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Chapter 8: The brightest light...


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Part 5

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Chancellor's suite

Senate Building

Coruscant

There were some drawbacks to being the Chancellor of the Republic during a war. Palpatine found that they could easily multiply when it appeared that the war turned out to be real, instead of a performance. Even if he had accounted for the possibility of Dooku going rogue, this state of affairs was less than pleasing. The desired outcome would have required for him to find the time to leave Coruscant and confront his ambitious Apprentice in person. Or barring that, at least reach one of his safe houses, from where he could contact his creatures within the Confederacy ordering Dooku's death.

Instead, Palpatine found himself stuck in the Senate, dealing with one crisis after another, and unable to disappear for even a few short hours. All the respite he got was a brief period of downtime for sleep and meditation. The Chancellor had to be ready to field either the newest foolishness of the Senate, the Jedi's next step on the road to self-destruction, or Anakin's magnificent performance. So far, all Sidious managed to do in order to warn his creatures, was to send a few innocent messages along with his regular workload. They would be flagged and re-transmitted when they spread far enough throughout his staffers. They would start a chain reaction that counter-intelligence would e unable to trace back to his office.

Dooku going rogue meant that Palpatine had to keep himself on his toes and ensure that there would be no hint of evidence that he was Sidious. That's why he wisely always met or spoke with his treacherous Apprentice wearing his true face as a Sith Lord. While Dooku knew his real identity, Sidious ensured that Tyranus had no solid evidence to back up any accusations. In that regard, merely being a Sith was no longer illegal. It was also why he was now backing Skywalker to the hilt and hoping the boy wouldn't do something foolish enough to undermine their positions. Ironically enough, if Palpatine could manipulate the future events the right way, it might be possible to survive as a Chancellor after being exposed as a Sith. If Skywalker kept his stellar performance and Sidious could manipulate the Jedi into the right mistakes, which the fanatics were eager to walk into by themselves as expected… The future looked quite bright, pun intended.

The real problem right now was the Senate. Even with many of the deals to facilitate the rise of the Empire already in place, it was still a chore to deal with it. Ensuring that everyone of importance followed the party line was much easier said than done. Those individuals, families, organizations, and corporations didn't know that Palpatine was a Sith. The truth of the matter was that for the galaxy at large, Sheev Palpatine was a political prodigy from Naboo, whose star was near its peak. He lacked the domestic backing that a Chancellor from Kuat, Corellia, Alsakan, or another powerhouse in the Core would enjoy. That ironically enough was one of the reasons that made the future rise of the Empire much easier than it would otherwise be. Palpatine lacked a large personally loyal military, industrial or political base, or so it seemed. There was little Naboo, which while quite rich all things considered, paled in comparison to any major power in the Core. Further, domestic politics being what they were, even if Sidious could enjoy undisputed support from that corner, it simply wouldn't matter in the great scheme of things.

For all intents and purposes, Palpatine was supposed to be a figurehead, Emperor. Oh, a very powerful and important figurehead at that. One who could make people follow the same direction, which was a critically important skill, but still a figurehead. There would be just a few powers within the Core willing to back his Empire if they knew what he intended to do in the fullness of time. It would take years, decades if Palpatine was feeling realistic until he would be able to consolidate enough power to rule as an absolute ruler. Only then he would

be able to dispense with the "sage, advice" of his backers. On the bright side, he would be able to play them against each other with the promise of power and rewards at their fingertips, like he was already doing.

The obvious downside was that for a long time to come, the status quo would persist – his allies would keep backstabbing themselves for petty reasons. The pressing issue was that this feature of both the Republic and the future Empire was currently, of no tangible benefit, quite the opposite.

Some of Palpatine's allies, and so far neutral entities in the Deep Core had the luxury of most of the Republic being between them and the Confederacy. They had no reason to properly back the war when being obstructionists bastards benefited them best. Even those unaware of the future Empire, saw the usefulness of using the war to weaken their rivals and ensure a realignment of Republic politics for the bargain price of doing nothing. As if that wasn't enough, there were a lot of neutral systems, or worse, reluctant allies further out, who were either doing the same or being held hostage by domestic politics. It was as if some people forgot why the Republic enjoyed an unprecedented golden age.

Palpatine sneered at that thought. His attempt to meditate and divine the future failed again, leaving him with more mundane methods of anticipating it and planning.

Every being in power within the Republic with at least two brain cells available to rub together knew what losing the Confederacy would mean. A crippled economy and huge price spikes in many sectors. A significant increase in unemployment, along with the following unrest, further stressing the system. Historically, the Republic was set up to operate with cheap resources coming in as a matter of course. The source was obvious - the outer colonies and the Rim, or what was the established Rim at the time. Changing this for good would mean that many people and organizations in power would lose fortunes. The Republic had fought wars for much less.

The issue was that many of those people and organizations had rivals posed to profit mightily from their fall. Sidious was sure that once said fall happened, and the Republic realigned itself politically, the first meaningful item on the agenda of the day would be bringing the Confederacy in the fold if it wasn't already. That way, the new masters of the galaxy, who were just like the old ones, would be the ones to reap the profits now. That wasn't an issue by itself. Sidious did have deals in place with a lot of those smaller players as well. They would serve as a counter-balance to his nominal allies.

After all, the idea that Rim trash and upstarts like the Confederacy could win the war was unthinkable. And that would be true, if the Republic was actually in any way united, which it never was. That state of affairs wasn't even the Sith's fault. It was conflicting interests and ancient rivalries that brought the Republic to its knees, and the Sith were merely in the best position to take advantage of this chaotic age.

Sidious forced his rising frustration down. During times like these, he wondered if it was all worth it. He was already in a position to achieve the long-desired Revenge of the Sith. He could destroy the Jedi now, and shatter the Republic for good measure, then vanish. It would be quite entertaining if Sidious began by baiting the Jedi into attacking him. Doing so would be as simple as leaking his true nature, and ensuring that the Order would self-destruct even without Order 66. After all, everyone Sidious had a deal with to bring the Republic down and replace it with his Empire would be on the chopping block if the Jedi removed him in a coup. They would have no choice but to bury the Order under propaganda, then move against the Jedi themselves. Or even better, activate several Contingency Orders at the same time, while chaos reigned supreme. That and releasing all the dirty laundry of the Republic for the whole galaxy to see would be a crown achievement by itself, more than any Sith before him had ever achieved.

Yet, despite victory being all but assured no matter what, Sidious desired more. He wanted the whole galaxy in the palm of his hand. He wanted the decades spent as a politician and experiencing constant frustration from dealing with the Senate to mean something beyond mere vengeance. Only the galaxy within his grasp could make up for all he endured to bring him so far. That would be the ultimate victory he aimed for. And why not? Sidious already won. The only question was how much more he would win and how much his enemies will lose in the end.


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Part 6

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Chancellor's office

Senate Building

Coruscant

Today was going to be another great day, Sidious decided. One way or another, this meeting would advance his political agenda, and potentially win him a new die-hard ally. It was going to be proof that no one could ignore, and he was going to use it for all it was worth.

The Senators representing the four largest alliances in the Senate, stood in front of his desk resplendent in their best robes.

Gidan Danu represented Kuat and its allies. He was a recent appointment that already proved to be a grave mistake by Onara Kuat. The youngster was a supporter of the Jedi, though thankfully, they made that difficult as of late. More importantly, he was against Palpatine centralizing even more power in his office, seeing that as going against Kuat's interests. The boy had support from another youngster, the current Kuat of Kuat, Onara's nephew. Notably, their group wasn't yet aware of, much less on board, the plans for the Empire. That was proving problematic.

Another troublemaker was Bel Iblis, the Senator from Corellia. Despite the Corellian neutrality in the war, the current issue with the Hutts made them take notice and move to intervene in that particular regard.

Jerome Fird of Alsakan represented the old glory days of the Republic. He was fully on board with Palpatine's plans, seeing them as a chance to bring back the past, when Alsakan was one of Coruscant's primary rivals for dominance within the Republic.

Last, but certainly not the least, Senator Lina Varga, representing, Coruscant, its many allies, and interests.

The reason for this little gathering of tremendous power was simple and worthy of contempt. These were arguably the most powerful people in the Republic, or at least their representatives. Yet, the weakness within the Republic they quietly supported, if not outright encouraged for their short-sighted gain, now meant that they had to negotiate with a bunch of gangsters.

Amidala lurked in the background, all but dismissed as no one of consequence about what would happen. It was the first of the many painful lessons Palpatine hoped to finally drive home. Despite its wealth, and how respected Naboo was, it had no real power here.

An aide nodded quickly, and Palpatine smiled in response, steeling himself for the coming storm. He didn't expect such an opportunity to appear so soon. Yet today, he was going to make history and ensure the blame went to the appropriate parties.

The holocom built into his desk came alive, along with the main holotank in his office. Five huge slugs materialized within dancing moths of blue light. A few moments passed until encryption protocols ran their course, and communication boosters stabilized the connection.

That was the Hutt Great Council, in all its dubious glory. The five worms ruling Hutt space and their species as much as one could say anyone ruled them.

First, and arguably most important under the circumstances, was Zorba Desilijic Tiure, who had the distinction of being the father of one Jabba Tiure. The same Jabba, who was now very dead, thanks to Skywalker. While not the most powerful on the Council, far from it, now he would be the one Hutt among the five who would do his best to derail the negotiations. The large slug was one of the rare Hutts with hair. He had it bound in shinning, oiled braids, making him even more repulsive than his compatriots.

Second, and almost equally problematic, was Gorga Desilijic Aarrpo, Jabba's nephew. While there was no love lost between the two, they were of the same Clan, and self-preservation, if nothing else, would see Aarrpo being in Zorba's corner.

Aarok the Elder, on the other hand, didn't particularly like Zorba or his Clan, seeing them as boils to be lanced, disgracing Hutt society at large. He was a philosopher of all things, though that didn't stop him from successfully running the business of his Clan – Besadii for centuries now. He would be a voice of reason.

Fourth, was the sophisticated Oruba. He alone among the Council wore clothes, something he believed civilized and insisted his Clan emulate. Oruba's most notable trait was that he alone ensured his Clan rose to prominence. Thus he earned his place on the Council when traditionally the Councilors represented ancient powerful families. Arguably, he was the most worldly and open-minded among his peers.

Finally came Elder Mario of Clan Qunaalac. He represented the most militaristic Clan among the Hutts and the one in charge of keeping Nal Hutta's criminal life under a semblance of control. Which meant, that he and his people ensured that the Hutt homeworld wasn't constantly on fire thanks to gang wars. He was a wild one in these negotiations. If any of the Hutt councilors had a realistic understanding of the strategic situation, and its long-term implications, it was Mario.

"This outrage will not stand!" Zorba roared. His bulk shook from the exertion, and his braids moved like a living carpet, ensuring everyone stared at him, some showing ill-disguised disgust.

"You decided to take a side in the Republic's internal affairs first. Or at least one of your people did, Honored Council Members." Bel Iblis hurriedly spoke, trying to diffuse the situation.

Under different circumstances, Palpatine might have commended the effort. No, it was yet more proof of how much the Republic had fallen. He could sense the Senator's emotions, and most of them were ill at ease at the idea of negotiating with the Hutts as equals, much less from a position of weakness. Most of them loathed the very concept with a burning passion, and that much Sidious could agree with.

"The Republic's affairs took interest in us when your Count Dooku returned my Grandson to his father!" Zorba roared again. "All my boy did was repay an honorable boy! We have the right to trade, allow or restrict access to our space to whoever we wish! Your kind is no longer welcome in Hutt space!" The Hutt blustered.

"We've heard this before. We all know how that ended." Senator Fird insinuated the many conflicts the Republic had fought and won in the past against economic, political, or military rivals. None of them were in a position to challenge it again. The Hutts were an exception because they did go out of their way before to avoid a confrontation. The worst they ever did was offer more open economic support to one side of a conflict than the other.

"Zorba's fury is understandable, Senators. You sanctioned one of your agents to murder one of us!" Aarok reasonably pointed out. "Jabba was breaking none of your laws, merely exercising his prerogative to decide who could and who could not traverse his space. We require reparation for this grave insult. A blood price is needed. We also require that you disavow everyone involved in the murder of Jabba Desilijic Tiure is arrested and extradited to stand trial on Nal Hutta."

"That's out of the question!" For once, Senator Danu's principles proved useful instead of problematic. "We know what passes for justice in your space. There is no way we will hand over some of our people to your kind, much less Jedi!"

"I must agree with my young colleague." Iblis played the diplomat again. "The Jedi in question broke no law. They were ordered to negotiate with Jabba Desilijic Tiure."

"You call that murder negotiation?!" Gorga grumbled. "Will it be a negotiation if we send bounty hunters after some of you?"

"General Skywalker's orders were simple. Negotiate a resolution of the issue with your uncle, Great Gorga." Iblis smoothly continued. "However, by all indications, Jabba Desilijic Tiure refused to negotiate and demanded General Skywalker's Padawan as the price to allow him to leave. At that point, General Skywalker followed his secondary orders." There was a hard edge to Iblis' voice now. "And he did so, making an example of Jabba Desilijic Tiure."

"There is a price to pay when you stand against the Republic." Senator Varga added. "Our military position right now might not be ideal, yet you aren't beyond our reach. If you decide to continue siding with the Separatists, who are keen on destroying our way of life, then there will be grave personal consequences for you. However, we do not wish an escalation of the conflict. It would serve no useful purpose, and that is why we're here – to seek a reasonable resolution. All we require is your neutrality and return to the status quo – continued right of passage through your space."

"In return," Senator Fird continued, "we're prepared to pay blood price to satisfy honor." He paused. "Within reason of course."

"A few hundred years ago, when you had a military to speak of, we wouldn't be here." Elder Mario spoke for the first time. "The truth is that your Republic is not what it once was. Its massive fleets and armies are gone. It's questionable if you'll get the time to rebuild them, or if your people still have what it takes to fight a galaxy-wide war. The long peace made you all soft and weak. Why should we accept any scraps you're willing to offer us? Do you think us blind? We can see your contempt!"

"We have a list of demands for you to bring to your Senate." Oruba smiled pleasantly. "First, you'll pay a blood price for the murder of Jabba Desilijic Tiure. Second, his murderers, and those who invaded Tatooine, you'll disavow them all and refuse them passage back into the Republic. If they return, you'll arrest them and hand them over to use for a trial over war crimes and murder. If this point, is not followed through, any agreements we reach will be null and void. Third, you'll cede control of a buffer zone in the Outer Rim to us, ensuring that your war with the Confederacy won't spill into our space."

By all means, those should have been unacceptable terms. A stronger Republic would have laughed the Hutts out of the meeting.

The Republic wasn't stronger. A few words on the Outer Rim, worlds that they were about to lose to the Confederacy were a small price to pay. A few Jedi and a few thousand soldiers? They were all expendable in the great scheme of things.

That Skywalker was one of them? That was precious. The Republic abandoning him, and the Jedi going after him would drive Anakin straight into Sidious' hands.

"I find these demands unacceptable," Palpatine spoke at last.

"You are not the Senate yet, Chancellor." The Kuati Senator glared at him, playing straight in Palpatine's hands. "We will discuss your proposal and present it to the Senate! You have a detailed proposition ready to transmit, I trust?"

"Here it is." Oruba smiled benevolently. "I hope to see you all again under better circumstances."

The Hutt's images winked out one after another unless only Zorba remained. He glowered at them for a few seconds before disconnecting.

"You can't be seriously contemplating this?!" Amidala finally exploded.

"Senator Amidala, you'll have your time in the Senate to speak about this. We'll do whatever we have to save the Republic." Senator Fird admonished Padme. "It was you and your little friends who did their best to block the creation of a Republic military. We're as weak as we are now thanks to your efforts. Whatever happens now, whatever we manage to salvage from this disaster, it will be on you and your allies." With his piece said, the Senator from Alaskan gave Palpatine a small respectful bow, before marching out of the office.

"I'm afraid that this wasn't a proper negotiation. The Hutts merely offered us an ultimatum. And if we don't accept it, we'll find ourselves fighting a two-front war." Iblis summarized the unfolding disaster.

"We will do what we must without compromising our principles." Senator Danu announced and made his way out.

"Many of our allies would see this proposition as a bargain." The representative of Coruscant pointed out. "They won't care for a few worlds on the Rim, and if it becomes a point of tension," She smiled sadly, "then we would be able to re-negotiate any deals we make with the Hutts from a position of strength after we win this war."

"That's easier said than done!" Palpatine did his best to sound tired and defeated. "Those fools know not what they're doing! Mark my words, if the Senate accepts this disgrace, it would mean the end of the Republic as we know it!" He took a few deep breaths. "If you excuse me, my friends, I need to have a world with the Senator of my homeworld."

Iblis and Varga nodded politely and left, the various aides following them, and soon only Padme remained.

"They can't mean to throw Anakin to the Hutts!" She exclaimed.

"Why would they care for the life of a single Jedi, when dismissing it can gain us so much? The same goes for the soldiers who followed lawful orders. It's a betrayal of convenience, Padme! Nothing more, and nothing less. This is the true face of the Republic! I fear that we were both mistaken. The way things are going, I'm losing faith that we can change it for the better from within." Sidious fought a smile while sensing her anguish. Padme was cracking, and about to break. And he would be right here, to pick up the pieces and rebuild her into a worthy ally.

All that remained was for the Senate to act predictably.

"Go to your allies and try to avert this disaster. I'll do the same, even though I don't think it will be enough."


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