Padme looked out the window gazing at the baron wasteland that was Ryloth. it was a rocky and harsh world where One side of the planet perpetually faced its sun and the other remained in darkness, tidal locking as they called it. between a harsh dessert and a frigid permanent darkness was a livable temperate environment, this was where the Twi'lek species lived. The planet was a word of harshness, and the history of its native species wasn't much better. being in the outer rim surrounded by unsavory neighbors such as the Hutts meant that war and slave trade were commons leaving the Twi'leks worn down and vulnerable, part of the reason why it was so easy for the separatist to take it over during the Clone Wars.
Now, The Grand Duchess was about to help negotiate the terms for a completely independent Ryloth. Thought after thought rushed through Padme's head. Would Ryloth them independence caused more deaths in the long run? Would it be better if she just annexed it outright? If she did annex it, would it trigger years if not decades of unrest that would cause more death and destruction than any outward threat?"
"Troubled?" Vader asked. He was standing with his arms crossed. The only real noise that could be heard was the repetition of his mechanical breathing.
Padme gave a sigh. "Do you think I'm making the right decision here, granting Ryloth its independence?"
Vader's mask made his expression unreadable. She could stare at the black droid like mask until the man behind it spoke. "The Republic did make a promise that it would not occupy Ryloth after freeing them from the separatist. If we do expect honor and accountability from our citizens. It is only right the Empire holds itself to this standard."
"What if they can't handle it though? What if by doing this I'm essentially signing their death warrants? I mean yes, I have very specific conditions that if they can't protect themselves that annexation is on the table, but how many people must die or be enslaved before it becomes clear one way or the other?"
"I see your point." Vader said. "An ounce of prevention can be worth a ton of cure. However, I also don't think it's wise to prematurely look for trouble. Sometimes you need to focus on the moment and at the moment, we have an old promise to keep."
Vader thought back on some of Qui-Gon's old teachings. "Besides, I think the people of Ryloth will be happy to be free from the excess of a fat sleemo like Orn Free Taa even if they do have to go back to the empire at some point."
"Eh, I'm not really sure I can hold Orn Free Taa's appetite against him anymore. I'm not as fat as him...yet, but I can't say I'm exactly ashamed about giving in to my more indulging side."
"Even if you don't consider his excess to be sacrilege or a vice, he's still a spineless greedy coward. How many promises did he break with no remorse? How much did he fill his own personal coffers with the blood of his people? Honestly, he should be the one coming to us and negotiating independence on behalf of his own people. Instead, he's acting as a moderator While we negotiate the terms of independence with Syndulla.
Vader paused for a moment. "Besides...at least you'd look good with the extra weight."
Padme stifled laughter. Even Vader chuckled a little.
"What do you want to do if Taa causes problem?"
"If I find him to be a problem you have my permission to strangle him. from there I'll give you the command to kill or release him. Either way I won't let him get in the way of this."
She then looked over to see the figures of Senator Orn Free Taa and Cham Syndulla.
"Speaking of which..."
The shuttle landed with a soft thud and the ramps opened. Padme got up without hesitation and walked down the ramp, her black armored enforcer and protocal droid followed closely behind her. Orn Free Taa quickly came to meet her, not hesitating to try and give her a silver tongue welcome.
"Honor to you and your house Grand Duchess. Welcome to our humble planet of Ryloth."
Padme had to keep her face from twisting into a contortion of disgust. Everything about Senator Taa reeked of a vial slug. His hands ended ill groomed nails that seemed to resemble bird talons more than humanoid fingers. His teeth were sharpened like knives making him look more like a predator than a kindly politician, the scent of wine seeped from his breath with a foul aroma.
"I see you've been eating well, perhaps you've learned to appreciate the finer things in life? I appreciate a woman with such taste"
Part of her wanted Vader to cut Taa down here and now. Did he really just have the insolence to flirt with her even after her marriage had been publicly declared only a few days prior? Still, she had to keep her composure. Killing Taa for such a petty reason would be of little gain and would only give Syndulla and his people a bad first impression of the empire. So, she would play along for now.
"I must admit, Being Grand Duchess does come with certain perks."
Taa gave a laugh. "Prosperity for you and the empire means a prosperous Ryloth."
Padme nodded before looking over to Syndulla and walking towards him. "You must be Cham Syndulla. I've heard much about you. I hope you and your people are doing well."
"Our people lick their wound, but they will recover. I only wish for our people to be free."
Padme couldn't help but be amazed. This Twi'lek was so soft spoken and humble, and yet he had the trust and respect of an entire people. He had been in the trenches fighting for his people while Taa had lived in the coziness of a luxury bedroom counting his coin. In many respects, Syndulla was an Anti-Taa.
"I hope that by the end of this meeting the empire can grant your wish."
Cham smiled ever so slightly before looking over to a Twi'lek woman and signaling her to meet everyone. "This is my wife, Eleni." He then looked down at a young Twi'lek girl clinging to her mother's dress. " And this is my daughter Hera, they are my pride and joy."
Padme smiled and let out a groan as she knelt down so that she was more level with the young child, when the duchess tried to introduce herself, she was amused to see however that Hera's eyes were solidly fixed on Vader.
"He's scary." She quivered softly.
The Grand Duchess couldn't help but laugh. "He looks scary, but beneath that black armor he's got a heart of iron." She signaled Vader to come over and he too knelt down to meet her level. at first Hera wanted to hide, but instead she was frozen in place, whether it was out of fear or curiosity she did not know.
Vader chuckled as he saw a sort of vigor in her eyes. "That fire, I know it all too well. You wish to take to the stars someday, don't you?"
Hera let out a gasp as all signs of fear melted into sheer excitement. "Yes, I've always wanted to fly!"
"Oh no," Cham said with a nervous laugh. "You've started it now."
The two talked for several minutes about all things related to ships and space. Preferred specs, ways to increase speed and maneuverability even favorite models. Vader all the while was becoming increasingly impressed by the young Twi'lek's knowledge. He couldn't help but see himself in her.
"That passion don't let it fade. Perhaps one day you will fly."
"Father doesn't want me fly." Hera mumbled.
"Hera, we've been over this. I don't want you to have to live the life I and my people had to. I want more for you."
"But pappa I want to fly."
"Hera..." Cham sighed.
"If I may Syndulla," Vader spoke. "She doesn't necessarily have to be in a war zone to be a pilot. she could just as easily be flight acrobat."
"What is a flight acrobat?"
"Pilots who show off the flight capabilities of crafts to the general public. Many times, they often perform shows for the sick or for the poor as well as participate in charity events. Very rarely are they forced into combat unless there is a draft or a surprise attack."
Hera once again gasped in excitement. "Pappa can I...?"
"We'll have to discuss that later." Cham said quickly changing the subject. "In the meantime, I need you to go to your room with Chopper. I believe your mother and I have politics that need to be discussed with the Grand Duchess and the Senator.
"Yes Pappa. Come on Chopper."
As Hera went into her room, Cham directed Padme to a roundtable with enough room for everyone to sit. Vader however chose to stand. Padme quickly showed Cham a copy of the terms of Independence.
"The Empire offers you independence on the condition that you allow us to build a military and naval embassy. We will be watching an aid where we can however there IS a catch."
"I'm listening." Cham said
"If in a five-year time span, we finding you are having to overly on the empire for protection, then annexation will be on the table. This isn't preferred believe me. But we can't eternally dump resources into Ryloth and not get anything in return."
"How will we know that we meet your expectations?"
"We'll do a mock invasion using some repurposed Trade Federation assets. If you can beat our pseudo army on ground and in air, then that should leave us with enough confidence that you guys can make it on your own. If you're forced to surrender, we'll consider that a formal acceptance of annexation."
"So just to make sure I'm understanding correctly, you'll help us build our planet back up and help build our defenses. After a period of time, you'll test said ability for us to defend ourselves. If we can defend ourselves, we'll get our freedom, if we can't we'll be annexed. Is that correct?"
"That is correct. Now I want to make this clear. IF you are annexed You will still be treated the same as any other imperial province. You'll have all the benefits as any other imperial world. The only downside to annexation is you will be required to be taxes, and potentially be subject to the draft if and when it's necessary. But I am aware of your people's pride. I'm sure they'd rather not be citizens of any other nation but their own. For now, we'll consider you an independent entity. We'll start remove our ground armies the end of this week. from there, we'll send engineers and military personnel to help you. I'll even see if any surviving clones from the previous battle would be willing to help."
"Wait a sec," Orn Free Taa protested. "If Ryloth is declared independent that means it will lose its seat in the senate. What will happen to me?"
"There is still a need for an ambassador. I figured since you have strong ties with both the empire and Ryloth you'd jump at the chance. Of course, if that job is too good for you, you could always go back to being a tax collector."
"This is outrageous! Taa roared now standing up. "You can't just dissolve an imperial seat without the proper vote! The Senate will..."
Taa let out a strangled groan as he felt his windpipe constrict and his own body get lifted off the ground with some sort of invisible hand. Eyes wide he looked to see Vader arm reaching toward him. Padme's eyes burned with a fiery fury.
"I've had enough of your Insolence. For years I've watched you put your greed and self-interest above Ryloth. I will not speak for Cham, but I know your people are sick of it, and so am I. Lord Vader...kill him."
"As you wish."
Cham and Eleni looked with wide eyed horror as the room echoed with a loud SNAP and Taa's body fell to the floor. As Cham looked to the duchess, he noticed she was shaking, regaining her composure.
"I'm sorry you had to see that." She whispered softly.
"I..." For the first time in his life The Great Cham Syndulla was stumbling over his words. "...I never had love for Orn Free Taa, but was such brutality be really necessary?"
Padme smirked. "His corpse can be an example for the rest of the Empire. The time of breaking and making false promises is over. Either they can in line or get out of the way. If they choose neither, then they can suffer the same fate as him."
"Will we be blamed for his death?" Cham asked.
"Oh please," Padme scoffed. "I only answer to two people, my husband and my Emperor. If anyone wishes to object, they can answer to me directly.
As clone troopers removed Taa's body from the premise, Cham bit the inner corner of his left cheek. "My wife and I will need time to discuss the terms."
"Please, take all the time you need. I know this is a big decision to make."
The two Twi'leks walked out of the room. Eleni was visibly shaken up. "What do you think?"
Cham couldn't help but smile. "These terms are far better than I could have ever asked for. For the first time in centuries, we finally have a chance for a true free Ryloth."
"Maybe, but Cham, This Grand Duchess frightens me. She just had a senator killed without hesitation. The only reason she paused was to frighten him in his dying moments. What if she decides to do the same thing to you if we don't accept these terms?
"Well fortunately I think these terms are perfectly reasonable."
"Do you think she'll keep her end of the bargain? Will she really try to help us improve are military strength before trying to annex us?"
"Hearing her voice, I believe she meant everything she said when she condemned Senator Taa. She's already done more than the Senate ever did. But I will not agree if neither you nor the people agree."
Eleni slowly smiled. "If you think this is right. Then I will follow you."
The two walked back into the room and slapped the terms back on the table.
"We will accept your terms if our people accept. Let me appeal to them."
Padme smiled. "Truly Syndulla with Taa gone your people will need a king to unite the different clans represent them in the Imperial Senate, and I think I am staring at the perfect one."
Cham eyes widened. "Me... King?! While I am flattered, I am afraid you are mistaken. I am no king."
"I don't believe she is Syndulla." Vader said. "You led your people while in the trenches of war. You were in tune with the will of your people when Taa didn't have a clue. Your people will follow you."
Cham relented. "I suppose...but I don't know if I can do it."
"Trust me as someone who was once a queen of a planet and is now a Duchess of an entire Galaxy, you never feel like you can. You just do it when the time comes."
Cham nodded. "Alright. I will make the announcement. But I do not feel right asking my people to accept me as their king."
"Then I will. Just explain the terms to them."
Outside the walls of the Senator's palace, the people of Ryloth gathered in anticipation of what the empire meant for Ryloth. Cham cleared his throat and spoke.
"My friends, What I have before is a hope for the first time in centuries, we have a chance for a truly free and independent Ryloth. The empire has offered to help us build our infostructure and our means to defend ourselves. In 5 years', time they will test our abilities and we will show them that we can defend ourselves. There maybe a time when Annexation may be on the table, but if it will only be to protect Ryloth. The one thing we have always done as a people is stand together to defend Ryloth. When the Clone War began and the Republic was losing, we were on our own. But when our losses mounted and the enemy closed in, the clone army came to our aid. We would not be here today if it wasn't for them. They fought with us. They fought for us. And they have earned our respect."
The people cheered. Padme stepped forward.
"Due to rather unfortunate circumstances, Senator Orn Free Taa has left this mortal galaxy."
The crowd wasn't distraught over such news.
"The people of Ryloth will need a king to keep its sovereignty and represent it in the imperial senate. Do you accept Cham Syndulla as your king?"
The crowd grew silent for a brief moment before a Twi'lek raised a hand in the crowd.
"Hail, all hail King Syndulla!"
soon the whole crowd erupted with chance hailing their new king.
"I'd say the people have spoken." Padme giggled.
Tears of Happiness started to flow from Cham's cheeks. "I can't believe it...a free Ryloth." He then looked to the Grand Duchess and her enforcer. "I and my people will be forever grateful. Know that if we do successfully hold our end of the bargain. I will be more than happy to ally with you."
"Thank you, your highness." I have no doubt you will be able to build a strong military."
With a stroke of a pen, the argument was signed. Padme and Vader gave a bow before leaving for their ship. The next steps were quickly discussed.
"Looks like you were right in your theory." Vader said. "He's already promised to ally with us, and five years hasn't passed."
I as I've foreseen."
"Sorry I commanded you to kill Senator Taa like that.
"Please, killing him was my pleasure. I wanted to kill him the moment he started to flirt with you. Do you think Cham will keep his promise?"
"I have no doubt he will keep his word. Now we just have to keep ours. We need someone to train the locals, someone we can trust."
Vader did not hesitate in his response. "I Think we both know who exactly to trust."
Padme smiled. of course, she knew. "One problem, I haven't heard word from either Captain Rex or Ahsoka Tono. Clearly they are hiding, and they don't want to be found."
She let out a sigh. "If only we knew a bounty hunter."
"Actually, I think I do know one. He's young, but he's already gained a reputation for himself that rivals his father."
"Well in that case. Have someone contact him."
As Vader steeped into the shuttle, he opened up communications admiral Wullf Yularen was on the other end.
"Admiral Yularen."
"Yes Lord Vader, how may I be of service?"
"Contact the bounty hunter Boba Fett. I have a job for him."
