An Uneasy Truce

19 BBY

Command Bridge, Audacious

Admiral Trench ordered his fleet into a dauntless blockade occupying Kashyyyk's major hyperspace nodes. It was a potentially problematic set up, Kashyyyk by its very nature hosted multiple hyperspace inputs from all over the galaxy; he had to separate his armada into comparative divisions that would be able to dynamically respond to a threat from any direction. The remaining Acclamators on the planet's surface was preparing for an emergency dust-off before they had arrived, but with Separatist control over the planet's airspace, they were grounded almost immediately.

Trench had deployed his massive contingent of ground forces across the planet, waves of battle droids and spearheads of Separatist armour, and flights of Hyenas and Vultures closed the proverbial vice on the combined Clone expedition and Wookiee army. It is known to Separatist command, as proven during their foray on the Star Destroyer, that this particular corps of their unique brand of guerilla warfare and hit-and-run skirmishes. With both the support of the Wookie's fighting on their home soil and forcing them into a defensive strategy, it may take some time to root them out. Luckily for Trench, he had the perfect army to conduct a war of attrition.

He left the bridge, leaving the ground campaign in the capable hands of his Super Tactical Droid. He was more of shipman at the end of the day. He had more pressing matters to attend to anyways. He made his way off the Audacious's command wing and boarded the monorail to amidships. Walking with alacrity, he entered the Audacious's detention hall. Most of the cells that he passed by were empty, their containment fields deactivated. The Harch approached the one cell that wasn't, drawing the attention of one of the flanking Commando Droids that guarded it.

The Admiral observed the occupant closely, intrigued at the Jedi's posture. She was kneeling, her hands still bound as a precaution. She seemed unfazed by her unideal circumstances she was turned away from him, so Trench couldn't make out her expression if she was even making one.

"How long has she been like that?" He asked one of the Commando Droid guardsmen.

"Two weeks." The droid answered flatly.

"Klikklikklik, since capture then," Trench snorted. He didn't like having to deal with Jedi, they were always a wild variable in his eyes. If what he knows about them held any water, then his prisoner would already know that he was there.

So he decided to take a risk.

Briefly deactivating the containment field before stepping through himself, Admiral Trench entered the same room as one of the Separatist Alliance's most lethal enemy. He cleared his throat cooly, speaking in the same tone as he would address an official of equal esteem, "General Unduli. You seem to be adjusting well to your new surroundings."

There was no response from the Jedi.

"Though I suppose, klikklikklik, that it is not all too dissimilar from your cell aboard your late Republic's Star Destroyer." The Admiral was finding no joy in annoying her, the Jedi was stoic and detached, never moving even a muscle at his jabs, so he went straight on to more serious matters. "This world that my fleet is blockading is non-other than Kashyyyk. The resistance in space has fallen, and those still remaining on the ground will soon be, klikklikklik, eliminated. You have been betrayed, Master Jedi. You will find no friends in the Clones. The Jedi Order is coming to an end, General. You may as well have joined your comrades in the Force."

ZWOOOSH~

The cell wall's brutalist interior shown with a brilliant green as Admiral Trench activated Unduli's lightsaber. The Harch gave it a few practice swings, manipulating the weightless blade. Trench's keen cybernetic eye detected a slight increase in the General's breathing rate, imperceptible to the unaugmented. He spoke once more, "You are a General, I am an Admiral. Though you are not governed by the same sensibilities of rigorous instruction afforded by a war college, no, klikklikklik, sensitivity to the force drew out a unique strategic prowess that proved efficient against our armies," the Admiral paused, shutting off the lightsaber and threw it at the Jedi's kneeling form.

Luminara caught it mid-air, rising from her meditation and turning to face the Admiral. She did not activate the blade, however, choosing instead to rest her finger on the switch, poising into a pre-combat stance. She was open but ready.

Her wariness drew no significant reaction from Admiral Trench and he continued to speak, "For that, I would consider you my equal." He cackled half-heartedly to himself, "And what Jedi could speak without the extension of their identity!" He noted the Unduli's sceptical expression, her eyes were trained on him, studying him for any signs of deception.

She walked with him outside the cell, brushing past her elite pair of prison guards. She assumed a brief reprieve and relaxed her posture, walking with her lightsaber in its scabbard and her hands clasped neatly behind her. Her body seemed at peace, but her mind was less than content.

Palace Bonteri had only recently represented the leadership of the Separatist Alliance. The plaza, the landing platform built for the landing of varying diplomatic vessels, could scarcely support the barrage of footsteps from the Confederate Press, all of which seemed united in the sentiment of raucous interrogation, questioning Bonteri's neighbours as well as anyone that even had the most remote of connections to the newly appointed Prime Minister. Inside that gleaming citadel however was a scene of equal intensity, one occasionally marred by some disparate shouting as the Prime Minister's staff ran about every which way, carrying and dispatching all manner of official documentation.

"The Republic attack on Felucia is blunting according to my sources," said a pleasantly feminine voice in Lux's right ear.

"Scratch one planet for the Confederacy," Lux began, craning his head to the right to acknowledge his aid before refocusing his attention to the roster in his hands. "I don't suppose we could wrap up Mygeeto anytime soon?"

"Mygeeto continues to be a bitter stalemate, Your Excellency," replied the aide.

"Hopefully that changes. The tactical advantage we have with the reorganisation of Repub- err... Imperial command is something that we mustn't fail to exploit" Bonteri moved on, picking up yet another document from an adjacent sheaf to inspect, "I really cannot fathom how barbaric Grievous's methods were, Tamara. A bit more finesse and we wouldn't have these worlds fighting for their lives. They mean to think that we are on some sort of... war of extermination!" Lux rolled up the document and threw it down his bureau in frustration.

The Prime Minister slumped into his chair, bringing a hand up to massage his aching temples, "We were monsters..." Lux said solemnly.

"Were being the keyword. I'm sure if Count Dooku meant for you to discover this, he expects you to make changes, sir," Tamara's tone seemed emphatic if still coloured by staunch professionalism.

Lux pulled back his hair, refocusing, bringing his eyes to level with his aide, "These wars of extermination will end, that much is for certain. Send a missive to Minister Trench to pursue diplomatic reconciliation with Chieftain Tarfful on Kashyyyk." He marched out of the office wearing a notable scowl, shouting back at the aide before he left, "And no more slaves!"

He left the room, brushing past the swath of staffers and coming upon the palatial doors that separated his chaos from the chaos outside. He pushed ahead with half-lidded eyes, partially shielding himself from the thousands of camera flashes trained on him. IG-100 droids stood guard over a small passageway between the crowds, their electro-staffs failing to intimidate the voracious reporters. Walking along a violet carpet previously unfurled by his staff, he was hit with an epiphany. Really, the issues that he discovered with the government's system was a lack of transparency.

With a determined right-face, he faced one side of the crowd, waiting for a question.

"Prime Minister, Prime Minister! Did the Separatist Government test the Defoliator on Lurmen innocents in Maridun?!" said one reporter shoving a microphone in the man's face.

"The previous government did, yes. We are currently investigating other accusations of war crimes committed by the military," he replied.

"Is it true that the military invaded Scipio because the government forced Senator Clovis to raise interest rates on the Republic?"

Bonteri had an uncomfortable expression on his face as he partially answered the question, "Yes, that was the Count Dooku's casus belli. Conversely, this government would aim to restore neutrality and transparency to the InterGalactic Banking Clan."

"Was this government responsible for the manufacture and attempted distribution of the Blue Shadow Virus on Naboo?"

Bonteri furrowed his brow; this was going to be harder than he thought. "Doctor Nuvo Vindi was under the employ of Separatist Alliance as a medical officer first and foremost. The regulatory infrastructure necessary to oversee his activities did not exist. Were I in charge, I would have terminated the project in its infancy." He was not all too appreciative of the Faust's insanity, but the effectiveness of the Press to retrieve such sensitive information was unpalatable. His position as Prime Minister seems to now be constrained by all of the military's ethical baggage now.

"Are we trying to reclaim Geonosis, sir?!"

"I will be answering more of your questions in Raxulon at my next press conference," Lux said dismissively, wanting to consult with the general staff first before making any promises to the people. He proceeded down the thoroughfare and entered the armoured speeder, another aide closing the door beside him. He settled in the old cushion. It was an elegant seat, crafted of the finest materials, but it was old and it caused him a bit of a shiver as it gave way to his body.

The speeder peeled off the landing platform, making a dull hum that suppressed itself with the pleasant orchestral music played about the cabin. Bonteri reached into the speeder's small beverage complement and retrieved a fresh bottle of Pamarth wine. He thumbed the stem of his glass for moment, studying his reflection in the crystal surface before raising his voice to address his driver, "To the High Commissioner's Office, sir." The draft resolution for the Universal Rights of Species demanded review from the newly appointed director. Bonteri wanted to get his input before presenting it to Parliament.

"Yes, Prime Minister. And might I suggest the Alderaanian wine instead."

Bonteri paused. He ran a hand to rub over his chiselled features before focusing on his driver, observing closely the back of his capped head. "I didn't expect you Republic types to be so savvy in subterfuge."

"You learn a thing or two by dodging reporters." Bail Organa wore a tired expression, but one tweaked with slight amusement.

"Perhaps I should follow your example then," Bonteri replied jovially. "If you're here on Raxus, then... good news?"

Organa went right to business, "The Count is getting settled aboard my starship. I've been told that he'll be meeting with your chief of security this afternoon."

"That's good then," Bonteri said, sipping from his glass. "After this, I would hope to prepare him to address the people. They're probably still shaken from our near defeat."

Organa squinted at that, asking, "Yes, I have heard the reports from the front. Kashyyyk was still being contested after I left."

"You visited Kashyyyk? Whatever for?" Bonteri said with a hint of awe.

"I needed to recover an old friend. A lot has changed since the Empire took over, that much is certain. What isn't certain is what is to become of the Republic's most cherished institutions, that of the Jedi Order, conventions to warfare, even the Senate's position in this new galaxy is threatened," said Organa, pulling up to the High Commissioner's office, a stark, beech coloured building supported by impressive flying buttresses that perfectly captured Raxulonic architecture.

"Then," Bonteri began carefully. "It would only stand to reason that we should keep each other in close confidence for the sake of galactic democracy."

Organa tightened his lips in response, "It's too soon. This meeting was already extraordinarily risky to organise. I would, if I were you, consider speaking only through back channels and never directly. Compartmentalise your intelligence and meet with my informants and we could potentially trade information."

Bonteri nodded in understanding, "And if you are to be discovered, sever ties with us immediately." The Prime Minister extended his hand to the Senator, offering an earnest handshake from behind the seat.

"In the meantime, I will gather allies. Not everyone is so convinced of Palpatine's promises." Organa shook the young man's hand, tilting his hat as the Prime Minister stepped out from the hovercar.

"May the Force be with you."

"Diplomacy?" Luminara questioned as she boarded the Sheathipede-class shuttle with a course laid to the surface of Kashyyyk. "My intelligence determined that the Separatist Alliance was to take this world by force and through force subjugate the local population after driving out Republic garrisons."

Admiral Trench considered the Jedi's words for a moment, and even he seemed moved by her evident confusion. "It seems... times have changed and so must the military. Our approach toward the Wookies has only agitated resistance on the surface. Klikklikklik- It would be better to now negotiate from a position of strength, my forces are poised to strike at Hoorrkhukk, the final stronghold of Wookie resistance. I can only hope that their... Chief Tarfful can listen to reason."

"If our positions were reversed, then I would see no reason to trust you. Your dealings with the Trandoshans have ensured that Wookie shipping and intergalactic travel will always be under siege by pirates and slavers. Not to mention this invasion."

"That is why you are here, Master Jedi. Tarfful would be slow to trust an Admiral of the Separatist Alliance, but with you as part of my attaché, we may yet see peace on this world. Klikklikklik- We have requested of the garrison of Hoorrkhukk for a ceasefire in order to discuss terms under the old laws of the Republic, perhaps if we show some acknowledgement for the old symbols and banners of peace, they may respond in kind."

Luminara's eyes washed over the folded-up flag under the arm of the Separatist protocol droid. Not even having to fly freely, she could recognise the bold colouration to be that of an old Republic banner that symbolised a call for peace and discourse. It was only a formality of course, for the Admiral had already hailed the enemy garrison and expressed the plea to end to hostilities and to discuss terms on contested ground. With the Admiral's forces prepared to lay siege on the city, before forcing open the Wookie's defences by sustained bombardment, it seemed that Chief Tarrful had no choice but to accept. Luminara expected begrudging attendance but at the same time, unenthusiastic collaboration.

When the parties arrived at the near bombed-out building that sat perfectly between the positions of each side, not a word was spoken. A simple wooded table was prepared for the delegates to congregate at, accompanied by a large, traditional wicker basket that was brought in by Chewbacca, one of Tarfful's lieutenants. The Wookie deposited his bowcaster inside, the rest of the Wookie bodyguards doing the same with Tarfful last, careful to the end, positioning his bowcaster so that it may be handle-up.

Admiral Trench traded looks with Luminara during this display, and after an urging gesture from the Jedi, relented, and disconnected his electroweb launcher and placed it in the basket alongside his blaster pistol. In response, Unduli submitted her lightsaber, with the sortie of commando droids then throwing in their E-5's. The protocol droid took its position at the head of the table as a symbol of true neutrality and also as added respect to the importance of an interpreter. Chewbacca sat on the opposite end, acting as the protocol droid's counterpart, ensuring that no linguistic nuance is made to be misunderstood.

Admiral Trench decided to break the silence, jumping in with a greeting as stern and official as ever, "I am Minister Trench, and on behalf of the government of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, we seek to make peace with Kashyyyk and her inhabitants." He passed along a piece of parchment, the official armistice to be signed at the end of the convention, to the centre of the table.

Tarfful growled at them making a long, intense vocalisation that the protocol droid translated as, "If what you are looking for is our surrender, you will not have it." The Cheif did not even look at the paper, crossing his arms and glaring harshly at the Harch, but perplexed at the Mirialan.

The latter spoke then, "Count Dooku is dead, the Confederate leadership as you knew is also dead. The Admiral that you see before you, Chief Tarfful, serves not the government that sponsored the enslavement and exploitation of your people. From what I have seen, it seems their aims for peace are genuine.

"That may be so," rumbled the Cheif, "But I will not trade one tyrant for another. Empire, Confederacy, I only want Kashyyyk to be free from these manipulations." The Protocol Droid relayed this to its charge, it's voice attempting to replicate the Wookie's emotional state too.

"Then let it be known that we have no desire for Kashyyyk's allegiance to the Confederacy. Klikklikklik- We only desire your neutrality for the remainder of this war. In exchange, we offer up to 2 klikklikklik- billion credits in reparations and maximum reasonable deference to your trade organisations for all Confederate civilian shipping traffic operating in this system.

Tarfful's expression seemed that of light shock, he did not expect the Confederacy of all things to restrict themselves so heavily on Kashyyyk trade lanes. It would certainly help that their shrewd corporations no longer undercut Wookie exports. Still, he showed more defiance, blustering that, "It is not only a matter of commerce that your droid armies have abused, but a matter of honour. Countless sons of Kashyyyk became laid out in chains because of your support for the abominable Trandoshans. Control of trade will not matter if our merchants are constantly besieged by state-sponsored pirates."

Trench seemed eager to reply, "The Separatist Parliament has recently reformed the office of customs with an anti-piracy initiative that blankets all of Confederate space. We will aggressively hunt down all illegal piracy and smuggling to safeguard these lanes. We are prepared to extend that bubble, klikklikklik- to you. At no obligation, no cost, for a hundred standard years. Additionally, the neutrality of your world is crucial to us... so much so that the Separatist people shall rally to your defence, klikklikklik- a guarantee of independence if you will, should the Empire wish to impose themselves onto your world and your interests."

Luminara interjected, "If I may, should the noble Chief accept, I may act as a liaison between Kashyyyk and the Separatists. While I am not as well versed with Wookie culture as Master Yoda was, I know enough."

"Something to consider," Trench mused. "After we report to Raxus klikklikklik-"

Chief Tarrful seemed pensive for a moment, his body language seemed more relaxed, if still assertive. He gave a low grumble to Chewbacca, scratching his nose and laying his heavy palms face down on the table. The protocol droid offered the translation, "Fine. Let the negotiations begin...again."