Chapter 19 - Machinations
Chandrila
Senatorial Housing District
Leia had expected them to arrive separately, perhaps even with a gap of several hours. She also expected some to do so by means of a covert military or even civilian affair, perhaps in the form of some nondescript and fairly normal looking hover car. Others however would have the misfortune of having a constant paparazzi on their tails due to a combination of their own political status and the fact they were coming to the shared dormitories of Leia Organa Solo and Lando Calrissian.
Naturally, Leia blamed herself fully for the latter, but there was little that could be done. Yes, a more discrete arrival on the planet might have kept the worst of the galaxy press out of their lives for a while longer, but that had been the point. She'd tried subtlety for the past decade and it had ended her right where she was now. As Lando had commented earlier, "A flash of dazzle goes a long way."
And so, she waited on the balcony, watching the falling sun descend over the high rises of her mentors homeworld. How so much of it had changed since the days of the Empire. Even Mon Mothma had been dismayed by its rapid development during its earliest transitions as the capital world of the new government.
'I wonder what she would think of all of this now,' Leia thought wearily to herself.
"Counselor Leia," C-3PO's polite, chirpy voice buzzed in her ear, "several unmarked hover vehicles have been reported approaching the front of the compound."
"That would be the Ackbars," Leia replied with a nod, noticing a second vehicle pulling behind them, "3PO, may I inquire where Lando is at the moment?"
"Senator Calrissian is currently in the rotunda, ma'am. Shall I inform him that Admiral Syndulla has arrived as well?"
Leia considered it for a moment before nodding, "Yes. please inform him."
No sooner than the nonchalant, poorly disguised military escort was through the plaza gate was it then followed by another entourage, this time trailed by a small but very persistent convoy of paparazzi. They quickly deposited their small army of reporters and attempted to close with the entourage, their bodyguards quick to push them back.
The Rangers guarding the plaza soon joined them and forced the reporters off the property into the street. Though they couldn't make them leave the area entirely, the reporters quickly lost the will to muscle their way in once the combined security force showed they meant business.
Just then, another hovercar approached, and the Rangers quickly mustered out to guide it in. "Who else is arriving?" Leia asked with a knowing smile.
"The Senator of Mandalore, Fenn Shysa."
Sure enough, the face of the Mandalorian Sector-and whom many considered to be the third or fourth most dashing man in galaxy-stepped out of the car. He straightening his suit and ran a hand across his graying red hair. It was strange seeing the one-time leader of the Mandalorian Protectors without his Beskar'gam armor, but Shysa was always one to adapt to whatever society required of him.
He straightened a bit, his keen eyes observing the plaza a bit before his eyes found her watching from high above. He cracked a smile and waved at her. Leia smiled and waved back, remembering the time he'd politely tried to win her hand in marriage before she'd finally settled on Han. Naturally, Shysa had kept a healthy distance, but he was always there if she called.
"Old Mando honor, I suppose," she chuckled to herself. Then a rather a familiar woman in an ornate white dress stepped out of the hovercar at the beckon of Shysa's hand, which was quickly followed by a kiss on the cheek. The lady in question blushed, giggling as she marched up to the mansion with Shysa.
"Ma'am, I do believe that was your cousin, Senator Pooja Nabrie of Naboo."
"Yes," Leia nodded, "and she arrived with Fenn Shysa instead of her own escort."
"...would you like me to request an investigation into the matter? I can relay a message to Commandant Shrike on Takodana-"
"No no, that's quite alright, 3PO. I will just ask. Oh by the way, is the Aquillan Ambassador coming?"
"I am not certain, ma'am. I am told he did receive your message, but he has to check in with traffic control."
Leia nodded, "Let me know if he does arrive," and she left the balcony, the shield covering it dimming when she stepped away.
As she walked down the padded and gilded halls of the luxury house, she had a moment of doubt enter her mind. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Was this doubt about what she was trying to accomplish or the events she was about to set in motion to get to said goal?
"A little of both I suppose," she said to herself, taking a moment to catch her wits and straighten her formal white Jedi robes. These naturally wouldn't be the clothes she'd be wearing when the summit came, but they were her most comfortable. Besides, she was among friends, so she went with a smile.
As she rounded the hallway and took the stairs, she encountered the first of these. "Shall I take you coat, Admiral Syndulla?" The attendee asked, and the aged fleet commander nodded. She removed her simple overcoat to reveal a splendid black velvet dress that was a stark contrast to her usual Navy attire or even her more 'casual' flight suits.
"I see you dressed for the occasion," Leia commented with a smile as she walked down the stairs towards the attending area.
"Counselor Organa-" The green Twi'lek attempted a formal salute before Leia beckoned with her hand.
"Please, Hera, let's not stand on ceremony here. After all, this is just a dinner and discussion among close friends."
The former commander of the Phoenix Fleet-the first true formal military outfit of the early Rebellion-and now commander of the New Republic's 3rd Fleet, smiled gratefully and offered a warm embrace which Leia took gladly.
"It's been a long time, your highness," Hera soothed softly, "I'm sorry I didn't come earlier."
"As I understand it, you were still chasing pirates around the Maw of Kessel."
"Yes," She nodded, her eyes blazing with an aged anger, "another of Tyber's sortees. I, of course, can't prove this, but who else would striking that far into New Republic space?"
"And Zorba?" Leia asked rather cooly. She hadn't forgotten the fact that the Hutt's still had a sizable bounty on her head, and Zorba especially wanted hers for the death of his son, Jabba.
"He's been keeping quiet for the past few months, but I know the slug is up to something. You can never find a Hutt that isn't plotting to stab everybody he knows in the back."
"I wouldn't say that about Rotta," Leia countered with a small smile.
"He's the exception rather than the rule," a gravelly voice echoed out from behind them, "being branded both an outcast and enemy of the state tends to change a man."
"Especially when you're son of the last slug to nearly ran things into the ground," another, slightly less gravelly voice added, "by dying."
From the shadows emerged Fleet Admiral Gial Ackbar, the New Republic's former supreme commander, and Vice Admiral Winsen Raddus, one-time commander of the Krakana Fleet and the current Commander of the 10th stationed around the Hosnian Sector. Both men entered the gala dressed with Navy dress blues along with ceremonial crimson sashes given awarded for their exemplary service to Mon Cala. They offered a formal bow to Leia, and she in turn curtseyed with a smile.
"Yes, I am quite aware," Leia nodded grimly, "I don't suppose you know what the bounty is currently?"
"A million for you," Raddus answered, handing off his and Ackbar's coat to the standing attendee, "and about… what was it, Uncle? 500,000 for Han?"
"No, 750,000. The 500,000 was for Master Skywalker."
Hera had to laugh, "I'm sorry, but half a million seems a little light for the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. Honestly, it would be light for any Jedi for that matter."
Raddus grinned at her, "You try handing out half a million for two hundred plus Jedi, Hera. I guarantee you'll be bankrupt by the end of the week."
"Anymore bankrupt than your Viscounts, Winsen?" Hera smirked at him.
"Hera, I think you would greatly enjoyed the benefits of one at Lothal, cost included. You certainly didn't complain when I brought the Profundity to Scarif."
"Complain? How about when I got caught between you and the Devastator's little turbo laser exchange and nearly got blown to pieces?"
"Well, if you hadn't parked your ship between us, I could have disabled that ship!"
"That old bucket of bolts couldn't stand up to even a Victory-Class!"
"Bucket of bolts? How dare you. That beat up, second-rate Corellian hauler of yours deserves that title more than the Profundity. At least I didn't have to rely on sheer Imperial incompetence to win my battles!"
"You speak of incompetence, and yet you tout Scarif. Devastator knocked you out in one go!"
"That's not fair, he came out of hyperspace while I was protecting your fleet!"
"And what a great job you did."
"Why you-"
"Children," Ackbar laughed barkingly, grabbing the two roughly by their shoulders and bringing over like misbehaving toddlers, "it has been thirty years since the war, and you still fight like siblings. When shall you ever grow up from such childish games?"
Hera and Raddus took one look at each and unanimously said, "Never."
"Well well well," a voice laden with a heavy drawl and slight sarcastic twang rang out, "tis mighty tragic. Ol' friends fightin' amongst each other? Tsh tsh, and here I am thinkin' y'all would be setting the mighty fine standard for tonight. Seems I'll have to do that myself."
With this stepped from the shadows the next two expected guests, and Leia noted that Pooja was holding Shysa's arm with a suspicious tenderness.
"Says the man who looks like a Bantha Herder," Hera chuckled back, "you even have the beard to boot, Shysa."
"Oh, blame me for that," Pooja's rather sultry and regal voice chuckled, "I quite like a dashing gentleman with a," she imitated Shysa's peculiar accent with terrible accuracy, "'mighty fine whiskers.'"
"Aw," Shysa cooed as he gave the Naboo royalty's hand an amorous squeeze, "thank ye kindly, Ms. Naberrie."
"Ms. Naberrie…" Leia mused softly, "Poojah, if something truly life changing were to happen to you or perhaps between you and someone else… would you tell me? Would you confide in me before you did something truly bold and rash?"
"Bold an' rash?" Shysa clutched his heart, "Me? Have ye so little trust in little ol' me?"
"Yes," Leia deadpanned, "I haven't forgotten Endor."
"Oh come now, Leia," Poojah took her hand with a charming smile, "we're merely courting, and as serving member of both the Crown and the Senate without a husband, I am obligated to do so. And it is my choice to make, after all."
Leia considered her words very carefully, but after looking again at the tenderness shared between the two of them, she could only settle with, "I suppose so."
"Besides," Hera chided in with a soft chuckle, "there are plenty of worse suitors to choose from."
"An' I'd be obliged to shoot everyone of those other suitors for their shortcomings," Shysa smiled broadly.
"Well hello there," Lando's voice reported behind them as he came down the hallways, wearing yet another rather lavishing cloak and cape, "have I missed anything particular… oh, hello, Mrs. Syndulla."
"Lando," Hera nodded, "I see Leia invited you here, too."
"On the contrary, my dear," Lando smiled, "I've actually been here longer than she has. So, technically, I invited you."
"I see."
"So… how have you been?"
"Fine."
"How's your knee?"
"Recovering. Are you still wearing a cup?"
"Around you? Always."
"Shame."
"Not for me, at least," Lando shot her a sabaac-faced smile, "and most certainly not for your knee. So," he turned to Leia, "I do in fact believe we're missing someone."
"Someone?" Shysa asked, slightly bemused, "Yer tellin' me that this mighty fine posse we got here ain't even finished? Who else is showing up?"
"Your opposite number," Leia smiled before putting his hand up to the comm on her lapel, "Status?"
"He still has not arrived, Counselor Leia," 3PO answered, "though the Rangers inform me he should be planetside already."
"Understood. Keep me advised."
"Of course, Counselor. Have a good evening, out."
"In the meantime. Shall we have dinner?"
The next forty or so minutes were largely spent in idle conversation and generally catching up on things. Namely, the topic was Poojah and Shysa's 'courting' and how it had slipped past Leia's notice.
"To be quite honest with y'all," Shysa said with a half-hearted shrug as he held up a slice of Nerf steak, "tis only been goin' on for less than a month. I met her during the negotiatin' procedures between the Mandalorian and Naboo Sectors regardin' that new hyperspace lane the Wookies found a few months back. Turns out that our worlds sat on opposite ends, so a deal needed to be struck. So, I went, saw this hellova woman," that earned a blush from Poojah, who had to put up her fork of spring-seed to cover her mouth in embarrassment, "and I thought to myself 'I oughta take this lass out.' That led to more, and here we are."
"Oh, stop being so bashful, Fenn!" Poojah giggled softly.
Shysa raised an eyebrow, and as he took a sip of his Corellian wine, muttered, "Never been accused of that before."
"Go on, then," Lando inquired with knowing smirk, "how did you two unlikely love birds meet?"
"Oh, you know, we thwarted a Zhan-Sun plot to derail the economies of the Outer Rim."
"What?" everyone at the table asked before Lando prodded further, "How come no one's heard of it before?"
She shrugged, "Well, it unfortunately involved the blackmail of many members of several political and royal houses on a number of worlds-"
"Including those Feminists on Hapes," Shysa smirked, "took a manly man and a princess from Naboo to save their sorry hides."
Poojah rolled her eyes with a laugh, "Yes, them too. I'm assuming you all heard about the near crash of the Mid Rim New Housing Market a month ago?"
"I had an investment in that market," Lando admitted, "to be quite honest, I was ready to sell when things looked bad towards the end, but I held off and made quite a bit of money from it."
"Yes, though that wouldn't have been the case if the Zhan-Sun had their way with it."
"Do you have proof it was the Zhan-Sun Consortium themselves?" Ackbar asked.
"Course not," Shysa shook his head, "couldn't find ol' Tyber Zhan with even a finger in someone else's pie without him having a good excuse. Still, continue Poojah. I'm fascinated by this."
"You were there, too!" Poojah laughed.
"Exactly. The elegance of your story tellin' is such that even I'm captivated. So please, continue."
A friendly laugh and eye roll later, Poojah continued her tale, "We noticed an unusual number of outside finances coming from companies associated with the Outer Rim Confederation," they didn't need to be told of the government's deep ties to Tyber Zhan's questionable syndicate.
"So, we had our respective accountants, and later agents, look into the matter. These investments were made in a collectable share that if withdrawn in the event of a crisis would cause a recession and possibly even a depression in the Outer and Mid Rim. So, we had our agents look further into the matter, and discovered a series of blackmail and... how do I say it? Honeypot? Yes, honeypot conspiracies of several politicians and royal houses, all to secure funds for this plot. Plausible deniability and all that."
"So what did you do?" Lando asked.
"We watched and waited. Eventually, it was discovered that the bombing of several high ranking financial officials was to occur on Corellia. It didn't happen, fortunately-"
"We stuck Tobbi on the case." Fenn interjected with a smirk.
"So we can assume they're all dead now?" Hera asked, remembering the man who put all other non-com's to shame.
"All except for three, 'cept they dead now," Shysa smirked, "I've never met a man, or woman, who could stand up to Tobbi Dala's persuasiveness."
"So… What happened then?" Lando asked, "A holo-movie and dinner?"
"No, a sabaac-game at Nar Shadda," Poojah shrugged, "the people involved lost billions in their failed plan, so they tried to recoup their finances through a high-stakes game with several tycoons and other unsavory people."
"Never had to resist shooting so many folks in my life," Shysa muttered as he took another sip of his wine.
"So, we entered the game ourselves and managed to win," Poojah concluded, "the Cartel in question lost all their money, which belonged to their investors, and came to us for protection. After that, it was a simple matter of picking apart the rest of the conspiracy."
"Afterwards, we had 13 million to our name that needed spendin'," Shysa finished, "most of it went to solidifying the Hyperspace Deal, rest went to me taking this beautiful lass on a walk through the best of the galaxy," Poojah giggled again when he gave her an affectionate squeeze.
"We found it so much fun that we thought we should make it a more serious matter," Poojah took Shysa's hand in hers, "and here we are."
"Wow," everybody said at once.
"Y'know, I'm starting to see a pattern here," Lando commented, "most of the couples I see here at this table seemed to have come to be after rather extraordinary escapades that usually involves the fate of the galaxy. Why can't you be like me and meet your spouses during a simple business transaction?"
"Pfff, 'cause that be boring, sir," Shysa scoffed.
"I suppose so," Leia murmured, shaking her head, "Poojah, I wish you'd told me sooner."
"We wanted to make it a surprise!" Poojah exclaimed.
"Heh," Raddus chuckled to Ackbar as he whispered, "so he couldn't get Leia, so he instead settles on her cousin."
That earned a hearty laugh from the older Mon Cala which drew an irate glare from the Mandalorian. "What was that?"
"Nothing," Raddus said with a Sabaac-Face.
"Still," Lando interjected, "thank you for saving my investments. Like I said, I made quite a bit of money off of that, and I will gladly compensate you for it."
Raddus shook his head, "Lando, why are you always getting involved in shady deals?"
"Viscounts, Raddus," Hera smiled.
"That doesn't count! That was a matter of galactic security!"
"Raddus, we all know you were jealous of the fact you could never get your hands on an Imperial-II."
"Imperial-I, Hera," Raddus corrected with a scoff, "the Imperial-I was an excellent design. But an Imperial-II? Bah. What folly thought up removing all point weapon systems when we relied heavily upon our starfighters to do most of our work?"
"The folly of Tarkin, as I understand it," a deep, rather elegant voice suddenly echoed from behind them as Leia's comm buzzed:
"Ma'am, Ambassador Titus is here. He wouldn't wait for-"
"As I can see," Leia rose from her chair with an extended hand, "welcome, Ambassador Titus. We weren't sure if you were coming or not."
"My deepest apologies for our late arrival, Counselor Organa Solo. There were… complications that had to be addressed back in the Segmentum before I was permitted to attend the assembly."
"Perfectly understandable. I am glad the Aquillans agreed to meet us on this issue to begin with."
From the shadows emerged a giant of a man. He was as though a great bronze statue had been brought to life, all barely contained in the simple red and white robes of his office. His face, however was martial in every aspect, from the crewcut to a heavy square jaw and eyes that told of a hundred battles.
Yet despite this, there was a strange kindness to them, and it reminded Leia greatly of her brother. They grew dark however as he continued, "I'm afraid the matter is not that simple, Counselor. This we can speak of at another time. I wish to present my wife, Mira."
Everyone's eyes widened at the woman standing at his Titus' side. She was dressed in the dress uniform of the New Republic Army, her hair tied in a bun but with enough to conceal the subtle scars marking the side of her heart shaped face. However, her most distinguished feature was the medal hanging from around her neck: the Star of Alderaan. She had been its youngest recipient.
"Admirals, Senators, Counselor," she snapped to a sharp salute, "a pleasure to be attending this meeting, sirs."
"At ease, Colonel Nero," Ackbar chuckled, "this is not a military tribunal, after all."
"Regardless, sir," she beamed with pride at the retired Fleet Admiral, "but thank you."
"So what brings the hero of Graia here?" Ackbar continued, "Especially from your post at Cardia?"
"Officially, sir? I never left. But unofficially, my husband invited me to come and my second is overseeing the Fighting First."
"I didn't realize the two of you were wed," Leia commented carefully, "when did this occur?"
"When I made Captain, ma'am," Mira smiled as Titus offered his arm, and she took it affectionately.
"Why do I have the feeling it goes back further than that?" Leia probed.
Mira met her gaze unapologetically. "I suppose you could say it started on Graia, when Titus arrived to reinforce us after the Ssi-Rook killed or incapacitated my superiors, ma'am."
"Hold on, Graia?" Lando shook his head, looking at Titus, "This was back when you were still Legate of The Warborn. The Legio XIII?"
"It was," Titus nodded.
"I thought you Segmentum boys frowned on relationships while in the Legion."
"They do," he nodded, cracking a smile, "but there is a saying among we Aquillans. 'One does not know thy fellows till battle shows their true self.' When I met Mera, she was merely a Lieutenant but she had the fortitude of stronger men. I dare say I found that quite… attractive, as one might say."
"Aw, thank you, dear," she soothed as Titus squeezed her shoulder endearingly. It was such an alien sight from the two veteran soldiers, and Titus chuckled at their expressions.
"I do apologize for the abruptness of this presentation, but it was by design. As Senator Calrissian noted, scandal and disgrace would've plagued the both of us had our relationship been made public. When my term to the Legion ended and I retired into Civil Service, I arranged a private ceremonial over the Moons of Juniper, and it has thankfully been kept a private enough for our liking."
"You are sweet when you're being modest, dear." Mira smiled as she took his massive hand in hers.
"What is a proper man if not humble, puella?"
"Well ain't that a first?" Shysa snorted.
The Aquillans eyes met the Mandalorians darkly. "Senator Shysa. It's been a long time since we last met."
"Ambassador Titus," Shysa replied, rising to meet him. He found his impressive height still coming short of the Aquillans, requiring him to look up at him, "I didn't expect to be in the same room with you since that little affair over Jarain."
"Let's not stand on the foundations of petty politics, Shysa. I am not here for them."
"There are some in Lady Sabine's court that might disagree with that proclamation, sir. A great many still demand blood for what you did. They say your witch hunt should've accounted for outright war."
Leia rose to her feet, but Titus held up a hand. "I have heard, and I do not care. Your failure to bring an end to the threat of Deathwatch prompted our intervention. And while I stand by my actions that day, what happens tonight does not concern then."
"I ain't so sure 'bout that," Shysa grumbled, "nor about the commitment of the Segmentum in this matter."
Titus sighed, for the first time the weariness of billions coming to bear visibly upon his shoulder, "Yes, you have reasons to doubt the Segmentum through our past actions, and perhaps more by what news I bring. But that is not the point. Though our people are rivaled by martial tradition, we also exist in alignment of the same banner. If it is to remain upright and unmarred, we two men of our peoples must show the example needed."
Shysa nodded and was about to same something before Titus interrupted, "I will say this so that the matter does not grow in shadow. I do not partake to the rather arrogant nature of Mandalorians, Senator Shysa. But I do have the utmost respect for you and what you managed to accomplish," Titus then offered him his arm, "it is therefore my honor to meet you privately, without the complications of nations calling our beck, sir."
Shysa looked the man up and down with a bemused smile, "You always start with insultin' people 'fore you go back to complimenting them? Heh, I suppose it's that superiority complex you Aquillans take such pride in. But the feelin' is mutual, Ambassador Titus."
He then took the man's arm in the classic forearm handgrip. He winced slightly at the sheer power the giant possessed, but Shysa grinned winningly. "In truth, I am happy to see you here."
At this, Titus smiled, "It is better to be honest with a man than to be anything else."
"I can agree with that. Who said that?"
"Me."
Chuckles and seating later, all eyes turned to Leia Organa Solo. "Ladies and gentlemen, simply put, we are on the eve of war," she began. Over the next several minutes, she explained exactly what she meant. The response was exactly what she'd expected.
Ackbar was the first to make that response vocal. "But that's impossible! The last of the Forges was destroyed-"
"Thousands of years ago, I know. But Lor San has convinced me otherwise. After all, why would The Empire invest so many resources into the search if they were not confident it was there to begin with?"
"Blast it," Ackbar growled darkly, "I should've crushed Hux at Jakku when I had the chance. Now we're paying for it."
"Not your fault, uncle," Raddus replied, "the end of war brought complications-"
"Complications be damned!" the elder Mon Cal exclaimed by slamming his fist against the table, "I warned Mon Mothma that making peace with the Remnant was a mistake. It allowed them the time to make a recovery. And if the intelligence reports I've been receiving are true, then they've done exactly that."
Leia nodded with a look of unfortunate confirmation. "Though we still have no intelligence on the size and strength of the First Order, I can wholeheartedly say that by the boldness of their recent actions over the last several weeks, and the fact that they've been actively hunting for Lor San Tekka ever since he went looking for the Forge..." she let the sentence hang.
Shysa shook his head, "That's a very dangerous accusation you're makin' there, ma'am. Not dismissin' it at all, but I do have to ask the obvious here. Do we have any substance that can be taken to the Senate and Assembly?"
"None that wouldn't involve revealing I've been sending military personnel into the DMZ," Leia replied with a shake of her head, "but that's not the point of this meeting. What I am proposing is nothing short of treason."
"Are you proposing yet another regime change?" Titus asked with a concerned frown.
"If it comes to it. Though I have made allies within the Senate and the Assembly, I'm not an idiot. In the time I left office, factions have moved to discredit me and Lando in the eyes of the New Republic, and I feel that their connections have grown the strongest especially now."
"I don't understand," Poojah said, "are you saying that there are those in the government who would side against the New Republic?"
"I am. That story you and Shysa shared with us tonight is merely the tip of this conspiracy. A conspiracy made up of short sighted officials who will stop at nothing to prevent the New Republic from entering another galactic war. Though I cannot conclusively prove it, the obviousness is there."
"That it is," Hera growled softly, "we had all the proof we needed on Takodana. We've had all the proof we needed for years. And yet we have not acted on it."
"But what you're talkin' 'bout isn't a conspiracy," Shysa countered, "the Chimera was a conspiracy. This is a movement. I've met most of the folks you're talkin' about. Yeah, they're peace-at-all-costs types, but they ain't traitors."
"No, they're useful idiots," Lando retorted, "useful idiots who are screening the real group at the core of this thing. For months, I've been having the Rangers monitor the accounts of all the politicians coming out of the Core Worlds. A great majority of them have been receiving generous donations all from a series of foundations all with ties to a series of shell companies, and we all know that they haven't exactly been subtle with their preferences for the old Empire."
"Bread and circuses," Titus snorted, "no different than what happened in our own history with the Zakuul Empire. If I were a guessing man, I would say that these same officials would sell the Core Rim the moment a war begins."
Leia winced visibly, but nodded all the same, "If that happens, both the best and worst case scenario would be a nightmare."
"How so?" Poojah asked.
"Worst case, the First Order blitzes the inner core and captures it with little opposition."
"And best case, you will get a conflict that will make Antiga look like children fighting," Titus grimly said, "in either situation, you will be forced to fight a defensive conflict in the North with your greatest production centers firmly in the hands of the enemy, or contested at the very least."
"And that will not be the worst of it," Hera sighed, "Kanan once taught me that there are no such things as coincidences. Zhan's actions within the Outer Rim, Zorba consolidating power? And now the Forge? I think you can see where I'm going with this."
"Like wolves circling prey," Mira nodded, "we'll have the First Order to the north, and the cartel's to our south."
Leia nodded, "Which is why I've gathered you here. Three admirals, and four representatives of the four sectors that will decide the fate of the New Republic Our enemies made their first move when they destroyed my brother's Jedi Order. Now, they are making their next step. And as unfortunate as it is to admit it, we cannot even rely on our government to stop what is coming."
"'Peace in our time,'" Lando snorted, "what a sad joke. So, it should be pretty obvious what we have in mind."
"You're right," Raddus said, "this is nothing short of treason. If news got out about what we're doing, it's likely we'd be hanged."
"No more than it was with the Empire," Ackbar mused, "I will have to reinstate my commission with the Navy-"
"That's already been arranged," Lando replied smoothly, "the 5th will be yours to command by the end of the week."
"And Fey'lya?"
"Out of the way. Like we said, we just had to appeal to his more patriotic sense."
"Then you've had more luck than I did in the early days," Ackbar chuckled dryly.
"No offense, uncle," Raddus smirked, "but you and Fey'lya were like two rancors fighting over a kill. I doubt the two of you could've agreed on anything."
"Well, evidently we agree on one thing."
"Still, what is Senator Fey'lya to gain in all this?" Titus asked, "In all my deals with the Bothan, every action that is tread by them is done with the purpose of some self-acquisition. So, what shall he achieve by the end of this?"
"Probably fame, fortune and being on the right side of history," Lando shrugged, "still, can't have any of that if there isn't a New Republic to begin with."
"Then Fey'lya has a better understanding of duty than even some of my own fellows," Titus shook his head with these last words.
"Okay, I need to ask the obvious," Shsya began but Titus interrupted him promptly.
"I will be blunt, not artful. The Segmentum faces the very serious possibility of a civil war in the event of a galactic conflict."
"But I thought the Imperialist were still a political minority?" Poojah pointed out but Titus shook his head.
"We Aquillans value strength above all else. And if not outright strength, than the appearance of it. A unified Segmentum provides at the very least the convincing illusion needed to keep its foundations standing. And for this, those would seek to remove our Republican institutions in favor of the restoration of Zakuulian Imperialism have played by these rules."
"But?" Shysa asked.
"That may not be the case much longer. There are many proponents in the Senate and the Legionus Militarum who believe that the Segmentum itself is holding itself back. That they believe the policies of Valkorian, not Hadrianus, present the greatest good for the glory and sustainability of Aquilla, and in a way they are correct."
He then pointed directly at Shysa, "Though your Mandalorians attempt not to be so, your history is rooted firmly in the Neo Crusaders and their martial traditions, are they not?"
Shysa twitched rather uncomfortably but nodded, "Yeah, they are. But we ain't the Neo Crusaders. We don't go about attemptin' to conquer and enslave."
"And yet you still hold onto those same martial traditions that produced such abhorrent legacies."
"I think I get what you're sayin'," Shysa nodded, "though the Segmentum has tried to distance itself from Zakuul, the fact it's still very proud of being soldiers and what not is the exact reason this happenin'?"
"Yes. Under Volkorian, the Imperium was unrivaled in its time and we conquered a mighty expanse from both the Old Republic and the Sith. Our society was fueled by conquest and tribute. However, our part in the war spurred on Galactic Dark Age and brought stagnation and dissolution. Hadrianus was the first to see this and sought reform and consolidation, to become creators rather than conquerors. Of this, I believe wholeheartedly and it is what the Segmentum was built upon under Aurelian."
He shook his head and sighed, "But there are those who believe that expansion, not consolidation is the future of Aquilla. That we Aquillans were meant to be the masters of the stars, and that we hold ourselves back by not embracing this philosophy. After all, every war we have fought since the Segmentum's founding has been in our own defense and in the requested defense of others. It has been a thousand years since we've led wars of conquest. The Imperialist believe this must change."
"Are they actually serious about this?" Lando asked, "Like, if the shooting starts-"
"Senator," Mira interrupted, "Aquillans don't have a sense of humor," this drew a glance from Titus, "at least, not in the ha ha sort of way. More like, laugh at pain and all that. My point is when an Aquillan says he'll do something, he'll damn well do it or die. The Imperialists will fight for their ideals, and if that means fighting us or maybe even ally with the First Order, then it'll be done."
"Oh great," Shysa chuckled darkly, "so we're surrounded. Please tell me Thrawn's not going to war too?"
He shot a look at Hera, and she shook her head. "Thrawn's not interested in exposing his empire to problems not his own. He's more concerned with making sure the galaxy is still upright for when his boogeymen show up."
"I wouldn't take his claims seriously-" Leia began but Hera shot her down with a cold glace.
"You don't know Thrawn. I do. If he believes there is a threat coming, then it probably is. After all, why else would the Empire allow him to build his own Imperium, excuse the expression, Titus, in the Unknown Regions?"
"Your pardon, Hera," Tutus replied, "but I thought Thrawn made his leave after his Decimation of Mon Cala?"
Hera shook her head, "Thrawn was never a truly loyal member of the Empire. He only served with them because he believed they were the best chance the galaxy had against such an invasion. However, he personally told me that because of the Rebellion's continued survival and the Emperor's insistence on building the Death Star, the Empire was destined to fall. And it did. It's the reason why he's kept the Empire of the Hand out of the New Republic's way."
"As long as he continues to stay out of our way," Raddus snorted, "any chance he might-"
"Not at the moment," Hera shook her head, "he won't make a move unless he's certain who will win this war."
"Great," Shysa reiterated, "we're still surrounded! So, what exactly is your plan then, Leia? I mean, four sectors, and yes, four," he looked at Ackbar, "you mebbe retired, but you haven't exactly been idle, now are you?"
Ackbar shrugged, "Everyone needs a hobby."
"Sure. Still, 4 sectors, 3 admirals with 3 fleets, plus the mebbe inclusion of the Aquillans… what are you planning, exactly? Are you planning to start a private war?"
"Of a sorts," Leia pulled up a holographic map over the tabletop, "if nothing else, a delaying action. These two locations, Hosnia and Lothal, represent the two most likely entry points into New Republic space via an invading army. If these two points are secured, we can respond to a direct invasion and at least hold up the enemy until the New Republic can fully mobilize."
"Two fleets aren't going to last very long though," Ackbar noted, "for a short time, yes, but not with the projections you're suggesting," he then pointed out a dozen locations on the map, "though not nearly as easy to travel through, these other routes could be used to just bypass Lothal and Hosnia."
"Hence why we need Mandalore, Naboo, Anoat and Mon Cala specifically to be ready to immediately mobilize in the event of war," Leia retorted, "you four represent the most militarized and industrialized sectors whose loyalty to the New Republic is unquestioned. With you four, this plan might actually have a chance of working. The question is…" she let the obvious statement hang in the air.
Shysa was the first to respond, smiling matter-of-factly, "You really need to ask? Of course Lady Sabine will be in on this."
"I share the same sentiment as Fenn," Poojah nodded, "the court has always been behind you, Leia. And they have no intentions of being under the bootheel of anyone ever again."
"And you know our answer," Raddus said, "we fought and died for this New Republic. We sure as hell will not let it die with a whimper or a bang. And I doubt you need to ask Lando his opinion either."
Lando shrugged, "We saw the writing on the wall years ago. We've been waiting for the moment since those old Imperial wannabes showed their face in the galaxy."
"And I will inform the Consulate of these affairs, privately," Titus added in, "with great hope and haste, we might be able to join this war on the right side within the right moment."
"And the Fighting First will be ready to deploy where you need us," Mira nodded resolutely, "though I am rather curious about something. You pointed out where two of the fleets are going, but I clearly see three. Where shall that be deployed?"
"That will be of the Fifth," Leia replied, "Ackbar's first stop will be to Cardia to retrieve the 1st Division."
"And after?" Ackbar asked.
"Once we have the intelligence in our hands, you will be going after the Forge," she looked around the faces of her closest allies and at the map of the galaxy about to tear itself apart again. The foreboding weight of it all set her face into stone, her tone like steel.
"Above all else, we need to get to the Forge first. Simply put, if we don't… then we're going to be in for a very hard war indeed."