THE MONCALA EMBASSY, CORUSCANT

"Senator, come in, come in" the Mon Cal senator said and urged the newly arrived guest to join the others by the main desk.

"Thank you, senator" Duke Bail Organa said, the Alderaan senator seeming quite hopeful.

"All's well on Alderaan?" the quarren representative to Moncalas embassy said. "News have reached us that Arch-Duke Darrus is ill."

"Our cloning facilities are more than capable of providing as much medicin as Alderaan may require" the Kaminoan senator offered.

"A most kind gesture" Senator Organa said with a smile, "but the arch-duke is merely suffering from a simple cold. Nothing deadly, even if common gossip may have exagerated things somewhat."

"Shall we get down to business" the nautilan senator from Glee Anselm pushed, never having been one for chitchat and small talk.

"Indeed" Senator Hookbak nodded and the Mon Cal found his seat. "Senator Organa has requested a meeting with the members of the Aquatic League, concerning the current crisis on Naboo."

A bacta-tank looking pod, made mobile by six robotic legs, paced around the exclusive lounge. "Palpatine should be made aware that members of the Trade Federation has approached us aswell" the waterbreathing turtleoid-creature residing within the tank said, being no bigger than an ugnaught and its voice produced by a transmitter located at the base of the pod.

"The good senator of Haj is correct of course" the nautilan senator said. "The Trade Federation has offered the Aquatic League very lucrative contracts."

"Which we have yet to accept, one should add" Senator Hookbak of Moncala pointed out.

"A valid point, senator" a regal creature said where it stood, appearing quite secure and confident. Not surprising perhaps, as the chagrian had acted for the past decade as the senates Vice Chancellor; a testament to the mans political mind and ability. "The Aquatic League is not that easily impressed by such obvious bribery" Mas Ameddas smile was one of overconfidence and arrogance.

"I am aware that the Trade Federation has been in contact with you, senators" Organa said. "And I also know that Naboo, or Alderaan for that matter, can never offer anything nearly as profitable as the Federation is capable of. But Naboo, and Alderaan, has friends. Most recently Nal Hutta for instance. And with Hutt support comes also support from Klatooine, Kintan and Gamorr to name but a few. Corellia has also pledged their support, and Senator Garm Bel Iblis has begun talks with their old allies of Rodia and Bothawui. And as you all know, Bothawui is a potent ally to say the least. More and more systems are willing to stand up against the violations of the Trade Federation and its thugs."

"How very true" Senator Algae said, the fishlike creature hovering in midair thanks to an anti-gravity harness attached to her survival-suit, a suit that made sure she was encased in water. "But Naboo and her supporters can so far only offer the Aquatic League many friends. Worlds, that for the most part, already considers themselves our friends. The Trade Federation, however, can offer duggats and plenty of it."

The senator of Manaan was next to voice his opinion. "Friends are important, but in the end it is profit that makes the galaxy turn. The Federation has agreed to purchase kolto at three times its current market-value, for instance" the selkath pointed out.

"And" the kaminoan senator cut in as she glanced at her fellow senators in the room, "they are willing to discuss a contract that would make all members of the Federation purchase cloned slaves from Kaminoan clone-facilities."

"As you see, senator" the nautilan of Glee Anselm said, "By comparison, Naboo has little to offer the League."

"I had hoped that the Aquatic League was more interested in liberty than wealth" Organa said rather annoyed and turned to face the vice chancellor of the senate.

"Liberty is close to our hearts, senator" Mas Amedda said. "The liberty to choose our allies freely, in accordance with our own council, for instance. Senator Organa, I understand the situation, I truly do. The chancellor and I have discussed it at great length and we are concerned."

"Concerned?!" Organa said as he was growing agitated.

"But nevertheless" Mas Amedda continued, "I am, at the end of the day, a representative of the Aquatic League and must act in its best interests."

"You are vice chancellor" Organa pointed out. "You should act in the best interest of the Republic."

"Please, senator" Mas Amedda chuckled, "I never thought you of all people to be so naive."

XXX XXX

Organa was heading for his personal shuttle, docked as it was out on a landingplatform along the outer wall of the great tower that was the Moncala Embassy. He heard his name called out and turned, and saw one of the senators from the meeting hurrying to catch up with him. It was the senator of Aborre, dressed in a suit and helmet that was filled with water, a backpack renewing oxygen in the water at all times.

"Senator Krill" the senator from Alderaan said. "What can I do for you?"

"I came to apologize" the reptilian fish-humanoid said from within the glass-visor of its helmet. "Not all in the League agree that profit should guide all our decisions."

"I take it you are one such member?" Organa concluded and the two joined for a walk.

"I am" Krill nodded. "As is Senator Hookbak, but he dares not go against the wishes of the vice chancellor. Mas Amedda is a shrewd politician, it is he who has steered the League towards supporting the Federation. With the support of Representative Tentac of the quarren, one should add."

"I understand why Kamino and Manaan would side with the Federation, as they stand to gain by such lucrative deals" Organa admitted, seeing the logic behind it all. "But why the quarren?"

"Itsn't it obvious?" Senator Krill said. "The quarren have been the serfs of the Mon Cal for centuries. It is my belief that the Federation will help the quarren overthrow the Mon Cal regime."

The news seemed dire indeed to the Alderaan senator. "What are you saying? That the quarren are working for the Trade Federation, and in return, the Federation will support their rebellion?" Organa could not ignore such news. "Is there any way to prove this?" Organa wondered as he collected his thoughts. "I suspect if we manage to reveal their plans in overthrowing the Mon Cal, then alot would change within the Aquatic League."

Krill nodded. "My advice, senator, is to use your newly gained corellian allies and go to their friends, the bothans, and have them look into it."

"The bothans are frightingly expensive" Organa pointed out.

"But their intelligence and information is second to none" senator Krill pointed out in turn. "They will tell you what you need to know. They will provide you with the proof you need to turn the Aquatic League against the Federation."

XXX XXX

The Moncala Embassy had two main sections, one for the mon cal and Moncalas official ambassadors and their staff, and one for the few quarren representatives dispatched to Coruscant. The two species shared the same planet, Moncala, and their societies had mixed and mingled for centuries. However, while the Mon Cal were the royalty and upper class, the leaders and the nobility, the rich and the priviliged, the Quarren were the workers and the servants, often suffering poverty and slavery. It simply was the way of life on Moncala.

Representative Tentac followed the Alderaan shuttle as it took off from its platform and flew towards the Coruscant horizon and skyline.

"We should act now" the Haj senator said, floating around within his six-legged aquatic pod. "Palpatine could ruin it all if he brings in the Hutts."

"Much could be ruined" Tentac said, the quarrens facial tendrils moving as he spoke, "and not just because of Naboo and Nal Hutta."

Senator Algae, as ever floating around with the use of her gravity-harness, moved in large circles. "Our first priority is getting Aborre to understand what we are trying to do. The amphibians are too passive, and their reluctance to act decisively is holding us all back."

"Relax, senator" Tentac said, the quarren turning to face Senator Algae. "When the quarren have removed the mon cal from their position of power, we will take action to ensure that the League is disbanded. The quarren will lead the amphibians of the Republic as members of a new guild, and you waterbreathing sentients will be free to pursue your own goals as you see fit. But let's be clear about one thing; without the Trade Federation, the quarren will not be able to overthrow the mon cal. Without the Federation, the League will never be disbanded, and you will never be free of the amphibians. For now atleast, we must support the Federation."

"Don't worry" a small creature said, no more than two feet in length and with six tentacles as limbs, fully encased in a waterfilled bowl attached to a droids body. "The quarren can rely on the True Aquatics." Senator Manet from the planet of Hav'Sjo was a small squid-like creature, his tentacles operating the controls that steered the mechanical body to which the life-sustaining bowl was attached; fixed upon its shoulders, much like a head. "We will support your cause."

The senator of Haj, the turtleoid as ever floating in his large tank, nodded as a serious face took hold of him. "Then it is agreed... We side with the Trade Federation against Naboo, Nal Hutta or anyone else that might interfere with our plans."

YGGDRAL

Alanda Barro studied the attack on the small village down in the valley. The screams from desperate people trying to escape the fighting could be heard over the sounds of battle.

"So Boyega didn't lie after all" a human in his twenties said.

Alanda glanced at Fadras, one of the enforcers under Bosco's command. Bosco was standing atop his wheeled vehicle and studied the attack on the village with a pair of magnoculars. Waiting for his decision were six enforcers, including Alanda; all of them former members of the Jedi Order that had been condemned to serve the greater good on Yggdral.

Fadras calmed his mount by stroking its feathery neck. "Well, Hoyt? How's this gonna play out?"

"It's Kraye alright" Hoyt Bosco said and climbed down from his vehicle. "She's down there and chasing Boyegas people out of the settlement."

The ithorian among the enforcers grumbled in his own language rather harshly.

"I agree" Alanda said in response to the ithorians suggestion. "We should get down there now. There are children down there."

Hoyt had other plans. "If we attack now, Kraye and her raiders will simply retreat and come back later. Instead, we will move around to cut off their escape. If they run, we will drive them deeper into Boyegas territory."

Fadras grinned as Hoyt explained the plan. "Where Boyega will take them apart."

Hoyt did not want to spend time thinking about it. "Let's go."

XXX XXX

A full dozen thugs and ruffians, hands tied behind their backs, where rounded up and secured by the enforcers. Twice that number lay dead on the ground. Alanda and the only other female enforcer, named Vera, took time to help the wounded villagers. Alanda spotted Fadras and Aktor, the ithorian, escorting a female devaronian over to Hoyt; the leader of the enforcers discussing the larger situation with the village elders. Alanda headed over to Hoyt and the others.

Kraye, the devaronian female, was forced down on her knees and Hoyt sat himself down on a crate infront of her. As Alanda joined them, Fadras and Aktor placed themselves on either side of the captured marauder.

"Why?" Hoyt asked. "I thought we had agreed on peace? What you do in the east and south, that's none of my business. But now you bring trouble to my borders. I have an understanding with Boyega. I thought we had one aswell. Why ruin it?"

The devaronian, bleeding from her mouth, grinned mockingly. "You think I caused this?"

Hoyt leaned forward. "Well, we did catch you in the act of raiding a settlement loyal to Boyega."

The devaronian snarled. "In response to Boyega killing six of my men, poisoning our crops! I am here because I have to, Hoyt. My people need food before the dry season!"

Hoyt gave it some thought, going over in his mind what Kraye was telling him. As he did, Kraye started searching the area, looking for some sign of activity.

"Where is Boyega?" the devaronian then asked. "He didn't join you? Are you telling me you came to stop me without his help? He is not here, defending his own territory?"

The enforcers exchanged worried glances, slowly realizing that something was amiss. Alanda looked around, at the ruined village, the dead bodies, the wounded and abused. As it suddenly struck her, she turned to Hoyt.

"Kartarj" Alanda said.

Fadras caught on quickly enough. "Boyega is attacking Kartarj."

Hoyt said nothing, he merely ran as fast as he could towards his vehicle.

"You're a fool, Hoyt!" Kraye shouted after the enforcer. "Boyega had you kill off my men, and now he is looting your home! Boyega controls Yggdral now!"

Alanda hurried after Hoyt as fast as she could.