Chapter 14. Veil of Deception
Kato Neimodia:
"You each will receive five thousand credits for your services…" Farmer said addressing twelve pirate captains, each wanted men, women, and aliens. They met in a warehouse that Farmer had rented for the meeting. "I will provide you each with the transponder codes for the ships you will be targeting…"
"And what is the target?" A Mon Calamari male asked.
"Trade Federation star ships…"
Some of the pirate captains laughed, "You must be insane… Why don't you ask us to attack the Jedi Temple…" A human captain said with a cyber-netic eye.
"If I am going to attack Federation star ships then I want more credits…" A female Zabrak said.
"I am providing transponder codes and the hyperspace lanes to the ships used… As for the cargo you captains can keep whatever you find…"
One of the captains a Twi'lek looked at the others before speaking, "I'm in and if no one else wants in pay me their credits and I will hire extra people for the job…"
Farmer smiled when all the captains agreed to take on the job, "You can do whatever you want with the ship and its crew as well…" He started handing them each a datapad. "Here are the codes… They are encrypted so when you take out a ship the next code will automatically decipher itself…" Farmer had his droids pay each of the captains the credits he promised.
"What about the Jedi… When we start attacking Federation starships they will stick their lightsabers in our business…"
"Most likely… that is why I will inform you of any ships carrying Jedi when the time comes…"
"Is it done?" Darth Plagueis asked via hyper-channel.
"Yes milord… I have hired twelve pirates… They will begin in eight days…"
"Very good… I want you on Coruscant… My spy in the federation will inform me of the Jedi when the time comes…"
He bowed, "As you wish milord…"
Trade Federation Star Ship Jaucath:
The Jaucath was getting ready to leave the Aratech warehouse on the corporate sector planet of Cordall to deliver moister vaporators, med supplies, and guns to Tattoine. The shipment was for a small company that operated on the planet.
"Captain we have completed the loading process… we are ready for lightspeed…"
"Proceed on my mark…"
The Jacauth left orbit and the system then it made the jump to hyperspace. After two days in hyperspace the Jacauth was ripped out of hyperspace by a gravitic-hyper mine. As soon as the ship came out of hyperspace it was attacked by derelict sith cruiser that had been upgraded with modern weapons. It was a pirate ship called the Castoff. The captain was a female human by the name of Shabella and she was wanted for one hundred thousand credits.
The Jacauth sent out a distress signal, but all their transmissions were being jammed. The ship was disabled and the crew of the Castoff boarded the Jacauth shooting to kill. Within one hour's time Shabella had taken the ship, the entire crew was dead and they were loading the cargo onto the Castoff. When they were done Shabella had her name painted in blood all over the ship.
Trade Federation Starship Windego
Alderran:
"Captain we are receiving a general hyperspace memo from the viceroy…" The COM officer declared, she transmiited the hologram so that it broadcasted over the intercom.
"To all starships of the Trade Federation… at nine-hundred fifteen hours the starship Jaucath was hit. This act was carried out by the notorious pirate Shebella… until further notice all Trade Federation ships will remain on yellow alert effective now… Thank you that is all and may the force be with you…"
With a heavy heart the captain took the mike to address his crew. "This is the captain speaking… We have a job to do and we will do it… Honor those who were lost by doing a good job… That is all…"
The Windego was shipping priceless artwork for the planet of Alderran. The artwork was to be delivered to Coruscant's historical art museum as a loan. The Windego went to hyperspace with its shields up, but after three days in hyperspace the ship was pulled out and attacked by Captain Torgaf and his starship Damaclies. Torgaf had the crew taken alive so that he could sell them as slaves to the Hutts or the black sun. As for the valuable art work it was bought at extremely high prices by an underworld art dealer working for Ten'sar Demask.
The Neimodian captain of the starship star light had secretly hired Mercenaries for his ship that was carrying food, medical supplies, and equipment for a new colony being built on the remote world of Okaul. The shipment never made it as the Star Light was attacked by a Rodian star cruiser. The pirate ship of Captain Masell Black, a human of noble birth from the planet Chandrila. It was a bloody battle as the mercenaries fought to hold the ship. In anger Masell ordered the ship destroyed along with his men.
Kato Neimodia
Corporate Office of The Trade Federation:
"Viceroy Jedi Masters Dekoda and Derjon Wells are here…" The Vazier announced.
They all shook hands, "Viceroy my Padawan Naala Kess…" She bowed to Gurn.
"Thank you Master Jedi for coming here, but I was hoping to see you on Coruscant…"
"We are meeting with you because Master Derjon here believes that whoever was behind the Valor incident is behind these attacks on your ships…"
This news shocked Gurn, "Oh and what proof do you have?"
"Thiz one haz none at the moment, but the force leadz uz to believe so and Thiz one thinkz that someone in your company iz feeding these piratez thiz information…"
"Okay has the Jedi Council shared this with the Chancellor yet?"
"No we are gathering more information… but we would like to place a few Jedi on your ships…"
Barto Gurn had agreed to allow the Jedi access to his ships, but two hours after they left Ten'sar Demask showed up. "I heard my friend about the pirate attacks…"
"Don't be concerned because I have spoken with the Jedi and they intend to deal with this pirate scum…"
"Interesting,… but a word of advice… Do not put too much stock in the Jedi they aren't invincible nor can they be everywhere at once…"
"What would you suggest then… Give the Jedi a month and if the attacks haven't ceased…" He handed Barto a data-pad, "…then present this to the senate…"
Ten'sar waited while Barto read the datapad, he gasped and looked at the Muun. "You can't be serious… The Droid Army Formation act… The Senate will never…"
"I think you underestimate the Senate especially when the Alderranians back your proposal… Remember the art work stolen…" He was about to protest, but Ten'sar stopped him, "…I understand your concerns lets see how the Jedi fare against the Pirates…"
Jedi Master Derjon Wells was aboard the starship Catalyst with seven other Jedi. They were disguised as crew workers protecting the ship from any possible Pirate attacks. They didn't have to wait long as the ship was attacked by an unknown unmarked star cruiser. The ship belonged to the Twi'lek whose name was Rhumis. He had built his ship from scrap metal he had stolen. After crippling the Catalyst his men boarded the ship shooting and screaming. Some of them were armed with vibroswords. As they fired a few blaster bolts were deflected back at them from lightsabers. The pirates cried out as they were maimed by the energy swords.
A dark shadow fell over the Jedi and sent a chill through them as a Muun dressed in head to foot armor boarded the ship his face was covered by a sith mask. His black boots thudded across the plasteel floors. He reached for a weapon from his belt and shocked the Jedi when a lighsaber sprang to life. The Muun raised his left hand unleashing a lightening storm on the Jedi. Two died in the onslaught while the others blocked the bolts of lightening with their sabers. They all charged the Muun at once who grabbed the sword arm of the first Jedi and severed it. Then with his blade he slashed the Jedi across the stomach killing him. Now armed with two blades he attacked with his right and blocked with left he blocked an attack from the second Jedi then the Muun flipped his new sword around and leaned forward. As he leaned forward he stabbed the blade backwards killing the Jedi. He spun around to face Derjon Wells who also was armed with two lightsabers. Derjon was able to knock the sword from the Muun's right hand. So the Muun fought the Barabel with his left. The Muun towered over all he faced, he kicked the fifth Jedi in the face while summoning his lightsaber. With a flick of his hand he stabbed the Jedi in the back who was now on the floor.
The Jedi fought bravely, but the Muun was too fast and agile for them even when they augmented their speed with the force. Seven bodies lay on the floor and all that remained was Jedi Master Derjon Wells who integrated his tail and feet into his fighting style, but the Muun was everywhere at the same time with his blade. He slipped his lightsaber under the Barabel's arm and severed it, but that didn't slow the Derjon down. Using the shatterpoint technique Derjon destroyed the Muun's armor. The Muun growled in anger and threw out his hand. Derjon left his feet and struck the wall of the ship. Then he was slammed into the ceiling and back to the floor. Lightening filled the hall as Derjon was killed in a blast of force lightening.
The battle was over and Darth Plagueis stood over the slain Jedi. The crew of the Rhemis had witnessed the battle but the incident had been erased from their minds. Plagueis had always wanted to test his power against the Jedi and he finally had the opportunity. He put the thought into the Captain's head to blow up the ship after they took the cargo.
While the Jedi mourned the loss of their fallen comrades, the pirate attacks continued even with the aid of the Jedi. Three more Jedi died protecting the cargo of the Trade Federation within the next two weeks. It was getting so bad that several star systems were threatening cancelation of their contracts with the trade federation. Eventually an emergency session of congress was called.
Senator Welton's office:
The Neimodian Senator read over the Droid Army Formation act, while Viceroy Barto Gunry nervously paced back and forth. "Viceroy will you please sit down…"
"Apologies… I am nervous… what if the Senate asks for my resignation… Or worse they disband the Trade Federation…"
"That will never happen…" Tin'sar Demask said, "We are about to make history…"
"The Senate will never approve a droid army… And if the Jedi find out…"
"Actually my friends tell me that today's session will be closed… And all my friends in the senate will vote in favor of the bill…"
"Alright Viceroy you are going to have to present the bill…" Senator Welton said, "…I will feign shock as if I had no idea you wanted to present this bill… At first I will reject it and even ask the Senate for your resignation, but you will pull me to the side then I will have a change of heart… The banking clan, the commerce guilds, and the Techno Union states will support you…"
"Won't the clients of the federation be seen as suspect if they support this bill…"
"Not all of them are going to support it… Like Valor VI…" Ten'sar said speaking up, "…Neither will Belbringi… It is perfect…"
The doors opened and Welton's private assistant entered the office, "Excuse me Senator, but they are gathering now…"
"How did you get the Chancellor to make this a closed session…" Barto asked whispering to Tin'sar.
He smiled, "I have the Chancellor's ear in more ways than one…" Tin'sar stopped walking, "Gentlemen I can't join you I will be sitting with the Banking Clan Senator…"
The Republic had increased its membership by one hundred and eight since the Trade Federation was formed. There was a thunderous applause as the Chancellor's podium rose up into the Senate house. After a small speech he gave the floor to Senator Welton.
"Thank you Chancellor… As you all know the Trade Federation has suffered attacks from Pirates… Billions in credits lost… Viceroy Barto Gunry has come today to address the concerns of the Senate…"
Welton stepped aside so that Barto could come forward, "Honorable delegates of the Senate… I come before you with a proposal that will answer the threat of the pirates… The Jedi have done all they can but still the attacks continue… I have outfitted Trade Federation ships with high powered weapons and such yet still the problem escalates… Therefore I propose the Droid Army Formation act that will allow any member of the Republic to build a droid based army for the purpose of self defense… This provision also gives the senate the power to shut down the droids if misused…"
The Senate broke out into an uproar with people shouting back and forth at one another. "Order!" Athmen Danlow yelled.
Senator Welton pushed Barto to the side, "Ladies and gentlemen of the senate… I am as shocked as you all and ask that Viceroy Barto be removed immediately from his office…" As another uproar broke out Barto pulled Welton on the side to pretend they were talking.
"The chair recognizes the Senator of Corellia…"
"This Droid Army Formation Act is just another example of the corruption inside the trade federation and I ask the Senate to vote for its immediate dismantle…"
Several Senators yelled in agreement that is when Welton came forward. "Apologies after conferring with Viceroy Barto I hereby withdraw my request and I ask that the Senate give this matter more consideration before they reject it…"
Whispers flew across the Senate as Darth Plagueis watched in delight from the Muun Senatorial stage. The Chancellor gave the Senator of Alderran the floor. "Alderran has suffered greatly as well… Valuable pieces of art stolen… We are a pacifist people, but I have been authorized by my king to support this new bill…"
A wave of shock went across the Senate floor and Plagueis knew he had won. The vice-chancellor called for the vote and the bill passed. The senate voted seventy-one percent for and twenty-nine against. The next order of business was an underground plasma supplier selling Plasma to members of the Republic. The cheap prices of the plasma was interfering with sales of large companies like Starcon. The senate voted to stop all purchases of plasma sales outside the Republic until the culprits could be found.
An hour after the Droid Army Formation act passed Barto made loans from Demask Savings and Loans to build droid factories on Kato Neimodia. The Techno Union Clans also built droid factories. The commerce guild bought droids from the Geonosians. As the months passed the pirate attacks became less frequent thanks to the battle droids. Over the next three hundred years the trade federation grew in power and influence. The company became untouchable along with the Gunry family who ruled the Trade Federation during this entire time.
"Is the time now milord…" Farmer asked who was over three hundred years old, but looked like a man in his thirties. Darth Plagueis had used the force to regenerate Farmer as he had no desire to train someone to take his place.
"Yes, but first I need a new apprentice…"
"Why… I mean you are all powerful why do you need an apprentice…"
"Because I have grown accustomed to ruling from the shadows… I need someone who can be in the public eye as Emperor… And then the rule of two weighs down one me…"
"And where will you find such a person?"
'The force will lead me too him or her…" Plagueis had been experimenting with the medi-chlorians in hope of creating the perfect being. He needed a human female with a medi-chlorian count of exactly one hundred. Then he could create his force being, but all attempts to find such a person had failed.