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The Twilight exited hyper space as Elbio's hazy surface came into view. The trip had not been as intense as they had expected it to be, but nevertheless they were all ready to stretch their legs.
Orbiting the planet was four Separatist frigates with General Grievous' command ship, the Invisible Hand, placed neatly in their center.
"That's Grievous' ship alright."
"If that doesn't scream 'political propaganda' I don't know what does." Lux lightly laughed.
The details of Elbio came into view as their transport entered the planet's atmosphere. It was a well balanced system of both plains and mountains. The grass was long and brown making it very evident that it rained just frequent enough to keep things on the fringes of life and death. Around the base of the steep, rocky mountain face at the border of the plains lined a thick blanket of trees serving as a parimeter between the two.
The city of Nede revealed a far different sight, however. The city consisted of nearly nothing but hut-like houses made from fur skins and pelts. The cities main road was a muddy trail carved from hooves and wagon wheels. Rather than electric lights, the city was lit with lanterns hung from wooden posts. It was obvious that the people of Elbio were not the most advanced in the galaxy.
"I wasn't aware that the Elbians were such a primitive people." Ahsoka commented.
"Me either, which raises even more questions as to why the Separatists want control here." Anakin replied.
The Twilight gently touched down in the center of the open court yard in front of the king's palace and court. Anakin, Ahsoka and Lux made their way down the exit ramp as they were greeted by some of the king's staff.
"Welcome to Elbio. I am Jellal Keel, son of King Mardel." The young man greeted with a bow.
Anakin bowed following suit," I am Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight. This is my padawan learner Ahsoka Tano and Senator Lux Bonteri of Onderron."
"It is an honor meeting the three of you." Jellal remarked as he began to lead the trio towards the palace," As you can see, the Separatist have enforced quite a tight grip on Nede and my people. We once were a free state, but now we have nearly become slaves."
Jellal came to a sudden stop as he turned to his guests with a most serious look in his eyes," Everyone has been given a number- men, women, even the children. We can not buy, sell, travel or trade without providing our number that we have been registered under. They claim it is a security to protect our people, but I do not see it as so."
"What does the king think about this new system?" Lux asked.
"He recognizes the security that it provides, but he fears the potential threat that comes along with it. I am afraid that there is an alternative motive that has yet to be brought to light."
"As a former Separatist I can assure you that there is always an alternative motive. I will do my best to persuade your father into joining the Republic." Lux vowed.
"Your best is all I can ask."
"You have made very noble statements, young senator, but the Republic and the Separatists are all the same. Talkers of peace, makers of war." King Mardel sighed reluctantly.
"With all due respect, the Republic did not create this war." Lux concurred.
"But she is a grand key in it." The king proclaimed from atop his throne.
"Be that as it may, we fight for freedom and for democracy. My king, I have seen how the Separatist function. I was raised to their ideology and doctrine. They are an assembly of blinded men under the twisted influence of the Sith lord Count Dooku who seeks nothing more than galactic conquest."
"Don't let one of such inexperience deceive you, my king."
All eyes turned to the location of the new voice.
"Ah yes. Senator Bonteri, I would like you to meet Mard Geer. He is the leading representative for the Separatist movement."
The strange new character was of rather odd sorts. He was very pale complected with long, dark hair put in a messy pony tail on the back of his head. His eyes shone red with intimidation and his robes were dark and flowing.
Ahsoka instinctively snarled as a Separatist stench filled the room. The representative did not appear much older than Lux. What gave him the right to say that he was inexperienced?
"King Mardel, I give you my solemn vow that the Separatist's will be nothing more than an asset to the throne and your kingdom. The security and protection of Elbio and her people is our utmost priority."
Lux laughed lightly," I was unaware that security was a synonym for slavery."
Jellal shot a firm nod of approval Lux's way for such a clever come back.
"For someone of your age and demeanor there are a great many things that you are unaware and uneducated of." Mard Geer spat back.
Lux turned his attention back to King Mardel," My king, by joining the Republic you are surrendering none of your existing freedoms or rights. You are simply making a statement that you stand for democracy. You will not be asked to partake of war or the acts thereof. All that will be required of you is that you vote. If you join the Republic, peace in the system of Elbio will be firmly secured"
"There is neither a difference between war or politics. Politics are war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed." Mard rebutted," King Mardel, by joining the Republic you are entering a war not fought on the battlefield, but in a courtroom. The Separatists will-"
"It is often said that war is peace, freedom is slavery and ignorance is strength." The king began bringing an end to the two politicians heated debate," For years my young adolescent mind could not comprehend what that proverb could possibly mean. That is until a certain item was placed upon my head. To be a son requires obedience, to be a father requires compassion, but to be a king requires understanding. I now realize that the moral of the proverb is this: the cost of peace is war, the cost of freedom is slavery to tyranny, the cost of strength is the ignorance of having no fear. One cannot avoid war, they can only postpone it. There is no peace in joining the Separatist or the Republic. The question at hand is which of the two parties is the lesser of two evils. Neutrality is dead- killed by a galactic war of which there is no way of escaping. Now is a time of siding, but unfortunately it is a matter of siding with a beast or a dragon."
Anakin and Ahsoka exchanged glances. The king had very strong views of the two different parties that would be hard to shake. Ahsoka had every confidence that Lux was capable of standing up to the challenge.
The king sighed," I have heard enough for one day. For now I will retire. Jellal, please escort our new guests to their quarters."
"Yes, father."
"I fear this is going to be tougher than I first expected." Lux sighed.
They had been provided a small house on the king's private estate to live out of while the negotiations were underway. The house was head and shoulders above the average home they had passed by while in the city, but it was still not the greatest.
"You're not giving up that easily are you?" Ahsoka smirked.
Lux returned the smile," Of course not. I just can't help but wonder what the Sepi's are really after."
"Well," Anakin began as he stood to his feet," We're never going to figure that out sitting around here."
"Where are you going?" Ahsoka asked standing to her feet as her master made his way towards the door.
"Out."
"When should we expect you to be back?"
"When I get back. There's more to this little operation then the Separatists are letting on and I'm going to get to the bottom of it."
Ahsoka smirked again. Her master was always so quick to action.
"Keep the comm channels open incase I need to make contact. I'll be back as soon as possible." Anakin ordered.
"Will do. Be careful."
"I'll be fine. You two are the ones dealing with the courts. You be careful."
General Grievous stood in a dark room aboard his flagship the Invisible Hand. On the table before him flashed the blue beam of light revealing a holographic Mard Geer.
"The Jedi have arrived. They are with the senator of Onderron." He reported.
"Keep King Mardel's attention on the debate at hand. We can not risk him discovering our true intentions. I will take care of the jedi." The general growled.
"As you wish." Mard bowed.
"The tides of this war rely heavily on this operations success- as do my master's plans."
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