Chapter 13
Scarcity is a dangerous trait that every powerful being possesses when their power is in question. But how that individual acts, will determine their future.
Intergalactic Banking Clan Headquarters, Scipio
Among the giant ice caps and the blazing cold winds of Scipio, lay the epicenter of the Intergalactic Banking Clan's executive operations. Sitting in the main office, is their Chairman, Heigo Damask II the presumed heir of the Damask Dynasty. He sits as he looks through tax documents from his holopad; "It seems like these statements are in order." he said; "Send word to the Republic that their budget is approved for an increase."
"As you wish Lord Damask." his assistant droid said. Before the droid could exit, another being enters the room with their royal guards behind them.
"Chancellor, what a surprise." Plagueis said.
"Leave us." Valorum commanded his guards.
The Royal guards bowed and left the room as told, Valorum turned to the droid as he said; "You too." the droid turned and left the office, leaving the Chancellor and the Chairman to their abrupt meeting.
"How did you know my place of business?" Plagueis questioned.
"A Muun with such expensive garments had to of had a high occupation of some sort." Valorum replied; "Or be in a prestigious family, such as yourself, Lord Damask."
"Hm." He said simply; "What favor do you ask of me?"
"Favor?" Valorum said in confused tone.
"I know you came here because you want something from me, just like how I wanted something from you, Chancellor." Plagueis replied.
Valorum conceded; "I want you to have someone be 'delt with' within the next 48 hours."
"48 hours? quite an ultimatum." Plagueis said with a surprised expression.
"I need this certain individual to be delt with, quietly and quickly." Finis said as he paced back and forth.
"Why do you assume that I would be able to complete such a task?" Plagueis questioned.
Valorum stopped in his tracks and looked at the Muun; "Because the average being does not have the skill to break through high level Republic security detail undetected unless their a bounty hunter or...a Jedi."
Plagueis grazed his piercing eyes at the Chancellor as he said; "Quite an observation." He said as he stood up and walked toward the Chancellor; "But, for you to walk in to my office and give me orders is...troubling." Plagueis stood over the Chancellor, with his eyes shifting to a gritty yellow. "Now, I will take on this task, only because you fulfilled my mine, but..." He paused; "... Don't expect this to be a recurring thing, Chancellor."
Valorum, slightly shaking from the hand-down, took a breath as he said; "Understood." He continued "His name is Orn Free Taa, he's a Senator and the Head Of The Rim Faction." He continued; "He lives on Chandrila, his residence is located in the city of Nayli."
Plagueis raised his head slightly, observing the Chancellor's body language; "Very Well, it will be done within 48 hours."
The Chancellor looked back in confusion; "You... Don't need a description?"
"No need, I'll find my way to him." Plagueis said as he sat back down.
"Well...good." Valorum replied simply as he turned for the door
"But remember Chancellor." Plagueis said, stopping the Chancellor in his tracks; "Your livelyhood hangs in the balance, I suggest you choose decisions...wisely."
Finis turned and nodded nervously; "Indeed, I'll keep that in mind." he said. The Chancellor made his way to the door and left the Chairman's Office, leaving him to complete his duties.
8 hours later... Chandrila
Standing before the skyscrapers and embracing the view before him, Senator Orn Free Taa, lays on his comforter as his concubine feeds him grapes from a golden chalice.
"Do you think it was a good idea to put pressure on to Manmara like that, sir?" his advisor said.
"Of course, how else is that bastard supposed to learn?" Free Taa replied.
"Are you not worried that he might retaliate in some shape or form?" Taa's advisor suggested.
"No, if he wanted me dead, he would've done it sooner." Free Taa said, swallowing a handful of grapes. "He knows I'm too big of an opponent to destroy."
Before the conversation could continue, another servant entered the room, as he said; "Senator, you have a guest here to see you."
Free Taa, too distracted with his pleasure, said "Must be my masseuse...bring her in!"
"Sir, it's not a fe-" interrupted mid-sentence, the servant was pushed to the side as a Tall, slender Muun in purple robes stood before the Twi'lek and his subordinates. Orn Free Taa quickly shifted his head to see the uninvited guest stare him down with a cold expression. "Who are you? And how did you find this apartment?"
"I'm not here for questions Senator, I'm only here to speak with you, alone." Plagueis said coldly.
"I don't know who you are and why you are here, but if you don't leave right now-"
"I have come to bring you some intel about the Core Faction." Plagueis interjected.
Senator Free Taa gave the Munn a curious look then motioned for his concubine and his advisor to leave and when they did, he got up from his comforter and stood before the figure that towered over him. He examined the figure from top to bottom as he said; "Judging by your clothing, you seem upper class." he pointed out; "And usually Muuns with such status have ties to Finance and banking."
"Your quite observant Senator."
"I've come across many species of all kinds during my years in the Senate, I can tell between the low-lifes and the rich socialites" Free Taa replied. "Now come, let's talk."
Plagueis walked with the overweight Senator, as they both stood over his balcony. "Quite a view isn't it? the lack of Republic presence has made this city much more enjoyable and profitable." Senator Free Taa said.
"Yes, quite the view." Plagueis commented.
"Now about the intel, what have you gathered?" Orn Free Taa asked.
"Before I expound on my claim, I would like to know some information about Senator Manmara."
"Senator Manmara? What does he have to do with this?" Free Taa asked.
"I've heard from some trusted sources, that Manmara is planning to kill you." Plagueis said, looking towards the city. "And I'm curious why a man of his status would try to commit such a reckless act."
"Planning to kill me?" Orn Free Taa laughed; "That fool must be out of his mind, if he thinks he can make a move on me."
"Oh really?" Plagueis replied.
"If he ever tried, I would end his political career in seconds." Free Taa bragged.
"How so?"
"Well if you truly want to know..." he said; "I have evidence of Election tampering by Senator Manmara that was recorded in secret."
"Do you have the tape currently?"
"Of course, I need to get what I want first before I let that tape get into the wrong hands." Free Taa replied.
"What is that exactly? might I ask." Damask
continued to asked.
"A trading empire!" Free Taa said, extending his arms; "Being a Leader, especially over an organization has given me a lavish lifestyle and a exceptional amount of wealth." He continued; "But, beings of my stature don't get that much respect and equality in terms of power in the Senate, the Core Faction has managed to accumulate great fame, respect and wealth throughout their time in the Galactic Republic. While the Rim Faction gets cheated time and time again. I managed to take over the Rim Faction throught intricate planning and hard work after years and years of being thrown to the side and treated as second-rate trash. But even then, the power I gained seemed like nothing compared to how the Republic has treated the Core Faction." Free Taa turned his head to face his guest; "That's why I want to build my own empire, independent of the Galactic Republic infrastructure."
"It can be obtained." Plagueis assured; "As long as your willing to let me aid you towards that direction."
"What do you have in mind?" Free Taa said in a intriguing tone.
"A complete shift in power." the Munn simply said. "By destroying the Core Faction from within."
"How will we do that?" Free Taa asked.
"By cutting the king's head." Plagueis illuded.
"Physically?"
"Figuratively, by law"
"I see." Senator Free Taa replied simply.
"In three weeks time, on the night of the election, the world shall witness the fall of Manmara and his empire..."
