January 16th, 2613
Location: Coruscant, Senate building
Padme Amidala
The Senate building is in the capital of the Galactic Republic which has been at war for a little under 20 years.
The role of the Senate is to uphold law and order, yet it seems that chaos prevails with no end in sight. Despite their claims of patriotism, it's clear that many senators are driven by self-interest, while corporations prioritise profit above all else. Furthermore, certain pro-war senators remain steadfast in their desire to fight the separatists, even if it comes at the Republic's expense. The latest issue involves Terracrest's refusal to trade their resources with the Republic.
Terracrest is a planet on the outskirts of the unknown region. Terracrest resides in the Luxor Cluster along with seven moons, Terracest and the moons are rich in Terranium/Beskar, a scarce material. The Luxor Cluster was considered part of the UTG and its only connection to the rest of the galaxy, until 2608 when they voted to leave, severing the UTG from the galaxy.
Padme was walking towards her repulsor pod to meet with Titus Firebrand, the man representing Terracrest in the debate. Over the Years Padme had got to know Titus as a friend from diplomatic meetings to trade deals, where they had grown close. Padme admired Titus's dedication towards the people of Terracrest even if they were not human. While not working, Titus revealed his private views on Terracrest, with him being a pro-military supporter and pro-UTG which had caught Padme off guard because of Terrancrest's history with the UTG.
Padme entered the Corridor leading towards her pod. Standing just outside the pod wereTerracrest's soldiers, sent as bodyguards for Titus. Titus was waiting in the pod for Padme, he had arrived around 10 minutes before her and was on his Holotablet reading over his notes for the debate. Titus had two goals in mind; stop the invasion and downplay any trade deals they tried to make. Before he could go further into his thoughts he noticed Padme, he stood up and shook her hand and sat back down. Padme spoke up "How nervous are you?" Titus replied quickly when he said "Very much" Padme could tell from how he was fidgeting with a pen and bouncing his leg up and down. "Have got any tips on how to win them over?" Titus was now looking up at Padme with a pleading face "Here are a few you could try, but I don't think they would work. You could try to intimidate them, or my personal favourite is to manipulate them into believing it is what's best for them."
Titus was surprised. He always viewed Padme as someone who would be against it, but here she was advocating for it. "I'll keep that in mind, anyway when are we meant to start?" Padme was now sitting down next to Titus, "I think we should be starting in 5 minutes" Titus was going over notes with Padme looking over his shoulder, then she spoke up again "What are you going to talk about?" Titus put his Holotablet down and spoke "I might mention the terms of independence, which states that Terranium deals were to be made between Terracrest and the UTG only." Padme was shocked by Titus's statement.
"Members of the Senate, let us begin this discussion over Terracrest, and their refusal to trade their Baskar." Before Padme could push further, Palpatine cut her off, calling the Senate into order. She moved her pod towards the centre of the Dome to allow Titus to have centre stage. "Members of the Senate, I come here representing Terracrest over this trade dispute and how to look for an alternative solution." Titus placed his Holotablet off to the side and was now standing waiting for questions.
"Why does Terracrest support the CIS?" accused Senator Maximus Voltaire as he moved his pod opposite Titus "The only support the CIS receives from Terracrest is humanitarian support, we don't have the industrial complex to offer military support, we can barely support ourselves." Titus tried acting as if Terracrest was struggling even though the UTG pays far more than what the Republic would offer for Terranium/Beskar "Why do you refuse to trade your beskar with us? It seems like you do support the CIS." Throughout the Senate, Padme could hear pro-war senators cheering in support of Voltaire
"As I said before, the only support the CIS gets is humanitarian supplies. We don't trade our Beskar with the Republic because the UTG pays more than what the Republic is willing to pay." from the looks of the majority of the senate they looked angry or irritated over the fact the UTG is still involved in Terracrest.
"Why does Terracrest support the oppressive government of the UTG, and if you don't, why do you continue to trade with the UTG and not the Republic?" Senator Voltaire was trying to get Titus to slip up so they could invade Terracrest. "What do you mean the UTG is oppressive, the UTG gives near full power towards its people in the government unlike the Republic'' The pro-war senators continued their boos towards Titus.
"Why did you leave the UTG if they are so great, it seems you are full of lies." A new senator had entered the centre of the dome, the Mandalorian senator, Senator Lira Torren. She was an older pro-war senator who had been advocating for an invasion of Terracrest for a while over the idea that all Beskar is Mandalorian even if it's found on a different planet.
"We left because we wanted to make our own rules that would apply to our system and not have to answer to a much larger government." Titus had just thought of the idea, of course. It wasn't the real reason, the actual reason was that the UTG exploited their Beskar without giving them proper compensation. He couldn't say that though after what he had said about the UTG.
"So you left the UTG for some independence but still trade with them and not the Republic, and what stops the UTG from invading you" Senator Voltaire spoke again still trying to turn the Senate's view of Terracrest. As Terracrest being similar to the CIS, and for the majority of them it was working.
"Do you mean the UTSC? The UTG or UTSC haven't shown hostility towards Terracrest or its people since we gained independence. We have been on good terms and yes we still trade with the UTG. They are our main trading partners, if we stopped trading with them it would cripple our economy." Titus was tightly gripping the pod's console, he didn't show it but he was extremely annoyed that this debate happened, he thought he could make a small deal and leave.
"Yes, whatever, but you didn't answer my question. What is stopping them from declaring war if you join the Republic? We can protect you from them and you won't be reliant on the UTG." Senator Voltaire was still trying to get Terracrest to join the Republic peacefully, compared to Senator Torren.
Palpatine stood up then spoke "Members of the Senate I believe it is time to vote over this matter" Senator Voltaire, Senator Torren, and Padme moved their pods back to their place of origin before voting. Padme voted against the invasion. She looked towards Titus who was reading over something on his Holotablet, she then looked around the senate hoping they chose the peaceful option instead of more useless wars.
Most of the senators had voted and were now looking around to see who was holding them back from their own time "All the votes are now in and in a slight majority we will be invading Terracrest in the coming week." throughout the Senate you could hear cheers from the pro-war members.
Padme looked towards Titus with sadness in her eyes, Titus stood up and began walking out before Padme said "I'm sorry, we tried" Titus stopped, turned and replied, "I know you tried, just know this won't be easy for the Republic and UTG. I must go." Padme was confused by what he meant, she followed him out not wanting to push further.
"How did he take the news?" Bail Organa asked Padme as they both watched Titus and his guards from a distance with Mikasa watching from further back. "Surprisingly, he didn't show any emotion, all he said was that it would be a hard time for the Republic and UTG both, I don't know what he means though."
"We can only guess what he meant, hopefully, it ends quickly, goodbye Padme." Bail then left towards his office leaving Padme alone and angry at the Republic but also sad for Terracrest.
Location: Coruscant, Chancellor's Office
Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious
Palpatine or as he is sometimes called Darth Sidious, entered his office with a sinister smile over what the Senate decided on, a war with Terracrest. This was something he had wanted since the start of the Clone War. A system filled with beskar that would soon to be his, to make his army the ultimate fighting force in the galaxy. Finally, they will destroy the Republic.
Palpatine had always admired the Terran worlds for their unique Senate buildings. He had most enjoyed their home world Earth, especially the Imperial Palace. With the amount of freedom its people had, he almost felt sad that they might end up at war over Terracrest, but Darth Sidious was proud of what he'd accomplished. He had thrown the Galaxy into chaos for 20 years, built an army from one of the galaxy's best bounty hunter, and had nearly achieved complete control of the universe. Unfortunately, he had only one enemy left. But that was soon to be remedied.
Sidious was still furious at his apprentice Darth Tyranus, more commonly known as Count Dooku. He had begun allowing citizens of the CIS to enlist in its military, causing a slight complication in his plans of absorbing the CIS into his Empire. It may have been a small issue, but it still annoyed him.
Palpatine had begun growing close to Padme's son Luke Amidala. Palpatine was hoping Luke would survive long enough to surpass Dooku and his late father, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was his original apprentice who was killed on Mustafar by Obi-Wan Kenobi, his former master. At odd times Sidious would feel a presence in the force, one that resembled Darth Vader, and then it would disappear. He ignored it, believing he has better things to do than figure out what it was.
Right now Palpatine had to think up a plan to invade Terracrest without involving the UTG. He thought it would be easy but it turned out a difficult situation. Every diplomatic effort the Republic or CIS tried with the UTG was immediately shut down because the UTG shut itself from everyone apart from Terracrest. Terracrest is the only reason they know that the UTG hasn't fallen into anarchy but still stands.
Ultimately he decided to leave the UTG out and if they got involved they would be punished into submission.
Location: Earth, [Classified]
Eren Yeager
Eren was currently standing in an elevator heading down towards a conference room for an early annual meeting for the UTSC. Eren had never cared for the meetings as it was always about funding, ship numbers, and troop numbers but this one was different. Inside the elevator, there were two guards in standard TAS armour at the door facing the opposite wall. Eren stood in the middle with two Royal Guards behind him, intimidating the guards a little.
Once the doors opened the guards stepped out and stood to the side to let Eren and his guards through before getting back onto the Elevator. All that could be heard throughout the corridors was the Royal Guard's spears hitting the ground while they walked towards the conference room behind Eren. Once they reached the conference area, the doors separated, revealing a near-empty room, where the head of the UTSIS Director Lyra Vance sat. Opposite her, were two members of high command, Admiral Evelyn Blake and General Victor Ramirez. Sitting next to Eren's seat were three members of the Council, Isabella Yeager, Maximus Yeager, and Valeria Yeager.
Eren walked over towards his seat and sat down on a chair specifically designed for his comfort. When he was first crowned people took measurements of his body. At first, he thought it was unusual but after talking with a few other members and his parents he found out it was for the chairs he would sit in during meetings. On Eren's right, Valeria sat and on his left was Isabella. Beside her was Maximus. Eren was happy at that because he and Maximus never saw eye to eye over his idea of wealth distribution in the Empire.
"Do you know why this meeting is happening a few weeks earlier?" Eren turned towards his right and whispered to Valeria while she looked over some reports on her Holotable, she looked up to Eren and whispered back. "I think it has something to do with Terracrest.'' That reminded Eren about a diplomat that was sent to the Republic to avoid an invasion, he thought it would be successful or at the very least they strike a beneficial deal. Still, since they were here that means it was a failure.
"Now that we are all here I would like to discuss the matters over Terracrest, per the agreement of independence, we are bound to protect them from any Military conflict. I believe we should assist in defence of Terracrest to honour the agreement" Director Vance had stood up and was now addressing the 7 people in the room. Eren was surprised at the Republic's boldness in wanting to invade Terracrest on little to no intel or maybe false intel.
The room stayed quiet for a few minutes till General Ramirez spoke up "Why should we defend a backwards planet if it risks an all-out war with the Republic on a galactic scale." Eren noticed Maximus agreed with General Ramirez, a man he had nearly turned into his lapdog. Maximus wasn't on good terms with the government of Terracrest after he tried to get them to open up their trade of Terranium/Beskar to the rest of the Galaxy behind Erens back. In the end, it backfired and Maximus lost a considerable amount of his wealth.
"We will be assisting them, as per our agreement." Eren was expecting to hear a counter-argument to General Ramirez's comment, but stopped that with his decision, having already made up his mind. "Is the AATIS system operational on Terracrest?" Eren was hoping it was, making it easier to defend the planet "As of this moment some AATIS guns on Terracrest are available for use. The remaining weapons are on standby mode." Replied Vance.
Eren felt relieved that they were ready for use but before he could ask any more questions Valeria spoke "Are the Shadowstalkers combat ready?" Director Vance was looking through her Holotablet to find their status. "Yes, ma'am, they are combat-ready and are awaiting orders" The Shadowstalkers were an experimental group of six Headhunters that acted as Valeria's assassins. Compared to Eren who uses Death and the Revenants to act as personal assassins. The Shadowstalkers still partake in covert missions for the UTSC whereas the Revenants only partake in tasks if ordered by Eren or Death.
"I want them to partake in the defending Terracrest and kill any high-value targets (HVT)." Valeria's request annoyed Eren because they would be more useful defending the AATIS Control Spire, but he didn't voice his opinion because of the respect he has for her, as currently being in charge of the Headhunter program.
"Right away ma'am. Are there any orders from you, my Lord?'' Director Vance was staring straight into Eren's eyes trying to read it but ultimately failing. "I want a fleet designed with the UTSC Darkstar a part of it. I do not want the Darkstar to engage the enemy but to stay in the rear and coordinate and resupply the fleet in battle along with the ground battles."
Director Vance looked toward Eren in confusion before returning to her normal face and accepting the order. "Will Lord Vader or Death be accompanying the fleet" Director Vance had asked an important question regarding the one in charge of the battle "Both Vader and Death will be taking part in the battle." Both the military staff and Director Vance were visibly shocked at what Eren had said.
It was widely known in the UTSC that Darth Vader and Death had always had a deep hatred towards each other. Death viewed all troops as expendable; it didn't matter if they were highly experienced Spartans or a soldier straight out of training, he saw them all the same. Darth Vader viewed them as a valuable resource but was still willing to sacrifice them to achieve the Emperor's goals.
"My Lord are you sure that is a good idea given their last deployment together." Admiral Blake had broken the silence calling Eren out for his idea. " Wait, what happened last time?" Maximus asked, showing the reason why he shouldn't be involved with the UTSC or UTSIS.
"During their previous mission, they were assigned to conquer a fortress world controlled by the fanatic Jul 'Mdama and his version of the Covenant. Although the operation was considered successful, it had the highest casualty rate in a battle since the Human-Covenant War. This resulted in an estimated 5 billion deaths. now, the planet is a graveyard.'' It wasn't hard to hear the sadness in Eren's voice as he spoke, he felt he had failed his job of protecting the citizens of his Empire.
Maximus was struggling to contain his laughter, suddenly he was impaled through his upper back and a spearhead exited his stomach. Before he could make a sound the object was pulled back out. Maximus grabbed his stomach trying to stop the bleeding and to aid the wound to close. Turning around Maximus saw one of the Royal Guards Beskar's spear had his blood slowly running down onto its hand. Knowing he could say nothing, he stayed silent along with Isabella and Valeria, deciding not to do anything out of fear of punishment.
"Hold off on any declaration of war till after the battle where I will hold an emergency meeting in the upper Chamber of the Senate. Draw up plans for the invasions of Republic space. I will now take my leave and inform Vader and Death of their deployment." Eren was now standing and made his way to the exit whilst the Royal Guard that had stabbed Maximus, spun his spear removing the blood off it.
The doors had opened allowing Eren and his guards to walk through. Behind him, he could hear Maximus complaining over how much pain he was in and the two holes in his new suit. Eren didn't care, he hated how Maximus was amused by the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect those they cared about.
Eren wanted to talk to Darth Vader before he talked to his puppets and Death. He thought of just calling him to his palace on Earth but thought that would take too long so he came up with another plan.
Location: Reach, Unity City
Darth Vader
Unity City, the capital of Reach. Unity City was known throughout the empire for its welcoming population and its militarisation state. The UTSC controlled Unity City with an iron fist. They had strict curfews, little to no privacy, and strict punishments. Deep under the city were thousands of tunnels and rooms.
Walking through the tunnels was the head of the Order of the Terra Knights, Darth Vader. Walking towards his room for some peace hoping to meditate and keep his mind away from the current state of the galaxy. Entering his room he cleared space on the ground to begin his meditation.
Sitting on the floor he began meditating hoping to free his mind, but he always ended up thinking of Padme and the children. Did they survive? His anger and hatred towards Obi-Wan Kenobi, the man who ripped his kids and wife away from him, grew. Vader despised Anakin's old master and wanted to kill him the same way he killed Anakin. Before he could continue meditating he sensed the environment around him change.
Location: The Library, Unknown
Darth Vader
Vader opened his eyes to be standing on a cliff. Looking down he noticed a man standing in the water at the bottom shy of the beach, his hair flying in the wind. Jumping off the cliff Vader controlled his descent with the force. Once landed he was disgusted by his surroundings, sand everywhere. Once he got to his feet he began to approach the man until he was right behind him, the man pointed to the ocean and said
"In the past oceans were what separated nations, stopped wars and protected people. Oceans were nothing but an obstacle and we conquered it. Like all matters, this empire has faced many challenges but we haven't been defeated and I won't let it happen. Do You understand that Vader?" Vader stood next to the man while he spoke, careful not to utter a word confused and amazed over where they were.
"I don't recognize this place, where are we, my Lord?" While asking his question Vader bent his knees and scooped up some water checking if it was real. Sure enough, his suit said the water was real and drinkable but he was still confused about how he got here without remembering anything.
"This is your first time in The Library, am I correct?" Eren began to grow his hair back out and tie it back into a man bun. Vader stood there in silence; he knew what The Library was and understood its power in manipulating time and space but that was it. "It is, but why are we here?" Vader was still confused about why Eren had called him here. He was told that using The Library was mentally exhausting.
"The Republic has declared war on Terracrest and by default, us. I wanted to tell you this before the others because of your history with them. So will you stand against the ones who tried to kill you or will you kneel to them?" Eren was now looking up at Vader waiting to hear his answer already knowing what he would say. "When I first met your father I made a Promise. I will not break it." Eren was happy with his response, he had only asked to see if he was still loyal to the Republic.
"That was the answer I wanted, now follow me." Eren began walking into the water with Vader cautiously following behind. He began slowing down once the water reached his waist then more when it reached his head. Once he was fully submerged he was surprised to be in the throne room but to his right was a hole in the wall with nothing but black. He walked over to the hole to see that they were above Terracrest.
"How." That was all he said as confusion filled his brain. "The Library works in many ways." Was all Eren said not answering Vader's question. The truth is, Eren himself didn't understand how it worked either. No one did. Before Vader could say anything the doors flew open slamming into the walls and revealing Death and his Revenants. All eight of them walked in and knelt with such force, it looked like they were punching the ground.
"You called for us, my lord?" Death spoke, with his Revenants staying silent behind him. Death is the only one to talk. Eren was sitting on his throne resting his head on his palm, showing no emotions. He closed his eyes for five seconds before opening them again, staying silent, in that time Vader moved next to the throne and waited.
After 30 seconds of silence, Vader saw Vega, Seraphina, and Atlas walk into the room and kneel down. They looked up towards their master with confusion on their face before looking back at the ground. "Now that we all are here I will be telling you about your next mission, defend Terracrest." No one in the room apart from Eren and Vader knew what he was talking about.
"What do you mean, who is attacking Terracrest" Death had raised his head so it was in line with Eren's eyes, Eren was staring back thinking whether he should tell them or not. He thought it would be fun not to tell them and was trying to picture the look on their face when they saw the Republic.
"You will find out soon enough, but listen first. I want all of you there defending Terracrest, Death I want you and your Revenants to defend the AATIS Control Spire, Vader I want you to defend the fleet and you can choose what Vega, Seraphina, and Atlas will focus on." Eren spoke while sitting up on his throne.
The room stayed silent during and after being told their part in the battle. Vader had not moved away from the throne, staying at Eren's side and waiting for someone to ask a question. "My Lord, how do you expect us to prepare if you refuse to tell us who we are fighting?" Vega had spoke up towards Eren assuming her role as the leader of Seraphina and Atlas, but still under Vader.
"Why is it you want to know? On every mission you have been sent on, you never questioned who you would be fighting. Why do you want to know now?" Eren paused thinking of the right words to say "If you're so desperate it is the Republic who will be attacking Terracrest."
Vader could feel the confusion and anger throughout the room, some were directed towards Eren but most were directed towards the Republic. He could sense another presence, Eren.
Looking towards Eren he saw him with a small smile on his face towards Vader over his realisation. Eren was a God in The Library, nothing could stop him no matter how hard they tried and Vader stood next to him.
"But why would they invade Terracrest they are an independent planet?" It was now Atlas's turn to ask his question, but before Eren could speak Death cut him off. "It's obvious, it is because of their beskar reserves and refusal to trade it with anyone apart from us. They made one mistake, one that just cost them the war, Terracrest belongs to the Emperor and is only his." Death was now standing on his feet in front of his master.
"I want all of you to depart for Terracrest immediately and assist in the evacuations while still building the planet's defences. If I'm correct you'll have a few days before the Republic arrives. Now leave" Vader's vision blurred into blackness before he woke up still meditating.
On his feet, he pulls his Eternal Blades, grabbing them mid-air and attaching them to his waist. Vader wasted no time in leaving for his waiting Pelican.
—-
"Dear humanity... we regret being alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret that the Corps just blew up our raggedy-ass fleet!"-Sergeant Johnson
