Prologue: Negotiations and Preparations

January 3, 2227.

T'au was very much a beautiful planet. It was no wonder the Tau were so refined, coming from a world that offered such captivating scenes.

Its position in the Attican Traverse also meant that it was the perfect place for a diplomatic meeting between the Imperial Federation and the newly-created Terminus Commune of Free Nations.

What seemed ironic to Jane, however, was that both sides were represented by two members of the imperial dynasty, even if one of them had renounced his claim and titles.

She had been tasked with making sure that the talks went smoothly and there was nobody trying to interfere violently. Which was why she had flown all the way there with the Normandy and now she and her crew were inspecting the Water District with the security forces of the Tau, making sure every visitor had been registered and was accounted for.

The Water District, being the residence of the Tau diplomat caste and seat of the various species' embassies, was already quite tight with security, but one could never be safe when it came to the protection of the Emperor. Francesco didn't want to send the Imperial Guard forward as the Tau would likely consider an insult to have the personal bodyguards of the Emperor take over this task. After all, they were still only a Sister-Nation, with a nominal and factual autonomy inside their borders.

On the other hand, since the Tau had been granted a seat on the Council, they were willing to accept the assistance of a Spectre to ensure that no diplomatic accident happened on their homeworld.

Jane was certain that she had done everything possible when the shuttle bringing down Federico and his entourage arrived at the landing pad.

"Your Majesty." Shepard greeted cordially, not hiding the friendliness that there was in their relation.

"Nice to see you again, Jane." Francesco replied in kind. "Sorry to take your time like this. I know you have many things at hand."

Jane raised a hand sternly. "Your safety is the top priority, Francesco. If there's a chance at peace, it is my duty to make sure it happens."

Francesco made a few nods. "Of course. And I trust your work. I hope I can live up to the expectations."

"Just follow your instinct, then your mother's teachings, and I'm sure you will do just fine. After all, it's still your brother you're going to talk with."

Francesco shortly deviated his gaze. "I'm not even sure if it's the brother I remember."

"If I may, Your Majesty," the new Chancellor of the Emperor, a Human male named Darwin Presshood, spoke up. "Federico has always been a diplomatic person. I believe his offer of peace between our nations is genuine, we only need to find out if there are some tricks behind this accord."

"Thank you, lord Presshood. I'll keep that in mind." the Emperor humbly replied.

The privy Council of the monarch, Jane remembered, tended to change when a new Emperor took the throne, and Francesco was no exception. He had selected a handful of trusted people so they could advise him on political, state and economic matters.

Shortly after, they were reached by another guest of great importance, or maybe it's better to say the host.

Num'Sir'Va, the current High Ethereal, basically the Head of State of the Tau Empire, had come to greet the Emperor, escorted by some elite Fire warriors.

The Ethereal went and made a short bow to Francesco, who returned the gesture as the Num'Sir'Va greeted him. The exchange of pleasantries was short, then the Ethereal notified the Emperor over how the meeting was going to happen.

"We have prepared a small enclosed garden where you and the envoy of the Commune will be able to speak privately. As per our rules, only the diplomats and possible mediators can enter, but I assume you will not require them."

"Precisely." said Francesco. "On behalf of the Federation, I thank the Tau for their hospitality and willingness to host this meeting."

"The Greater Good is to seek peace among all beings. I hope that you and your brother may achieve that."

"I will do anything in my power to achieve it, noble Ethereal. You have my word." Francesco affirmed with determination.

While they finished with the rite, Jane heard another sound of engines coming from the distance, and figuring out who there was she turned her gaze back and upward that she saw a shuttle with four circular engines like those of a 'Hammerhead', painted in a light gray, which was heading toward the pad next to them. The group of diplomats and soldiers watched with interest as the shuttle landed, allowing them to see a flag they had never seen before: a white star surrounded by two couples of triangles. The right and left one were blue, the above and below were green.

The ramp of the vehicle lowered and a group of four soldiers in black uniforms, armed apparently with just handguns, walked outside and checked their surroundings before they formed two lines and let a man with just a black jacket, green cargo pants and what looked like trekking shoes walk outside. To the surprise of the feds, he was the only person on that cargo: the Commune had sent just him.

Jane recognized the man immediately and she instead turned her head toward Francesco to see if he was distressed in any way. While he wasn't giving in to panic, it was clear that the young Emperor had a lot of questions to ask to his brother.

"It's actually him." James Vega, the head of the Imperial Guard, pronounced between the two of them.

"I know." Francesco said calmly. "Just make sure your men don't provoke them in any way."

"Please, my Lord. We are professionals." he replied, half-joking.

"I'll go ahead and scout the way to the gardens." Jane announced. She then turned and motioned Garrus and Wilhelm to go with her.

They headed down the main road, anticipating the two delegations by a few dozens meter. Turning around from time to time, Jane saw that Francesco and Federico were already talking to each other, likely exchanging some personal banter before they got down to business in the secluded garden.

All was fine and dandy until they reached the gardens. The escorts were left outside staring at each other, and only when the princes disappeared behind the doors of the walled garden, Jane received a call from her son.

"Captain, this is Scott. Me and Sara found a clue that there might be a saboteur in the district."

"A saboteur? Against whom?"

"I'm not sure. But if someone's here to sabotage the talks…"

"We won't." Jane whispered with a firm tone as she nonchalantly walked away from the garden. "Just give me your coordinates, I'll be on my way."

Looked objectively, the situation could have been surreal to someone living in the 23rd century. Francesco and Federico were talking as if nothing happened. It seemed like they were ignoring the fact that they were the representatives of two galactic powers trying to avoid that their countries went to war against each other.

On the other hand, one of the reasons because the Vignoli had held on to their throne for such a long time was because they had a set of precise rules to avoid internal squabbles. And one of these rules was 'always trust your siblings'.

They had exchanged some personal gossip on the way there, but now it was the time to determine what was really going on.

"Fede...seriously...how did this start? When you left a year ago, you had simply joined an NGO."

"I did." Federico replied calmly. "But even if I didn't like public ceremonies, there aren't many imperial princes around. Wherever we went, there were many curious people...and desperate."

Francesco didn't comment on that, realizing that he knew so little about what was actually going on in the Terminus that he didn't feel like he had the right to say anything, just that he had to listen to his brother.

"I traveled through the Terminus, and all I saw was misery. The few worlds who have a semblance of a government? Said governments are actually in the pockets of the major corporations of the galaxy. Elkoss, Eldfell-Ashland, Baria Frontiers, you name it, they will have some quota inside the halls of power of the Terminus.

"And if you remember the history of our nation, then you know what that means."

Yes, Francesco knew it very well, for he had studied the life and times of all his predecessors, and in particular the man who had united mankind and projected it into the Space Age.*

He knew very well what happened when corporations who care only for their profits run a nation in the shadows.

"Yet somebody would've noticed if you were seen giving some fiery speech to the oppressed in public places." the Emperor commented. "Did someone contact you?"

"Actually, I found them." Federico replied and started explaining while Francesco listened attentively. "Of course, there were many movements who had been forced underground by their governments who wished to get free and establish new states that would look out for the people. However they were groups interested only in their local cluster, or planet. All I did was to meet them and put them all in contact."

The dots were now starting to make sense for Francesco. "So they asked you to act as intermediary?"

"Yes."

"How did you get their trust? You are an imperial prince, after all."

"Of course, it took some time for them to trust me, but I worked myself to the bone to help the people I met along the way. I taught them how to fend for themselves and how they could act in order to break their chains."

"In just a year?"

"It all started on Watson. The rebel movement was quite strong there, and with the help from other groups from all around the region they managed to establish the first revolutionary state. I suppose the corporations did their best to hide it, especially because the Elanus Risk Control sent its mercenaries to try and strangle the revolution. But we repelled them."

Francesco couldn't help but notice that Federico's tone was becoming slightly more enthusiastic.

"From that point on, it was a domino effect. Watson was renamed 'Primigenia', to mark the beginning of a new era for the Terminus, and then we helped the nearby movements. On and on so that now the nations of the Commune go from the Shrike Abyssal to the Pylos Nebula."

"How comes that we never noticed anything? I mean, even MI6 had only rumors going for it."

"It's simple, really." Federico said in a conciliatory tone. "First, you were quite busy with the war in Andromeda. Second, the Reapers destroyed the communication buoys network in the Terminus during the war. After that, nobody except the corporations had the resources to rebuild such a vital infrastructure."

Francesco sighed. "Let me guess: they blocked any news coming from the Terminus since it was theirs."

"Yes, but it wasn't that difficult to take the network over as the revolution expanded. Still, we wanted to keep secrecy until we were strong enough to resist any attempt at using might against us."

Francesco nodded in acknowledgment, but in reality he was distressed. He decided to share his thoughts with his brother.

"Fede, do you...do you think that mother knew all of this? That she didn't do anything?"

"I don't think she was completely unaware, but I don't blame her." Federico replied, surprising the Emperor. "After all, she had spent all the years of her reign just to rebuild all that was destroyed in the Citadel space after the war. And just when she had brought the new Federation on solid ground, the wormhole opened and suddenly you are involved in a war against a huge power in another galaxy.

"Frankly, had she dedicated even a fraction of her time to learn what was happening in the Terminus with all she had to deal with, I would have been extremely surprised."

Francesco found himself stunned at how much Federico had grown in such a short time. Before he left, he seemed disillusioned with politics, and even if he didn't ignore them, one could hardly think that he had such a sharp mind.

Or maybe he had simply arrived under the assumption that his brother had become some fanatic revolutionary and wasn't expecting him to be so conciliatory.

That kind of behavior convinced the Emperor that his brother was sincere, so it was time to get down to the real business.

"So, what role do you play in the Commune? You weren't among the people who presided their inauguration speech."

"No. The man who was speaking was Maximillian Nachikov, the current President of Primigenia. Though, he will have to step down in three months so somebody else can be elected in office."

"Wait, already?"

"We don't want anybody be tempted to establish a dictatorship. The members of the Commune agree that nobody can stay in office more than a year. And he can't take any other political position for three more. That way we try to make sure our new confederation doesn't turn into an oligarchy."

"That reminds me, we have an election this year too, on Earth." Francesco remembered.

It was 2227. Elections in the Federation were held every 4 years, and this would be the 10th since the cycle that had started in 2187, right after the Reaper War.

On April, the citizens of the core worlds of the Federation and in the other Constituents would elect their representatives. It was also the first election since the full-scale war against the Empire had begun and the first in the reign of Francesco. It would be a significant moment to decide the course that the Federation would have to take in the following years.

"Be careful, brother. Because the reactionaries will do everything to sponsor their candidates and force you to go to war with the Commune." Federico calmly admonished.

"Yeah, I know."

It didn't take much fantasy to understand that the corporations would sponsor the more conservatives parties in the Parliament so that the next assembly would prefer to focus the efforts of the Federation against the new state in the Terminus that threatened their profits. Whatever happened, Francesco needed to get to work and make sure to counter their influence in any way possible: a war with the Terminus was the last thing the Federation needed. It would be morally ambiguous and economically unsustainable unless they withdrew from Andromeda.

"All right, then. Now tell me what exactly are you proposing with this meeting." the Emperor asked.

"It's simple: the Commune doesn't want a war. I'm here to propose you a meeting with the real representatives so you may discuss this further."

"Aren't you their ambassador?" Francesco asked confused.

Federico shook his head. "I earned their trust, and since I'm a former prince, they asked me to dialogue with you, but I never asked for a position nor I want it. Still, I can't let all the education mother gave me go to waste. I only act as an informal emissary, preparing the ground for negotiations, but it's the people who will decide what to do."

"If that's the case, tell them that I will be glad to speak with them. However, there is the matter of your support to the Tambaran."

Federico shrugged lightly. "I didn't decide on that. I know somebody saw me on Doisac, but I was only there to mediate. Somebody in the Commune saw fit helping the Tambaran in their struggle."

"Their struggle? They invaded Ilium!" Francesco couldn't stand to this. "They killed thousands of innocents! What did we do to them?"

"I don't sanction the actions of the Tambaran, if that's what you mean. However, they are the fruit of desperation. A sentiment that the Federation fed for a lot of time."

"Are you kidding me? That's…"

They were interrupted as they heard a plasma shield being raised around the garden and then the doors opened, letting both their escorts, plus a patrol of Tau warriors enter.

The leader of the patrol ran in front of them and bowed. "My apologies, esteemed guests, but there might be a threat to your safety. Please follow us to the nearest shelter."

"What happened?" Francesco asked.

"Captain Shepard just intercepted an assassin sent for one of you."

*See 'The Edgerunner who defied Night City'.

January 6, 2227.

With the offensive against the Outer Rim Commonwealth stalling, Iulius had decided to head back to Naboo to grant his men some rest and to convene with Admiral Krybos and General Veers over what they could do to unlock the situation. However, the meeting had been set for the following rotation, meaning that he had some time for private visiting.

The first person was his mother, mostly because that allowed him to get rid of the staff that usually loitered around him. After consuming a modest meal and a pleasant time, his mother understood perfectly that Iulius, for the first time since she could remember, was actually looking forward to meet a certain someone, and with an amused grin she told him to go after lunch.

To be a little more modest, Iulius put on some civilian clothes. They were the perfect disguise: the people who had seen him without the uniform could be counted on one hand. He only needed to act a bit casually and nobody looked his way. Perhaps a few looked curious toward him, but then discarded the idea that the Lord-Protector was walking in the open alone and without escort.

It didn't matter much as then he turned into a secluded alley. There he went to ring at the bell of a little home and when the door opened he was faced with the most stunning view.

Namedra was wearing only some short pants and a sleeveless shirts. The amount of skin and cleavage shown was so much that he felt his blood rushed only a few seconds later. He barely registered that she had gasped in surprise.

"Hi." he whispered as if he was way of being heard.

Namedra grabbed him by the edges of his short jacket and threw him inside, kissing him with an energy that he returned fondly. The door closed behind them while they kept putting all the pressure possible on each other's lips.

When they separated to breathe, Namedra asked confused "I didn't know you were on Naboo."

"Because I didn't warn you." he replied ironic.

"One of your surprise attacks, Grand Admiral?" she replied in the same joking tone.

"Did it work?"

"Color me surprised." she replied, but then she threw herself at him again.

Two hours later, as they rested under the sheets, Iulius was finally in the right state of mind to talk a bit more seriously.

"How is the life here? Do you like it?"

"If there is a place in the galaxy worthy of living in, that's Naboo." Namedra answered with dreamy eyes that were still lingering on him. "When I'm done at work, a walk around the city makes me forget all the troubles."

"I feel you." he agreed.

"The later news said that we weren't making many progress." she then commented a little more serious. "I suppose you're here to prepare the next move?"

Iulius made a small nod. Namedra could be quite shrewd. "Yes, I called a meeting tomorrow with Krybos and Veers."

She hummed in positive. "Ah, I've started providing some ships to your new friend, Octis." she added.

"Right. He should be around here." Iulius remembered. "Maybe I should visit his unit, too."

"I talked with him. The guy really can't wait to go back in action."

"Not a surprise. Honestly, I want him back, too. He has a lot of promise."

Namedra smirked. "Reminds me of someone."

Iulius chuckled, but he couldn't deny seeing some sense to that joke. The parallels were all there: Octis was a Valedictorian from Coruscant; he seemed to have a natural predisposition for matters of warfare and a patriot who cared more for the Empire as a whole than just a single person or group of powerful men.

The only difference between the two of them was that Octis came from a relatively wealthy family, while the Tanis had slowly made their way up the social ladder.

As he was pondering with his gaze staring at the roof, Namedra caressed his chest. "Then how about we get to the dockyards? The workers will be happy to see you." she proposed.

That was another reason why Iulius loved her: it was clear that she had wanted him for a very long time, but she never tried to keep him all to herself. Even in an intimate moment like that, she didn't hesitate to make her duty while combining it with pleasure if there was the chance.

He smiled and agreed. They put on their clothes, but first Iulius had to go back to the HQ and get his uniform back before making an inspection. After another hour of going back and forth, he met with Namedra again at the military spaceport. The guards saluted him and after sending a notification to the shipyards that both the Lord-Protector and the Shipmaster were coming for an inspection, they mounted on the shuttle, followed by the personal Death Troopers of Iulius, and the vehicle brought them into orbit.

As they approached the shipyards that had been built around the major moon of Naboo, Iulius saw the ships of Task Force 89, including the Tidal Wave as they were undergoing major modifications. Soon enough, Octis would receive three Star Destroyers with a customized loadout of TIEs, plus an Immobilizer and these four ships had to come from Fondor.

The shuttle headed for the designated hangar, where a platoon of stormtroopers was ready to greet the Lord-Protector along with the local Navy Commander, who saluted Iulius.

"Welcome back to Naboo, Lord-Protector...Miss Heike." he added cordially to Namedra.

"Greetings, Commander. Is Captain Octis available?"

"He is surveying an exercise with his staff officers, but they should be done shortly. Would you like to take a look at the facility in the meantime?"

"Lead the way." Iulius invited.

The tour was quick. The Commander only managed to guide Iulius through the control center of the local defenses before Octis reported that he was ready to speak with the Grand Admiral, so the Commander lent his office for the talks between the two of them and Namedra.

"Grand Admiral." the young ginger said immediately as he stepped in.

"Captain." Iulius said courteously, returning the salute. "I hope your staying on Naboo hasn't been tedious."

"Oh, me and the boys surely appreciate the planet, but we wouldn't mind getting some action." Octis replied confidently.

"That moment might not be too far away...I assume you already know Chief Heike."

"Of course. Ma'am." Vinicio said, briefly lifting his cap.

Namedra made a small nod, then Iulius led them to the desk, where he placed a holomap of the Trailing Sectors.

"While we wait for the next offensive, Captain, I have new mission for you. I have two agents who I intend to infiltrate aboard the Spice Terminus station. I need your Task Force to get them out of there at the right moment for an attack."

"The Spice Terminus. Is the station still working?" he asked.

"It never ceased to work, however right now there is a fleet of the Commonwealth to guard the station as it sits on a possible hyperspace route that we can use against them."

"How many ships are we talking about?"

"Two cruisers supported by a mix of two dozens frigates, corvettes and destroyers. It's not easy, but as soon as you receive even one Star Destroyer it should be quite easy."

Octis observed the map for a moment, then he seemed to realize something as he commented. "Is this attack meant to convince the rebels that we want to retake the Llanic Spice Run and isolate Pantora?"

"Precisely. We need to retake Llanic, but if possible I want the rebels to divert some of their forces down the Spice Run."

"I see." Octis said and turned to Namedra. "Chief Heike, can I know when my Star Destroyers will be available?"

Namedra was already looking at her datapad and needed only two seconds before finding the answer. "According to the shipyards, theRevenant will be completed in three rotations."

Octis hummed in thought. Iulius knew that he needed to consider the factor that he would most likely take his command staff from the Tidal Wave, but they would need a few days to get accustomed to the much different new ship.

"Then I suppose we will be ready to move in ten rotations."

"Good. If everything goes accordingly, we should be ready by that date, too."

Octis had his task, so Iulius dismissed him. Now it was about to see with the high officers if a new offensive against the core of the Commonwealth was doable...and if the UACT was preparing to do something on the main front.

January 10, 2227.

*Burp*

"Uh? Uh?" Jaral said exaggerating and making a funny face at her daughter, who in turn giggled a little.

The mother pulled up the suit to cover her breast again. Her mind felt a tingle of nostalgia thinking that this was the last day where she could breastfeed Samira. After all, the baby was almost seven months old, and Jaral was not producing any more milk.

Just as she was about to stand up and put Samira to sleep for the afternoon napping, Sabine entered through the open door of the house.

"Hey, how's my niece?" she said with a smile.

Jaral gasped in stead of her daughter. "Look, look. It's aunt Sabine."

Samira mumbled something, but she was already getting sleepy. Still, she seemed happy to see her aunt.

Sabine went and bent her knees enough to be closer and poke Samira on the belly. She played with her for around a minute before it became clear that the baby was too tired to continue.

"Ok. Time to get into the box." Jaral said, and as she stood up she asked "Was there something you needed Sabine?"

"Yes, Ezra needs to speak with you on top of the tower. I came to fetch you." she joked.

That seemed easy enough, but while Jaral put Samira back into her bed and left her to the care of Raze, the two women were on their way to the tower, however Jaral could easily sense some uneasiness around Sabine.

"You ok?"

Sabine seemed to have been caught off guard as she shook her head briefly and turned toward her sister-in-law.

"Yeah...yeah, yeah it's ok." she said in a hurry.

"Sure. That's absolutely convincing." Jaral said ironically.

Sabine halted in her tracks and let out a resigned sigh. Jaral did so, waiting for her friend to make up her mind.

Finally, the mandalorian woman replied. "Truth is...I am a bit jealous of you."

Jaral didn't need too long to understand the problem. "You mean, about Samira?"

Sabine nodded as they started to walk again. "I've been thinking for a while. I think I'm ready to have a kid but...I just can't bring myself to tell this to Ezra."

"Why not? I'm pretty sure he would listen." Jaral replied with a certain interest.

"I know, it's just...first he builds up the Order, then he becomes a Master...there is much on his hands that I feel like I'd be imposing another big matter on his shoulders."

Jaral hummed. She herself couldn't say exactly how her brother would react to that. Ezra had welcomed the arrival of Samira with open arms and he was the most affectionate uncle once could imagine, however the siblings had never discussed the possibility that Ezra and Sabine might become parents.

She decided to drop the matter as they walked through the garden. It always amazed her how much the Order had grown since she had made the first steps just a little more than a year before, right when the Coalition was reeling from the defeat at Lantillies and there were only a handful of young Force-sensitives that could rely only on her to learn the basics.

Now there were Cal Kestis and Master Kota leading the younglings through the daily physical training. Master Yoda was guiding the Padawans in refining their connection with the Force. Another peculiarity was that now there were also volunteers of the new militia that had sworn to fight with the Jedi, guided by Zare Leonis and Jai Kell. They were training with Jaral's own Padawans, Sellion and Lissia, to learn how to fight together and how to resolve crisis without resorting to violence, kinda like they were trying to become a police force.

Such a militia included volunteers from Lothal who had fought with the resistance but for now it was still mainly composed of mandalorians.

Finally, Jaral also noted two women set aside from the rest but certainly restless.

Those were her mother, Mira, and Zare's sister, Dhara Leonis. Dhara had developed a unique Force ability that allowed her to quickly heal wounds on others and after her experience in a prison of the Inquisitorius years before, she had decided never to pick up a weapon again, just focusing on helping those around her. And since her ability required her to know how the biology of sentient beings worked, Mira was instructing her thoroughly. She had even started to bring Dhara to the hospital, so she could observe how patients were treated and, presumably, also start to use her healing on the wounded.

The two women then reached the tower and took the lifter, reaching the top of the tower. That, too had severely changed since the time Jaral and Ezra used her as an out-of-sight refuge. Now the disc at the top hosted a lounge area where everyone could relax or even stay to sleep.

There they found Ezra leaning on the handrail of the terrace, taking a look down below at the Academy he and Jaral, as the newly recognized Grand-Masters of the new Jedi Order, were tasked to run.

He heard the hissing of the elevator's door and calmly turned around to enter inside the room.

"Hey, Jari. How's Samira?" he asked with a gentle smile.

"She's fed and good to go until this evening. So, what did you want to say me?" Jaral asked back in kind.

The smile on Ezra's face withered away as he reached for a datapad on a small table next to a sofa-chair. He opened a file and passed the device to his sister as he started to explain.

"You remember what I told you about your rescue on Denevar? That a source from Crimson Dawn told us where you were?"

"Yes."

"They called me back. Their leader wants to meet with me and discuss how I can return their favor." Ezra explained in a very collected way, if one considered that he was getting involved with a criminal syndicate.

Jaral hummed in thought. "I don't like this. Getting involved with criminals will tarnish our image immediately." she said with

"I am aware. But I meditated on this. There's something more at play here. Something I feel we can't ignore."

By looking inside their bond, Jaral knew that Ezra was completely convinced of what he was saying. And if there was one thing she had learned, was that his brother's instinct was rarely mistaken. Perhaps this was truly worth the risk.

"Fine. Do you want us to go together?"

"If you don't mind. Better if it's just the two of us."

Jaral hummed in thought. Looked at Sabine who seemed a bit annoyed at being left out but wasn't going to oppose, then he nodded to him. "I guess somebody has to keep you away from troubles." she quipped.

Ezra chuckled and then leaned his neck slightly to smooch her between the hair. "Love you, sis."

She shook her head while smiling, and with that they started to discuss what this meeting was going to be about.

January 11, 2227.

Aboard the Liberator's bridge, the atmosphere was one of quiet waiting as the ship was about to leave hyperspace inside imperial territory, even though it was supposed to be inside an abandoned system.

As part of the large-scale offensive planned by the UACT, Darvos was to establish an FOB on a remote planet from which his reconnaissance units could operate, searching weak points and possible holes in the imperial defenses along the Norther Fringe.

In those same hours, the New Republic and other members of the UACT in Andromeda were about to launch probing attacks along the Hydian Way and the Perlimian Trade Route to convince the imperials that they were renewing the attack and trying to retake the initiative in the war.

However, the real thrust was to come in this region. Ackbar had concocted a plan according to which they would be able to push all the way to Mygeeto. From there they could then start another push to cut off the Entralla Trade Route and finally trying to retake Ord Mantell. From there, they would be in a position to actually threaten the Core.

And Darvos, as the leader of the Republic intelligence, was play a vital role in setting up the success of this operation. And as he glimpsed again at the new plaque rank of General, he started forming doubts in his head once again.

Was he really the man for the job? Would he be able to take the right decisions?

So far, most of his work was to just gather intel and leave the major decisions to his superiors. Now, everything he would do brought with it the chance of getting thousands of people killed.

He then took a look at the people working on the bridge. Each and every one of them had fought with him against the Kett, followed him in the liberation of his wife on Denevar. They trusted him with all their hearts, and so it was his obligation to do his best.

After all, establishing a base into uncharted territory to hit the imperials when they were distracted had been his idea. More precisely, a revision of what his brother had done to turn the tides on Lantillies. The only difference was that the New Republic would have to establish those behind the first enemy line, but since most of the soldiers were veterans of the Rebel Alliance, the UACT certainly didn't lack the expertise to do such a thing.

And this operation was going to be a defining moment for the nations of the UACT: this was going to be their first large-scale operation planned and carried without the help of the Federation, which was withdrawing many of its forces since the war in their galaxy didn't seem destined to finish too soon.

The New Republic would have to prove that it was ready to stand on its own two feet and be the main guarantor of the minor nations of Andromeda from the tyranny of the Empire.

With all this in mind, the Liberator and her escort left hyperspace at the edge of a system that had been rediscovered only recently and was certainly not on imperial maps: Ajan Kloss.

It was a remote system with only three planets, only one of which was able to sustain life and was covered in jungles. Jungles that would be perfect to hide from any possible imperial scouting party that might stumble upon the system.

"All right, gentlemen, talk to me." he said loudly in a relaxed tone to his officers.

The sensor officer, a Duros named Prax, was the first to give an overview of the system. "No signs of civilization whatsoever. There is an asteroid belt to be aware of along the way to the planet."

"Nothing we can't handle. Captain Merryl, bring us about."

"You heard the General. Route through vector 2.32 and inform the other ships." the Captain, an Iktochi male, ordered.

After around half-an-hour of navigation, taking a longer route to avoid the asteroid belt, the squadron reached the orbit of the inhabitable planet, which had been consequently renamed after the system. Darvos punched the comlink to contact his Commander.

"Rex, prepare the scouts, I'm coming down with you."

"Acknowledged, General." the old clone replied without hesitation.

Darvos nodded to his Captain, who returned the gesture to guarantee that the ship was in good hands. Not many aboard the Liberator liked the idea that Darvos exposed himself so much by going on a scouting mission, but the new General had no intention of asking his men to do anything less than what he would do. He also wanted to have a first-hand impression of the place he intended to build his base.

So, accompanied by a large escort of fighters and other gunships, Darvos mounted on a Pelican reserved for him, where a mixed squad of Rangers and Pathfinders were waiting for him with Rex in command. Other squads had loaded up on other transports as they had to explore a large area before setting up the base.

The Pelicans dashed through the atmosphere and raced toward surface, making landfall ten minutes after taking off from the carrier. The X-Wings, Y-Wings and other escorts were securing the general perimeter that had been designated for setting up the FOB. The dropships let out the scouts and the survey could commence.

Immediately it became clear that the task was going to be arduous: mapping jungle worlds was difficult as you could only look so far unless you found the edge of a hill or a mountain. The vegetation covered pretty much everything, and the first beings to visit the scouts immediately were the local insects.

Settling an uncharted jungle planet like that was a pain because there was also the very high risk of incurring into rare diseases, another reason why many didn't want Darvos to risk his health.

"I just stepped outside and the humidity is killing me." the General commented to lighten the mood.

"At least you have short sleeves." Rex quipped back, lamenting at the fact that him and the other scouts were wearing full armors while Darvos wasn't event bringing a helmet and short sleeves on the arms.

"Overlord to all units. We made safe landing. Report your status." he ordered in the comlink.

Quickly, all the other teams reported green light and the survey could begin in earnest. First thing first, Darvos looked around for something that would allow him to have an overview of the area, and to his luck they ran into a rocky edge just a few meters from the landing site. Darvos could see a large, vast part of the jungle from there, so he walked on top of the rock and took out his binocular.

Rex stepped next to him and took a general look as well. It didn't take long for his trained eye to spot something interesting.

"Over there. That cave."

"Yeah, I was looking at it, too." Darvos replied in a thoughtful tone. "It would certainly be a convenient hiding place. Easier to keep it tidy, too." he joked.

Rex chuckled. "Wouldn't mind that, but how do we reach it? I can't see if there are trails down there."

Darvos lowered the binocular and took a better look. Then he spotted something that grabbed his interest and pointed at a flock of birds.

"Look." he said. "I bet there's at least a water source there. And if there's a source there must be some trail nearby."

Rex hummed in thought, then he nodded. "Yeah, I think you are right. Maybe we will find it if we get downside over there." he said, pointing on the way they had come from, which was the lower side of a slope.

"Hold on, first…" Darvos mumbled. He raised his binocular again and used the incorporated range finder to mark the huge cave to the other teams. "Overlord to all units. We spotted a possible site for the base. See if you can find your way there or mark other possible sites around it."

The other squads all acknowledged. Darvos sighed relieved: maybe things were starting off nice.

Hello there.

I'm publishing this new book a day before my usual schedule, both because I'm really looking forward to make this new part of the story and because next week I will be out camping, so the next update will be at least August 12.

Also, just wanted to share that 'Ahsoka' is coming out in less than a month and thus the 'Rebels' crew is coming back on screen. It feels incredible that I started this Saga because I missed the original show and now, after two years, the reason why this all began is finally coming.

Of course, I will keep writing as I already planned the ending and I would hate to leave it after investing so much time and imagination into this new universe.

See you soon, and May the Force be with you.

Ganel750.