Chapter 26

Sometimes, plans can fail and tactics can be maneuvered, and in those times, some might require help while others require modifications to their flawed plan.

The Coronet Hotel, Corellia

On a bright morning day, in the city of Coronet, the Supreme Chancellor sat in his luxurious presidential suite, as he prepares for an upcoming speech he's about to give to the citizens of the Republic.

"So these are the topics I need to touch on?" The Chancellor asked.

"Of course, the public loves to hear about social improvements within society." Co-Chancellor Sate Pestage replied.

"I agree but social change seems too vague of a topic to cover." Chancellor Antilles objected.

"Which is why you should describe certain objectives such as infrastructure, job opportunities, agricultural development, so on and so forth." Pestage explained; "But don't worry, I will make sure the speech goes as planned."

As they continued their discussion, Assandra, the Chancellor's Staff Aide entered the room with a holopad, and a worried facial expression. "Your Excellency, I apologize for interrupting your discussion."

"It's alright Assandra." The Chancellor assured; "What news do you bring me at this hour?"

Assandra handed the Chancellor the holopad without uttering another word. Antilles read the headline as it said "Midnight Massacre! Spice Lord and two other victims found dead in Castle."

"Spice Lord? Do they mean-"

Antilles lifted his finger to stop his Co-Chancellor's words in his tracks. He continued reading; "According to recent sources, infamous spice lord, Jira Maak has been found dead in his Level 1313 palace. The bodies of him, a Jedi, a decapitated Senate employee were believed to be found by a prisoner, identified as a Balosar female, who was found unconscious in the scene of the crime. The woman is currently hospitalized in the Galactic City Hospital where she is treated for her wounds. Many question whether if this was an an all out assault gone wrong or if a third party was involved."

"So the spice lord is dead?" Pestage asked.

"Him, including Suliman and the Jedi who went with him." Assandra explained.

"Suliman..." Antilles covered his face in shame as he realized what had happened. "I should've sent a search party."

"Chancellor, there's nothing to be worried about." Pestage assured; "We managed to have that spice lord eliminated without resorting to any extreme measures."

"What about the Pykes? If they find out about this, they will surely go to war with us." The Chancellor said.

"The Pyke Syndicate will not stress themselves over a fallen minion, as long as this news remains under the radar, the public will not react." Pestage said.

"Unfortunately, the news of this incident has begun to spread, ignoring it is not an option as far as I'm concerned." Assandra said.

"The public does not need to be informed further about this." Pestage rebutted. "Imagine how it will effect your administration, letting such an incident happen under your watchful eye."

The Chancellor sat and rubbed his chin for moment, pondering on what he should do. "I'm going to address it." He said; "But my Co-Chancellor going to help me in doing that."

"Very well sir, your speech starts in an hour." Assandra said, taking the holopad.

While she left the room, the two men continued their discussion on what they will do next; "Are you sure we should mention this incident?"

"If the news has already spread, their is no point in hiding it." The Supreme Chancellor said.

"Very well, as you wish Chancellor."

The IBC Office, Scipio

"I assure you, that what happened to one of your distributors, has nothing to do with the Republic." Damask said; "He simply made a decision without your consent."

"Maak's disobedience does not concern me." Lom Pyke of The Pyke Syndicate replied. "What concerns me is the fact I do not have a distributor in Coruscant at the moment."

"With news spreading about what happened, I suggest keeping a low profile. You would not want any more attention to your business." Damask suggested.

Lom Pyke, sitting across from the Chairman, looked at both of his guards and then back at the Muun in front of him. "See is that Maak has reap what he sowed, I will back out of the Coruscant Market, for now." He said as he got up from his chair. "But, if I am met with any resistance when I come back...blood will be shed."

"Understood." Plagueis said as he bowed.

The Pyke Kingpin and his guards walked turned toward the exit and made their way out of the office.

--

After a few minutes pass, Damask's assistant droid peered from the grand doors as it said; "Sir, Finis Valorum is on the link."

"Transfer the call into my office." He replied.

"Yes sir" The droid said, when the droid left the room, it took only a few moments until a giant holopad appeared in front of the Chairman's Desk as the life-sized hologram of Finis Valorum appeared before the aforementioned banker.

"Valorum, why have you contacted me at this hour?" Damask said, swiping thru documents on his holopad.

Valorum sighed; "I am in need of your help."

"What help are you in need of?" Damask said, still looking through his documents.

"Naberrie." Valorum said; "He's still a thorn in our side, I tried the best I could to eliminate him-"

"But you failed, is what your telling me?" Damask interrupted.

"Public support for him was larger than I expected, If I knew that, I would've requested your assistance before." Valorum replied.

Plagueis put down his holopad as he said "What reason do I have for fixing your failure?"

"Naberrie is looking to seek revenge, his connection with Manmara makes him somewhat influential and if he is elected Senator of Naboo, he might steal the leadership and in turn he will go on a witch hunt to find out who killed Manmara."

"He's seeking revenge against you, not I" Plagueis clarified.

"Your involvement can come to light if he is not dealt with." Valorum snapped back.

"Is that a threat?" Plagueis said, squinting his shifty yellow eyes.

Valorum swallowed his pride as he said; "No...Of course not, I just want to you be aware of the situation we are in."

Plagueis sat with his thoughts for a moment; "How far has he gotten in the polls?"

"He's already won the primary, his Rim Faction opponent won't last week until he gets buried in votes once it's all said and done." Valorum explained.

Plagueis leaned over his desk with his hands folded as he said; "Very well, I will have him taken care of."

"Good, I will make sure to repay you once it is done." Valorum said.

"I will let you know when I make my move."

Finis nodded in response as his hologram dissipated into the air. Plagueis went through his desk to find a hidden comlink, edged between two wooden boards of his drawer. He activated it, revealing the hologram of a tall cloaked man with red skin and black markings across his face.

"My lord."

"I have a mission for you, my apprentice."