Chapter 15

"The resources we receive from Jabiim are proving insufficient, the ores may provide more funding for the military it might not be enough to last against the republic. I feel we should end things peacefully now. For fourteen months we have fought this war, and for fourteen months the lives of many innocents have been caught between the crossfire." The Senator of Onderon Mina Bonteri spoke to her fellow senators who represent the many planets under the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The woman was one of the few who wants to end the war now.

"While it is true the military budget is getting tight we can simply open up trade routes with the Gaian system, and the Neutral systems, besides the republic must be feeling the same strain if not worse. After all the confederacy is finding victory across the galaxy." Replied one of the other senators, Dooku watched the argument between the two from his place as Head of State. The argument went back and forth till the time for voting came. Many waited for Dooku's opinion as the count from Serrano chose to open up trade routes with the Neutral systems and Gaian System. Soon many others agreed either out of respect for the Count. Mina Bonteri merely sighed as she realized that this war will continue.

The Senate argued for some other points that Dooku truly interested the Count but the sith lord was preoccupied with his son. How he would have to teach Cloud to become a proper politician and the prime example of a count. Once the congressional meeting ended, Dooku made a beeline to his quarters on his ship, and plotted a course to Serrano. On the flight back Dooku activated his Holoterminal. It didn't take long for the recipient to appear in front of him. There waiting for the count to speak was the successor of the house Dooku, His adopted son Cloud.

"Yes Father, how may I be of assistance?"

Dooku smiled knowing the blonde only called him father when in private. "I have a mission for you. I need you to deliver a trade treaty with the Gaian systems."

Cloud would have had a confused look on his face if the blonde didn't have on a mask. "So it's a diplomatic mission? That's new."

The count frowned a bit knowing that he sent his only successor out to do assassination and infiltration missions or sent his son straight to the front lines. "Indeed you will go as a representative of the Confederacy, and as a member of the house Dooku. You will have to change your wardrobe and forgo your weapons, except for a blaster. I trust you can gather your own convoy."

"Of course Master, I will get ready at once."

"Excellent, when you're ready head to my palace, and I will give you the documents for the treaty." Dooku watched his son bow before ending the transmission, preparing himself to exit hyperspace.

Cloud's personal ship, the strife.

Cloud sat in one of the many seats in the ships commons, he forgone his usual appeal and was currently wearing a light brown tunic with dark blue brief. His hair was kept slightly tamed, but still feral in appearance, by only a small band that forced his hair into a long tail of spiky blonde that reached between his shoulder blades. His personal blaster, which was highly and illegally modified, was hidden inside a small holster in his tunic. Cloud wore a chocolate cape that covered his left arm; it had the symbol of Serrano and the House Dooku. Dooku gave Cloud the cape so Cloud could prove he is representing the house Dooku, Serrano, and in turn the confederacy. The ship was nearing Gaia when Cloud's Escort group joined the young Gaian in the Commons.

Taking their own seats were, Vincent, Barret and Yuffie. Cloud figured that a Gaian entourage would be best, although he only needed Vincent but Barret and Yuffie volunteered. Vincent had on a scarlet tunic underneath a crimson cloak with dark red briefs, the cloak hiding his faithful weapon Cerberus, and his golden arm from sight. Barret had on his normal Pirate uniform, also forgoing his Light saber and instead had a Blaster visible on his left thigh; the man didn't bother hiding his own golden arm. Yuffie was actually wearing formal robes over some light armor that only protected her vitals with Chimera leather, while the rest of her skin was covered in skin tight spandex. Not that anyone could tell under her near princess like outfit. Her robes also hid her favorite sniper rifle on her back. Although if she wants to use it she would have to take some time to reassemble the rifle. Cloud also had his HK, droids on standby in the hanger just in case.

"You know for being a diplomatic mission you sure like bringing in some deadly back up." Yuffie said talking about the three assassin droids in the hanger. She originally tried to communicate with the one called reaper when he threatened her and called her a meat bag.

"They tend to get aggressive whenever I only wield a blaster. I rely on them to get me out of any situation. You are simply a decoy." Cloud said causing the female Gaian to pout, while Vincent smirked.

"I would like to thank you for allowing me to come. Master… I mean Cloud." Barret spoke up. The man still had a frightening shine in his eyes showing that his anger is hidden right beneath the surface ready to pounce on any prey foolish enough to anger the man.

Cloud waved off his apprentice's gratitude, knowing the man needed to tell his family about his wife, and spend time with those he still had left. Maybe this will help cure the man of his intensive hatred towards the Republic. Cloud then turned to the ever so silent Vincent. The man sat there a scarf covering his lower facial feature. His cold eyes at first glance seem emotionless but Cloud was able to tell there was almost a sense of fear. Using the force to try and read his general's mind he was only capable to receive surface thoughts but it was enough for Cloud. There weren't any complete sentences but there were words with emotion. The word Gaia accompanied the emotion of restlessness, while anger embodied the word home. Cloud stopped trying to read Vincent's mind out of respect, knowing the man probably had some skeletons best left in the closet.

"ETA in 60 seconds." The dull voice of the droid who piloted The Strife said capturing the attention of the small entourage of Gaians. The group of four made their way to the shuttle where the three assassin droids where already waiting inside patiently.

"When you head to the surface master, please piss off someone important. I haven't killed a meat bag in two weeks; I might die of boredom by then." Reaper spoke while his brother's nodded in agreement.

"I apologize Reaper but this mission should have no action, you are simply to remain with our Shuttle and make sure no one trespasses, unless ordered to move out." Cloud fastened himself to a seat on the left side in between Yuffie and Vincent while Barret moved to the cockpit for a better view of the planet. The droids simply gave a yes master, and settled themselves parallel to the seated Gaians.

"Incoming transmission, patching it through." Said the AI piloting the shuttle.

"Halt you're decent, we are sending in docking codes to one of our hangers. Please wait patiently until transfer is finished we apologize for the inconvenience."

"We need docking codes to get to the Hangers?" Cloud questioned while the only other organic beings in the shuttle laughed, until they realized Cloud never came to Gaia.

Vincent chose to speak up for the first time since leaving Xion. "The Magnetic field of Gaia is powerful enough to cause drastic and rapid changes in the upper atmosphere causing the ships trying to dock planet side trouble, so in order to reduce chances of accidents the Gaian government send out hourly updates on the weather, allowing us to safely dock." Cloud frowned realizing he knew little to nothing about his home world.

"The transfer has been completed thank you for your patience."

With that said the shuttle continued its decent having to deal with mild turbulence. Once safely docked in a hanger Cloud led his group to what looked to be the security officer. The man was taller than Cloud around Vincent's height and was in full body armor. The armor itself looked very flexible and the Helmet was only a solid looking cap with a visor that covered the man's face. The man carried a blaster rifle in hand and had what looked to be a virbro knife hanging from his waist.

"Welcome to the Capital of the Gaian Empire. During your stay we expect no criminal behavior, any misdemeanors will be judged by the court systems, but should you commit a felony you will be judged by the council, and the council is quite fond of the death penalty. This hanger has active artificial gravity, once you step out of the Hanger you will need to prepare for the gravitation of our planet. Here is your Star port visa, this visa identifies you as a visitor, protecting you from a few laws, and showing you agree to the terms stated on the back of the card. You are not allowed to purchase anything from the Gaian market without a Visa. Those found without a Visa must show proof of residency or face deportation from Gaia. Any questions you have can be answer by any officer you see." With that said The officer let Cloud and his followers to pass.

As soon as Cloud was out of the hanger and into the halls of the spaceport, Cloud stumbled a bit before adjusting to the change in gravitation, Barret, Vincent, and Yuffie quickly adjusting. Cloud took a moment to few his surroundings being reminded of the last time he was in a Gaian spaceport. The architecture was the same, the busy hustle in the halls, and the new aliens coming in the hallways stumbling around trying to get use to the gravity. It brought a sense of nostalgia as Cloud recalled Qui-Gon Jinn leading Cloud and his brother to a star ship that would take them to the republic capital of Coruscant.

"Shall we get going ambassador Dooku?" Vincent said his smirk hidden, while Cloud took a few steps awkwardly before falling into his normal pace. The small entourage drew attention as people started to wonder who this noble looking youth is.

It took some time to actually exit the space port due to Gaia's strict security checks and regulations. Non Gaian citizens are force to only have one stun blaster per person, anything more than that their weapons will be seized and they would be charged a fine. So Cloud was forced to leave behind his light sabers and the sister blaster to the one currently attached to his hip hidden from plain sight under his noble robes. Yuffie was able to show proof of citizen ship like Barret, but Vincent choose to go through the regulations, being armed with Cerberus completely out of sight. Cloud didn't question the man's actions and instead approved Vincent's risky decision.

The security checks and the paper work Cloud and Vincent were forced to take part in had ridiculously long lines. Many of the occupants in the line were quietly complaining to one another except for Cloud as the Young Gaian took interest to the Gaian culture. Many paintings decorated the walls and a few sculptures in the vast halls. Even the structural supports had a artistic design of intertwining pillars making it possible to support the ceiling while keeping a sleek appearance. Several janitorial droids specifically designed to clean stood on standby, keeping the port as clean as a hospital.

"Don't be fooled those droids may look harmless but they are all linked to the same interface. What one droid sees all of them see." Yuffie whispered in Cloud's ear. "Kid's right, those droids double as spy droids, if someone were to tamper with them without going through the proper procedures the droid will self-destruct with enough force to kill a bantha." Barret filled in. "the Gaian government doesn't joke around when it comes to homeland security. They never were interested to interact with other races, and only agreed to help the republic after a year of trying to form a trade agreement."

"Now another inter galactic government wants to open a trade agreement. Hopefully we won't take a year." Cloud said his eyes' staring at a painting of what Cloud guessed is the current king. The painting was the most life like portrait Cloud has ever seen. The man looked younger than Barret and he had jet black hair cut short above his shoulders, his eyes a ruby red, and a warm smile. The king's outfit was a bright combination of gold and scarlet, with a caramel fur collar. He stood up straight an tall giving a knightly posture, with his hands in front wielding a two handed golden blade that had its tip pointing to the ground. The handle itself was steel like in color with what could have been a leather handle the color of dark chocolate.

"Um, excuse me sir you're holding up the line." Cloud turned to see young human probably reaching her late thirties. Looking past the woman, Cloud noticed a man looking nervous at her with a child probably less than ten years old. Cloud watched as Barret went to go confront the woman; cloud quickly signed him to stop. "My apologies Ma'am." Cloud moved ahead in the line until they stopped several meters from where they were. Turning back to the woman he notice the husband tense up. "I apologize for my Guard, Barret is a good man. May I ask your name misses…?"

"Mrs. Solo Julia Solo. My husband quivering over there is Abraham Solo. The baby boy over there is Han Solo. And please don't worry it was just my husband is nervous. All this waiting just to enter a Gaian City is killing him. May I ask who you are?"

"I am Cloud Dooku."

"A noble of Serrano, my apologies for disturbing you lord."

Cloud faked a smile that fooled the woman, "No worries Julia you may call me Cloud. Were all of equal status in this dreaded line."

The woman laughed as her family relaxed around Cloud. Barret went back to minding his own business and the tension in the air went away. Yuffie walked up next to Cloud and hugged his arm causing the blonde to give her a quick look of annoyance before covering up with a warm smile. "Dear who is this?" Yuffie asked innocently. And protectively pulling Cloud closer.

"This is Julia Solo, and her family, we were just getting acquainted." Yuffie smiled at them but still holding Cloud's arm defensively. "She's married Yuffie." Yuffie blinked and let go of his arm and slid her hand into Cloud's. Julia Giggled at the young Gaian's antics.

"Allow me to introduce you; this is Yuffie Lockhart my partner. And you met the big man, Barret and the silent one over there is Vincent. The two nodded over to the family. "They are my guards. If you don't mind me asking which system does your family hail from?"

"The core worlds, Young Han was born on Corellia. We currently are on a vacation to see the galactic wonders of The Gaian Empire." At the mention of the Gaian Empire Abraham brightened up. "The very existence of this entire system is a wonder, Scientist have only had theories of what was beyond the outer rim, from the beginning of the republic. A single planet with another just as large as it is yet Spira and Gaia never orbit each other instead they were roaming dead space until the gravity from our galaxy pulled them toward us. Then over time they found an orbital patter around the center of our galaxy just outside the outer rim." Julia sighed at her husband's passionate speech about this system, "Not to mention how a single race learned to create an artificial planet based on the life form that serves as this systems sun."

"Cloud started to get bored and flirted with the idea of just choking the man with the force. Until Cloud felt a small tug at his cloak. Looking down the Serrano Noble saw little Han solo the boy who was too afraid to come from behind his father.

"My dad gets like this with anything he is interested in, but I don't know anything about this place. Father is the only one who knows and I can barely understand him when he tries to explain."

Cloud was about to smirk but quickly morphed it into a smile. "Well I haven't been to Gaia either kid, but I hear there is a chocobo far. Large birds that you can ride around on. Doesn't that sound fun?"

Han's eyes brightened at the idea then the shine left his eyes, and for a quick moment Cloud felt something in his heart. "I saw something like that on a brochure but my mom says we won't have the money to visit the Chocobos, They charge a lot of money to anyone who isn't from here."

"Well I think we can solve that problem." Cloud reached into his pocket and pulled out his credit chit. "Here this Credit chit has ten thousand Credits, give it to your mother." Cloud watched as the little boy brightened up quickly thanking the man and giving the chit to his mother who finally managed to calm down her husband only for her face to freeze in shock. Julia turned towards Cloud and was about to say something before cloud opened his wallet to show that his wallet was full of credit chits like that one.

Julia walked over to Cloud leaving her son and husband as both men in the family started to get excited again. "Why would you… I mean we are republic citizens, and you're…"

"Related to the leader of the Confederacy. I don't know how republic propaganda presents the confederacy but we are not bad people. We are the same except for the fact we choose to succeed from the republic and become our own intergalactic government. We left the Republic because the republic is too corrupt and we believe we could do better on our own. Of course are military can be seen as excessively aggressive but the droids aren't really programmed to be merciful. They are meant to get the job done at any cost, and they follow orders without hesitation. Allowing military efficiency but they might take things to literal and react to fast for orders to reach them. But we choose the droids so we can save more of our people's lives keeping them away from the battle fronts."

"But why would you give us so much money." Julia said feeling a little guilty about her accusations even though she didn't really say them. Cloud smiled at the woman as he looked past her to see the kid.

"You can say that I got a good feeling about your family, plus your boy has this charismatic aura. I just wanted to help out is all? If you would like I can give you a contact and after your vacation we can stay in contact. I would like to know what the republic says about the confederacy. Plus it would be nice to have a friend who won't worship the ground I walk on just because I am a relative of the count."

Julia smiled back at Cloud and agreed. After trading contact information the Solo family started to have some small talk between Yuffie and Cloud until they had to split ways after the space port. The family of three thanked Cloud one last time before going on to find their hotel. Cloud smiled at their retreating forms, "That was a dangerous move my lord." Vincent said speaking for the first time since landing on the planet.

"I will need as many contacts of my own inside republic space. I can't always rely on my father's spy network."

"And giving the kid money?" Vincent said his crimson eyes staring at Cloud.

Cloud smirked at the Mercenary, "I don't know but for some reason I feel… Lighter." This caused his entire group to face him. "Maybe I'm finally getting used to the gravity here." Barret actually cracked a smile at the joke, while Yuffie took her place by Clouds side, holding his hand. Vincent seemed to be satisfied with the answer for now as the man continued leading the group to their contact that will let them visit the King's council.

Gaian council chamber.

There are three members to the council excluding the king. They all sat in a semi circle that opens up to the entrance and a small throne behind them for the King. The left most council member is the Spira representative is Lord Braska. (FFX) The council member on the right is the representative of Cocoon, Primarch Dysley. (FFXIII) The council member in the center is the prime minister of Gaia, Reeve Tuesti (FFVII) The head of urban development. And unknown to anyone outside of military the leader of Turks. The Investigation sector of general affairs. And currently sitting behind the council is the young King Varian, in a Golden tunic and tan briefs, with some really fancy looking boots.

And standing in front of the council is none other than Cloud Dooku, with Vincent and Yuffie flanking him. Vincent has his head covered in a crimson scarf. Barret was not in sight, having separated to find his family.

"I take it these terms are acceptable." Cloud asked.

"I take it that the Confederacy can do just fine on their own, your terms offer little to no real benefit." The Reeves Pointed out going over the information on his data pad.

"I fear our prime minister may be true we have the resources to spare but we are not a charity Representative Dooku." The Primarch said.

"As much as I don't like agreeing with the Primarch. I have to agree instead of benefitting from this deal we will be supporting the Confederacy, and this treaty can provoke hostile action from the republic. We can't accept this deal." Lord Braska spoke.

"Should the Republic take violent measures the Confederacy will assist in defending the Gaian systems if you do accept this treaty?" Cloud countered. But for the first time the entire meeting the King spoke up.

"What makes you think we will need military assistance from your military? The reason we fear Republic aggression is because we don't want a former trade partner to fall to our military might. No other empire has the military strength we do."

"My apologies if I offended your military. I was merely thinking of using our troops to preserve and save as many Gaian lives should the republic invade Gaia."

"If that were the situation the resources we give to the confederacy would be wasted on a military force less reliable then are own." Dysley spoke up.

"Maybe but it would be better for droids to be destroyed over the lives of our citizens. Besides if the republic do attack they would spread their resources to thin and will have trouble in the war against the confederacy. Lord Braska said.

Before anymore arguments were heard one of the doors to the chamber opened revealing a Young Gaian girl looking to be in her late twenties. Her body still adjusting to the adolescence of being a Gaian.

"Forgive me father but the Doctor sent me. The baby is coming." Immediately The King got up and left with what Cloud assumed was his daughter the rest of the Council about to get up and follow.

"I believe we will have to postpone our meeting to another date. Family is the most important thing to a Gaian." Reeve spoke for the council as they followed after the King.

"Well that's great guess we will have to wait till tomorrow." Yuffie said as she was about to walk out the room not noticing that Vincent was starting to shuffle slightly in his steps. Most people couldn't tell Vincent's anxiety the man hides it well. Luckily Cloud is always cautious with the men and was able to sense it.

"Come on Yuffie let's go."

"But what about Vincent?"

"Just let him be I believe he has a family reunion to attend."

"But..." Yuffie started to hesitate as they left the room leaving Vincent alone.

"It's not every day I take a woman on a date." Cloud inwardly smirked watching how easily it was to persuade the woman. As soon as she heard the word date she literally started to drag Cloud outside the building."

Barret, a small home in the outskirts of the City.

Barret felt his face twitch into a smile, an expression he didn't know he can still make as he walked through the failure streets, the citizens of Gaia recognizing him as a war veteran from the last Gaian war thirty years ago. It felt good to be back home, the place where he grew up, and the place where he met Jessie. Happy memories of his past life came flooding back as he eventually found the house he had bought when he was newlywed with Jessie right after the war.

Barret stood in front of the door only he took a moment to admire the material the door was made from. Refined and burnished White wood, from the Trees in the forgotten city the closet thing to a sacred city in Gaian culture. It was Jessie who suggested the material, ignoring that the door itself was half the total cost of the house. Barret laughed at the good memories he recalled in the house. The life he lived with Jessie. To the moment his daughter was born and from the moment he left the house to his sister in law.

Barret wondered how old his daughter was now. Immediately his mind wondered to how he was going to explain that Jessie Died, only for the memory of his wife being killed by the Jedi to haunt him. Barret felt the dark side consume him and he took comfort in its cold embrace. Barret had a small tinge of yellow as he reached for the door handle but the force warned him about a presence. Quickly turning around to face the disturbance his eyes widened in shock his arm falling from the holster.

There in front of him was a Young girl looking to be in her early twenties, in her pre adolescence. She dropped a bag full of groceries as she ran towards Barret.

"Daddy!" Barret received his daughter's embrace awkwardly remembering that the last time he saw her she was only 18.

"Marlene sweeties slow down for Aunty…" There not so far behind was an exact carbon copy of Jessie but with shorter hair. Jessica, Jessie's twin could not believe her eyes.

Vincent, King's palace, medical wing.

Vincent managed to find his brother in the waiting room with the council. Slowly walking towards them nobody noticed Vincent's phantom like movement. Until the young Girl looked up and cried out, immediately the council members pulled out their hidden blasters pointing it at Vincent while King Varian held his startled daughter.

"Who authorized you to be here? Wait your one of Dooku's bodyguards." Braska said. Vincent started to take of his Scarf revealing his face.

"He's an assassin kill him…." Dysley was about to fire until Varian lowered his arm. The council members watched in shock as their king walked towards Vincent looking as if he saw a ghost. Soon the councilmen started to make the connection while the king's daughter placed the adults between herself and Vincent.

"It can't be…. You're supposed to be dead. They told us you died." Varian said.

"For the last thirty years I was. It's good to see you Varian."

The adults where speechless, causing the young girl to speak up first, "Daddy who is this man."

The King looked back to his daughter the color on his face drained "This man, my little princess, is Vincent. Your uncle and the true King of the Gaian Empire." Immediately the council members bowed at Vincent's feet while the brother's never broke eye contact.

"So is it a boy or a girl." Vincent asked his little brother.