Chapter 20

Trivial discrepancies can lead a man to disown his companion but competition can lead a man to destroy his enemy.

Supreme Chancellor's Office, Galactic Senate Building.

Sitting amongst eachother, the three most powerful men in the galaxy, discuss the future of the Core Faction and it's place in the Senate as talks of a power shift emerging being spread throughout the media.

"The Rim Faction, has been winning planetary elections for the past couple weeks now." Chancellor Antilles said; "But the Core is still hanging on by a thread, thanks to our victories in the Mid Rim."

"But without a leader, It won't be enough to reclaim the Senate." Co-Chancellor Pestage continued. "In fact, by not electing a new one immediately, it has made us look weak and unprepared to the general public and to the Rim Faction."

"Then we must endorse a successor to turn the odds in our favor." Heigo Damask II said, in holographic form. "The Rim expects us to rush out a new one out of fear, but by doing it gradually, it will make it seem like we have things under control."

"I agree with you Chairman, but who can we endorse at this point? The only planets left are Tatooine, Naboo And Corellia. Tatooine is a guaranteed win for the Rim, Corellia seems a bit shaky despite it being primarily Pro-Core. While Naboo seems like the only viable option for us, moving forward." Antilles explained.

"You mean we should endorse, Ruwee Naberrie?" Co-Chancellor Pestage questioned.

"Ruwee has always supported the faction from behind the scenes and in front of cameras, also he has a public friendship with Talus Manmara, which is a boost of credibility for us and him." Antilles replied.

"I disagree." Damask objected; "Naberrie lacks political experience and only has public support due to his philanthropic endeavors. If you elect him as Manmara's successor, the Rim will use him as a weak point to take the Senate from us."

"Chairman Damask has a point, Naberrie lacks any experience in representing a single sub-sector of his home planet, let alone an entire political Faction. Putting him in that position out of name recognition will make us look desperate." Co-Chancellor Sate Pestage added.

"Well then." Antilles paused; "Chairman, you told me last time we talked that you would find us a candidate for us."

"Indeed." Damask said; "Which why I want you to consider endorsing Korina Oltegra Of Corellia."

"Manmara's protége?"

"You seem unsure about that choice." Plagueis pointed out.

"She has minor experience, sure but she lacks any experience as a Senator and woman as Head Of the Core Faction might be a controversial decision."

"It will benefit us in the long run." Damask replied; "The Rim won't expect it, which is why they haven't pushed for the Corellia win as they did for rest of the Core Planets. Their might be some push back from our supporters if she does get elected but in the end, she will prove to be a viable option for the leadership. "

"I understand what you're getting at Chairman, but, I'm still unsure if we should go with her." He said.

"Are you questioning my judgement Chancellor?"

Antilles demeanor shifted; "Of-of course not Chairman, I have the utmost respect for your opinion. I just want to make sure that she's a good choice, that's all."

"If that's case then I suggest we bring her in and assess her abilities ourselves." Plagueis suggested.

Antilles looked at Pestage and then at Damask's hologram in front of him. He nodded; "Very well, I'll have Assandra make room in schedule for a meeting between her and the three of us, sometime this week."

"Good." Plagueis said simply; "I'll have my assistant clear my schedule as I plan to arrive at the Senate Building on that day."

"That's fine, we will await your arrival Chairman." Chancellor Antilles assured.

"Very well, until then Chancellor." Plagueis replied, as his hologram disappeared.

Jedi Temple

In a busy morning where the sun shined bright through the grand windows of the Jedi Temple, Jedi, Padawans and Younglings alike traveled back and forth through the great temple hallway to attend to their usual activities. One Jedi in particular, walked rather quickly towards his destination as he shifted through the influx of Jedi around him. Almost reaching the exit, the Jedi Master was stopped by another as he felt a hand grip his shoulder.

He turned toward the Jedi Master as he said; "Master Windu?"

"Master Syfo-Dias, I need to speak with you." Mace Windu replied.

"What is this about?" Syfo-Dias asked.

"The Supreme Chancellor has asked us to provide a Jedi for an important mission." Master Windu simply explained.

"Did he explain what the mission is?"

"No, he said the person who is going with you, will explain everything you need to know." Windu replied.

"Ok, when do I start?" Syfo-Dias asked.

"You start now, the ship will be ready in about twenty minutes."

"Now?! What do you mean 'now' ?"

"Is their a problem Master Syfo-Dias?" Windu asked; "The council already agreed that you are to be chosen for this mission, unless you have an emergency you need to attend to."

"No...I'll go." He replied.

"Very well, you will be escorted to the Republic Hangar shortly." Windu said; "Now go, and may the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you." Syfo-Dias repeated.

The two Jedi Master's walked away from each other with Syfo-Dias, rushing toward the opposite direction and Mace Windu calmly walking back to where he came from.

Dex's Diner

As the hours pass, the sun begins to set, the influx of customers began to dwindle in Dex's Diner due to the sign on the door being flipped from OPEN to CLOSE. But only one man remained in the diner, dressed in expensive robes with two guards by his side. The man sat there waiting, checking the time until after a few minutes, the door to the diner opened and a familiar customer entered the restaurant.

"Carr Mallik." Finis Valorum said, getting up and extending his hand.

"Finis, it's been a while." Mallik said, shaking the former Chancellor's hand.

They both sit across from each other, beginning to discuss the topic of this sudden meeting. "Now, why have you brought me here at this time?" Mallik asked.

"How about we order something before we begin our discussion." Finis suggested.

"I'm not hungry." Mallik said simply.

"Come on, have some hospitality." Valorum said, deflecting.

"Do you consider me a fool, Finis?" Mallik said bluntly; "We haven't talked since you won your first term and now you want to sit and have dinner with me?"

"Of course, we can catch up on old times, especially since I'm retired now."

Mallik signed; "You know, if Manmara needed something from me, he would've said it outright instead of fluffing me up like this."

"Is it wrong for me to catch up with old colleagues?"

"Alright, I had enough of this." Carr said as he got up from his seat.

"Wait!" Valorum said, stretching his hand; "Sit down."

"So you can feed me more of this fluff?" Mallik scoffed.

"No, I going to tell you why I called you here." Valorum replied. Reluctant but curious, Malik sat back down onto his seat and said; "Alright, go on."

"I need you to a push a narrative." Valorum said as he looked around; "Against Ruwee Naberrie."

"Ruwee Naberrie? the Philanthropist?" Mallik questioned; "Isn't he affiliated with the Core Faction?"

"He is, but he doesn't align with our 'ideals' " Valorum said.

"You mean, he doesn't fit your agenda." Mallik pointed out.

"Something like that." Valorum confirmed; "I just need you to taint his reputation to the point he has no chance in winning."

"And why would I do that? He's the most popular Core Candidate at the moment and is great ratings boost for my network." Carr Mallik refuted.

"He lacks experience, he will ruin the Faction's credibility if he is elected." Valorum replied.

"I don't think it's that." Mallik said crossing his arms. "Are you sure you're staying in retirement or do you miss the spotlight?" Mallik questioned.

"Why would I need to run for a Planet I never lived in my entire life?" Valorum said in a confused tone.

"I don't know, maybe you have a vendetta."

"Look, are you going to help me or not?"

Mallik leaned forward and folded his hands; "I could, but what's in it for me?"

"Instead of a small ratings boost, you can get a consistent amount of viewers with a controversial story." Valorum offered.

"And what story may that be?"

Valorum paused; "Well...I haven't thought of one yet but I can guarantee you it will be worth it."

Mallik let out a heavy sigh; "Listen Finis, I'm not going to risk the reputation of my network to fulfill what ever vendetta you have against him."

"Your not risking anything, For now, I'm just asking for you to plant doubts in people's minds for them to slowly turn against him." Valorum explained; "Once I have the story, I can assure you it be worthwhile."

Mallik sat for moment, contemplating whether to entertain this plan or not; "Okay, If do this, I going to need to examine any evidence you give me before I air it on my network, if I disapprove, then I'm not airing it."

"Fine, as long as we find common ground then I'll accept these conditions." Valorum said, extending his hand.

"Okay then, consider it deal, Finis Valorum." Mallik said, shaking Valorum's hand in agreement.