Corellia
"Look! The Republic has come to save us!" shouted a Corellian man, pointing to the large hologram screen within the large cantina. The music died down, talking stopped, and people glanced to look at the hologram screen. Many who were drinking their lives away, especially since their planet was invaded by the Gundao Syndicate, lost hope that a Republic rescue would happen. Aliens and humans alike, cheered loudly as they watched the footage of the space battle.
The leaked footage sparked inspiration so mighty that it couldn't be contained. The capital city was crawling with black armored Syndicate soldiers, making sure all civilians were inside their homes. It was noon when the footage was spreading all over the capital city. Citizens began to riot and raid the Syndicate soldiers, knocking them out and killing them to steal their weapons. A revolution was taking place, where differences were put aside and the people revolted against the invaders. They couldn't be scared anymore, if they wanted to live freely.
Coruscant-class Star Destroyer
The massive three-kilometer starship began to move farther ahead than the smaller Venators, taking on two, three, four, even five Raiderstark Light Destroyers at once. The Republic vessel deployed more bombers and fighters to attack the nearing enemy ships. The bombers were a new class of ship, resembling a Y-wing but with its engines as sleek as a Naboo cruiser's engines and bore heavier cannons. The starfighters, on the other hand, resembled the Z-95 Headhunters, but its wings were more triangular, starting from the middle portion of the nose to fan out behind the ship and cockpit. Large, rotatable, cannons were mounted on the ends of the wings, and a proton torpedo launcher underneath the nose of the fighter.
Both the new starfighters and bombers surprised all the Generals and Admiral Yularen at the battle who witnessed them outrun the older Republic craft, destroying multiple Raiderstark ships in record time.
Obi wan scratched his chin as he watched the behemoth warships move towards the middle of the blockade, taking on four Raiderstark ships; two on either side. There were countless heavy turbolaser cannons that bombarded the Gundao ships, crippling their shields and superstructures.
"This ship has so many tricks up its sleeves."
"It lives up to its name, the Pride of the Republic." said a woman's voice. Obi wan turned to see an older woman approach him. She wore a greenish gray jumpsuit with a blue vest and bore countless badges, also wearing her graying hair in a tight bun.
"It surely does, I congratulate you on its design and success, Admiral Daala." said Obi wan. The woman stood next to Obi wan, who was much shorter, and watched the battle outside the viewport. The new Republic starfighters whisked past the bridge, chasing Syndicate fighters.
"The blockade is almost destroyed, Admiral." called a crew member. Obi wan and Daala watched as the last three Raiderstark ships held their position and sent out their remaining fighters.
"Prepare the GR-65 transports and make sure all troops are ready for deployment. We shall begin landing momentarily." ordered the stern Admiral. Obi wan turned to look at the sixty year old woman,
"Admiral, if you don't mind me asking, what part of the Galaxy were you stationed at during the Clone Wars? Because I've never heard of your name before."
"Good god, Kenobi, you didn't even let me say that I do mind you asking!" Obi wan felt embarrassed, but the woman broke into a chuckle, "I was at Kuat Drive Yards the entire damn time! Fascist Palpatine didn't want my expertise on the battlefield because of my exceptional record during the Stark Hyperspace War. I never lost a battle, and you knew Palpatine's plan; he wanted to let the Confederacy have some chances."
"And that's when you design the ship, I presume?"
"Correct, General. It is my greatest innovation." sighed Admiral Daala with satisfaction. She held her hands behind her back and pursed her lips as she stared out at the battle. She let out a laugh, watching the two Raiderstark ships blow up completely from the immense firepower of the Pride of the Republic.
"It looks like the blockade is mostly broken now." stated Obi wan, "I shall get into the landing transport and get to the capital city with the others." Daala nodded her head in acknowledgement and continued to watch the space battle as Obi wan left for the turbolift.
Admiral Kovunko
The Ithorian Admiral struggled to keep his balance as the Pride of the Republic unleashed a constant barrage of lasers from its heavy turbolaser cannons. His ship shook violently as the shields took damage like never before.
"Sir, our shields are gone!" called an Ishi-tib crew member. The beaked alien stared at Kovunko who clenched his fists, and quickly turned back at his computing station.
"Fire the viral missiles at that Republic cruiser!" grumbled the Ithorian to the crew.
"Which one? There are so many, sir…" said a Quarren official at another piloting station.
"The big one you dimwit!" snarled the Ithorian.
"Sir yes sir, firing GS-D missiles now." replied the Quarren. Kovunko stared, with his eyes widened to their full extent, out the viewport at the massive Republic warship that was closing in. The missile tubes launched the deadly viral missiles with loud whooshes toward the hull of the Republic ship.
Pride of the Republic
"Admiral, the GR-65 transports have departed from the main hangar." mentioned a human crew official to the woman. Daala watched as the three bulbous transports with three massive, cylindrical, engines flew towards the bright planet. She noticed the enemy ship firing missiles in their direction.
"We have projectiles coming at high speeds from the remaining Syndicate starship." called out another crew member. Daala watched calmly as the missiles got closer and closer. One of them was aiming straight for the bridge, but Daala didn't even blink. The first four missiles hit the hull, bouncing off the impenetrable armor and exploding. The next two smashed into the shields of the main hangar, also detonating in space. The last missile was getting ever so close to the bridge, ramming right up against the thick shields; even scratching the glass of the viewport. The missile blew up in front of the bridge, giving off a blinding flash. Daala covered her eyes with her arms and the floor of the bridge shook and ricketed.
Admiral Kovunko
The entire Coruscant-class starship was engulfed in smoke from Kovunko's perspective, and he watched with intensity to see what happened. There was an eerie silence aboard the bridge… the scanners were jammed… the sensors clouded… everything seemed to come to a standstill. Kovunko slowly stepped forward…
All of a sudden the Pride of the Republic was thundering its way through space with top-notch speed and precision, its pointed hull piercing through the black gaseous mist of the missiles, straight for the bridge of the ship. Kovunko's heart skipped a beat,
"Fire all cannons at the Republic ship!" the crew complied and Kovunko ran for the turbolift to escape. Some of the technicians looked to see where he was off to, and suddenly realized their doom.
The impervious battleship skidded across the top of the Raiderstark ship, tearing through its shields and armor; then finally making its way to the bridge tower; smashing right through it in the blink of an eye.
Gallant
Admiral Yularen watched with amazement as the Pride of the Republic came to a halt after obliterating the Syndicate warship with such ease. He couldn't believe what he just witnessed…
"Admiral? Admiral, are you there?" called a voice through the transmission.
"Uh, yes, yes… I am here General Unduli." replied Yularen to the Mirilian Jedi.
"You were watching the fireworks, weren't you?" asked Luminara.
"Indeed. Admiral Daala sure knows how to take care of things." smiled Yularen and Luminara chuckled.
"Well, our boarding parties are making our way to the capital city now." validated the Jedi.
"The fleet shall remain here as planned and make sure no Syndicate reinforcements come your way. May the Force be with you all." the transmission was open, and Yularen could hear the other Jedi Generals call in…
"This is Blue Leader General Koon reporting all Syndicate starfighters have been eliminated. Blue Squadron is making its way to the capital."
"This is General Kenobi with the Nova Squadrons making our way to the capital. If any of you have the chance, you should try flying one of these new starfighters…" said Obi wan. Yularen chuckled to himself,
"Generals Ti and Koth will meet the rest of you at the second rendezvous point."
Capital of Corellia
It was an hour past noon when the Republic transports landed in the central plazas of the massive metropolis. The GR-65 ships groaned and creaked as they slowly landed on their fragile landing gears. The cobblestone ground cracked and sank inward from the massive weight of the transport, but no one took notice. The ramps opened up from the underside of the hull; clone soldiers marched in formation out of the ship, with AT-TEs following close behind.
As Plo Koon and Obi wan patrolled the skies, chasing down the last of the Syndicate starfighters in various parts of the city, the remaining Jedi met up to set up a control center. Shaak Ti, Eeth Koth, Luminara Unduli, and Aayla Secura spoke solemnly and quickly with Commanders Gree and Wolffe. An astromech unit projected a holographic map of the city and its streets, also pinpointing the major holdouts of the enemy forces.
"We've received word that the civilian militia has pushed back the Syndicate to this location." pointed Wolffe.
"That leaves a total of three remaining strongholds in the city." added Shaak Ti, examining the map. Shaak was about to continue but was interrupted by the loud noise of an approaching transport. Everyone looked up to the sky and saw a GR-65 transport carrying a giant machine by cables, dangling it from its underside. The group of Jedi and commanders walked from out the control center, which was underneath a GR-65 transport, to get a better look. The machine was a walker, and a tall one.
"What is that?" muttered Wolffe to Gree.
"I have no idea. But it makes our tanks look like toys." replied Gree with a scoff. They all watched with amazement as the cables detached and the transport flew back into the sky. The massive machine was a Republic walker, but far different than the renowned AT-TE. It was far taller, had four thick legs, a rectangular body, a neck that led to a large command bridge that could turn side to side and up and down. The "head" of the walker bore laser cannons and turbolaser cannons, right beneath the neck of the walker were two point-defense laser cannons. There were more laser cannons along the sides of the walker, and a large turbolaser turret atop the stern of the towering war machine.
A hatch was opened from the underside of the walker, and down came an officer wearing a dark gray jumpsuit from a platform attached by cables. He was a tan skinned male, in his thirties, and walked over to the curious Jedi and commanders.
"Greetings Generals and Commanders, I am Colonel Mattan."
"Hello," spoke Shaak Ti, "may we ask what is that thing?" Mattan glanced up at the walker and smiled, turning back to face the others,
"May I present the All Terrain-Behemoth Enforcer, also known as the AT-BE." the Jedi looked at the walker and examined it. It obviously bore the red colors of the Republic in various designs from the cockpit, to the main body, and down each leg.
Colonel Mattan and the Jedi continued to discuss the plans as the Commanders went to brief the other troops about the mission. The meeting was quick and succinct, and the army went into rescue mode. The Jedi split up, making four groups; Eeth Koth, Aayla Secura, Shaak Ti, and Luminara Unduli, all with a garrison of soldiers. Commander Wolffe went with Colonel Mattan aboard the enormous AT-BE. Gree remained on the ground level with a squad of two AT-TEs and troops to follow General Ti. Luminara Unduli took an AT-TE, and so did Eeth Koth. There were four main strongholds where the Syndicate were guarding and maintaining their power. The Jedi each were on their way to a control point, and the AT-BE was on its way to the city government palace.
The enemy showed themselves relatively quick, they wanted a fight with the Republic. Shaak Ti's group was the first to engage the Syndicate. The battle took place on a wide avenue, where derelict vehicles provided good cover for the ground troops as they sniped as many enemies as they could. Shaak jumped to the frontlines to deflect numerous purple lasers, returning them to its senders.
Luminara Unduli and her group stormed a short, stubby, building that was housing Syndicate soldiers. She and small groups of clones scoured the entire building to rid of the enemy; engaging in heated battles in small corridors and various chambers. The AT-TE tanks waited on the outside of the building, keeping watch of the surroundings for any Gundao soldiers.
Eeth Koth and his troopers stumbled upon the third Gundao Syndicate holdout, quickling entering a firefight. Koth instantaneously ignited his green lightsaber to strike down multiple Syndicate soldiers, slicing right through their black armor. His garrison of clones dispersed throughout the area to secure a perimeter, and eventually took out the last of the enemies.
Aayla Secura crouched as she spied on the small group of Gundao Syndicate soldiers briefing at a hologram table. They were in a lower tiered plaza, with Secura and her troops waiting all around the edges. Before the Syndicate soldiers could even whip out their blasters to defend themselves, all of the clones shot them down in the blink of an eye.
The government building of Cavera City was completely abandoned, the bio-scan within the AT-BE's computers showed a negative reading as it approached the massive tower. The All Terrain Behemoth Enforcer's footsteps echoed and shook the ground, coming to a halt in front of the main steps to the government building.
"Colonel, the computers are scanning approaching aircraft." said one of the pilots in the small bridge/cockpit of the walker. Mattan looked out the glass viewport of the walker, which reached above their heads to be able to see above them. The Colonel could then see… two Syndicate starfighters were coming down from the blue sky, with their engines wailing as they approached.
"Fire upper turbolaser battery." ordered the Colonel calmly. Wolffe gazed up to see the starfighters getting closer, and they started to fire their lasers. Commander Wolffe flinched as the purple lasers bombarded the walker, but didn't penetrate its strong armor… not even the glass viewport. The faint sound of machinations echoed into the bridge, the sound of the rear turret taking aim. The turbolaser blasted blue dual-lasers, striking the first starfighter. The cannon fired a few more times, blowing off an engine of the last starfighter. The fighter spun out of control and crashed into the plaza right next to the AT-BE.
"This walker is awesome…" muttered Wolffe to himself, "The might of the Republic military is finally back."
Ducau Zaoku
The Nikto Ducau Zaoku waited patiently as the turbolift brought him hundreds of meters above the ground floor of the octagonal Corusca Hall. Corusca Hall was the massive building built in the Senate District around 17 BBY, bearing eight thin towers on each corner. Ducau was going to the top of one of those towers; newly designated as the Inner Council Spire.
The Jedi Senator wasn't completely shocked that the Inner Council was finally created. When he returned to Coruscant, just two days ago, he kept reminding himself that he'd have to thank Padme Skywalker for her wise words to the Senate in his absence. It was definitely her wisdom that changed the minds of the hundreds once against Zaoku.
The turbolift slowed to a stop with a calm ring, and the curved doors hissed open. Ducau walked out into a brightly lit hall, lined by floor-to-ceiling windows, that concluded with an arch door. Ducau stared forward at the door, sensing through the Force the multiple bodies within. The Senator held his hands together, contemplating to himself, as he slowly walked to the arched door. With each step, he thought about Poggle the Lesser's words. It resonated in his mind… it made sense… but he couldn't take the advice from a known Separatist! But it was indeed over eight years ago when it occurred… and Dooku created a false illusion of galactic peace for him. But still, a being who was known for the deaths of thousands of clone soldiers on his own planet… Zaoku didn't know what to decide, it was a mental debate that wouldn't cease.
Ducau finally made it to the door which split in half and slid to the walls. Inside was a circle, much like the Jedi Council, but with silvery chairs. There were seven chairs all together, with Chancellor Karsguard sitting in the middle at the far end of the circular room.
"Welcome," smiled the Chancellor, "I am glad you made it, Senator Zaoku." Ducau smiled and noticed that there was one empty chair, the rest were filled with people. "I present to you the Inner Council, upper legislative body for the Galactic Republic… of your making." said Tamara Karsguard proudly. She gestured around the room to introduce everyone, starting with a Neimoidian wearing a tall miter, "Councillor Darkan Gollak of the Colonies, Neimoidia; Selena Vataris of the Inner Rim, Onderon;" Selena Vataris was a fair skinned woman with black hair and a pointed nose and bowed her head to Ducau. "Naveeneo Kariin of the Expansion Region, Iktotkch" Councillor Kariin was of the same species of late Saesee Tiin. "Kovo Karacta of the Mid Rim, Kintan" a fellow Nikto, but far younger than Ducau, "and Khen Su of the Outer Rim, Kamino." concluded the Chancellor. Ducau noticed that she skipped a seat that was next to Khen Su. "This seat is for you, Councillor Zaoku. You were appointed Councillor of the Core, specifically from Coruscant." Ducau took his seat beside Khen Su and Selena Vataris, relaxing.
The meeting quickly started, with a hologram of the Galaxy projected in the center of the chamber. The windows were shaded, and parts of the Galaxy were highlighted. Most of it was in red, of the Republic, and a large chunk of the southeastern Outer Rim was purple… for the Gundao Syndicate.
"Corellia has been liberated, thank the Force, but there is no time for celebration." stated Chancellor Karsguard, "We must begin the process of restabilizing Corellia with multiple subsidies and tax breaks, for it will help the capital regain its confidence. I move that we move all available fleets to positions that will corner the Syndicate's territory; in order to contain it."
"I am afraid that will not work." added Ducau, "We need to rebuild our military as soon as possible, but also gradually so it does not dry out our funds. However, I am very aware of the massive… hidden… debt that the Trade Federation and Banking Clan are causing."
"How do you suggest we resolve our debt in the first place?" asked Selena Vataris, "The Senate isn't taking any initiative to undo the agreements, and cancel the debt." Ducau already had a plan, and the Chancellor could tell.
"We shall have a senator propose that the control of the Banking Clan be handed over to the Inner Council." Ducau glanced over at the Neimoidian Darkan Gollak, "I am sure Councillor Gollak is willing to speak with the Trade Federation Board about canceling those funds." Darkan Gollak rubbed his chin,
"The Board is a group of cynical tyrants, like most within the Trade Federation. They will not allow anything to be done that is in favor of the Republic."
"This is what you will do then." began Zaoku, "Have the Senate vote you in as the temporary Director, a new position with less power than a Viceroy. You will then place that power in this Council's jurisdiction. We will threaten to shut down the Federation unless the Board agrees to cancelling the funds. They will be under us if we carry this out with exact precision." the plan was set in motion, and the entire Council agreed to do so.
Within the week, Councillor Gollak proposed to the Senate for its power to be placed in the office of a Director; one he will take on. He promised that it will lessen the stress that many Senate committees face in their work. Surprisingly, it was passed; and the Inner Council soon took over. Zaoku sent stern messages to the Board of the Trade Federation… swearing to take away their power if they didn't cooperate,
"Hand over the control of the Federation to the Inner Council… or see to it that the full extent of the law come smashing down through your palaces."
The arrogant Cato Neimoidians saw it as a bluff, and refused to give anything over. They were sick and tired of being man-handled by the Galactic Republic. They wanted their freedom like they had during and prior to the Clone Wars. But, Ducau wasn't going to let that slide. Zaoku spoke with Director Gollak just a few days later… and the Federation learned their lesson…
Trade Federation Battleships, battledroids, purse-worlds, factories, and even government-owned palaces were confiscated for good. The Trade Federation lost their might, and became fearful of Ducau Zaoku. Finally, the Board was ready to listen.
"Members of the Inner Council, we are ready to negotiate." spoke a hunched member of the Federation Board through holonet. The entire Inner Council appeared through hologram to the Head of the Board.
"There will be no negotiations." boomed Ducau, "Are you willing to cooperate now?"
"Y-yes, Councillors."
"You shall cancel all debts and halt all funding to the Republic banks immediately. If we even find a small suspicion of any treachery, you and the entire Trade Federation will face a severe trial before the Galactic Supreme Court, landing you all in prison cells right next to Nute Gunray's. Is that understood?" validated Councillor Zaoku. The Neimoidian Head gulped and blinked a few times,
"Yes, Councillor Zaoku."
Soon, members of the Banking Clan followed the same path of the Federation; giving up their power and canceling much of the debt. Ducau Zaoku made progress, and saved the Republic once again from a fate that seemed too unreal yet close from happening.
Jedi Temple - Coruscant
"How are you doing, Han?" asked Ducau, walking with the twelve year old boy. The two were taking a stroll through the cavernous halls of the sacred sanctuary, passing by the towering arch-window. Han was staring out each of the windows as they passed, amazed at the sheer size of Coruscant's skyline. He'd never been on a planet like Coruscant.
"I don't know, Master Jedi." replied the boy solemnly.
"What are your thoughts of Coruscant?"
"It's nice. They're a lot of cool buildings and starships…" said Han, but Ducau sensed something troubling.
"But?"
"I want to go back to Corellia. I miss my home. I never really had a home, but Corellia was all I had." explained Han Solo.
"I see what you mean, young one. However, Corellia is going through major changes… and so is the Republic. We will be fortunate if we can get you to a foster home later this month." the two turned at an intersection of the halls, heading towards the mess hall.
The doorway to the mess hall was in their view, and two people were entering to eat lunch like many others. One was a tall Togruta woman with orange skin, and a shorter girl with brown hair; put into two buns on her ears. Han's eyes widened at the sight of the girl, she was beautiful, flawless, and he caught himself drop his jaw. He blinked quickly, but remained silent.
"Well let's get some lunch for the meantime." said Ducau.
Ducau showed Han to the line where various foods were up for grabs. It was a buffet style eatery. There were simple foods, though. Bread, fruit, vegetables, and some food that Han didn't even recognize. He had a tray and slid it across the counter as he looked around. Ducau was with him but someone came to them, a Jedi Guardian,
"Councillor Zaoku."
"Yes?"
"The Jedi Council is holding a meeting and request your immediate attendance." stated the masked Guardian. Ducau sighed and looked at Han,
"Han I have to tend to this business, but I will be back shortly." Han nodded in acknowledgement and continued to examine the foods available.
"Are you done observing?" blurted a voice. Han turned to look behind himself, and saw the brown haired girl with two buns. She stared at him, as if he was taking forever to choose his food. "Ahem."
"Uh, what, sorry?" stuttered Han nervously. It was her. The girl. He couldn't believe how pretty she was.
"Bud, it isn't that hard. Just take some food and water and you're fine." said the girl. Han gulped and grabbed the nearest pincer to put salad on his plate. He then shuffled down the line and took a bottle of water, placing it on his tray. The girl followed him curiously,
"I've never seen you before? Who are you?"
"I'm Han. Han Solo." replied Han, walking beside the girl.
"I'm Leia Skywalker. Who's your Master?" asked Leia.
"I'm not a Jedi. Jedi Master Ducau Zaoku brought me here… I'm an orphan. He rescued me from the Battle of Corellia." explained Han. Leia sat down and Han just stood there awkwardly, looking around for any other seats.
"You can sit with me, silly." smiled Leia. Han smirked and sat down across from the young girl, starting to eat his salad. "I'm sorry about your parents."
"It's okay, they've been gone for a long time now."
"So you saw the Battle of Corellia?" asked Leia.
"Some of it. It began when Master Zaoku was going to bring me to Coruscant. But then we ended up on some other planet… Antar, I think… and then a clone captain brought me here." explained Han.
"Well I've been here my whole life, so has my twin brother, Luke. We're both Jedi… well, soon to be Jedi." said Leia, breaking and eating a breadstick from her plate.
"That's so cool. You have one of those laser swords?" asked Han, with excitement lighting up his face.
"Yeah I have a lightsaber." laughed Leia, "I just constructed it recently."
"Awesome. I know how to use a blaster… but that's pretty much it."
"I definitely have the cooler weapon." said Leia jokingly, and Han began to laugh. The two enjoyed lunch together, easing Han's nerves and anxiety of being so far from home...
Prime Minister Guthrad
"This is getting out of hand, sister. I can see it… It's going to happen soon." spoke the voice modulated voice to Prime Minister Guthrad via hologram. Guthrad was sitting at her desk, alone in her office. It was nighttime, the two moons of Kangamara shone brightly, and she only had the light of a small lamp near her to give light.
"You worry too much." said Guthrad, finishing up other work on a computer next to the small hologram of the hooded figure.
"Ducau Zaoku will eventually take control of the Republic… surpassing the dreaded Inner Council. I swear that he's using the Force to manipulate all these idiotic people." snickered the figure. Guthrad chuckled,
"Or perhaps the reason is that the people in power are idiots."
"Do you take this as a joke?!"
"Not at all. I do realize that we are fighting a war against each other. Besides, I thought you were going to stop the creation of the Council."
"I tried… four times. The Senate voted again, and the Supreme Court verified it for good. I can see it happening, sister… Zaoku will be the supreme leader of the Republic. It will be the only way he can stand a chance against your Syndicate."
"I am just doing what I was told, for a huge profit." smirked Guthrad.
"How can you trust them? They're from another Galaxy and you somehow place trust in them." asked the figure.
"They are powerful people. And if they are making this journey, they mean business. They've planned this before we even born, sister." answered the Prime Minister.
"I don't like this. I don't like it at all. I went into politics in order to strengthen the Republic through mere democracy and unity. But for some reason my own sister is joining a crazed group of aliens that promise so much fortune. What fortune will there be since they want to destroy it all?"
"It isn't my fault that you don't share the same views as I." snapped Guthrad, "You're a pro-Republic sympathizer and will become the first Chancellor who loses all of her power. You're foolish, Tamara."
"You don't know anything about me! It was for the best that you ran away from home back on Corellia! I was glad that I wouldn't have your competition. At least I'm living a far more lavish lifestyle than you, one who was forced to marry a savage on a primitive planet just to uphold a deal." yelled back Tamara, through her modified voice.
"I'd rather be on Kangamara than Coruscant or Corellia any day!" yelled back Guthrad, staring at the hologram of the hooded sister. Tamara ripped off her hood and voice modulator, showing her face through the hologram,
"You're the worst person I've ever known in my entire life. You betrayed your people! You betrayed Corellia… you betrayed your family. You laid waste to our home…" Tamara Karsguard shook her head, her eyes reddening and swelling with tears, "I hope you stay on Kangamara and let all the savages sleep with you; since that's the kind of person you are. I hate you, Carla." Carla Guthrad slammed the button to shut off the transmission, and she sighed.
Ducau Zaoku
Councillor Zaoku was making his way out of Corusca Hall to its main landing platform where his shuttle was waiting for him. He was to go the Palace of the Galactic Supreme Court to discuss rebuilding the military for the war. As he walked out the doors of Corusca Hall, surrounded by his own personal guards (clones similar to Senate Commandos, but were red and white with silver crests), he encountered a large group of people from the media. There were aliens and humans, all from various news stations and media outlets from Coruscant and beyond. They all began shouting questions, and the clone guards had to hold them back.
"Councillor! Councillor! Is this the beginning of the end times?!" shouted a reporter.
"Do you think this war will come to Coruscant?!" asked another being. Ducau tried not to pay attention, but the crowd was loud and wild.
"Denon and Rodia are dead?! Is this disease even being researched?!" shouted another reporter. Ducau stopped, that question resonated within him. He knew that countless people have become terrified of the disease that the Syndicate created, and at least needed to give some information. Ducau held out his hands to silent the people, and they actually quieted… holding their recorders and microphones at the Jedi Councillor.
"We have the best scientists, researchers, and doctors working on finding a cure to the disease. Led by Jedi Doctor Rig Nema, this team of specialists are revolutionizing the medical field and are getting ever so close to finding a cure. I speak to the normal citizen, average household, normal family when I say; the Gundao Syndicate is real. It is a threat. But, I will make the Galactic Republic stronger; for we will succeed and destroy these evil-doers. No longer shall I allow our people be terrorized like this." said Ducau, and he continued walking towards his shuttle. The voices clammered again loudly, and Zaoku could hear specifically one question…
"Will you run for Chancellor again in four years?"