred systems, that wished to remain neutral in the galactic neutral. Even if it happened five decades ago, my people still long for prosperity and only the way to get it is through the mutual cooperation.

Your world will get the both of best worlds on this one… is by joining us and get all these benefits from both the Mandalorian Order and Galactic League. I strongly suggest you to consider it carefully for the greater good of your people.

Any question?”

The whole room was silent for a few moments before a dignitary from the world Gaftikar raised his hand.

“What about our governing system?” He asked.

Saria smiled slightly and looked at him, “Your world will retain your planetary government as part of the semi-autonomous agreement although the Mandalorian Order will have jurisdiction over the justice, military, and foreign affairs. Your world, however, is free to raise and field the militia force as part of the self-defense right.”

The female Teevan cleared her throat, “Do we get the financial assistance for local economic developments?”

“Yes,” The Mandalorian nodded her head. “We will aggressively encourage the potential foreign investors to invest on your world.”

“Hmm, with your government’s entry into the Galactic League, our economic opportunities just got bigger and plenty.”

“That’s right. Just like what I said before, your people will get the both of best worlds.”

At that moment, Saria could tell that the things were going in a right direction. She could not be more pleased with herself especially the way she initially handled the audience without any mishap or stage nervous breakdown. Despite her relative inexperience in the international stage, she did well since she believed in herself and her from the beginning. Then as she regarded the audience, she realized it would be one of the longest roads in her career and that her hard work just had started.

ACTION
- The Mandalorian Order offers the entire Kalamith sector a membership.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mandalore
Ruae’s residence

“Mandalore, come in please.” Ruae said coyly, motioning him and a young female human to enter his residence.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me.” Janus said, stepping inside the former viceroy’s mansion. “I am afraid that I am on an unofficial business. This one stays off the records.”

“Oh, what brings you here?”

Ruae was well versed in the subtleties of body language, and he could tell that something was bothering the Mandalore although Janus kept his thoughts and emotions well guarded from a simple telepathic probe. On the other hand, a young brown-haired woman standing to him was an entirely different matter. Admittedly, he felt that she frightened him somehow considering the fact that her force signature seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place it. And on top of all, she was very strong in the Force and her presence gave off the air of confidence that he hadn’t felt it in a long time.

Janus grimaced slightly before saying bluntly, “New threat just came up. Someone far more worse than Count Dooku.”

“What? What happened?”

“This new enemy… he calls himself the Prophet.”

Ra’Vaka stepped forward and cleared her throat, “Well, let’s say that my team ran into him somewhere in the Galactic North. Before that, we met and teamed up with two friendly teams from other powers on the grounds of common interests. There were twelve of us and we tried to take on him. He soundly defeated all of us without using his lightsaber…in the matter of seconds.”

Ruae dipped his head in horrified realization.

“That sounded very bad. This is indeed a very concerning matter.” He said then paused, “Who are you?”

“I am Ra’Vaka Ordo…Janus’s wife and the mother of Kiva.” Ra’Vaka replied.

The Neimoidian felt his heart skip a beat, though he gave no outward sign of his anxiety.

“It is my greatest honor to have you here, Ra’Vaka.” He said in a feeble attempt to keep the conversation going. “Anyways, how could I possibly help you considering my lack of combat experience?”

“I know your secret: your ability to create the phantoms anywhere in the galaxy. That is a very useful intelligence gathering asset.”

Ruae blanched, “How do you know?”

“It’s a very long story. I will explain it to you later.” Ra’Vaka answered. “Uh, there is another thing we need from you: Jensaarai. Is it all right with you if we could speak with Saarai-kaar Azara Payee?”

[Ironanvil1]

Zeltros, Zeltron Space

When the speaker had finished, Harrar decided to respond. "A noble goal and one that my people would consider joining... though my concern is the mention of this..." Harrar attempted to remember the word said earlier ..."League Credit and its adoption into member empires. We Yuuzhan Vong have no need for such things and see little need for its inclusion into the Yuuzhan Vong Empire. As to the other matters... we have little conflict with them. The practice of slavery has ended and we no longer harbor any intention of conquest. All we seek... is... peace."

“I understand that your people have little experience with such things Eminence Harrar.”
“I believe your people prize new biological specimens, new genetics to be shaped into useful items. Adoption of the credit would allow your people to access the biological wealth of the galaxy, without conflict, without war.”
“I suspect many worlds would be interested in your species mastery of terraforming techniques - the ability to develop what are now marginal worlds into agricultural breadbaskets, for example, would be a boon to many nations. The galactic credit would be their means to pay for such things, to then be exchanged later for that which the Yuuzhan Vong desire to obtain.”

The scar faced priest nodded thoughtfully at this. “My people are not opposed in principle to this trade you speak of, though it will be a new thing amongst the Children of Yun-Yuuzhan”

Corin spread his hands as he replied.
“We cannot expect there to be no stumbling blocks for us on this path. What we seek to establish here is a new thing for the galaxy as a whole – a different way forward.”

There were other issues raised by the assembled delegates throughout following days of discussions but they were minor quibbles, procedural issues, ironing out the precise details of how the organisation would operate.

Finally after several days of deliberations the outstanding affairs were settled.
With due ceremony, under the eyes of the newscasters recording the moment for posterity, the delegates stood in a group as Corin, in his capacity as representative of the Compact, was first to sign the historic document, the Founding Charter of the Galactic League.

As he placed the pen back on the podium Corin stood aside and watched with pride as each envoy, the representatives of many nations and worlds, in turn affixed their signatures.
The envoys finished and grouped together in a cluster as Marshak stood before them to address the holocameras, the cosmopolitan assemblage providing his backdrop.

“Gentlebeings - people of the galaxy."
"It is a great thing we strive for here today, what we believe shall signal a new beginning for the galaxy, an era of peace and prosperity. A new organisation open to all willing to put aside the baggage of the past and work together, a new way to settle disputes without war, to rebuild shattered worlds.”
“A new hope.”


Actions:
Galactic League Founding Charter signed