Chapter 18

(Geonosis, Hidden Underground Location)

It was early morning the next day since Kellia had first felt that sudden and dark burst from the force. She and Dase had been asked if they would like to inspect the droid armies that Vikkal promised, and the archduke himself agreed to show them personally. Later today, after the inspection and first hand account of archduke Vikkal's droid armies, she, Dase and Vikkal were to meet with leaders of the Dubrava survivors delegation, as well as many backers, and supporters all across the galaxy via secure holo-conference.

All who were willing and finally wishing to be rid and cast off the Empire were gathering together, and about to formalize this rebellion. No more waiting, no more pandering to the nationalistic imperial citizens all across the galaxy, and no more acting as if war needs to be clean, and fun all the time. It is war! Sometimes one must come off as hard, as brutish, as strong and willing to do what is necessary for the survival and propagation of peace and freedom. No one ever said being the good guy was easy, and Kellia knew that for this time around, being the good guy meant looking or maybe even acting as the bad guy. 'So be it.' She would think, and nothing was going to stop her from getting back, and destroying Palpatine.

"If you two would please follow me through here, I am sure you both will be most impressed and pleased with my peoples droid army." Vikkal declare with a hint of pride among his clicks and whistles, and Dase asked what the archduke had said, and Kellia quickly told him before returning her attention to the archduke as he led the two through a an automated metallic door that stood out from the brownish and rocky halls of the Geonosian spire.

Sidestepping the archduke pointed into the room with a sweeping arm. "This way please, after you." He kindly said, and Kellia once more sensed no danger through the force so inclined her head and roughly pulled Dase with her through the doorway. Her ears were greeted with the loud slamming, whirring, grinding, and other haphazard noises associated with machinery and a factory at work. She entered onto an enclosed balcony and walked over towards the railing. Joined by Dase and then Vikkal, Kellia looked out into the large factory and saw many thousands of familiar battle droids on racks being produced in vast quantities. They were pushed along these industrial racks, and below her were thousands being put onto battle ready racks for immediate battle distribution. Some were even already walking about. Vikkal had informed Kellia yesterday that the Geonosian B1 units numbered well past seventeen billion for immediate use, with another two billion in production and would be battle ready in a few weeks if the old factories were opened. Indeed Vikkal promised that after the signing of this alliance was finalized and completed he would order the substandard Moff garrison on Geonosis destroyed, and all old Clone Wars era factories reopened and re-appropriated for droid and arms production.

Beyond the B1 units Kellia could see the massive metallic bodies of the B2 super battle droids as they too were carried along their racks, and prepped for battle. Vikkal assured her that the droid armies of Geonosis were being fully prepped and ready as soon as she had finished her conversation about an alliance just yesterday, and because of that the Geonosians themselves were flying all about the factory. Ensuring the machinery was running at optimum efficiency. That the activated droid units were heading or being take to their appropriate and designated waiting area or prepped for loading into the droid transports similar to those used by the old Trade Federation created by Baktoid Armor Workshop. Only these vehicles were being created now by the Geonosian military machine.

Millions of the dreaded but very useful Droideka units were seen rolling about the ground level beneath Kellia as Vikkal assured her they were being used as sentry units against any Moff units that became nosy as to what was going on here in this or the other two hidden droid factories still in operation here on Geonosis.

"Ah, here they are." Vikkal commented to no one in particular as he gazed over the railing as well. Kellia looked over to him with a quizzical look, and he pointed down to a specific area below them.

"Down there are the armored units I have to offer from the star, and can continue to produce." Kellia followed the archdukes outstretched hand and saw a spider-droid, a dwarf spider-droid, an AAT tank unit, an impressive Hailfire-class droid tank, and several crab-droids of varying sizes.

"Impressive are they not, Knight Nelrain?"

"Indeed they are, archduke. If you remember I had to fight some of these units from time to time not too long ago." Kellia reminded.

"Of course, of course. I sometimes get carried away in my enthusiasm for my droid army, Ms. Nelrain." Vikkal explained with a smile upon his Geonosian features.

"So, archduke. You say that what assets you have now can be set into action as soon as we need them?"

"Yes, of course! The minute you need my forces deployed, either droid of Geonosian, we are ready to do our part for freedom." Vikkal responded with great pride still about him, and Kellia smiled.

"Good, because after our declaration and mutual alliance agreement is signed between yourself and the other allies to our cause, we may need to deploy your armies at once to safeguard ourselves from both the Moffs and Imperials."
"Of course, and we are most willing to help as best we can." Vikkal assured.

"Kellia." Dase whispered her attention an she inclined her head to hear what he had to say.

"The meeting is close to starting. I suggest you, and the old man over there get ready for the talks."

"Very well Vorum." She replied tersely.

"Good archduke, the meeting between those inclined to aid us in our cause for freedom is close to starting. I recommend we retreat to the conference room you graciously provided us, and we ready for this historic day."

"Ah, yes. Very well let us proceed to history then." Vikkal said in good-natured happiness about him as he gestured for her to lead the way.

Kellia led the group of three to a conference room a bit larger than the one she had met with Vikkal with in secret yesterday. This one was also provided by the archduke a few hours after that meeting as she informed him that a great conference via holo-images was going to be held, and he immediately accepted being part of the talks and assured her that his own holo-conference room was completely secured, and had it swept a few more times for safety's sake.

The closer they got to the meeting the more Kellia could feel the adrenaline pumping through her. Not for the meeting of course, meetings such as these were boring to the point of tears, but what the meeting would bring, the battles, the fight, and eventually the toppling of the Empire and freedom, made her blood pump with adrenaline, and made the future seem, maybe not as bleak as before.

When the three entered the room with the massive circular table, Kellia and Vikkal took seats, while Dase opted to stand behind Kellia and listen. Vikkal spoke to several of his top Geonosian confidants that were present in the room, though Kellia honestly thought they looked like every other Geonosian grunt, she didn't say a word lest she offend the good and even kind archduke. Apparently Vikkal wanted to ease Kellia's fears so much that he had several of these confidants managing and monitoring the security of their conference via a massive and brightly lit computer terminal in the same room just off to the side. The act was met with great thanks by Kellia, and she had to admit Vikkal was definitely making the case for reconciliation for her with his continued moves to got the extra mile to ensure things went according to plan.

Her and Vikkal even found themselves at times making small talk as they waited for the conference to begin. They talked about the right of separatism from the republic and its legality. About the corruption of the republic, and great deceit by Palpatine that Vikkal had not full realized, and when he did he seemed even more eager to commit his droid and regular forces than before. However small talk was cut short as the tables calling device beeped with a request to receive and send out transmission. Getting herself ready Kellia stiffened herself in her seat and nodded her readiness to Vikkal who when ready himself motioned for the Geonosians at the terminal to accept the transmission.

The empty seats at the conference table suddenly began to buzz to life with hologram images of their respective caller. Kellia smiled as she noted that most if not all whom the URM sent delegates to were present and she hoped with all that she was that this meant they were all onboard with committing themselves to this course of action.

"Greetings Archduke, Vikkal the Restorer, representative of Geonosis. We welcome you and your world to this most historic and important of meetings, and deeply hope your being here means your commitment to freedom for all is as great as ours. I am Casto Migs and will be mediating these proceedings personally." The slightly elder man named Casto Migs, said with a warm smile about him. Though Kellia did not recognize many of the people that the URM founding council was made up of, she sure as all hell trusted them over the old generation of backstabbing politicians. For these men and women, and aliens survived the Dubrava massacre, and that countered for something in her book.

"The Geonosian peoples and my armies, supplies and arms are fully at the disposal of those who would align themselves to our own mutual wish for freedom and justice." Vikkal responded in a very political like manner, but Kellia had to remind herself he was leader of all Geonosis politically so he would indeed know how to play politician.

"We, the survivors of Dubrava and subsequently the founders of this political mission to forma greater rebellion movement against the tyranny of the Empire, humbly thank you for your participation in this meeting archduke Vikkal." Migs responded very politician like himself. He then swept his holo-imaged eyes over the other members who all sat waiting.

"Now that the final members of this meeting are present in the form of our Jedi advisor and honorary military head, Kellia Nelrain, and the good archduke Vikkal of Geonosis, I shall introduce all other members present at this meeting." Migs declared as he looked to his immediate left. There sat a well clothed and almost royal looking Sullustan.

"Introducing the most honorable and brave Sian Tevv, of the Sullustan underground movement to topple the Imperially backed dictatorship of the SoroSuub Corporation." Tevv bowed his head and muttered some words in Sullustan that Kellia's translator luckily picked up as, "I am honored to be here among friends of like mind." Kellia smiled at the kindly looking Sullustan as Migs went to the next person.

"Next, I am pleased to introduce, Muhdu Gelshrik, delegated representative of the Selkath peoples of Manaan." the Selkath bowed and Kellia found herself drawn to the droopy fleshy growths on the sides of the Selkath mouth before representative Gelshrik said that he too was most proud to be among those that were willing to take action here and now rather than wait for the most opportune time for themselves rather than for the entire galaxy, and Kellia knew she liked him immediately.

"Moving along I am happy to introduce Keltu Moro-Sen, representing his world of Polus and his people the Pyn'gani, as they have contacted us to offer aid."

"It pleases me to offer my worlds menial services to your most honorable of causes." Moro-Sen interjected with a serious voice and demeanor.

"We thank you once more representative Moro-Sen." Migs said, and moved on

"Also among us is Madam Planetary Governor, Medina Lomell of Taris."
Kellia looked to see a slightly more older women than herself who looked a little weary of the whole situation but she merely bowed her head politely, and allowed Migs to continue.

"Furthermore, I am most honored to introduce Antamdor Sultolos, of Sluis Van, and representative of the Sluissi peoples."
"An honor." The serpentine and black eyed male Sluissi quickly said.

"Then, joining us from Dac via a highly secure channel, a one Gial Ackbar, who we have been assured is secure from his hidden location, and represents the grand majority of Mon Calamari. We thank you for joining us despite the great worry your people have for your safety Ackbar, sir."

"Please, no thanks are necessary." Ackbar assured with an odd accent about him but Kellia could see the Mon Calamarian was indeed wise.

"Seeing as no one else is ready or indeed willing to do anything about the Imperial, or now the Moff problem, I see this 'summit,' as the best course of action to get anything done about this terrible galactic situation we all find ourselves in, but please continue, I have taken up too much of your time already as is." Ackbar kindly said and both Migs and Kellia smiled at the kindly Mon Calamarian.

"Thank you, representative Ackbar, for your most gracious and kind words." Migs replied.

"Now. Those who I have just introduced have responded to our offer with full support and thus I have thought it prudent to call a meeting between all of us who are fully in agreement to our alliance proposal. I would like to point out however, that several states within the galaxy have assured us of economic backing but non-direct or open support until a more adequate situation arises for them, and we have found this agreeable." Migs informed and many present nodded their heads quietly as they understood what Migs reports. Kellia on the other hand rolled her eyes in contempt for those that would not throw their full support behind the fight for freedom.

:However, these states would like to be listed off before we begin these proceedings to hopefully inform all present of their allies in hidden places in the galaxy, so I shall now list off all those who are friendly and backing our cause. They are as follows: Chandrila, Delaya, Alderaan; though we have failed to get into contact with substantial leadership on that world," Migs interrupted as many stiffened at the mention of the world Bail Organa hailed from, Kellia too.

"Continuing on however, we also will receive support from: New Plympto, Ralltiir, the most gracious people of Naboo, and Utapau." Migs ended as he noticeably put down a datapad that had all the worlds he just listed off, on.

"Now let us put all these tedious introductions aside, and get down to the core of this meeting." Migs declared folding his fingers on the table he sat before at an undisclosed location.

"We, the survivors of the Massacre of Dubrava, witnesses to the betrayal of the old generation, have called this meeting at great personal risk because despite what took place on Dubrava we feel it necessary to continue to fight and believe in freedom for all. The momentum has been warded off, but it has not died. The time for union, alliance, and cohesive action is now my fellow delegates! The galaxy sees itself falling into chaos as the Moffs have seceded from the Empire, and have declared Civil War upon Emperor Palpatine and his government. The time to act is now while both these sides of the Imperial legacy are striking and weakening one another. If we fail to act now then we are opening ourselves up to missing a most great of opportunities." Migs declared as his eyes hardened with serious. All members gathered mumbled their agreements and nodded along.

"What we lack in resources and means, and by we, I mean the survivors of Dubrava, we have come to you, my friends in hope of forging an alliance that can aid in compensating for our shortcoming, and aid one another in shared shortcomings as well."

"We Geonosians are capable of and are more than willing to put the full backing of our ground forces at the disposal of this burgeoning alliance, sir."

"Thank you once more archduke Vikkal, we are glad to have your full support." Migs replied cordially.

"If we are talking here about military aspects, pardon my interruption by the way, but I feel that I should be frank about our situation at this time and what can be done from our side of things." The Calamarian Ackbar interjected politely, and Migs nodded his approval for him to continue.

"Thank you. Now, Dac has a massive naval presence in orbit and ever since the outbreak of the civil war in the Empire more and more personnel have been leaving to join either loyalist or Moff forces. They are leaving half finished ships, and abandoning older models, or prototypes by the plenty. We have diligently hidden away several of our own ships, of our own design. We are also working round the clock to refit ships of Mon Calamarian design into battle able and worthy retrofitted vessels." Ackbar said with a bit of cheeriness in his voice.

"However, despite our best efforts, I am sad to say we can only promise a couple hundred of vessels at the onset of any move we may make, we can promise to begin production of more ships immediately but that will require time and resources we simply do not have."

"If it is design specialists, and tech managers you need for space worthy vessels then we Sluissi are fully capable and willing to cooperate on this matter with you and the other Calamarians of Dac, representative Ackbar." Antamdor of Sluis Van interjected, and Ackbar nodded gratefully.

"May I inquire to the capability of your peoples ability to aid in ship production?"

"We can aid in building, sir. We can also look over any schematics, and prototypes, or you retrofitted ships and aid your people in optimizing their capabilities, and efficiency."

"Then that solves our production problem a bit." Ackbar replied with a smile about his large fish-like face.

"Sullust I can assure both of you can and will supply all raw materials you will need along with your own natural materials of course. We however require the removal of the SoroSuub oppression we find ourselves under, before we can begin aiding you in earnest. I will warn you however, that we find ourselves sadly still under loyalist control, and the Empire has sent a secondary division to aid the garrison here, and thus we find ourselves under double our original occupation." Tevv of the Sullustans interjected as the intensity of the meeting grew and Kellia honestly began to take interest in all this assurance and aid promises. It felt like a plan was coming together, and it felt oh so good to have real clout behind your words and plans.

"Geonosis can promise the full aid of all available resources until Sullust is liberated, at which point we will maintain aiding the overall needs of resource requirements to the galaxy." Vikkal said and received a good response from the fellow delegates.

"Economically we here on Polus have much to offer besides our most generous, secret financial backers. Our sales and monopoly of the carbonite market will greatly aid our alliance economic wise my fellow representatives. I have full confidence that we can also supply manpower, and volunteer forces from across my world and among my eager peoples."

Moro-Sen of Polus declared and received many welcoming and happy mumbles in reply.

"We graciously accept your offer, representative Moro-Se, and thank you for it." Migs replied with a nod.

"Forgive me for my interjection, but I feel I must add my thoughts, and include what we here on Taris are offering to do as well." The silent governor of Taris, Medina Lomell suddenly declared with a quiet but oddly commanding voice.

"My world has a history of being the sight of great damage because of war. The Empire unfairly seeks to command the very lives of every citizen and ever sentient being across the galaxy, and we here on Taris are in agreement that we must seek to support those who want freedom at all costs. We have been isolated from the political happenings of the galaxy for a long time, and we may not be the powerhouse that we once were, we are not to so easily be cast aside."

Lomell declared with hardened eyes, that Kellia honestly didn't exactly know why Lomell was so aggressive, but she didn't mind it really.

"That being said, Taris is offering all available manpower, and economic resources at our disposal, as well as what foundries and industrial power we have, and while we may not be Geonosis, or Sullust, I can assure you the people of Taris can and will work for a better future." Lomell then smirked.

"I would also like to inform this conference that, due to this civil war breaking out across the Empire, much like Dac, the Imperial commanders on the ground here on Taris have come to me asking me personally what they should do. You must understand that the local garrison is mostly comprised of local Tarisians, and they have placed their trust in me. I have managed to convince them to aid myself and our shared cause, and to that end I am happy to report the local System fleet is fully at our disposal, and the local infantry forces of the Empire, have agreed to join our cause." She said smilingly, and while Kellia could sense some unease through the force from the other members, she sensed calmness from Lomell, and decided to trust her.

"That would be most welcome, madam governor, and we look forward to adding your forces to our united one." Migs replied equally smilingly.

"Since we are all making our declarations, and adding their individual promises to the proverbial pot, I feel that it is Manaan's time to add what we can." Muhdu Gelshrik, the Selkath interjected much as the others had, and though Kellia suspected a bit of annoyance about him, she felt it was only because Manaan was not so militarily capable as the rest but just as willing to help, and be helped.

"Now, we on Manaan have been brought under brutal Imperial oppression as of late. They have polluted our waters, and forced us to return to Ahto city, our one city above our waters. Their depth charges have destroyed swaths of our underwater cities, and killed many innocent Selkath. The purpose of this is to acquire our Kolto. Now as you all may be aware of, Bacta has surpassed our Kolto long ago, but the Imperials recognize that this cheap ,and albeit weaker, alternative can and will be used by those who don't have access to their monopoly on the Thyferra Bacta supplies." Gelshrik explained as the croaking voiced alien intertwined its fleshy fingers on the table where it was.

"I have been working with many of my colleagues here on Manaan, and we are planning to rebel against the local Imperial garrison that still remains loyal to Coruscant, and the Emperor Palpatine. I do not believe we can successfully pull this rebellion off without aid from you my fellow representatives, and so I must implore you to send aid to us as soon as possible, as I can only hold off the attack for a few days, or maybe a week at most."
the Selkath intoned darkly, and several fellow holo-imaged members turned to one another with mild surprise, and anxiety about them.

"If and when we are liberated from this awful and contemptuous Imperial oppression, Manaan is more than willing to supply all the Kolto you could ever ask for with no charge. We recognize that you would prefer Bacta but we are sadly incapable of supplying such. On top of that we will promise Selkath cooperation in ways of forces, and arms, as much as limitedly possible for us of course. We will do our part, and that's really all we can hope to do." The Selkath finished, almost with a bit of sadness or gloom over him as he spoke.

"I will personally aid you of no one else will, my friend." Kellia suddenly declared with her eyes burning with emotion. She would not let a plea like this Selkath's go unheard, and she hoped that she would invigorate the others.

"The Mon Calamari, will come to your aid representative Gelshrik!" Ackbar spoke up with conviction.

"No liberation shall commence without the aid of at least one Tarisian ship. Madam Lomell spoke up as well and smiled, causing Kellia to smile.

"I think it is obvious then what our first moves should be." Migs declared finally after he felt his moment arise.

"The coordinated liberations of Sullust, Manaan, Dac, and Geonosis should be our top priority. Are we in agreement?"

The council looked about for a moment and after no objection was heard, they all signaled their agreements with nods.

"Very well. To business then. Archduke Vikkal, your armies are essentially the backbone of our forces at this time, and I find it obvious that I humbly request your armies be mobilized to aid in these liberation's."

"We are in full agreement. All we need are ships to transport and protect us on this venture." Vikkal replied with pride still evident about his voice.

"I believe we can help in that department archduke." Madam Lomell interjected.

"I can authorize my boys to send out our fleet to get you where you need to go. We have ninety ships altogether, and while I would feel comfortable having something here to protect us, I think the initial shock of our fleet being used against either Moff or Imperial will lead them to leave us be for now, at which point I hope the fleets of Sluis van, and Dac have been added to the pot."

Ackbar, and Antamdor both nodded, and Tevv of Sullust spoke up next.

"We will be happy to begin immediate construction of arms, and supplies as soon as we are liberated, and all damages incurred will be fully repaired I can assure you."

"We too, can compensate for all incurred damages to your fleet madam Governor." Antamdor said in full agreement.

"Very well then." Vikkal replied seriously and slowly.

"First thing to do however, is take care of the Moff presence here on Geonosis, which I can see to without aid I assure you."
"You'll have my aid nonetheless, archduke." Kellia replied with a renewed and eager smile.

"It's settled then." Migs said with a booming tone of voice.

"Geonosis shall begin the first act of liberation be removing all Moff forces from their world. Governor Lomell shall send out the necessary naval forces to retrieve the droid armies of Geonosis for distribution to Sullust, Manaan, and Dac to be used in a coordinated liberation of our fair worlds. Immediate distribution of the Dac and Sluis Van fleets will commence after liberation of these worlds and subsequent removal of any and all enemy forces on subsequent allied worlds shall commence backed up by Lomell's regular infantry, and Vikkal's droid armies. We will have to meet again afterwards to begin preparations for our next moves." Migs condensed the whole course of action with a stern voice.

"Ladies, and gentlemen I am sending you all a document that is the official first step to forming our own articles of rebellion and secession. This is merely a document cementing our common ideals, and mutual friendship to our common freedom for Imperial oppression. You may read it if you wish, and your signatures are the only thing that is required. My friends this is a grand day indeed." Migs ended with a smile, and all members looked at their separate monitors wherever they were and went about either glancing it over, or immediately signing it without question.

"Let our work for ultimate freedom begin then!" Migs said, and everyone clapped in agreement. Kellia could feel the adrenaline pound, and the force swirl.

'Let the revolution, begin!'

Authors Note: Sorry that this story is so very wordy people, but this scene is vital to the story, as it lets you know who the key players are, and what is going to happen. I am very sorry for any and all grammatical errors you may encounter, and trust me I see the buggers after I usually post the chapter, and it is honestly because I tend to type really fast and late at night as I said, when the mood hits me. Let me know what you think of the rebels please! Are they believable? Are they interesting as far as rebels go? Do you want to see them brutally maimed or successful? Not that I will change what happens to them by your opinions, per say, but I want to know what you all think! Thank you all so much for continuing to ready my story, and as usual please excuse of point out those grammatical errors, and please enjoy!