A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
BASMILIAN SHIPYARD
Season 1, Episode 3
40 years passed since
Emperor Palpatine was defeated.
For years and years chaos remained as
the remnants of the Empire tried to maintain control
of the galaxy and the leaders of the Rebel Alliance tried to unite
the people in an organized democracy. Such attempts failed on both sides,
and the galaxy fell back to the political structure it had known before the creation of
the Old Republic. Small systems, bigger systems, coalition of planets, yet some planets are still
divided and self-regulated countries. Democracies, monarchies, empires, warlords, anarchies, even
the Hutts control a few systems, and still some parts of the universe have not been explored or heard of.
One year after her encounter with Jedi Brett Ho-Xin, young Neeah is now a Padawan. Dor Muchal, the president of the planet Basmili, has overseen 15 years of peace, but when he received a transmission from Ambulia and its chief elect Webell, he had no idea his actions were about to jeopardize that peace.
##
– Greetings, chief elect Webell. It's a pleasure to get in contact with you. Ambulia has been a longtime ally of Basmili. It's a shame we waited one year after your election for us to talk.
– The way you've been profiting from dealings with Ambulia, I understand why you took your time.
The tone from Webell was very dry. Obviously, Dor Muchal was expecting a more cordial answer. He tried not to show it.
– The exchanges between our people have been mutually beneficial, my friend, for more than a generation. I'm sure you will see that more and more with every day you spend in your function.
– I'm afraid I've already seen enough, my friend. Ever since the Salmodium trade agreement was signed, you haven't been fulfilling your end of the bargain. I fully intend to change that.
– What do you mean? You've been paid, handsomely I might I had, for all the Salmodium that has been purchased from Ambulia. I would also add that you have, as much as any other associate we have, benefited from purchasing the transportation equipment we've built, the unique Basmilian design at low cost from a nearby trustworthy supplier. This was also made possible from the salmadium we purchased from you.
Dor Muchal was surprised, for all the reports he had read about Webell presented a passive, self absorbed man, not one would create conflict.
– You don't get the point my friend. According to the trade agreement, Basmili was responsible for all security on salmodium shipments from us. My records show, and I've had them counterchecked several times, that Ambulia has been supplying that security ever since the agreement was signed years ago.
– Chief elect Webell, with all due respect, you know better. We don't have any military forces, we barely have a handful of peacekeeping forces. Basmili was never in a position to supply security for the shipments as well as Ambulia, something your predecessors realized and acknowledged. The understanding has been, from the start, that Basmili would take responsibility for the losses should be occur. There never has been.
– I don't care about an understanding, I care about the actual agreement the way it was signed.
He was right, of course, technically. Dor Muchal did not like this at all.
– Common sense, sir, has been the basis of our long and prosperous association. Clearly you can see that.
– Trust was also implied in the agreement and Basmili as abused of it. I want you to know I have a whole team of accountants working as we speak to come up with the unaccounted-for costs we have incurred on this basis since the agreement was signed. I should be able to send you the bill within a few days, and I expect it to be paid swiftly.
Astonished, Dor Muchal could only feel his jaw drop.
– You expect retroactive payment? You must be joking!
– I'm very serious. You've been abusing our goodwill for too long, and I intend to give back to Ambulia what is hers.
– Or else?
Ambulia needed the ships, trains and shuttles Basmili was supplying just for civilian operations. They had also increased their military spending recently, although that was done without attracting attention and only a preferred supplier like Basmili could notice.
Webell smiled.
– Better check your finances. I'll get you the figures shortly. Goodbye.
Webell shut off is comm screen and turned around to face the woman sitting just outside the visual range of the device.
– He's got a point, Drika. Or else what?
She stood up and started slowly to walk towards him. She had amazing presence, mesmerizing.
– Then you've got a choice. Either you stop the agreement, but we all know Ambulia needs these ships and needs the revenue from salmodium. The other choice, you see, is to discipline them and take back what is yours.
– And do you expect them to pay?
– No, absolutely not. I expect them to surrender when we invade.
Webell was in shock. He liked his agreement with Drika, yet invading other planets was out of character for him.
###
– Were heading for Coruscant now, Neeah. Where the Jedi Temple used to be. Grand Aurelius Tribus' people were kind enough to allow us access to the database there, or what is left of it.
Brett Ho-Xin, Jedi Master, was piloting the shuttle with his Padawan at his side.
– But why? Since he took over Coruscant, I heard Tribus was very unfriendly to visitors.
– No one likes to have the Jedi as enemies. And he knows we mean no harm. Obu and Amirah will join us, this will be a wonderful opportunity for you.
##
President Dor Muchal was standing, his advisors seated in front of him.
– You see gentlemen the conversation I've had with Ambulia today. I don't know more than this. But I do have a feeling he wanted confrontation no matter what I said.
– He definitely did. I believe he is going to come up with an impossible figure we cannot pay then act on some front, the question is which one?
– And why? If he cancels the agreement, you going to need to buy ships elsewhere. I don't know where, who would have the capacity to do so? And, he's going to have to find other clients for his salmodium.
– Unless these two are interconnected. Ambulia might have found somebody else willing to buy the salmodium in order to manufacture ships. Perhaps these new producers would be exclusive to them therefore not supplying ships to other systems as we are. Without the salmodium we can no longer provide these other systems.
– Which means Ambulia can build itself a fleet that no one could match.
Dor Muchal interrupted them.
– Run a search. See if some systems are currently in negotiations with Ambulia for salmodium, officially or not. Maybe it will be our first hint.
##
– Captain, my name is Tantrum. I'm calling on behalf of an… Operation… That will remain anonymous. I believe I have business for you.
– Lots of people need my services. Few can afford them.
The brutal I figure was standing tall. But it was obvious to Tantrum that he was all substance no style, just a pirate.
– My organization doesn't mind a fair price as long as the job is well done. Will be paid upfront 50% if that's what you want.
– 100%. I don't know you.
– I said a fair price, for a job well done. That fair price is 200 grand credits.
There was silence. Then the pirate spoke:
– 200? You want me to hijack the grand palace on Coruscant?
– No. The job is risk-free. It's just gotta be handle with white gloves. I want you to hijack a cargo ship. It is unarmed but it will be escorted, by nothing you can't handle and by the way, the escorts are on our payroll as well. So don't harm the escort but pretend a good fight. Then you board the cargo ship, take the merchandise and leave no witnesses on that ship.
– Any onboard excessive defences?
– Not much. The crew is a pilot and warehouse staff, no security.
– Send me the details.
Tantrum was pleased. So will Drika, he thought or hoped.
##
– Greetings, Princess Java.
President Dor Muchal was respectfully addressing her.
– Likewise, President Muchal. May I ask why you wanted to speak with me with such urgency?
– Of course. We are having a… Disagreement with the Ambulians on a trade agreement regarding salmodium and we have been informed that Alderaania reborn has been in negotiations with them for some time. Can you tell me where you're at?
– Well, we got started but frankly chief elect Webell did not seem very interested, and his negotiators have been very demanding. I suspect they don't really want to reach an agreement. Obviously, it's not that important to them.
The Alderaanians were known to be honest people, and had good relations with Basmili, her collaboration seemed genuine.
– There are challenging us on our deal, which we think they'll try to cancel. If they do, they'll have to sell their salmodium to someone else…
– And purchase transportation equipment from another source as well I presume.
– We don't know yet. But officially you're the only ones talking to them so it's odd.
– Unless they don't really intend to cancel the deal, they could be bluffing.
– I hope you're right, thank you for your help.
– President Muchal, with your permission, there is another way I could be helpful. Perhaps the Jedi would agree to act as mediators in your conflict if I asked them.
A surprising offer. If they really had any intention of purchasing salmodium from Ambulia the Alderaanians would have every incentive to have the conflict with Basmili affect the demand for the substance.
– Of course, I would really appreciate your help in that regard.
– My pleasure. Goodbye Mr. President.
Java knew that ever since the events of last year's conference, master Skywalker wanted to keep a close eye on Ambulia.
##
Coruscant. In what was left of the Jedi Temple, Brett, Obu Amirah and Neeah were working their way with the terminals.
– Fascinating, these are Mace Windu's personal notes on the battle of Naboo!
The door opened and a droid came in.
– Mr. Ho-Xin please.
Brett stepped up towards the droid.
– Sir, I am D6-T2. I bring greetings from Grant Aurelius Tribus himself. Should you require anything during your stay, I am at your service.
The droid stood by the door as it closed. Very courteous of course but Brett knew all too well that the droid was here to make sure that they remain focused on that computer terminal and didn't leave for other errants on Coruscant.
– I see that the grand Aurelius' care for his guests is on par with Aurelians power. Thank you.
Then, Brett's Comlink beeped. Very few people at access to this frequency. Could it be Luke?
– This is Brett Ho-Xin. Princess Java, what a surprise. Any trouble?
– Not quite, but you instructed me anything regarding Ambulia and especially Webell was worth notifying you.
– Wait, I'll move to a more… Private place.
He carefully moved away from the droid trying to look as if he was moving away from Neeah mostly. Neeah took the cue, walked closer to the droid, and said "don't worry master, I'll stay here."
Brett came back a few minutes later.
– Obu and Amirah, how did you get here?
– X2 wings, why?
– Awesome. You better get them ready to go.
He turned back to his Comlink
– thank you, Princess. I shall contact President Muchal on the way.
-Can I go? Asked Neeah
– no. Webell is acting strange, so Drika is behind this and right now, before your training is complete, I can't expose you to her. It's too dangerous.
– But I know so much about Ambulia, I could be helpful
– I know, but the Force will guide us. I expect more trouble than negotiations. You can stay here with Amirah and continue your search, you will learn plenty without me.
Brett turned to the droid
– Obu and I will be leaving with two of our ships shortly please send my apologies to Tribus for this quick getaway, there are more pressing needs I shall attend.
– As you wish sir, your colleagues will stay I suppose?
– If you'll allow it of course.
– I'm sure we will. Have a safe journey.
##
As Brett and Obu were flying, Brett was watching the recording of Dor Muchal's conversation with Webell. Then Muchal appeared on screen.
– You see? Since then the security surrounding salmodium shipments has been reduced greatly. It's as if they want to entice pirates. Payment is due in two days. And there is a shipment, a large shipment, coming in tomorrow. Do you think I should call and try to get a meeting tomorrow with you and them?
– Unfortunately, I don't think you can tell them were coming, because if you do they won't show up.
– Can't you act as mediators?
– Webell will not consider us neutral if we are coming in with you. I suggest you get a meeting, and we just happened to drop by… Meanwhile, we'll rendezvous with that shipment to make sure nothing… Unfortunate happens.
– Okay I will set it up for tomorrow. Will stay in touch thank you for your help.
– Before you go, you mentioned not having any military resources, is that accurate?
– Mostly yes. We had a few ships, but nothing to spare in order to escort shipments.
– Enough to interfere with an invasion force?
Brett sounded really serious.
– Oh… Not really, not against Ambulia. You... You really think they would dare?
– I don't know, but if Drika is behind this recent abnormal behaviour from Webell we can't dismiss anything.
##
The Basmili dignitary shuttle was flying towards the Ambulian cruiser. Dor Muchal whispered to his aid
– I sure hope the Jedi were able to find the shipment. This hasty meeting is not exactly what I expected.
They docked in the hangar. The hatch opened and Muchal stepped out. He was surprised to see no formal delegation to greet him. However, the hangar bay was filled with battleships… Muchal did not like this at all. A droid greeted them.
– Welcome aboard. If you will follow me…
The droid brought them to a large room, and Webell stepped in, accompanied by two officers and a guard who looked a lot like Tantrum.
– President Muchal, I apologize for the reception, but if you would look at this screen with me, you'll understand the situation.
The screen showed the transport ship and the escort freighter they were under attack by pirate ship.
– We received a distress signal from our escort freighter, they are under attack. You see now, appropriate security was necessary and not provided by Basmili, as agreed.
– And how convenient for you that the attack would come at this moment? A coincidence I presume…
– Don't lecture me! The coincidence is that as soon as we dropped our guard, our fees that you were supposed to cover, the pirates strike.
– Then dropping your guard was uncalled for.
– It's the deal, my friend.
– Actually, I came to renegotiate the deal, so it suits both of our people.
– Really? I must tell you that any negotiation will have to start with the payment of the cost we…
He never finished his sentence. Two new ships appeared on the screen, X2 wings, armed and ready and the way they were flying, handled by very confident pilots.
##
Brett and Obu dropped out of hyperspace just in the trail of the pirate ships, already engaged in pursuit of the transport ship and the escort freighter. They were receiving a distress signal from the freighter. Brett hailed the transport ship directly.
– Transport ship, have you been damaged?
– Not yet, but they're closing in. Our escort freighter is taking a beating and not firing back.
Obu was on the comm to Brett and whispered,
– or, they simply know they're coming and have already struck a deal not to interfere.
– Right. I wonder why you can be so deductive Obu…
– I learned from the best…
Brett went back to his comm with the transport ship.
– Keep your current course. We'll take care of them.
Brett and Obu engaged the second X axis of their ships so that the eight points were forming a perfect circle. As they separated from each other to catch the pirate ship in a crossfire, you could already guess the outcome of the fight.
One of the pirate ships shut back a few random shots but they were no match for Jedi piloting reflexes. Brett shot repeatedly at the back of the ship while Obu took the opportunity offered by the fluctuation of the shields to shoot a torpedo directly at the shield generator, a direct hit.
– Unidentified ship, your shields are down, and you are at our mercy. End your pursuit or you will be destroyed.
The pirate ship fired back and and Obu fired and disabled their engines. Brett took out most of the weapons with a flood of his turbo lasers. That ship was no longer a threat.
##
Drika was in a small room overseeing the conversation between Webell and Dor Muchal. Her concentration was taken away.
– What the… X2 wings - damned these Jedi, they're always in the way!
She screamed in anger and got up, threw her chair at the wall and kicked the table.
– Why? Why! how? How!
##
Webell seemed taken by surprise by the arrival of the X2 wings. He also seemed to have lost his confidence. Dor Muchal took advantage.
– You will not be paid for past considerations. We can adjust the terms of the new ones, however.
– euh… Well, I don't know…don't know…
It was awkward, he had lost his edge and focus. Tantrum stepped up, realizing that Drika's control of Webell must have been disrupted by the arrival of the Jedi. He knew she would be furious.
– The ships could save our cargo they must've received a distress signal.
– No, they are here on behalf of Basmili, as keepers of the peace.
Dor Muchal had miscalculated. He hoped this would show Webell that he had powerful allies, but it had the reverse effect as expected by Brett.
– You brought the Jedi into this? You'll regret this. Captain, get us on course will you. You're in command of the operation.
– Where are we going?
Dor Muchal was nervous.
– Very soon Mr. President you will understand…
##
Brett pushed the ship to maximum speed in order to catch the other pirate ship. The enemy was shooting backwards but nothing Jedi skills couldn't handle. Obu was just behind and raised her altitude as Brett moved to the flank. They got in range and started firing, but this time the target was expecting their manoeuvre. This shot back a torpedo that Obu could barely Dodge. Brett took the surprise effect to his advantage, since obviously the Pirates expected to take Obu out with that shot that was usually, without a Jedi pilot, a certainty. Brett fired repeatedly and Obu joined in destroying their shield generator, then their weapons and finally their engines.
– Basmili transport ship, you are now clear of any danger. We will escort you back to Basmili, but with a different itinerary because I don't want any more surprises.
Then Brett surprisingly fired his ion cannon at the Ambulian escort ship, disabling it as well.
– And by the way, do not expect Ambulia to help you anymore, these pirates were receiving directions from them before we came in…
##
Webell's ship came out of hyperspace in orbit around Basmili. As Dor Muchal looked out from the bridge window, he saw other ships from Ambulia dropping out of hyperspace every second. The whole invasion force was here, dozens and dozens of large ships. Chief elect Webell turned to face him.
– I see that your pitiful defence fleet was expecting us. Advice from your Jedi friends maybe? I hope you understand that they will not be a match for our forces.
– So, this is how Ambulia negotiates trade agreements now?
– You don't understand. I'm not negotiating. I'm taking control of your planet. You have lacked in your respect of the agreement for too long. We have warned you, yet you refuse to pay back what is our due. We are at war.
Webell looked at his captain and nudged.
– Open a hailing frequency.
"This is Capt. Benito of the start cruiser Ambulia's peak. I hereby declare war on Basmili, for treachery and theft and not respecting a long-standing trade agreement. You have failed to compensate us for past abuse. President Dor Muchal is currently our prisoner. Surrender immediately or will have to fire. We do not want to harm anyone if you surrender now."
– Since were at war, you are our prisoner now. I'll see on your cell, my friend.
– We are peaceful people Webell, and we are respected throughout the galaxy. You will regret this.
Just as he left the room, coming out of hyperspace were a couple of X2 wings and a small transport ship.
##
– That's a big party here!
Obu reacted quickly.
– She's crazier and more ambitious than I thought.
– What should we do?
– Not much. I hope they surrender, and she doesn't kill anyone aimlessly. Let's see if we can contact President Muchal.
– Don't bother, he's aboard the Ambulia's peak as a prisoner.
– Well done my former apprentice, how did you figure that out so fast?
– As much as I'd like to say it's the Force, I just replayed the echo of the messages sent.
Obu was smiling, happy to outwit his former master.
– Then we must get thim out of there, I suspect holding him as a prisoner is a big part of Drika's strategy.
##
There was a resistance ship approaching the Ambulia's peak. Obu admired the pilot skills. The X2 wings took a cue and manoeuvred directly towards the Ambulia's peak, twisting and twirling at the start cruiser started firing towards them. A few seconds and they were safely landed magnetically behind the bridge.
– An old trick from Princess Leia's escape from Hoth Master Luke has told me about. It will give us time. Let's locate him through the Force perhaps.
– You feel that master? Drika is on the ship as well.
– That was to be expected. I got him located. Two guards escorting him. If we can get them out to the hangar bay unnoticed, we can probably escape and follow us out of here.
The Basmilian ship seemed to have the same tactic, trying to find a way to dock. Brett made it much easier for him as he used the Force to trigger the lever that opened the anger bay's shields.
The two guards surrounding Dor Muchal were caught by surprise as they saw a small Basmilian freighter land unarmed in their hangar bay. Before he could react about a half-dozen Basmilian troopers got out of the freighter and quickly took control of the room and neutralizer the two guards. There were a few ships in there and a few mechanics but that was it, as nobody interfered.
Dor Muchal took the cue and boarded the ship and her pilot quickly engaged the engines to get them out. The pilot's comm beeped as she saw two X2 wings fighters detached from the ship. "It's the Jedi" Dor Muchal said.
– This is Livan Hnx of Basmili, thanks for the help with the shields!
– You're not too shabby yourself piloting through this, I'm sending you coordinates meet us there.
##
There were sitting at a table in a small house, Obu, Brett, Dor Muchal and Livan Hnx. Then the comm screen on the table lit up and Luke Skywalker's face came to form.
– Nice to see you unarmed Mr. President
– thanks to you. But Ambulia now has control of my planet…
– A bold move indeed. Any idea why?
– There can only be one reason: our construction facilities. We use it mostly to build trains, shuttles and small ships but the infrastructure and the expertise is there to turn it into a military shipyard. Which leads me to believe that more planets and systems will suffer the same fate as Basmili.
– We'll do our best to prevent that, I promise.
Luke closed the comm. But Brett couldn't help but notice that he looked more concerned than he had ever seen him.