A/N: I'm back and with a new installment to the Chronicles. Anyway I want to thank everyone who reviewed and I must let you all know that I will take suggestions for future chapters, just don't leave them in the reviews, I will not even consider them.
To Gogo1100 :I am trying to figure outr a way to work that into this story.
To KnightOfZaku : You may like this chapter, you the one who gave me the idea for it after all
And to everyone else, thanks for your support. Now on to the story...
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In the years following the much celebrated, if not controversial actions of the Terran Union government during the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo, the Terran Union and the Naboo Government entered an golden age of trade and investment. An era which would not only see the Naboo economy boom unlike any other time in it's history, but also saw the transformation of the Worth Colonies from a trio of under developed planet, to intergalactic boom towns in their own right.
With the Terran freight companies starting to prosper in the Andromeda galaxy, a new mass exodus occurred as hundreds of thousands began to settle in the Andromeda colonies. There were new jobs being created and a need for people to fill them, especially now as Terra Forming operations on Bounty and Mesa had finally come to an end and the TUG needed people to manage the new mega farms and mining facilities which now existed. Not to mention that there were now opportunities for people to find their fortunes in new ventures.
But like all good things, this golden age quickly came to an end when the "Clone Wars" erupted and the Terran government soon found themselves having diplomatic relations with two waring factions who were eager to have the TUG join their ranks and fight the latter. But even as the Galactic Republic and the newly formed Confederacy of Independent Systems were going at each other like two rabbit Pit Bulls, the Terran Union stood firm remained a neutral party in the first year of the conflict. But an event would soon occur which would not only threaten the Terran's neutral status, but would forever change humanity as a whole.
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[ The Togruta-Zygerrian-Twi'lek Connection... ]
Date: April 7th, 2607
Location: Kiros
This was certainly a position which Governor Roshti never thought he would be in, as he stood alone within his private residence and looked out at the Togruta colony which he had helped established not too long ago. When he and many others like him first settled this planet, the hope was that they could build a society where they and others could free to express themselves artistically and live in peace. Even when the war began, the governor expressed the wishes of his people to the rest of the galactic community to remain neutral and have no part in a conflict which was ripping apart the galaxy.
But it was days ago in which that hope was shattered when the leader of the CIS contacted the governor and informed him that Kiros would be used as a base for the Confederacy's war machine and that the colonist would be "relocated" to ensure their safety. Obviously Roshti did not like the idea of having to leave their home just to make way for a military base, even more so he did not trust Count Dooku or the Confederacy to begin with. All the Togruta of Kiros wanted to do were to be left alone in peace and now the war they did not want any part of, was now threatening their way of life. But what could they do?
Just like the Confederacy, Roshti held no love for the Galactic Republic and did not trust them as well. As far as the governor knew, if he were to ask of the Republic's help, the planet would still play host to an military base and his people would still have to be relocated. The Togrutan colonist were most certainly between a rock and a hard place, in a no win situation where either choice would be mean the end of their way of life. But as the governor pondered just what his people should do, an idea soon came into thought and even though it was a long shot, Roshti figured it was still worth the effort.
With an heavy sigh, the Togruta governor pressed a small button on his desk and when he did, the image of a predatory bird clenching a planet in its talons came into view on the holoprojetor.
"This is Governor Roshti of the Togruta colony on the planet Kiros." the elderly Togruta said in his most authoritarian voice. " When we first settled this world, our hope was that we would be able to live our lives as we see fit and be free of the political instability which had plagued the galaxy for so long. But now the conflict we have tried so hard to avoid has finally reached our door and we fear that without your help, we will become another casualty in this already devastating war. Therefore, I humbly request as the representative of my people, that our planet and our community fall under the dominion of the Government of the Terran Union."
( Three Days Later... )
The sun had not to long arisen in the Kiros sky, as Governor Roshti and a small crowd had gathered just outside their settlement to meet with the leader of the Confederacy.
The count himself had not too long arrived on the planet with a contingent of battle droids and a female individual who had an air mystery and evil surrounding her. Everything was going according to plan, all he needed to do now was to convince the Governor that his people needed to be settled off world for their own safety and as soon as they were on the transports, then his associates in the Confederacy senate would be very happy indeed.
"Governor Roshti, I assume that you and your people have come to a decision over my offer to settle off planet?" the count said in a calm voice. "I assure you that this is for the benefit of your people."
"I am sorry Count Dooku, but I am afraid that our planet is no longer yours to do with." Roshti told the sith. "My people have decided to remain."
"I am sorry, but I came here believing that you have agreed to my terms to resettle." the count stated, a hint of annoyance growing at the back of his sinister mind. "Need I remind you that allying yourselves with the Republic is certainly not in your best interest."
"Believe me when I say we do know what it in our best interest." the Togruta replied. "And we never said that we were allying ourselves with the Republic."
"Uh... sir..." one of the B1 droids suddenly spoke up. "The fleet is reporting that a dozen Terran warships have entered the system and are on a intercept course."
"The.. Terrans?" Dooku asked curiously, truly puzzled by the sudden appearance of the Terran fleet.
"You see Count Dooku, I have an obligation to protect my people." the governor stated, as his group began to smile once they heard that the Terrans were on their way. "And the only way I could see to prevent us from becoming apart of your war, was to enter a union with the only government which has shown no interest joining either the Republic... or the Confederacy. Hence I contacted the Terrans."
There was a long yet uneasy silence as Dooku began to ponder his next move. This was something in which the Sith and former Jedi could have never imagine happening, instead of bowing down to the Confederacy's demands, the Togruta of this world managed to ally themselves with the Terrans and from the looks of things, the Terrans were now honoring their alliance with these colonist. Obviously Dooku was none too happy with this development, but he was yet able to mask his anger as he replied... "Very well." and with that, the Sith and his entourage made their way back to their ship.
"You are not just going to let them go, are you?" Ventress asked her master.
"I am afraid this is one of the times that we must admit defeat." Dooku explained. "These Terrans as it seems, have more influence among the population of the galaxy than we once previously thought."
"So we are just going going to let them take the Togruta?" the Dathomirian Sith asked, a bit surprised that her master was so willing to give up so easily. "What about the deal with the Zygerrians?"
"As far as I see it, the deal is officially off." the senior Sith replied, just as the group entered the transport and the doors closed behind them. Within minutes the Confederacy transport had cleared Kiros, on its way to dock with the Invisible Hand in orbit. But it was at this point that the Terran fleet finally arrived and took up their positions around the newest "colony" of the TUG.
From her vantage point within the confines of the transport, Ventress could see a number of these Terran built instruments of war hovering just above the planet. These vessels were nothing like anything she ever witnessed the past were quite possible the ugliest ship designs the Sith had ever seen. But as she looked closer at the ships and began to study them, Ventress soon realized that the Terran vessels were designed for one thing alone and the designers did not hesitate to go all out in making sure that these ships carried out their intended purpose. These vessels were meant for war, to take the fight to the enemy and bring their crews back home alive.
If the Dathomirian was in awe of the Terran warships, then she did a very good job at masking it. Even as the vessel she was in disappeared into the hanger bay of the Confederacy flagship.
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News about the Togruta colony on Kiros joining the Terran Union, soon swept across the galaxy and caused a wave of both shock and disbelief among the galaxy's population. In a move that most people would have called bold and outright outlandish, Kiros had offered them selves to the Terran government in an attempt to remain neutral , but what was even more surprising was the fact that the Terrans had accepted the offer with open arms and formally announced the apparent political union between there government and the Togruta colonist.
Interestingly enough, this move was widely celebrated in both the Republic and the Confederacy. As people saw it as a case of a planet getting fed up with this ongoing conflict and deciding to leave their respective faction, just so as they could be able to live in peace. Not surprisingly, it was not long before a number of worlds began to seriously consider allying themselves with the Terrans, so as to avoid getting involved with the clone wars.
But not everyone was happy with the Terran's apparent "annexation" of Kiros and felt that it was their right to not only beat the Terrans back, but claim the Togruta of Kiros as their own. Unfortunately for this group, their hostile actions against the Terran Government would only result in not only their defeat, but the complete destruction of their civilization, as well as their dreams for a new slave empire.
The day the Terrans struck back, was the day the Zygerrian civilization came to an end.
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Date: May 1st, 2607
Location: Zygerrian Royal Palace grounds.
The city itself was largely abandoned by now, save for the slave which had been left behind by the fleeing Zygerrian population, as a rather large convoy U.N.S.C. Army and Marine Corp vehicles rolled through the empty city streets unopposed. It was just hours ago that this once vibrant city was sent into a mass panic, as news of the approaching Terran fleet reached the masses and that the fleet which was sent to intercept them had been defeated.
With their planet now defenseless and with both Republic and Confederacy backing the Terrans, the Zygerrians were completely alone and there was no doubt in anyone's mind just want the outcome would be. Soon millions began to flood the numerous space ports on the planet in an attempt to flee, leaving their slaves behind to fend for themselves. Unfortunately despite their poor conditions many of the now unsupervised slaves went after their former masters in a blind rage. Subjecting them to the very same unspeakable acts which had done on to them.
No one was safe as men, women and even children soon found themselves on the receiving end of their vengeful slaves and it was something the Terran units were now witnessing first hand. The streets were littered with the dead and mutilated bodies of those who were not able to escape the monsters they had created.
"Jesus Christ..." the leader of the Army contingent, Colonel Jordan Nostrand commented. As he and the men of 45th Thunderbird Division rolled through the streets, on their way to the Zygerrian Royal Palace. "What the hell happened?"
"If I had to guess, shit hit the fan." another soldier commented. "From the report, these Zygerrians are slavers and apparently their slaves were none to happy with there forced servitude."
"Apparently indeed." Nostrand commented, as his convoy another mutilated body in the street. "How far are we from the objective?"
"Two minutes out." the soldier from before commented, as he glanced down at his data pad. "command says they want her majesty alive."
"Let's just hope that she still is, Simmons." the colonel replied, just as his Warthog rolled through the main gates of the palace. Just like in the streets, the palace grounds were littered with more Zygerrian bodies. Apparently the palace defenders were overwhelmed and eventually overrun by the freed slaves.
A few minutes later the last Warthog of the convoy entered the palace and its compliment of soldiers began to disembark. Two Warthogs then positioned themselves by the gate with their heavy machine guns armed and ready for just in case the Zygerrians launched a counter attack.
"Alright, listen up!" Nostrand announced to the assembled soldiers. "Welcome to the former seat of power of the Zygerrian slave Empire and our objective for today is to locate and arrest her majesty Queen Miraj Scintel. I know many of you would not mind putting a bullet in her hide for what what she had subjected so many lives to and honestly I would not blame you for wanting too. But our orders are to bring her back alive so she can stand trial for her crimes."
"Um sir... I'm afraid that someone may have already beaten us to the punch." Simmons replied, as his attention was transfixed on a object which was hanging from one of the palace's balconies. Curious, the colonel took out his binoculars take a closer look and when he did, Nostrand was with a sight which would forever haunt him.
For now hanging from the balcony with a whip wrapped around the neck, was the mutilated body of Queen Scintel herself. No one was safe from this wave of violence, not even the queen herself.
"My god..." the colonel muttered, "Simmons, take some men up there and retrieve her body. Command is going to want us to confirm that she's dead... and take a body bag with you."
"Yes sir!" the UNSC soldier replied, as he went off to assemble his team. About an hour later, Simmons and his men returned with the deceased monarch in tow. The body bag which held the late queen being thrown unceremoniously into the back of one of the Warthogs with a loud and "wet" thud.
With the Queen of the Zygerrian people confirmed dead and the Terran flag now flying over the palace, there was only one thing Nostrand could do at this point. Picking up his personal com link, he said "This is Colonel Jordan Nostrand of the 45th mechanized infantry division. We have taken the palace... and Queen Scintel is dead."
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Needless to say, the galaxy did not mourn for the demise of the Zygerrian civilization or their queen, as the galaxy was once again entranced by the actions of the Terrans. With the destruction of the Zygerrian Slaver Guild and the release of the hundreds of thousands of their former slaves, the Terran government was now faced with the problem of taking care of these refuges. Many of which had blatantly refused the Republic's offer to settle on their worlds, but what was even more surprising, was the fact that all of them wanted to remain in the Worth colonies.
It did take some doing, but in the end the Terran government agreed to allow the refuges to stay and grant them citizenship. Even more so the residents of the Terran colonies, specifically those on Mesa, welcomed the former slaves with opened arms and helped them to assimilate into the population.
As the years went by though the former slaves, mainly consisting of Twi'leks, began to add to the already unique culture which had been created by humanity's Andromeda colonies. Which by this time now included the planet Kiros and the Togrutan settlement, a settlement which flushed and grew.
But the real impact of the TUG's newest citizens would not be felt until after the formation of the Galactic Empire and the UNSC now had to build up their military infrastructure to deal with this new possible threat.
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{A/N: Lets fast forward a bit, shall we?}
Date: May 1st, 2633
Location: Fort Williams, Mesa
The atmosphere was a rather cheerful one within the confines of the UNSC army base, as the latest recruits from the Army's"Tank" school were getting ready to graduate. The last eighteen weeks had been rather brutal , as these men and women were put through the paces of learning how to operate and maintain the UNSC's new M920 "Dragon" main battle tank.
Over the last few weeks, the tank crews learned how to operate these complex yet deadly machines, as well as trouble shoot problems which may occur while in operation. For these tank crews, it was the culmination of a life long dream and they would soon be officially apart of the UNSC Army, while some of them will end up in the Marine corp. But for others, this would be the historic moment not just for themselves, but for their people as well.
You see, the majority of these graduates were in fact Twi'lek. As a matter a fact, these graduates were the descendents of the slaves which had been liberated from Zygerria and who had settled in the Worth system after wards. Ever since their liberation, the former slaves now refuges, were forever grateful to the Terrans for what they had done for them and when the UNSC announced they would be taking in "non-humans" into their military, the response was beyond what anyone had expected. As thousands signed up for the Army, Navy, Marines and Colonial Defense Force.
But now they would be taking the next step, as the army had taken the decision to create a entire tank unit which would have only Twi'leks crews and commanders. It may have been a controversial move to have an all Twi'lek heavy armor unit, but it was a decision which was widely celebrated among the Twi'lek population and it was a move which bore fruit.
For one Twi'lek by the name of Jon Arboro, it was a culmination of a life long dream. Like many of the other graduates, Jon was the son two former slaves who got married a few years after their liberation. The Mesa born Twi'lek grew up in the city of San Loma on the planet of Bounty, where his father and mother found work in a hotel as room attendants. From a young age Jon knew that he wanted to be in the military, to be apart of something bigger than himself and of course, drive one of those "cool" tanks. It was a goal which his parents supported wholeheartedly and they were thrilled when they found out that he had been admitted into the army for training.
Now almost two years after entering the military, Jon's dream was about to come true.
"Alright everyone, listen up!" a voice called out to the recruits. "Showtime in five, so get ready!"
"Well, this is it." the green skinned Twi'lek said to himself, as he formed up with the rest of his class mates and got ready to march out.
The day itself was perfect in every way an form, the sun shown brilliantly in the cloudless blue sky, as a gentle breeze blew through the military facility's grounds. Soon the air was filled with military styled drumming as the Army's newest tank crews made their way from the barracks and towards the stage which had been set up for the ceremony. Rows of seats had been set up before the stage itself and were filled up with those who had been invited to the graduation ceremony. Jon smiled as he saw his parents seated in the third row, but focused on making sure that he was marching in time with the others.
Soon the recruits made their way to the front of the stage and sat down in the seats which had been provided for them. Then a man dressed in a class-A army uniform made his way to the podium and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is General Louis Han and I am the commander of Fort William. I want to personally welcome all of you to celebrate the passing out of the United Nations Space Command Army's newest tank crews."
There was a small round of applause before the general spoke again. "Now... I want to let you all know that the enthusiasm expressed by these men and women when they first entered the program, could not even be placed into words. But over the last four and a half months, they have shown duty, comradeship and team work. Three of the things which the army prides itself on and are exemplified by those seated in front me here today."
"Now without further ado, I will now call out the names of those who will graduating here today. Which they will come up on to the stage and receive their pins which will designate them as full fledged tank operators."
One by one the Twi'leks of the UNSC Army got up from their seats and collected their pins, which looked like small outlines of the older Scorpion tanks which had been recently retired. Jon for his part was more than a bit excited as he waited for his name to be called, as he was about to fulfill his life's dream. He was going to be a tank driver and be apart of something which had actually rescued his parents all those years ago. You could say that if it was not for the UNSC, there was a very good chance that he would not have even existed.
"Jon Arboro..."
"It's time." the young Twi'lek said to himself, as he stood up from his seat and made his way to collect his pin.
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A/N: Well what do you think? I hope you guys enjoyed it cause it was not easy to write. Anyway as always please leave a review and tell me what you think. Until next time... Nightstalker out!