Chapter 23. In the Name of Peace

Coruscant

Chief of State Lando Calrissian stood on the floating platform with Grandmaster Jedi Luke Skywalker, Jedi Masters Mara Jade Skywalker, Kykle Katarn, Kyp Durron, and Octa Ramos. The Solos were there as well with Admiral Takai Den (A Rodian) and General Saul Nadine a distant cousin of the General Nadine who served in the Rebel Alliance. Also in attendance was Admiral Daala and Gileade Palleon President Elect of the Imperial Remnant. They watched as an Arquillion Councilor's ship landed on the platform. A message had been sent ahead that Arquillions wanted to begin peace talks and as sign of good will the Arquillions released Admiral Wedge Antillies. He was sent to Coruscant in a long range ship piloted by a droid, but he was still frozen in Carbonite.

"Welcome to Coruscant Ambassador Demetri of Clan Byth."

He bowed, "You honor me Chief of State Calrissian-May I introduce my wife Lady Camell Byth, my personal advisor Henton Roth, and my Legal Aid Josan Byth."

After they greeted each other Lando took them to the state building where they met in conference room 3 on the 100th floor.

"I have been given broad powers by the Emporess to negotiate peace on behalf of the Empire. First this is a list of planets we are willing to return to the Alliance."

Lando scaned over the data pad list before passing to the others at the table. "This is unacceptable!" Palleon said, "The Arquillion Empire must return Belbringi."

"I seem to recall that Belbringi was an independent system and not apart of the Imperial Remnant."

"I was in talks with the people of Belbringi to get them to join the Remnant." Gileade defensively replied.

"Belbringi is not on the plate."

"You are the invaders!" Luke said, "You drew first blood."

"No-I recall that it was the Jedi who drew first blood fighting in the Y'Tube sector and on Geonosis-We were attacking independent systems."

Luke smiled, "Only because your people attacked the Star Fire and kidnapped its crew."

Lando raised his hands, "Gentlemen! We are getting off the subject at hand and that is making peace."

Demetri sighed, "You are right-We should not be discussing who did what first-I am willing to entertain any reasonable counteroffers."

The meeting went on for hours as Lando wanted to amend the list of planets the Arquillions were willing to free. Luke and the Jedi wanted them to surrender all the conquered Star Systems and make reparations to repair damages compensate families for lost loved ones, and replace all Alliance ships lost in battle. Gileade and Daala made matters worse as they wanted to bring charges against Arquillion military personnel. It was Lando who called a break, afraid that the Arquillions would walk away but Luke reassured him that they were genuinely interested in peace.

"How go the negotiations?" Donovan asked via holonet.

"Admiral Daala and Gileade Palleon will be a problem, but Chief of State Calrissian is the most cooperative."

"What about the Jedi?"

"Master Skywalker is reasonable although if pushed he will not yield-he has Calrissian's ear."

"Master Durron-Is Jedi Master Kyp Durron at the meeting?"

"Yes my lord, but he has been quiet the whole time."

"When you reconvene try to get him to talk-I want to know where his mind is."

Belbringi-Arquillion Fleet division Gamma

"Admiral priority 1 message from the home world-We are to proceed into Imperial Remnant Territory and attack Bastion-Bombard with extreme prejudice."

The commanding officer walked over to the COM station, "Are you sure?"

"Confirmation code-I Echo-99077 Delta. Code confirmed sir!"

"Get me the Emporess-I wish to speak with her immediately!"

The transmission was confirmed, but it was actually coming from the Sith ghost holonet established by Darth Bane over a thousand years ago and now controlled by Darth Traya.

Coruscant

Before meeting with the Demetri to finalize the peace talks Lando and Luke summoned Gilad Pallaeon and Daala to a private office. "What's this about?" Daala asked.

Luke sighed, "Show them!"

A droid projected a holo-recording of the Arquillion fleet attacking Bastion. "Are there any survivors?" Gilad asked.

"Reports are still coming in." Lando replied. "An Alliance para-military group responded to the calls for help and were able to drive them out-I have also sent medical aid, but the planet is completely devastated."

"I want revenge!" Pallaeon yelled.

"I can have the Ambassador and his retinue arrested if you would like and hand them over to you for Imperial justice."

"They will be no trial!" Daala said coldly, "They will be publicly executed." She looked at Luke, "Unless the Jedi are in disagreement."

Luke sighed, "Do what you feel is necessary-but a warning I believe we are all being manipulated."

"By whom?" Daala demanded, "This mysterious entity that has altered time."

"Yes-but I have no proof and you are doing just what this person wants."

Lando sighed, "Luke I thought you wanted to play along until this person can be found."

"Yes I do, but if its an execution you want stage one and hold the Ambassador until I can prove it."

Arquillion Home World

"We gave no such order!" Caseopeia yelled as she walked with Donovan and her advisors.

"I know, but we checked the system twice my Emporess-And there was a holo-transmission from your private line to Admiral Roth to attack Bastion."

"How many are dead?" Donovan asks as they enter the Imperial COM center.

"So far 1.3 million and the number keeps climbing." He looked at the Com officer who nodded, "Chief of State Calrissian is on line.

"Chief of State!" Caseopeia said.

"Save it!" Calrissian said interrupting, "We have confirmed that the order came from you-We have a copy of the transmission."

"Sir I don't know what happened, but neither I nor my husband gave that command. As show of good faith I am recalling all Arquillion ships and troops from Allied space."

Lando looked off to the side, "The commander who lead the attack must be turned over to us as well."

She looked at her advisors as well. Some of them shook their heads no while Donovan was among those that shook their heads yes. Caseopeia sighed, "Very well Chief of State-The commander who lead the attack will be handed over to you-I hope you can see that we are willing to cooperate and that we wish no further aggression on the Alliance."

Lando sighed, "If there is one more infraction or attack then I shall unleash the full might of the Alliance on you."

Caseopeia sneered, "You forget Chief of State that we held you and the Alliance by the throat not to long ago."

"Yes you did, but things change-You have been warned!"

Arqullion Fleet Division Vaneer of the Vaneer Clan

"Sir this is the 5th time I confirmed the order-Proceed to Kashyyk and acquire planet." The Com officer said aboard the Capital ship Vaneer said.

"Maybe its a ploy to make the Alliance think we want peace."

"My gut says otherwise!" The General replied, he grabbed the sides of his head and sat down.

"Are you alright general?"

His mind was being manipulated by Darth Khaun, "I am fine-All ships set course for Kashyyk."

It was a bloody battle and the General ordered the destruction of the Wookie shipyards. They also bombarded the villages. Lowie was there and the Wookie Jedi lead his people in defense of his home world. The burning of his village cities reminded him of the other timeline where Jacen ordered the forests burned as Darth Cadeus. Eventually Kyp Durron arrived with an assault force to give aid. They eventually defeated the Arquillion despite being outnumbered by enemy forces. Afterwards an emergency meeting of the Senate was called to discuss a full scale war against the Arquillions.