Herald of the Force
Author Notes: The Rakata are a threat, Harry discovered them about five years ago shortly before he constructed Coalition Military Force of the Rift Alliance.
Chapter 16: Shadows of War
Padmé let out a sigh of frustration as she sat down after another pointless Senate debate. True to Harry's words, COMPNOR and the Unity Committee were pushing for the 'Office of the Supreme Chancellor' to be given more political power. More power taken away from the Senate. Worse, they were pushing for the Chancellor to be given Military Power. They were choosing their words carefully, however the Chief Representative of the Rift Alliance warned they will not stand if the Republic interfered in their military operations.
Now it was a dangerous power struggle. Many Senator wanted to stay in the Republic and were siding with the Chancellor. However even they could see the Rift Alliance had the military strength. Worse, the Galactic Republic's Treasury was taken a hit.
Unfortunately tension was mounting high. The Rift Alliance Chief Representative was charging the Republic a high amount of money for supplying and funding the war. While many in the Senate cried out in protest, the fact remained strong in their minds, it was the Rift Alliance who was fighting and sacrificing their men and women. The Republic was not involved in the war at all. The Senate were also reminded the Rift Alliance Council was going to vote to pull out of the war and stop supporting the Republic. This only created panic as many in the Senate knew, without the Coalition Military Forces, the Republic had no chance against the Separatist and their droid army.
Padmé sighed in frustration as she collapsed on her bed. She had hoped to get some time alone with Harry but he left two days ago to the front lines, as the Separatist was attempting to push their way in Republic Space. She hasn't heard anything from him since. This was to be expected, because even with her clearance, communications to the Supreme Commander could not be made unless it was an emergency. She closed her eyes and her mind brought her a memory of Harry's kiss and soft touches. She smiled knowing despite what darkness the Galaxy threw at her, her greatest light was Harry.
Harry cuts the battle droid in front of him as his soldiers open fired at the other droids. The Separatist were clearly desperate to enter Republic territory. At first the Coalition Military Forces were barely holding, but when Harry arrived he quickly began changing their defence into offense and began to push the Separatist Fleet out of Republic space.
Harry jumped over the barricade and quickly located his on site Commander.
"Commander Tagren, how's the line holding?"
"We got those seps on the run Sir."
"Good, push them back beyond sector 12. Once they are out of sight, have the men take a good rest."
"Yes sir."
Harry stood up and held his lightsaber up blocking the incoming fire.
Whoever the droid commander was, he was a good tactician, but too aggressive. This allowed Harry to easily counterattack and flank the enemy before they could regroup. By the time they realized what had happen, the droids were losing more numbers then they could replace.
"Sir," A soldier said as he walks up to Harry.
"Yes, Captain Nexus right?"
"Yes sir, the Separatist are trying to enter Republic territory, why?"
"I imagine they wish to conquer Balmorra. Its weapon factory is well known throughout the Galaxy."
"But sir, Balmorra is a member of the Rift Alliance. Attack it would mean…"
"Yes, the Rift Alliance would enter into a full scale war with the Separatist. However, I feel there is more going on in this pointless war, then what we are being led to believe."
"You still believe someone in the Senate is controlling the war."
"I'm almost certain of it. I do not know if Palpatine himself is involved but make no mistake, Palpatine is trying to gain more power and become a permanent head of state. Also, it isn't just Palpatine we have to be concerned with. The Infinite Empire is out there somewhere gaining strength and make no mistake, they are watching this war. Also, the Star Cabal is lurking somewhere. Not to mention there could be other unknowns out there waiting to strike."
"Was it wise to show our hand sir?"
"The Rift Alliance may have showed our hands earlier, but we really didn't have a choice in the matter."
"So what do we do?"
"For the time being, we'll play defence. The only way to stop the conspirators is to make others desperate for our help. See to it that the enemy does not advance any further."
"Yes sir."
Harry walks towards the Forward Commander Center and enters. All the troopers stood at attention the moment they realized Harry had entered.
"At ease." Harry said as he stood before the holo-terminal.
"Secure Link to Strategic High Command is established sir."
"Very well, let's begin." Harry said as the holoterminal came alive.
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine along with Wilhuff Tarkin and Senator's Padmé and Garm Bel Iblis stood there for the report on the front.
"Marshall, how is the frontlines?" Palpatine said as he tried to control his emotions at the man who hated him.
"We're holding, but I must send more reinforcements to the frontlines to ensure the Separatist do not enter Republic Space. They are hitting our forces very hard." Harry replies as he lied to the Chancellor.
"The Republic cannot afford to pay the Rift Alliance even more than what we have to. You'll have to make do with the forces you currently have Marshall." Palpatine said in a calm voice.
"Then I'm afraid I'm forced to move my forces away from the mid-rim and set our defences in the colonies."
"Surely you can hold with what you got?" Senator Garm Bel Iblis said with concern.
"The Separatist are attacking like crazy, our forces are being stretched thin and are suffering heavy causalities. If I cannot reinforce the line, then I have no choice but to pull back before the line collapses." Harry replies. Harry knew Senator Garm Bel Iblis and Senator Padmé knew the lines were fine and they were holding out without trouble. However, Palpatine didn't know that, and once the report reached the Senate, there would be another debate on how to support the war.
"Is there anything you can do to ensure your defence does not fall without getting reinforcements?" Palplatine asks in a worried tone of voice.
Harry narrowed his eyes. It was only recently that Palpatine and the Unity Committee was successful is passing a law that allowed the office of the Supreme Chancellor to be a part of the mission debriefing. While they could be allowed, they still weren't apart of the Strategic High Command and the Military Defence Committee. They could only get reports on situations and speak on the Senate's behalf. Harry didn't like this, but unfortunately, he also began using it against Palpatine as he was feeding him false information and didn't tell him the truth of the war.
"Not anyway I can see. The lines are barely holding, if the Senate would authorize me to attack the Separatist home worlds, then…"
"You know as well as I do Marshall, the Senate hopes to force the Separatist into negotiations without making the war worse." Palpatine said interrupting the Supreme Commander.
"Keep in mind, Chancellor. That the Rift Alliance is only fighting your war because you're a failure and we're cleaning up. No amount of money can keep us fighting for long. If I feel the need to pull out is necessary to protect the worlds and systems of the Rift Alliance, then I will do so before I put the safety and security of the Republic next." Harry said in a warning tone of voice.
Palpatine frown at Harry's words.
"I shall speak to the Senate, and ask that a military operation be made to help bring the war to a quick end. Hopefully, by attacking something important of the Separatist, the war will come to a quick end." Palpatine said.
"I trust your judgment, Chancellor." Harry said in a mocking tone of voice.
Palpatine did not miss the sarcasm, but nodded his head as he and the others disappeared.
Harry turned around and prepared to return to Coruscant after being gone for nearly a month. It was going to be hectic as he was attempting to end the war quickly without getting involved in politics. However it seemed politics was forcing him to get involved.
Anakin attacked the training droid, which was set to master duellist level before dropping back to defend as the droid attacked and parried his offense. Anakin hissds as the droid cuts through his defence and hit him in the arm. Anakin dropeds back and attacked again before dropping to guard. Once again the droid passed his defence and was successful in hitting him.
"You know you're not ready to face the combat simulation at a master level Anakin." Obi-Wan said as he enters the room.
"Master." Anakin said as he turns off his lightsaber. The droid went into standby mode allow the two to talk in peace.
"You've been in here daily for the past four months Anakin, is there a reason for this?" Obi-Wan asks.
"I've been training myself to prepare for the war." Anakin answers honestly.
"I see, I thought as much. Anakin, the war is questionable."
"What do you mean Master?" Anakin said in confusion.
"Master Windu just came back and told me the Rift Alliance is considering pulling out. They are going to withdraw their forces."
"Why, that would leave the Republic defenceless." Anakin said in a shocked tone.
"Yes, you see, the Rift Alliance doesn't trust the Republic and the Galactic Senate of the Republic. The Rift Alliance also believes there may be some Senators who are attempting to manipulate the war for their own goals."
"Conspirators. You think there are those plotting against the Republic."
"They are sure of it. The one reason why the Rift Alliance is being so negative towards the Republic is because they do not want to jeopardize their own security."
"There is no proof of this though."
"That is true, only theories right now and suspicion. However, information on the Coalition Military Forces defence near Onderon was leaked. They suffered heavy causalities. Worse, some members of the Senate knew about the defence before the attack."
"You think a Senator is a spy?" Anakin said.
"I'm afraid so, the Council has tasked me, with negotiations with the Rift Alliance and its Coalition Military Force. I want you to be there as I attempt to negotiate with them."
"Master is this wise. I understand only Jedi Master's are allowed to deal with foreign government and their military." Anakin said.
"Well I figured you would attempt to attend anyway. You will be in attendance. However be mindful, remember, the Rift Alliance are not on good terms with the Republic and our alliance with them, is fragile and appears to be about to break apart at the first sign of trouble."
"Understood master."
"Also Anakin, Supreme Commander, Marshal Harry Potter will be there. He has requested the Jedi Order assist in the war."
"Can we trust him?" Anakin asks trying to hide the hate he was feeling the moment he heard Harry's name.
"Whether or not he can be trust isn't the question. I'm telling you this so you don't do anything foolish. Remember, if you attack or provoke him, then the Rift Alliance will withdraw. This meeting is very important. Members of the Senate and Jedi will be there in hopes to secure the Alliance with the Rift Alliance." Obi-Wan said.
Anakin said nothing as he gives a nod in understanding.
Rift Alliance Ambassador Building
Harry entered the room and could see a dozen Senators, members of the Jedi Council and Chancellor Palpatine who all looked at the members of the Rift Alliance.
Harry sat down along with the other high ranking members of the Rift Alliance.
"Now then, I trust your investigation has turned up something." Harry said in a cold tone of voice as he started the meeting.
"There is no proof that the leak came from our end…"
"The Defence Fleet hasn't suffered a major loss like this since the start of the war. Only a few knew of the defence fleet's location and strength that was station near Onderon. Now because of it, you lost a key planet of the Republic. How can you sit there, and tell me that there was no leak!" Harry said in an angry tone of voice.
"If there was a leak we would have found it on our end." Palpatine said in a calm tone of voice.
"Except there are many corrupt officials on your end." Harry snaps.
"The loss of the Defence Fleet is serious. If there was a leak, then the traitor would have no doubt covered his or her tracks."
"The Rift Alliance is already questioning this Alliance we have with the Republic. While I did make agreeable terms and have fought your battles, even I am getting sick of fighting for no reason. Our people are questioning, why should we stay and fight, for something the Republic caused?" Harry said.
"What price should we pay to keep the Rift Alliance happy?" Senator Orn Free Taa said as he was stuffing his face with food. Harry turned to look at the poor excuse of a Senator.
"This is not a question of money. It's a question of what responsibilities is the Republic going to take to ensure that they make amends. How can we trust the Republic, when you have proven to break the very laws and decrees you have created." Harry said.
Not one Senator said a word. Palpatine wasn't looking very happy.
"Please Marshal; there is no reason to be angry." Anakin said. Obi-Wan grabbed his arm but Anakin steps forward. "You have to understand, the Republic is uneasy with your military power and they merely want to ensure the Rift Alliance doesn't turn on us."
"If we are to attack the Republic, it would be because of your leader's decision to imprison us and force us to do what he wanted instead of our people." Harry said in a calm tone of voice. However there was a hint of anger and a warning inside of it.
Anakin said nothing as he knew Harry was looking for a reason to declare war on the Republic.
"What can the Republic do to keep the Rift Alliance continue to assist the Republic?" Padmé asks in a calm tone of voice.
"The Rift Alliance is tired of having to go through the Senate just to commence the simplest military action. The amount of red tape and restrictions we have are making us unhappy and the men and woman of the Coalition Military Forces are now talking about ending the Senate's rule." Harry says in a calm tone of voice as he looks at Palpatine who suddenly paled.
"Surely it can't be that bad..."
"The Coalition Military Force does not like the amount of restrictions we have in Republic Space. More than eighty percent of the forces are saying, it is not the Separatist who is the enemy, but rather it is the Republic we should be fighting against." Harry stated calmly.
"What do you want?" Senator Organa asks in a calm tone.
"I've repeatedly asked for the same thing, over and over again and I'm getting sick of repeating myself. Give the Coalition Military Force unrestricted access and permission to conduct military operations against the Separatist, or, you can start fighting your own battles." Harry said.
Palpatine frowns, as it was well known he was blocking their attempt to have such power within the Republic.
"I trust you understand, the Senate does not feel comfortable giving the Rift Alliance such power…"
"Would you rather become enemies of the Rift Alliance? If you believe that is wise Chancellor, to fight both the Confederacy Armies and the Coalition Military Forces at the same time, I cannot help but wonder just how long your Republic will last."
Too many Senators who knew the Rift Alliance was on edge because of the restrictions the Republic had on their military, now understood just how far they were upset. It was clear, that the Senate was only making them angrier by restricting their movements and actions instead of letting the Rift Alliance fight the battles that were needed.
"Very well, I will now use my executive power to allow the Rift Alliance Coalition Military Force to have unrestricted access and permission to conduct military operations in Republic Space. However, I cannot just give you such power without a price."
"I am aware of that. It's why I had the Senate create the Military Defence Committee. The Coalition Military Force will report to them, they will report to the Senate."
"Surely you can understand if my office was involved…"
"I do not like politics. I also do not like the idea of politics getting involved in military affairs when they do not understand the concept of military affairs. It has been well known in the Rift Alliance, that while politicians can control our funding, they do not interfere in our affairs." Harry said in a cold tone of voice that left no room for argument.
"Very well, I am just asking to be let in, so I am aware of the war effort in hopes my negotiations could bring a swift end to the war without needless violence." Palpatine said.
"The Military Defence Committee will assist you with that. Once again, I do not like politicians involving themselves in military affairs." Harry said.
Palpatine nodded, knowing this was the best he was going to get. He was seething inside because the Rift Alliance was threatening to pull out of Republic space due to the unfairness their military was operating under. It has been four months since the war had started, and the Rift Alliance had called for an emergency withdrawal from Republic space. These talks were to keep the Rift Alliance in a continued alliance with the Republic.
"Now, on to other matters. Marshall Potter, I have spoken to many officers in the Judicial Department, and they have expressed a desire to assist in the war effort. Many are seeking to enlist and provide aid in any way they can."
"Hmm, that is understandable. However you do realize that if they join, they would be joining the Coalition Military Force. They wouldn't be fighting under the Republic. We also would need access to planetary identification and commit a background check on each individual."
"Now then, I understand you wish to conduct the Jedi Order into the war." Palpatine said.
"That's correct; the Jedi Order's skill will be greatly appreciated if they assist in the war." Harry replies in a slow voice.
"The Jedi Council has spoken of it, and we have agreed to assist in the war. If the Senate agrees to your terms." Mace Windu said.
Everyone turn to Chancellor Palpatine who looks almost uncomfortable.
"I have no problem with allowing the Jedi to assist in the war. However, who should they report to? They are after all, a part of the Republic."
"Once again, they will report to the Military Defence Committee." Harry said.
Palpatine nods his head as the group gets up and leaves. Harry turns and gives a heavy sighs. The war was causing him to question who his real allies were.
Author Notes: Sorry for the long wait, but I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. This story is not abandon. :)