Herald of the Force
Author Notes: Damn I'm good. Another chapter and more are coming. Enjoy.
This chapter as been beta by LimerickChaos
Chapter 14: A Fragile Alliance
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine did something he thought he would never have to do in his life. Grovel and Beg.
He had to, for appearance sake. The Senate was so desperate for the Rift Alliance's help that he was nearly voted out of office. It was only thanks to the fact that he had the Senate's Emergency Power that he was able to stay in office. But just barely. Many Senators were now restless as the Separatist's or the Confederacy as they were now being called was mobilizing their forces. He survived two votes of no confidence but a third was coming and he knew he would be forced out of office or he would face a riot.
So he made a public apology. He said the Republic was proud and did make mistakes but it was hard for one to admit that mistake. He said he would drop all the charges against Thane Harry Potter and have his banishment lifted immediately. What's worse, he had to promise Thane Potter the Republic would pay him a large sum of credits as well as a 'gift' of his choosing for his wrongful punishment.
It was a day later, the Rift Alliance had sent word to the Senate. They would be open to negotiations.
Palpatine could breathe again as the Senate took this as a good sign.
It wasn't.
While the Rift Alliance agreed to have talks with the Republic, they gave the Republic a warning. Chancellor Palpatine had to offer Thane Harry Potter an offer for an alliance and he must accept the terms. If he did not, the Rift Alliance stated they would no longer deal with the Republic in the Future.
This made Chancellor Palpatine very nervous. It was well known, that Thane Harry Potter hated Palpatine. The two of them never saw eye to eye on anything.
It's what brought the leaders of the Unity Committee and the Loyalist Committee together in Chancellor Palpatine's office along with the Jedi Council, to speak on what they should offer the Rift Alliance.
"My friends, I do like the idea of this treaty and making friends with the Rift Alliance. But the question is, should we not have a say in the war?" Palpatine said.
"I agree." Captain Wilhuff Tarkin of the Republic Judicial Defense Fleet said before anyone could say anything. "We cannot just let them command our forces and we don't have a say in the matter."
"That may be so, but you must remember Captain Tarkin, that Thane Harry Potter is the Supreme Commander of the Rift Alliance Coalition Military Forces. He will not give up his position or share the Alliance Military Secrets to us so easily." Mace Windu said.
"I understand that, but I do not want to give him the power of the Senate. It would be like declaring him Emperor of the Republic. I will not just hand over this democracy, which as stood for thousands of years to a tyrant." Palpatine said.
"He has no interest in ruling. I know him well enough to assure you all of that. He's a fighter. He sees himself as a soldier of destiny. He believes it is his duty to protect others." Senator Amidala said.
"Don't forget, he is the founder of the Rift Alliance. He manages to unite worlds that were scattered and divided and bring them under one banner five years ago." Senator Organa said.
"This Harry, will he fight for us?" Senator Garm Bel Iblis said.
"He might. He's not an easy person to convince and is always on guard. He also has a hard time trusting others." Padmé said.
"What terms should we offer him?" Ki-Adi Mundi said.
No one said anything. For they weren't sure what Harry wouldn't accept anything they had to offer. As Harry made it clear he had no need of the Republic.
One Week after the Battle of Geonosis
Harry was sitting down holding his lightsaber as the shuttle was making its final approach. He looked down and smiled remembering when Master Yoda gave him this lightsaber.
Harry stood up the moment he felt the Nu-Class Attack Shuttle landed. He gets up and puts his lightsaber away before stepping down the ramp. He could see hundreds of Senators gathered around as his men were taking the usual defensive stance.
"Thane Potter, welcome back to Coruscant."
"Thank you Palpatine." Harry said trying hard not to smirk at the look of frustration on Palpatine's face. It was clear he was not happy at being called by his name instead of his title. Harry also refused to shake Palpatine's hand. Palpatine quickly recovers and gestures Harry inside the Senate Tower.
"I know you and I have never seen eye to eye and you hold me responsible for your wrongful banishment. But I do hope and pray, that we can reach an agreement for the greater good."
Harry narrowed his eyes at Palpatine's choice of words.
The Greater Good.
Dumbledore and Voldemort both used those words a lot to their allies. But Harry found it that people who used the term 'For the Greater Good' really meant it was best for themselves and not for others.
"Perhaps. Though I feel it best to warn you Palpatine. I must return to the Rift Alliance Space in four days. That means you have three days to make a deal that I can bring back with me." Harry said.
Palpatine face fell. Three days, three days to try to coax Potter into an agreement with the Republic.
They enter the Ambassador Suite and sat down.
"I pray you don't mind but I invited some Senators and Jedi to this meeting." Chancellor Palpatine said as he sat down.
"Not at all, first introductions. As you all are aware I am Thane Harry Potter, Supreme Commander of the Rift Alliance Coalition Military Force. This is Master Celeste Morne, a Jedi Shadow Master and one of the Alliance's top military Generals." Harry said. He paused to let his words sink in.
Palpatine could feel his hands start to sweat and shake. A Jedi Shadow. His master always feared the Jedi Shadows were out there lurking in the shadows of galaxy. His Master, who was far more powerful than he, feared a Jedi Shadow Master. He knew they could hunt and kill Sith and Dark Jedi's. They have for nearly five millenniums until the end of the Old Republic.
"This is Jedi Battle Master Kao Cen, also one of the Alliance's top Generals." Harry said gesturing his hand to the male Zabrak who nods his head. "Commander Jace Barron of the Alliance Special Tactics and Recon Force. Or a Spec Operative if you wish to say for short."
Jace Barron nods his head but no one could see his face from the helmet he was wearing.
"This is Asara, that's all you're getting from her."
The young Mirialan female nods her head and stood behind her leaders.
"Well as you know I'm Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. This is the Senate Spokesman Mas Amedda. Senator Padmé Amidala whom you of course know. Senator Bail Organa. Grand Master Yoda, Master Windu and Master Kenobi. Captain Wilhuff Tarkin of the Republic Fifth Defense Fleet. COMPNOR Leader Ishin-II Raz and Sate Pestage. Governor Ardus Kaine also requested his presence due to his experience in both politics and military life." Palpatine said.
Harry nods his head at the sight of all of them. COMPNOR, the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order was a Rally Group. Heavy supporters of Palpatine and the idea of a new order.
This was a dangerous move.
"Now then, may I begin?" Palpatine asks. Harry nods his head and listens careful.
"The Galactic Republic recognizes the government of the Rift Alliance as well as its strength. The Republic has also fallen onto hard times. Despite the need to vote for a military we have no real military for ourselves. Security volunteers and a couple hundred members of the Judicial Force are no match for the battle hardened droids of the Confederacy of the Independent Systems. The Republic is requesting the aide of the Rift Alliance Coalition Military Forces."
"While I will not lie, the hope of such an alliance is an ideal within the Alliance the problem we have, is will you interfere in military affairs?"
"I have no desire to caused problems for the military if we should combine our forces into one. However, the Republic will no doubt wish to be a part of the existing chain of command." Palpatine said.
"In other words, with the emergency powers the Senate has bestowed upon you, you wish to have a say in the military." Harry said in a strong voice. A warning was hinted in the air.
"I will not lie to you Thane Potter. But the Senate will feel uneasy if the Military of the Rift Alliance is doing all the battles and doing what it pleases without being checked. I'm sure you can understand, that many Senators, myself included do not feel safe with your army on our doorsteps without knowing what's going on exactly."
Harry leans back and puts his fingers together.
"I can see how that can be a problem. However this poses another problem Chancellor. Why should you have a say. I can understand updating you on the course of the war. But having a say? When you have no military or war experience. Surely you can suggest, something better?" Harry said in a slow tone that almost sound like he was both mocking the Chancellor yet also telling him to set a deal without getting himself involved in the military and the war.
"I will admit I do not know much about war. I am, quiet ignorant in its ways." Palpatine said. "However, I believe I can bring more to the table through negotiations if you will allow it."
"Perhaps. However, many in the Alliance sees the Republic as a failed Government. They see you, as a corrupt leader. You have to understand, that I cannot just accept an offer from the Republic and its leader without making sure it doesn't compromise the security of the Rift Alliance Worlds. The offer also has to secure the future of the Rift Alliance. Not to mention right now, there are talks in the Rift Alliance about making our Coalition Alliance permanent and creating our own Galactic Government. Something I have to attend."
"The Republic would of course, be more than happy to assist." Palpatine said.
Everyone watch the two men talk back and forth. Even though nothing bad had happened, the tension in the air was so thick you could taste it.
"I can bring that back to the Rift Alliance, if we can secure a treaty."
"May I first hear, what you have to offer in the treaty and the terms you wish to set Thane Potter?"
"As you know, the Rift Alliance has kept its borders closed to all outsiders. We are willing to open our borders and begin trade with the Republic. The Coalition Military Forces of the Rift Alliance will defend the Republic with any hyperspace routes and secrets you wish to share. However, there is a small problem. While our forces is great, we have few military leaders. The few Generals and Admirals we have are not enough to focus on every front. If we are to fight for you we will need officers and leaders." Harry said.
Palpatine sat up a bit looking almost excited.
"I request the Jedi join the Coalition Military Forces as our Generals and Commanders. If they can pass the Military Officer Exam." Harry said.
"The Military Officer Exam?" Captain Tarkin said in a confused tone of voice.
"When one of skills and talent is noted, we give them this exam to determined their rank and field." Harry said.
"Will this affect a member of the Judicial Forces Rank?" Ardus Kaine said in a worried tone of voice. He was not just a governor, but an Admiral of the Judicial Forces.
"If you join our military, you must pass the exam to see your rank." Harry said.
"Some of us have years of experience and don't need an exam to know where we stand." Ardus Kaine said in an angry tone of voice.
"This is the way of the Rift Alliance. It was agreed by our leaders this is what can be done. Even in the military, many agree with this method." Celeste Morne said, she had an amusing look in her eye.
"You also can control promotions and who is what rank." Tarkin said after given it some thought.
"The Council of Defense is the one who has the right to promote or demote any officer and commander." Jace Barron said in a strong tone of voice.
"We've said it before and we'll say it again. There is no back door policy in the Coalition Military Forces. The military is run by military leaders. The military leaders answers to the Council of Defense who answers to the Rift Alliance High Council. This is how things have been since our foundation. It will not change no matter what." Asara said in a strong voice.
The COMPNOR representatives did not look please. Even Palpatine didn't look very happy. It was clear, the Military was going to run itself and not let the Republic get involved.
"Be as that may." Padmé said, speaking for the first time. "The Republic Senate would like to have some sort of voice regarding the joint military force between our two governments."
Harry leans back.
"That is, understandable. One I cannot argue against. In that case, may I suggest something?" Harry said. Palpatine nodded looking slightly happier at Padmé's words that seem to get through Harry.
"I will allow the Galactic Senate, to form a Military Defense Committee. However, I must add, if the Senate does this, then several members of the Rift Alliance Council of Defense be added. I also might add, that the Defense Committee members, must be approved by the Rift Alliance Council of Defense."
"That's too much." Ishin-II Raz shouted in shock.
"Our military, our forces, our rules." Harry said in a bold tone of voice. There was a small smirk on Harry's face as he watches Palpatine and his advisers become frustrated.
"Who will the Committee members report to?" Palpatine asks after some silence was left in the room from Harry's statement.
"This is a joint military corporation. The Defense Committee will report to three offices. One of course, will be to the Galactic Senate. The second is the Jedi Council. The third is the Rift Alliance Defense Council." Harry said.
Palpatine leans back as if he was thinking.
"Very well, anything else."
"Yes, there is something else. Something our leaders want to make clear before the treaty is signed. The Republic will allow the Rift Alliance to have a Chief Representative in the Senate to make sure the alliance we have between our two governments can continue. There is to be no back door politics in the Military. The Rift Alliance has already chosen me as the Supreme Commander. I trust the Republic will recognize that as well."
Palpatine grits his teeth but nods his head knowing this was the best chance he had to continue his plans.
"Also, the Republic cannot pass any military laws through the Senate. All Military Laws and Regulations must be approved by the Defense Committee. As this is a joint military, we already have our own military laws and regulations. The republic must respect that."
"I'm sure you are aware, but the Republic will acknowledge your military laws if it doesn't violate the Republic's Constitution." Palpatine said.
"It won't. How you deal with ending the war through politics is up to you. However, once Military Action is being made, you cannot over rule the Military, Chancellor." Harry said.
"Agreed." Palpatine said after a few moments of silence.
Several people let out a long breath of relief the moment the two men sign the treaty and the witnesses sign.
News of the Rift Alliance was spread throughout the Republic that they were aligning themselves with the Republic and would provide military support.
When they heard the Rift Alliance and the Galactic Senate would hold a joint Senate Committee known as the Military Defense Committee to oversee all Military Action done by the Republic and the Alliance, they got excited thinking the Republic was safe.
They got excited when Senator Amidala, Senator Organa and Senator Iblis were nominated to become a part of the Committee. They got more excited when Master Yoda and Master Windu were nominated as well.
To the citizen of the Republic things were finally starting to look up. However deep in the Supreme Chancellors private officer. Palpatine was ready to kill somebody. Despite the fact that Harry agreed to allow the Senate to know about the Military. He chose people who stood against him and did not like his policy.
Palpatine was also scared for another reason. Seven years ago the Force surrounding Potter was wild and untamed. Now it was calm and powerful. It was like something was radiating off of him that caused others to tremble before him.
No, Palpatine knew the Alliance between the Republic and the Rift Alliance was a smoke screen. The Rift Alliance was seeking to control the Republic just as he and his followers were. The only reason why he even agreed to Potter's demands was because he wanted to manipulate the war to bring about his death and find a way to control the military. However, he couldn't access the Military Code of Conduct or its Orders of High Command.
Potter was now a thorn in his side and powerful and deadly one. It seemed odd because before he was more annoying. That's why Palpatine was involved in the events that got him banished. Now he was cursing. He wasn't sure if it was at himself or at Potter.
Palpatine calmed down and looks up with dark yellow eyes. No, the Rift Alliance was opening its doors. That meant worlds and systems that sought to join, would join willingly instead of by force.
He had to adjust his plans. Count Dooku would have to stop the Rift Alliance and quickly.
Palpatine looks down at the secret plans of the Confederacy and knew, while Project: Weapons wasn't ready, it was his best hope to destroy the Rift Alliance.
Plans had to be made, things had to be recalculated.
Perhaps it was time, to instead of giving Anakin mere advice, to lure him completely to the Dark Side of the Force. Have Anakin become a Sith Lord like he wanted him to be. He did curse Dooku for taking Anakin's right arm and left hand but the hate in the boy had become stronger.
Yes, Palpatine was named Darth Sidious for a reason. His yellow eyes gleamed in the dark room as the lights of Coruscant faded in the background, unaware of a sinister plot being formed in the mind of a Dark Lord of the Sith.
Author Notes: The Rift Alliance Coalition Military Force has two standard armor. The first is the Katarn Battle Armor. Which is what Jace Malcom and the Republic Soldiers wear in the Old Republic in the Return and Hope Trailers. These are used by the majority of the Rift Alliance due to its heavy durability and protection. The second armor is the most commonly used by scouts, reconnaissance and light infantry. The Light Katarn Commando Armor. While its protection is weaker than its counterpart, it offers for more mobility. There is no Phase I or Phase II Armor. I will be positing pics of the armor on my bio.
Katarn Battle Armor
Protection: 8.5/10
Damage Absorption: 8/10
Mobility: 4/10
Special Features: Shield Generator
Add-ons: Officer Pauldrons
Uses: General Soldiers of the Rift Alliance.
(Old Republic Trooper Armor from the Trailers Hope and Return)
Light Katarn Commando Armor
Protection: 6/10
Damage Absorption: 4.5/10
Mobility: 9/10
Special Features: Stealth Generator (Varies)
Add-ons: Mandalorian Pauldrons/Kama (ARC Troopers, Special Forces and Special Tactics Officers Only)
Uses: Reconnaissance, Scouts, Light Infantry and Special Tactics and Recon or the Special Task Force including ARC Trooper.
This armor looks like the armor used in Mass Effect 3 trailer 'Take Earth Back' by the Earth Systems Alliance Soldier behind Commander Shepard.
Note: These armors will be posted in my bio soon.