Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Now time to begin Chapter 32 where we move into some of the more political aspects of the Republic and by extension ARKS. Let's get started.
(Start Dark Falz Collective Persona)
Dark Falz [Persona] the Masked was kneeling before the image of Darth Shiva once more reporting to her recent events. "As it stands it seems the Republic is attempting to vote on stricter oversight of ARKS and their Operations." Persona said while she kept her head down as she spoke to the supposed Sith Lord.
"I see this is vexing." Shiva spoke as she leaned her head to her fist while sitting upon her throne. "If Sidious gains control of ARKS things will become most vexing for us all." Shiva said as she considered her options. "Any one of those ARKS Operatives could be the destined Guardian but with Sidious in control I will not be able to locate said Guardian." Shiva spoke and thus she directed her attention back over to Persona. "Persona, do what you can to prevent this vote from going in Sidious's favor." Shiva said and thus Person lifted her head up.
"And how shall I do as such, Dark Shiva?" Persona asked to the Sith from beyond space and time.
"It far too early to commit to the Battle of Coruscant I suppose Bounty Hunters will be the second port to call if the Separatist don't have a plan in place we can exploit." Shiva said and in turn Persona considered her option on this.
"I will do what I can to turn the gears of Democracy in your favor milady." Persona said and thus with a nod Shiva's form vanished from sight leaving the room empty of the Sith's presence.
(Later outside Persona's Chamber)
Persona was once more walking down the halls of their hidden base watching the day-to-day actions of the Dark Falz Collective. Persona herself was currently preparing to depart for Sereno to find a Separatist who would be able to move in their favor. Palpatine must NOT be allowed to gain control of ARKS if it can be in anyway helped. But even with a clear goal in mind the question remained, how? How was Persona to convince the Republic that ARKS needed to keep their animosity despite of these recent security issued ARKS had suffered.
A second Falspawn invasion would raise to many flags, so the only option was via the Separatist own methods. This may or may not include the use of Bounty Hunters to scare the Republic into letting ARKS keep their independence. Persona remembered a few incidents where this backfired but that was because when she was Padme, she was too headstrong to not fight for the cause she felt was right. But this caused Persona to stop with her thoughts. How could she have been so stupid and naïve so long ago? The answer was simple Palpatine played the long game exhausted both sides and then when everyone was tired and afraid, he took power and had founded his Galactic Empire.
Persona had been trying to find the path that would lead to the Galaxy's salvation constantly going through time to do so. She had acquired this power from a Particular ARKS Operative in one of her previous incarnations but even with all that she has done the only way to that goal is to eliminate Anakin. Persona still deeply loved her husband, but she was a broken woman after so many failures. Persona was so tired… oh so tired and was just ready to finally rest eternally.
But as she walked through the halls she came to a stop as she noted a familiar figure before her. "Luther." Persona greeted with a cold tone as she glared upon the human form of Dark Falz [Luther] the Fallen.
"Ah Persona knew I would find you skulking about." Luther greeted but clearly Persona was not in the mood for games.
"Shouldn't you still be on Halpha?" Persona asked with an accusing tone towards Luther.
"Yes, but I may or may not have found something of value." Luther said pulling out a data card from his person and presented it to the Dark Falz leader.
"What is this?" Persona asked as she activated the disk showing a projection of valuable information.
"Something called… Code Abyss." Luther said as he presented the information to Persona. "It's apparently an absolute command that compels any and all ARKS Operatives to carry out whatever order is given while under its influence." Luther explained as Apprentice found this information to be most intriguing to find. Though Padme would have probably had found this information to be absolutely appalling to know.
"I suppose we can use this to our advantage." Persona said glaring at Luther while giving back the data card to the seeker of knowledge.
"In several ways the groundwork for a much bigger plan had been put in place, all we need now is something to push them over." Luther said and thus Persona scoffed to Luther's recent update.
"Then best start looking for that trigger." Persona said as she took her leave of Luther who simply bowed in response. As Persona walked, she had a few ideas on how to keep Palpatine from getting his slimy manipulative hands on any control over ARKS.
'If Palpatine gains control of ARKS he will no doubt discover Code Abyss.' Persona thought her voice reminiscent of her old life. 'And his continued role in Klara's career will allow him eyes and ears within the Council of Six and with such things inside the Council of Six he can activate Code Abyss and turn ARKS against the Jedi.' Persona continued knowing that this would be bad for both ARKS and the Republic.
As the Republic becomes the Galactic Empire ARKS will become nothing more than tools of the Empire in order to combat the Dark Falz. Shiva was not about to allow a rival Sith gain that sort of power hence why Persona needed to stop this from coming to pass. Typical Sith mindset conserve your power and prevent your enemies from gaining power over you. Though Shiva was far from you're a typical Sith Lord. With this in mind Persona entered another path and used her Dark Falz Warp to go to a place she can observe, and act should things go south for her plans.
(Scene Break Council of Six)
Xect, Arthus, Yaga, Klara, Noto, and Morgan were once more discussing the upcoming vote in the Senate. This vote would decide whether to or not vote for or against Republic control in ARKS Operations. This was of course a serious matter for ARKS because if the Republic is allowed to gain control over their operations, they might end up learning something they should not.
Xect, Klara, and Yaga were at the meeting via holograms while Arthur, Morgan, and Noto were there in person. "We can't let this vote go through." Noto said as he slammed his fist to the table showing how upset he was about the whole thing.
"None of us are saying we should but we need to keep cool heads." Arthur said making it clear that they needed to consider their options before doing something drastic.
"I agree if we act out like hyper thyroid junkies it will just cause the Senate to move ahead with the Vote." Xect said as with his eyes closed and his hands interlocked to rest his head on.
"But we got to do something." Morgan said making it clear she did not like how this could go for ARKS. If the Republic found out about their secrets particularly the existence of the Profound Darkness, then they were all royally screwed. Yes, they had deleted any information that would imply that they were Isekai's, but the Profound Darkness was intel that they needed for when ARKS would face off against it.
"That is why we have Yaga and Klara in the Senate." Arthur said gesturing to their two fellow council members.
"No problem I've been talking with Padme and her party she might be willing to help plead our case here." Yaga said which Arthur was grateful for the Senators help.
"That's good it might help us to explore our options." Arthur said but Morgan noticed that Klara had been oddly quiet during the entire meeting.
"Klara, do you have anything to add or bring up?" Morgan asked putting Klara on the spot and thus the Newman looked to her fellows.
"Yeah, don't keep us in suspense here." Yaga said wanting to hear what Klara had to say on the matter.
But Klara for her part looked hesitant to share her thoughts on this. Ever since becoming ARKS Representative to the Republic Palpatine had been a great help to her in getting up to speed with the other Senators. The man was kind and Klara was grateful for it. Though Padme was a major help and had been something of a role model to the Newman, Klara still had her short comings in the Galactic Senate. She then sighed before beginning to speak her piece here.
"Maybe… we should look on the positives of this vote." Klara said and thus everyone looked to Klara in shock.
"Back up what?" Yaga asked as even Xect was caught off guard by her words.
"Klara what have you been smoking?" Morgan asked accusingly to the Newman of the Council.
"Just here me out, first." Klara began as she calmed everyone down a bit. "Before this none of us were military or Political Leaders, Morgan you were a construction worker, Noto was a Police Officer a desk sergeant, Xect was a Corporate Executive, Yaga was a School Janitor, I don't even know what Arthur used to be, and I was a College Student working towards a Doctorate." Klara said as she gestured to each member of the Council of Six. "None of us were set or ready for these roles we could use this sort of help." Klara said and thus Arthur gave a tired sigh over what Klara said.
"Klara we were the only options at the time." Arthur said while he looked to Klara.
"Yeah, and more than that we learned, and we adapted as needed." Noto said hoping Klara would understand their point on this discussion.
Then Arthur spoke up directing the Newman girl's attention back towards himself. "But if the Republic gets command of ARKS, we won't be able to aid the people let alone our own as effectively as we used to." Arthur said to which Yaga nodded in agreement.
"It's true according to this bill ARKS would only be able to act after a review by a committee if the Falz Spawn threat warrants the intervention ARKS Ops." Yaga said as he read through the bill several times with Padme. "We won't be able to help the people we need to help." Yaga said showing that they would only help the core worlds and not the Outer Rim or worlds not affiliated with either the Republic or with ARKS.
"You don't know that for sure." Klara said knowing that this new Bill can be modified as it was needed.
"Pops always said, the problem with Democracy is that everyone has an agenda even those who legit mean to do good by the people." Yaga said with a sad sigh in his voice.
But during the entire discussion Xect had been giving Klara a calculating glare. When she said those words and all the things leading up to now. Xect had long suspected something like this could happen to Klara. So, seeing her not fully on board to counter this bill might mean she had been compromised by outside forces.
"Yaga Klara perhaps you two should return to reviewing this Bill and finding ways to prevent it from going through." Xect said as he gave the pair in question a calm look. "We need to stop it but failing in that find ways to adjust it." Xect said and thus Yaga and Klara nodded before they're holographic image vanished from the meeting.
"Noto is there anything else you have to report?" Arthur asked as Noto turned his head.
"No right now I'm going to be meeting with the City Commanders to discuss methods to improve our security and prevent any further incidents." Noto said as he looked to his allies.
"Very well get back to it then." Arthur said and in turn Noto's hologram vanished leaving Arthur, Morgan, and Xect's hologram in the meeting room.
"Now that the others are gone, I'm starting to suspect that Klara has been compromised." Xect said while looking to his fellow ARKS Council Members.
"Perhaps." Arthur said rubbing the chin of his faceplate his thoughts filled with concern over this. "But she has been with us since the beginning of our journey." Arthur added as he did not wish to see Klara leave them.
"At the same time, she may not be willing to vote in our favor when it comes to bills like this one." Xect said referring to their most recent dilemma.
"What are you suggesting then, Xect?" Arthur asked while he looked over to Xects Hologram.
"For now, I'm not suggesting nothing." Xect said with a calm tone in his voice. "But I do plan to have my network dig up some dirt on the Senators currently involved with this bill see if there is anything we can use from it." Xect said and thus Arthur nodded to this.
"Very well." Arthur said and thus Xect vanished leaving only Arthur and Morgan in the Council Chamber.
(Scene Break Coruscant Jedi Temple)
Anakin was tinkering with some objects in his quarters as Amelia's Holocron was open. The Photon based entity was currently laying on Anakin's bed reading through the Holonet. She was bored and Anakin was not really paying much attention to her. R2 was also in the room but he was powered down at the moment.
Anakin kept tinkering when all of a sudden R2 shut down on him. He was actually in the middle of speaking when he turned off which got Anakin's attention on him. "Artoo?" Anakin asked but there was no response. "Artoo are you ok?" Anakin asked giving his Astromech droid a look over. Suddenly Artoo's lights came back on by as neon blue before the projector activated revealing Shmni's holographic image.
"Mo… Shmni." Anakin said to the woman who looked like his dearly departed mother and used her name.
"Anakin, I hope that you are well." She began and then Amelia came in.
"I'm here too mom." Amelia said as Shmni smiled to Amelia as well.
"And hello to you to Amelia, are Anakin and Padme treating you well?" She asked and in turn Amelia smiled and nodded to the ARKS Overseer.
"Now that I don't appreciate the call." Anakin said as was happy to see her, but not happy about how she uses Artoo to contact him. "But was there a reason for this call?" Anakin asked as he looked to the woman.
"Yes, there is or there will be." Shmni spoke as she looked to the side to find the right words. "A new Divergency has been detected." She spoke and thus Anakin paid close attention. Whenever one of these divergencies appear it means that something big would happen. Anakin hoped that this divergency may prevent his Padme from becoming Persona in the near or the far possible future. "I cannot tell you what will result from this Divergency I can only set you upon the path to it." Shmni said as she made it clear that if she told any more then that the risks to events yet to come would be catastrophic.
"What do you want me to do about it?" Anakin asked and thus Shmni sighed to this. She suspected that Anakin would ask this, but her role was as an observer and thanks to her connection to the Akashic Records she can accurately predict every possible scenario. But that in itself is a curse simply because she can barely do much to achieve the outcome, she desires beyond simply pointing the way and letting others figure it out as they go. But there was a certain excitement with that, the not knowing. It was why she had to do what she can to reach the best possible outcome for everyone currently involved.
"I cannot say what you should or can do all I can do is show you the path what comes after is entirely up to you." Shmni said making it clear that Anakin's part in this was important. "I must depart now, do what you do best Anakin." Shmni said before she vanished and thus Artoo regained control of his body.
The Astro Droid whirled as he sounded upset yet dizzy over what had happened. "Yeah, I know you hate it when she does that, Artoo." Amelia said with sympathy for the droid. "So, what do you plan to do?" Amelia asked as she looked to Anakin curious to hear what he planned to do with the information Shmni had just given him. Every time she had contacted him it always lead to something happening either to aid others or to prevent a possible disaster from taking place.
Now while Anakin can admit that he did not have a stellar start with these things he likes to think he was getting the hang of it. Thought it did mean that sometimes he had to stop what he was doing in order to act on whatever Shmni had told him with her odd prediction. This would be no different for the fearless Jedi Knight.
"Amelia we're heading to the Senate Building." Anakin said as he got to his feet and summoned Amelias Holocron to his waiting hand by using a force pull.
"Awesome!" Amelia cheered and in turn she turned into Photon particles and proceeded to enter the Holocron. Once Amelia was inside it the Holocron closed up and allowed her to be travel size for their trip down over to the Senate building. Anakin took his leave as he got ready to go get Ahsoka as well because one of the things Anakin does best is when he is with those who were close to him. Anakin can't explain it, but he suspects this divergency may involved the senate vote on the ARKS Bill.
While Anakin trusted Palpatine to do what was best he also knew how it might affect ARKS. If this Bill is allowed to go through, then ARKS would not be as effective as it normally is because they'll be trapped behind bureaucratic red tape. Perhaps Padme may have something that would allow for ARKS to keep their ability to govern themselves as well as continue to aid the Republic against the Dark Falz Collective. In a way he was thinking more like a military general then a Jedi Knight.
"Ahsoka, do you copy?" Anakin asked as he used his communicator to call Ahsoka.
Soon enough Ahsoka responded to Anakin. "I read you master, what do you need?" Ahsoka asked as she sounded like she was in the middle of something.
"I need you to meet me at the hanger we're heading to the Senate Building." Anakin said which got Ahsoka confused for a moment.
"What for?" Ahsoka asked her voice etched with confusion now.
"I'll explain on the way." Anakin said before he ended the call so he can pick up his speed to the hanger. "Let's hope we're not too late on the vote." Anakin said directing it to both Artoo and Amelia. Artoo whirled in response and followed after his master and friend so they can get to the Senate Building before the Bill could be voted.
(Later at the Senate Building)
Over at the Senate Building the Senators of the Republic were gathered to discuss the ARKS Oversight Bill. As they were meeting Xect was hiding in the shadows leaning on the doorframe while watching the meeting take place. Yaga and Klara were on one of the hover platforms as the Oversight Bill was being argued. From Xects perspective via his cyber glasses he zoomed in on any figure of importance pulling up what data he had on them. He liked to be ready and as the old saying goes knowledge was power.
But the meeting was not going in ARKS favor at the moment. Yaga was doing most of the talking while Klara gave her two cents every so often.
"It grieves me to say it, especially for our allies who have done so much for us already, but ARKS has become a target for many unsavory figures Criminals and the Separatists." Palpatine said as he got down to voting on the ARKS Oversight Bill. "As our current and only method to combat the Falspawn and Dark Falz we must ensure that ARKS is defended so they may in turn continue to do what they do." Palpatine said making it clear that ARKS has proven itself unable to defend itself.
"ARKS is doing all that we can to ensure our security meets the standards needed and we've always been able to fix our mistakes when they happen." Yaga said trying to convince the Republic to not vote for this bill. "ARKS will do everything in our power to prevent such security breaches from repeating and still be able to aid the Republic and her people against the Dark Falz Collective." Yaga said speaking like aa actual Senator and not some kid from the Mississippi swamps.
"Your past three incidents would say otherwise." Maas Amada said as he looked upon Yaga.
"We believe this to be an internal issue one that we will handle and rectify." Yaga said defending his stance so ARKS can continue to work independently against the Dark Falz Collective and aid the Republic against the Falspawn threat.
"An Internal issue that your people have failed to rectify on several occasions." Lot Dodd of the Trade Federation commented while looking towards Yaga and Klara of the ARKS fleet. Ever since coming together with the Republic to face their shared enemies ARKS has been doing tentative business with the Trade Federation for galactic commerce. Of course, ARKS or more specifically Xect and his people had done research and were careful with how they did trade with the Trade Federation.
"He's right if this trend continues then the Republic will be left with no way to combat the Dark Falz." One of Lot Dodds allies on the Senate commented which only added to this discussion. "You had said so and proven it yourselves only your Photonic abilities seem capable of doing lasting damage to the Falspawn and the Dark Falz." The same Senator added and thus the discussion carried on with tempers starting to flare.
"If you vote for this bill then it will prevent ARKS from being able to aid those in need both in the core worlds and in the outer rim." Yaga said trying to get the people of the Senate to see reason on the matter. It was well known that ARKS had started to gain a good reputation in the Outer Rim since unlike the Jedi they actively make expeditions for any possible Falspawn activity.
"That may be so Councilman, but this message was delivered to my staff just this morning." Palpatine said and with a wave of his hand Maas inserted a data card into the console. "I think you shall find it most illuminating." Palpatine said and in turn with a nod Maas activated the holo projector that the console was connected to.
In turn the holographic image of an ARKS Operative appeared as he gave a report. This got Xect's attention as he recognized this Operative as part of the team, he sent to perform the investigation on the Stia Explosion amongst other incidents with ARKS Security. But if this was delivered directly to Palpatine's own staff then that means Xect had some good reasons to be concerned for what was said.
"Our leadership has brough us into a state of war against the combined forces of the Dark Falz Collective and the Separatist Alliance." The Operative said as Yaga, and Klara looked to the Newmans image. "This has in turn made us of note to those who would mean to cause ARKS harm as well as put us in the spotlight of the criminal underworld and both our own people and our allies are left unaware of the brewing danger." He continued and thus Padme flew over to Yaga and Klara's platform.
"Yaga, Klara do you two know this man?" Padme asked with concern in her voice for the two members of the Council of Six.
"He's an ARK Defender from the Investigation Division." Yaga said as he looked to Padme. "Noto and Xect are the ones who mainly deals with these guys." Yaga added as he did not know everyone in ARKS no matter how much he tries to know everyone in the ARKS fleet.
"ARKS is in danger in our attempt to aid the Republic we have drawn away from our own ability to defend ourselves and thus we have suffered greatly for it." The man spoke and thus Xect knew they were in deep trouble with this revelation. "Already reports of the Geonosis incident have circulated the and thanks to Dark Falz [Apprentice] The Vernal the planet has been scarred from near cataclysmic seismic activity." He added but he was not done speaking. "Yes, I will confirm that while Geonosis is stable capable of supporting life the planet has been irreversibly changed." He added meaning that Geonosis suffered a near cataclysmic event because of the actions of Apprentice.
"Stop!" Yaga called out and thus the message stopped playing. "If this was happening the Council of Six would have known about it, no one in ARKS would tell lies of this level." Yaga said making it clear he was unaware of this new information. "The ARKS Leadership would never hide this sort of thing from our people and our allies." Yaga said making sure that he was firmly against what was being said here.
"If only that were true." Palpatine said and thus he continued the message.
"Our people are in danger if we are to have any hope of defending them while still being able to aid our allies, we must trust the Republic to aid our home." The man said and thus people were heard murmuring amongst themselves on this important matter. "Yet the Council of Six and their pride refuses to reach out for this aid. If we are to provide aid to Republic but still defend ARKS then make no mistake, Republic intervention is an absolute necessity." He said and thus the holographic image ended.
"This, can't be right let me speak to this man I want to get the record straight from the source." Yaga said making it clear that he suspects this recording had been tampered with somehow.
"I'm afraid that is not possible, this man, Neos Luvona had perished early this morning near Halpha while in transit to Coruscant." Palpatine said making Yaga and Klara go wide eyed in shock to this. "Let us ensure that his death was not in vain. Let us commit our military might to defend ARKS as they have defended us." Palpatine said making it clear that he supported the Bill that was currently on the table.
"You mean to occupy and tell ARKS how to operate against the Falspawn and tell us when we can fight them and when we cannot." Yaga said his voice varying a tone of accusations instead of the jolly or happy tone he was known for.
"We mean to save your people." Palpatine said with the calm and grandfatherly voice he had addressed with many people.
"But what about all the people we try to save?" Yaga asked making his stance known to the entire Senate. "ARKS has always been about these virtues, exploration of the cosmos and defense against the Falspawn." Yaga said as he looked to the gathered senate. "How many lives will be lost to the Falspawn if we're forced to abide by this sort of red tape?" Yaga asked making people think about this for a moment.
Palpatine sighed as he then moved on with the meeting knowing that their time was at an end. "The vote shall commence next session." Palpatine said and thus the senate meeting came to an end.
Meanwhile Xect had taken his leave of the room before the meeting had ended. He had a suspicion that was ringing all the alarms in his head. Xect was anything if not always prepared and from what he saw someone had taken out one of his own. They made it personal because he knew for a fact that the message that had just been played was not the one the investigator had told Xect personally.
More so the timing was far to convenient for Xect to just ignore. But if he approached Palpatine he will no doubt grow suspicious of Xect. Every Politician has a dirty secret that was a fact back in their old world before they were Isekai. There was no doubt in Xect's mind that Palpatine had some ulterior motive and whatever it is it was not to simply defend ARKS from likely outside forces. If Xect wanted to find answers he had to do it in under 24 hours. An impossible challenge to some but for head of the Intelligence Bureau it was just another Tuesday.
(Later after the Senate Meeting)
"ARKS has become an ever-growing thorn for our profits." Lot Dodd complained as he and his two allies, Nix Card of the Intergalactic Banking Clans, and Gume Saam of Gume Saam of the Techno Union, all entered Nix's Senate office.
"But this new Bill will allow for us to cripple ARKS, we must push it through." Gume Saam said as he looked to his allies. "More so it will give us an edge if or when the Dark Falz betray the Separatist." He added which all three of them agreed on.
"The Separatists loss of Geonosis and the damages Apprentice had invoked will give us a more lucrative path to funds in Separatist space but if we want ARKS, we need to bring them to hill." Nix Card said after he took a seat behind his desk while his two allies continued with their discussion.
"Plans are already in motion, if ARKS ability to defend themselves has come to question, then it would be best to… add fuel to the fire." Lot Dodd said and thus Nix Card glared at his partner in this scene.
"You have seen how powerful ARKS proves to be, are you sure this agent can make it work?" Nix Card asked as he glared at the Trade Federations Representative.
"They don't need to kill that fool just make people afraid." Lot Dodd said meaning that this close call will drive home that ARKS needs to be under the protection and authority of the Republic forces. Unaware to any of them though, something was moving around in the room recording the entire conversation that took place.
(The same time with Xect)
Xect was seen leaving the Republic building as his cyber glasses showed images of what his spy drone was recording. As he walked Xect got to a hover taxi and boarded it before it departed. Once that was done, he waited but unseen to many he was smirking in victory.
(Meanwhile with Yaga and Klara)
"Of all the rotten luck!" Yaga yelled as he was raging in his Senator Office while Klara just sat down and watched Yaga go off.
"Yaga, we need to be calm about this, I'm sure Xect is looking into this as we speak." Klara said as she knew Xect would never have used that message less he had no other choice. But even Klara found it oddly suspicious that an ARKS Operative was killed while the report was delivered all in the same morning it happened.
"But what are we supposed to do just sit around and twiddle our thumbs?" Yaga asked as he then plopped down on his chair.
"I'm afraid that's how Democracy tends to work." Klara said and thus Yaga sighed and rubbed his eyes opting to let the rage go away.
"No kidding." Yaga said finding politics to be ever tiring. "We better head back to the apartment we need to start planning our final defense to stop this Bill from passing." Xect said to which Klara agreed with him.
"Right." Klara said as she got up and followed Yaga out of the office to head back to their Coruscant apartment.
(Later outside of the Office)
Once they were in the halls though Klara was once more arguing her case for why they should let the Republic have more of a helping hand over with ARKS. "Yaga your too focused on the negative maybe if you see the benefits of this." Klara began but was cut off by Yaga for that.
"The Benefits don't outweigh the negatives." Yaga said making it clear that he was firmly against the possible occupation of ARKS committed by the Republic.
"You don't know that Yaga." Klara said making it clear that Yaga was being emotional.
"Don't I?" Yaga asked but his tone showed it was a rhetorical question from him.
"Yaga…" Klara trailed off until a new voice was heard.
"Yaga, Klara." Anakin called and thus the duo looked and saw Anakin and his Padawan approaching them with Artoo rolling up near the two Jedi. "I've heard what's been happening, how are you two holding up?" Anakin asked as he looked to the two members of the Council of Six.
"Frustrated, annoyed, and just generally unpleasant." Yaga said while signing and scratching his head a bit nursing a minor headache.
"Sounds like a bad day." Ahsoka said as she looked worried for the ARKS Pair.
"It's always a bad day." Yaga said as it has been a bad day ever since this whole mess started. "That's why we try to smile all the time." Yaga said making a joke but both Anakin and Ahsoka knew that this bill was bothering Yaga. It was only a matter of time before even the infamous happy go lucky attitude of Yaga could not keep his smile going.
"So how bad is this Bill honestly speaking?" Anakin asked and in turn Klara cut in.
"It's not to bad we can still." Klara spoke before Yaga cut in.
"Its bad its basically a case of a random group of Republic politicians lets us do our job when it benefits them." Yaga said but then realized to whom he was speaking. "No offense." Yaga added to which Anakin shrugged.
"None taken." Anakin said thankful that he was not a politician himself.
"Still, this is turning into a huge mess." Yaga said finding it difficult to keep his sunny disposition with the stress he was now under.
"Well, if you guys need help you know I'm a call away." Anakin said with a comforting tone to the two ARKS Operatives who knew his secret and refused to reveal it to anyone out of respect for the couple.
"Thanks, we appreciate it." Klara said just before their Mags hummed with a message. Checking it over they saw that the message was from Xect.
'Heading to the Ministry of Intelligence, a contact I have is looking through a lead.' Xect's message read meaning he was investigating this as well.
"What is it?" Ahsoka asked curious as to what Yaga and Klara had just received.
"Xect think he's found something, we on our way to meet with him." Yaga said and thus he and Klara took their leave of the Jedi Knight and his Padawan.
(Later Outside)
The Council of Six members left the building and were making their way over to their air speeder. "Ok whatever Xect found is probably worth looking into." Yaga said as he made his way to the speeder with Klara. "Especially if it means stopping this bill from passing and having Halpha and the ARKS Fleet occupied by Republic forces." He added just as they got to the speeder.
The guards with them held the spot open for them and allowed for the two members of the Council of Six to board the vehicle. Once they were on board the speeder took off so Yaga and Klara can meet with Xect on what he found if anything at all.
Unknown to them certain parties were already viewing the pair as they left the building. The trip from the Senate Building to their intended destination started well enough for the ARKS members nothing to report. But unknown to them a hidden masked figure watched the whole thing play out and saw the chance to strike. Taking out a trigger from his person he waited for the speeder to fly by his position before he in turn activated his little sabotage.
Yaga and Klara never saw it coming as all of a sudden, a burst was heard from one of the speeder's engines. "The hell?!" Yaga cried out when he felt the air speeder shake suddenly.
Klara looked to the side and saw that they were descending at an alarming speed. "What's going on, why are we going down?" Klara asked knowing full well the were not supposed to be descending especially at their ever increasing and alarming speed of descent.
"Ma'am the navigation there's something wrong wit hit." The driver said as he tried to keep control of the tampered vehicle.
It was clear now that they were in danger thus Yaga began looking around for a way out of it. He then saw a ledge they can jump onto and in turn had a plan. "Look there's a platform not too far from here!" Yaga called out pointing out the ledge in question. "We should be able to Photon Glide there." Yaga said which Klara saw the plan as well.
"We only get one shot at this." Klara said making it clear that they had to make the landing if they planned to save everyone that was on the vehicle.
The driver saw the plan and thus got ready to move. "I'll try and get it as close to the ledge as I can." He said and with that said everyone got ready to jump to the upcoming ledge.
"Ready?" Yaga asked as he got ready to jump.
"One three?" Klara asked and thus they were ready. "One, two." Klara counted down as she looked to the driver who nodded.
"THREE!" Yaga called out and thus he pushed the two guards and himself off the vehicle while Klara did the same with the driver after putting a stick in the wheel to keep it on course. The five landed on the ledge and rolled a bit but were none the less alive and well. The Speeder on the other hand ended up crashing into the wall where Yaga, Klara, and their current entourage were supposed to crash and die.
"Well shit." Yaga said when he saw what had happened. "Looks like we may have pissed someone off." Yaga added and in turn they began to make calls for an uber to pick them up. They also made a few calls to report what had just happened and get an investigation started to figure out who tried to snuff them out.
(Later that evening with Xect)
Xect was sitting in a speeder with someone next to him. The two seemed to be eating lunch as the pair looked pretty normal. "You know I'd get into a lot of trouble for doing this." The man said before drinking from a soda. "One wrong move and its history for both of us." He said but Xect nodded understanding the position this man was in.
"Yes, and I'm grateful for all the trouble you went through to deliver this." Xect said and in turn the man passed to Xect a package with his prize.
"Something isn't right with the Republic and its not just the Clone Wars." The man said which Xect scoffed a bit at the man's comment.
"Trust me I've smelled that fish from the get-go." Xect said calmly while he was putting the package away. "Be careful I suspect that all walls have eyes and ears." Xect said and thus the man nodded and left the speeder and began to leave.
Once Xect was left alone he pulled the package back out and proceeded to open it. Inside was a data cart which he then connected to the speeders holo projector. Once it was in the Holographic projections inside were shown. The images showed the Banking Clans Representative and the Trade Federations Representative talking amongst themselves. Xect observed the image carefully as he knew they were speaking of the upcoming Bill. The Techno Unions Representative was also there which covered a good majority of the Committee that would decide if and when ARKS can act.
But seeing as these three groups have connections in the Separatists, they would all but ensure ARKS can never act in the Clone Wars ever again. It was a clever play if one were to observe closely but Xect was far from an easily tricked fool. Though with this and the actual footage of the dead Operatives report Xect had everything he needed to beat this bill in record time. There was just one thing he needed to do, contact Senator Amidala to be the one to bring this evidence to the Senate before the vote.
(Scene Break Chancellors Office)
It was evening by the time Yaga, and Klara had finished speaking with the authorities. Both Yaga and Klara sat across from Palpatine as he sat with Mas Amada standing behind him as every vigilante. They had just gotten through what had happened earlier and needless to say neither ARKS Leader were happy about it. The attempt on their life was serious and might add fuel to the growing fire that was the upcoming vote. But there was another pressing issue at the moment and that was why Yaga currently looked upset at the moment.
"What do you mean there won't be any charges pressed?" Yaga asked as he looked to Palpatine in shock to what he had been told.
"My apologies Councilman Yaga, but we simply do not have any evidence of any wrongdoing." Palpatine said apologizing on behalf of the investigators who had found nothing since the vehicle was destroyed in the crash.
"With all due respect Chancellor, there was an attempt on Klara and my lives." Yaga said making it clear that this was not an accident. "The driver even confirmed the controls on the speeder were compromised." Yaga said making it clear it at least warrants some sort of investigation here.
"Sadly, my friend we do not possess any proof of any tampering by anyone." Palpatine said causing Yaga to look at the old man in shock. "I'm afraid it might've been just an accident." Palpatine said leading Yaga to just sit there in pure shock.
"An accident that just happened to occur after I tried to fight this new bill?" Yaga said as he found this to be very suspicious.
"I agree with ARKS Councilman Yaga." Maas Amada said adding his two cents to this. "It proves that ARKS has made itself a target for enemies from all walks of life." Amada said making Yaga go wide eyed to this. "The Republic must step in and provide aid." He added which made Yaga speak up.
"Wait I wasn't saying that." Yaga said but Amada cut him off then.
"You can't defend yourselves so in turn we will." He said and thus Yaga had enough here.
"This is wrong you can't do this after everything ARKS has done for you guys!" Yaga said as his voice was rising with his temper.
"Unfortunately, it's up to The Senate now." Palpatine said as he sat across from the pair of ARKS Council members. "I'm sure they'll make a reasoned and thoughtful decision." Palpatine said and thus Yaga growled and stormed out of the room.
"Wait Yaga!" Klara cried out but was promptly ignored by her fellow Council Member.
"Give him time my dear." Palpatine said noting the concern that Klara had for Yaga. "In time I'm sure he will see that ARKS would benefit from this new bill." Palpatine said and in response Klara sighed in exhausted defeat.
"I know that this would be the better deal but… none of the others agree with me." Klara said as she truly wanted what was best for ARKS to flourish.
"And that is the downside of a Democracy my dear." Palpatine began as he stood up and made his way over to Klara. "Not everyone can agree on a single matter even when they all want what is best for their people." Palpatine said as Klara got up and walked with him for a bit, his old hand on her shoulder to guide the girl.
"How do you deal with it?" Klara asked as she honestly found it frustrating to handle a lot of times.
"Worry not my dear I have my ways; all we can do for now is trust in the principles of our democracy in which this Republic was built upon and pray for the best outcome." Palpatine said and thus Klara agreed with the old Chancellor.
"I understand, thank you Chancellor." Klara said happy that at least Palpatine saw why she trusted this new ARKS bill. Klara really thought this bill will be able to allow for ARKS to flourish further and be able to both defend their boarders and continue to aid the Galactic Republic.
"No thank you my dear." Palpatine said with a smile towards Klara. "It does my heart good to see there are those amongst our leaders able to see the bigger picture." Palpatine said praising the ARKS leader and in turn causing Klara to start to smile.
(Meanwhile outside with Yaga)
Yaga was scowling and everyone knew when Yaga, someone known for always being happy, is upset then things were bad. Moving through the halls Yaga was on his way to meet up with Xect to see if he had turned any stones to counter this bill threatening ARKS and their operations against the Dark Falz.
"Councilman." Anakin was heard and thus Yaga cooled his head when he saw Anakin and Ahsoka approaching him. "We heard about your accident, are you ok?" Anakin asked to the ARKS Council of Six Member.
"Yeah, I'll live the speeder not so much." Yaga said making a quip to help cool his head a little. "Now if you'll excuse me, I got to go finish making a counter argument against this bill." Yaga said and then paused for a second. "Oh, shit I'm starting to sound like Politician." Yaga said and in turn he began to walk off once more.
"Yaga wait we can help." Anakin said trying to give Yaga as much aid as he could.
"Unless you can use that Jedi Mind Trick to mind whammy the entire Senate then I'm not sure what help you can give while being impartial." Yaga said while he continued walking with Anakin on his tail. "But whoever was ballsy enough to pull this stunt off just advertised that I've upset someone." Yaga said regaining his calm yet flamboyant attitude towards problems.
"Why not get Klara to help?" Ahsoka asked and thus Yaga then sighed to that.
"Unfortunately, she's for the Bill." Yaga said scratching his head a bit trying to figure out why Klara would support this new bill that basically has the Republic occupying Halpha. "Right now, Xect has some feet on the ground digging up any legal means to not let this happen, but I haven't heard back from him for a good hot minute." Yaga added hoping Xect had found something of use.
"Why are you so against the Republic occupying Halpha anyway?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Yaga as she was actually curious about that thought.
"ARKS is making Halpha their home, and a lot of us want to make it as welcoming as possible, kind of hard to do with an armed military occupation y'know." Yaga said as he scratched his head while also sighing. "More so after everything we've been through on our endless journey to finally plat our root's we don't want anything to ruin it for us." Yaga added as the main reason was sentimental from ARKS.
"I see, so even you guys can be sentimental." Anakin said as he couldn't exactly argue against something like that.
"Yeah, its one of our many quarks." Yaga boasted with a grin on his face.
"In more ways then one." Ahsoka added in her own quip to what Yaga said.
Just then Anakin noticed a new arrival and looked to see Padme approaching the trio. "Senator Amidala, how can we help you?" Anakin asked keeping up appearances while Yaga just rolled his eyes at this. Since Yaga knew the two were a married couple he kept their secret as well.
"ARKS Representative Yaga I have some bad news." Padme spoke which got Yaga concerned here. "The Senate has just completed its vote… and they've voted in favor of the bill." Padme said making Yaga's eyes widen in shock to this.
"Wait back up there the Senate voted, I thought it was supposed to be tomorrow?!" Yaga asked finding this new information to be very alarming for the Councilman to hear.
"I'm sorry, Republic forces are set to depart at sunrise tomorrow, their already preparing to select the committee for ARKS to operate under against any upcoming Falspawn and Dark Falz based combat." Padme said as she knew the Separatists and by extension the Dark Falz will exploit this perceived weakness.
"This is bad this is really bad." Yaga said and thus he began to walk off with his Mag to try and contact Xect wherever that Newman was hiding at.
As Anakin was ready to leave, he soon received a call on his communicator. Opting to answer it Anakin took out his communicator. "Skywalker." Anakin said knowing this was a secure channel. But as he and Ahsoka looked to the communicator they saw nothing only a voice coming from it, a voice they knew well.
"Skywalker meet me at the following coordinates don't get followed." Xect voice was heard and thus he hung up right after.
"Wait wasn't that?" Ahsoka asked as she didn't think Xect had access to a secured channel like that one.
"Had to be." Anakin said as he found this suspicious. "But how did he get my communicator codes?" Anakin asked and thus had a glare clearly suspicious of the Newman.
(Scene Break Xect that evening)
Xect was in a courtyard surrounded by varying sentient beings romancing about. HE was dressed in a robe over his person as he waited for Anakin to meet with him. Xect knew how this process worked and knew that there was a high chance anyone allies with ARKS will be searched for the actual evidence. Xect knew another party was involved with this and intended to flush them out. Still there were other things he had to consider chief of them being the fact that the Senate voted right after Yaga's accident as appose to the next morning as planned.
This put a sever choke on Xect's timetable, but it was something that he could work around and still win. Xect had studied the Republic laws and went through them with a fine-tooth comb, so he knows them well enough. He also studied how politicians operated and the networks of allies they put together in order to pass the laws they wanted to pass. Just like any businessman a network was required if you wanted to find success in life. The idiots back in his old world and some of the ones who followed him here called a network corruption. Xect ignored those people because more often than not they lived off of other handouts.
Xect checked his watch to see if Anakin will show up or not knowing this hinged on him arriving now. Then as if to answer his prayers Anakin showed up in a cloak and sat on the bench with Xect but facing away from him. "I was starting to think you'd be late." Xect said with a smirk on his face.
"You didn't exactly give me clear instructions." Anakin said with a scowl on his face to try and keep neutral with the Intelligence head.
"Didn't think I needed to." Xect said as he began to reach into his person and produce a data card.
"What's this?" Anakin asked as he took the data card.
"Evidence the actual evidence." Xect said which surprised Anakin to be given this important information. "I need you to bring this to Padme so she can present this to the Senate." Xect said and this Anakin raised a brow to this.
"Why don't you bring it?" Anakin asked and thus Xect sighed a bit.
"Strategy." Xect said as he then brough up the major parts. "If I were to bring this directly to Yaga especially after how verbal he was about being against this bill people will grow suspicious." Xect said as he made his reasoning known to Anakin. "But if another Senator were to do it, it will be seen as more of a political move." Xect said and thus it was clear what the Newman was doing here.
Looking the data card over Anakin considered his options here. Bringing this in might be what Shmni wanted him to do or hoped he would do. More so it would be helping a friend who had promised to keep his and Padme's shared secret even when he had no reason to do such a thing. So, in a way Anakin owed Yaga for keeping his mouth quiet about his marriage.
"You do know that they already voted right?" Anakin asked making sure Xect was made aware of this new development.
"Yes, I know so if we want Padme to get that data card." Xect said as he stood up and got ready to leave. "Then I suggest you start moving." Xect said and thus he was gone. Anakin looked to the data card and while he did not like to involve himself with politicians, he also knew that Yaga was his friend as much as he was Xect's friend. With this in mind Anakin got moving hoping to change the result of the vote before it was too late.
(Later back at the Senate Building)
Another meeting was taking place discussing the upcoming occupation of Halpha and oversight of ARKS. Yaga sat in his platform in defeat as he couldn't find anything to argue against this bill. Meanwhile Klara was doing her best to assure Yaga that this was in the best interests of ARKS. Unfortunately for the Newman Council member, Yaga did not see it that way nor did the ARKS Council of Six.
Meanwhile Palpatine was giving a rousing speech to inspire his people and assure Yaga and Klara that this was for the greater good of all. "The occupation of Halpha, and the oversight of ARKS shall assure in a new level of security for the Republic and our shared fight against corruption and the Dark Falz." Palpatine said as from their spots Lot Dodd, Nix Card, and Gam Saam all smirked at their oncoming victory. "Now if there are no other objections." Palpatine said but before he could continue on Padme had spoken up to this.
"Supreme Chancellor." Padme began as she came in on her platform with Threepio and Anakin riding with her. "There has been a new development in the case of ARKS Security and independence." Padme said and thus Palpatine nodded to the woman.
"The chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo." Palpatine said giving Padme the chance to speak whatever objections she had for this ARKS bill.
Padme produced the Data card from her person before she began to speak once again. "I think this should cast a new light on the so-called evidence we saw earlier." Padme said while holding the data card before she inserted it into her platform control and activated the large holo projector.
They were in turn met with the Same Operator from before as he began to speak. "Our leadership has brough us into a state of war against the combined forces of the Dark Falz Collective and the Separatist Alliance." The Operative said as he made what was his final report. "This has in turn made us of note to those who would mean to cause ARKS harm as well as put us in the spotlight of the criminal underworld and both our own people and our allies are left unaware of the brewing danger." He continued while Yaga and Klara both looked to this with concern over what was said seeing as it started out the same was as the other one had done prior.
But this point was where the similarities had come to a sudden end for them. "But we have been training for this. ARKS has been training for such things in our own training to combat the Dark Falz, the Falspawn and any dangers we face in our exploration of the stars." The Operative said as this got everyone to pay attention to the continued report. "We have given our aid to the Republic, and we ask for nothing in return save for our voices to be heard, and thus with this in mind it is clear that if we are to combat them effectively, we must have the ability, the independence to act whenever and wherever the Falspawn or the Dark Falz may rise." HE continued as Yaga began to grin to this new revelation. "But if we are to do so, we must reject a Republic Oversight committee and continue to learn from our short comings to improve ourselves and our ability to defend ourselves." The man said and thus Yaga smiled to Klara who herself made a smaller smile.
"With that in mind ARKS must act not out of pride or arrogance but out of courage and safety if we are to allow ourselves to be forced to act only when permitted and not when needed then we will undoubtedly be lead to our own defeat, we must have faith." The Operative said and thus his reported ended and with it the chances of this bill being passed.
(Scene Break the Next Day)
Ahsoka, Yaga, Klara, Anakin, Padme, and Xect were all gathered in the Chancellors office as the Republic forces were ordered to stand down from occupying Halpha. Maas Amada and Palpatine were also there as Palpatine spoke to the gathered group before him. "Thankfully with the revelation of this new information the occupation of Halpha and the ARKS fleet is no longer necessary." Palpatine said smiling to the group.
"The person to thank is Xect, he was the one to find the proof." Padme said as Xect stayed off to the side in the back.
"Just doing my job." Xect said making it clear that he wasn't here for any praise. "As long as the Republic Forces are ordered to stand down, that's all the thanks I require." Xect said as he then began to leave. "Now I need to report this to the Council on Halpha and then get some sleep… it's been a long night." Xect to which Klara sighed to this.
"Xect." Klara sighed seeing Xect being himself.
When Xect was gone Palpatine looked over to Yaga and Klara. "But allow me to offer my most sincere apology on behalf of the entire Republic." Palpatine said which got Yaga smiling. "You and your people are a most loyal of people to which we are most grateful." Palpatine said which Yaga nodded.
"Yes, grateful." Maas said which Yaga had to smirk a bit at getting one over on Maas.
"Chancellor if you and Maas Amedia, would join me for a moment we have some logistics to discuss in order to ratify the Senates decision." Padme said and thus Klara spoke up.
"Wait up I'll join in." Klara said and in turn went to join the Senator and Chancellor seeing as she was the representative of ARKS on the Republic. Yaga chuckled to this as he saw Klara providing aid to the two public servants.
Yaga then smiled to Anakin and put a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, if it wasn't for you and Xect, we'd be up the shit creek without a paddle." Yaga said to which Anakin smirked to the ARKS Councilman.
"Hey after everything you guys have done for the Republic it's the least, I can do." Anakin responded and thus Yaga laughed a bit.
"Pops always said, a man should always pay his dues and have his friends backs." Yaga said and thus he began to share a laugh with Anakin. But despite the jolly scene a much greater darkness would be upon them soon enough.
(Dark Falz Collective Hidden Base)
Chaos had hit as the Dark Falz found their base had been compromised by an invader. Persona was the first to act as she looked to the source. A blast here, and a rumble there it was clear that someone had found where they lived. From the darkness they could all feel it approaching a great power had just arrived.
Persona was on the defensive as was Elder while Luther was calm, and Apprentice was concerned. Just then all was silent as the sound of their own breathing echoed with their heartbeats. Then it began, the synthesized breathing, this sound made Persona's eyes widen in horror.
"No…" Persona gasped and then from the darkness the form of Vader approached them. "Dark Falz [Vader] The Machine." Persona growled as this caused the entire Collective to look to her and then at Vader.
"This is Vader. He doesn't look like us." Gemini M said as he looked to Vader surprised to see him.
"This is the Machine? He doesn't look like a Dark Falz." Gemini said and thus Persona growled to this.
"Vader Shiva and I had a deal what are you doing here?" Persona asked only for a familiar aura to radiate in the room.
"I had sent him, Persona." Shiva said and thus the Dark Falz heard her and in turn kneeled to her. The Dark Falz were in the presence of their creator their mother Shiva Goddess of Annihilation.
"You said I had time!" Persona yelled clearly angry that Shiva did this. "I was in the middle of." Persona began only to be cut off by her own choking. Even from beyond time and space Shiva's power was absolute.
"I've changed the arrangement prey that I do not change it any further." Shiva said and thus Vader looked like he wanted to intervene from how his hand switched to his lightsaber. Soon enough Persona began to breath normal once more and thus Shiva continued to speak. "The Battle of Halpha is upon you, I expect excellent reports Vader work with Persona and bring me the Guardian." Shiva said and thus she ended the call.
Once it was all done the other Dark Falz stood back up. "Go… prepare yourselves for war." Vader spoke and thus Luther smirked and walked away followed by Apprentice who was eyeing up Vader.
"I like." Apprentice said and thus she left followed by Elder who grunted before leaving. Gemini ran off to prepare their own toys for the upcoming invasion of Halpha.
"Padme…" Vader began as he looked to Persona.
"Don't." Persona growled as she glared at Vader. "We're both in this because you could never let go and could never make the choices that was needed." Persona said as she clenched her fists recalling the face of Luke and Leia.
"I could have saved you still." Vader spoke but Persona scoffed in response.
"And look what good that did us." Persona said but she was far from done. "And don't act like you can comfort me you're not even my original…" Persona trailed off before stopping. "Just… don't get in my way." Persona said before storming off leaving Vader there by himself. In his hand was a familiar necklace one he had carved for HER many years ago when he was freed.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter done! Another Chapter Published! More reviews to come! I hope everyone enjoyed this new chapter because next we begin the Battle of Halpha. This one will take me a while I need to decide on which Jedi Generals will be part of this battle and how the Separatists will handle this. Now be sure to leave a review before leaving and as I always say here, ja-ne.