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Phase 31: Laying the foundations of a New Order

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Part 5

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Kuat of Kuat takes personal responsibility for the Skyfall tragedy! The Technician admitted that the likely reason for the disaster was the direct results of political infighting that affected the security of Kuat as a whole and directly led to a situation when corners had to be cut due to the pressures of the war efforts. If it wasn't for internal political and ideological conflicts between KDY and the Kuati government about the war, measures to avoid such a disaster might have been viable months, if not years, ago.

Kuat of Kuat is stepping down from his position within Kuat Drive Yards, leaving it in the hands of his Aunt and now permanent CEO, Onara Kuat…

HolonetNews

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The Lucky Lady
Kashyyyk System
Republic space

After finally breaking out of Separatist territory and reaching Hutt space, the Clones discovered how the galaxy had changed while they were out of contact. The good news was that their General was still alive, busy smacking down the Seppies. The bad news about all the seceding worlds from the Republic, not to mention everything else happening after Chancellor Palpatine died, was hard to believe. The news of their brothers turning against each other, even on Coruscant, was devastating.

It was a subdued crew that reached Randon, which should have been a significant obstacle on their world to Republic space, perhaps an insurmountable one, forcing a large detour through much of Hutt Space. Instead, there was a Republic task force holding the area. Its commander was very curious who in the name of the Force they were and why they had two antiques flying as oversized escorts.

Ultimately, they got to Kashyyyk under heavy escort. At the same time, someone did their best to contact the General and confirm their credentials. The Wookies and Trandoshans home system was another change. None of the crew had been here before, so all they knew was from the history lessons crammed into their heads back on Kamino.

"Sarge, we are being hailed," Cifor noted from the pilot's seat.

"Put them up," Holt said without looking away from the computer screen showing nearby space. It was crammed with freighters, cruisers, and countless small gunships. The whole area was chock-full of Trandoshan ships, which didn't make sense considering the presence of Republic naval elements in orbit. They surely wouldn't tolerate slavery and raiding under their very noses?!

A scared lizard-like face formed above the communication console. Something big and nasty had taken a chunk of flesh, leaving fresh, still weeping scars on the left side of the Trandoshan. A spider-like medical droid was busy tending to him. Its many manipulators were slowly knitting flesh together and applying various medicines.

The Trandoshan made a sharp gesture, and the droid floated a few paces back.

"Greetings Humans! I am Hrisst Shadowscale! You work for the Great General, yes?" The Trandoshan grinned at them, displaying an alarming array of sharp and wicked-looking teeth.

"I am Sergeant Holt. General Veil is my commanding officer, yes."

"Good! The Great General's machinations led to many successful grand hunts! There is a glut of points to dedicate to the Scorekeeper! Live has been great as of late thanks to him, hallowed be his name!"

Cifor slowly turned around and stared at the sergeant, mouthing out, 'What the kiff?'.

"That's good to know?" Holt allowed, feeling out of his depth. He wasn't a diplomat, damn it!

"All the Elders and priests are in agreement! We will follow the Great General to new hunting grounds and earn even more Jaganath points! We wish to hunt droids on Mandalore to earn glory and repay the eternal depth we owe the Great General!" Shadowscale earnestly explained. "Besides, we can't be outdone by those walking carpets, and they're assembling troops to send to Mandalore as well! Contact the Great General and tell him we will be there when he needs us!"

"We will do so at the first opportunity," Holt slowly nodded.

"Good, good! May your talons be forever sharp and your hunts successful!" Shadowscale waved a hand, displaying razor-sharp talons.

"No talons here, but our hunts have been successful," Holt admitted.

"Good enough, I guess. No one is perfect! Hunter Shadowscale, out!"

The Clones on the small bridge looked at each other.

"What was that?" Kal asked from the navigation console.

"The General has been up to shenanigans," Holt decided.

"Can we not be up to shenanigans?" Cifor begged. "Skulking around Separatist space to search for ancient Sith installation was harrowing enough!"

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Chancellor's residence, Republica 500
Coruscant

The Tarkin brothers didn't quite sneak into the Chancellor's residence late at night. For one, they walked in leading a Clone detachment from General Kenobi's old command, who was now responsible for his life's security, among other things. If anything, they appeared to be a pair of officers leading a change of the guard detail. That was a bit of overkill, considering that Republica 500 was infamous for the small private army it had on a retainer, which was further expanded after the attempt to assassinate Senator Amidala a few years ago. Since then, the building has been a fortress on par with many well-defended military bases for the peace of mind of its wealthy residents.

Gideon noted that on the way to the Chancellor's residence, they had to pass no less than three private security squads patrolling the halls, which were better equipped than the Clones were at the beginning of the war. Each of those mercenaries carried equipment that had to cost between twenty and thirty thousand credits.

Finally, they reached their destination – and there was no mistaking it. A whole section of the building was now under GAR custody, with strong points manned by Clones complete with various heavy weapons, shield generators, and the works. Both the GAR as a whole and General Kenobi were determined not to have this Chancellor assassinated, too. Gideon could only approve. Palpatine's murder was a disaster the Republic obviously didn't and wouldn't recover from.

After ensuring they were no impostors or carrying weapons, the Clones let them in. To Gideon's surprise, for a residence within Republica 500, the Chancellor's quarters were surprisingly plain. While everything was of the highest quality and tastefully decorated, it did not scream wealth and power like many noble residences or those proudly displayed by many CEOs did.

Inside, the Tarkins found four people waiting for them. The Chancellor was unmistakable. This time, she wore a plain, comfortable dress and lounged on a soft armchair. Beside her sat Veil and an unfamiliar red-haired woman. Across a table covered in snacks, tea, and Caf sat a middle-aged man in a traditional Kuati dress. That one Gideon was familiar with – he was Kuat's new Senator, Derrik Storm.

"Governor Tarkin, Admiral Tarkin," the Kuati man greeted them with a rich upper-crust Core accent. "I understand you are to have a private conversation with the chancellor," Storm finished his Caf and stood up. "I can assure you, Chancellor Satine and Mandalore have Kuat's full backing for what you are about to discuss," Storm smiled at them, then offered the Chancellor a slight bow before heading for the exit.

"Governor, Admiral, please take a seat," the Chancellor offered with a wave. She noted that they were looking at the unfamiliar woman. "This is Darth Zash, Veil's former Master. She is here for a reason, apparently?"

"A further confirmation that Kuat is with us. After all, it was Zash's work that ensured it was so," Veil explained. "Further, we'll be leaving after this meeting. Some of my agents were finally able to contact me. They just got back to Republic space bringing back various Sith artifacts that might come in useful when liberating Mandalore."

"You are also making a point, aren't you, my friend?" Wilhuf noted in good humor. "The two people in the Republic capable of murdering worlds by themselves are in this room."

It took Gideon a few moments to fully digest what his brother said. He couldn't help the shiver that ran down his spine at that. His eyes went for the unassuming woman, who smiled pleasantly at them.

"My former Apprentice here requested my aid at Mandalore. I feel like obliging. After all, making such a point could only increase my sense of security."

Just like in Veil's case, the most surprising thing about this other Sith was how ordinary she appeared and spoke. It was nothing like one might expect from watching Holo movies or even ancient records from Sith speaking to the masses.

"You are hedging your bets," Wilhuf continued. "You don't expect to get enough forces to do the job conventionally."

"Many of our backers would prefer that when the dust settles, only powers in the Core are the ones left standing," Veil didn't bother hiding his displeasure.

"The only reason I am Chancellor was because I made certain deals to ensure the war effort wouldn't collapse," Kenobi continued. "The people who allowed me to take this position made it clear that, for most intents and purposes, I would be their puppet in the Republic. That was a sacrifice I deemed worth it to safeguard Mandalore," The Chancellor grimaced. "Yet, here we are. The support needed to liberate Mandalore will not materialize, no matter whether I am the Chancellor or Obi-Wan is GAR's Supreme Commander. We simply lack the GAR assets for an offensive in the Mandalorian sector without stripping other fronts of critical resources."

"System defense support for offensive actions, or to spare resources for it in the Mandalorian Sector won't be forthcoming in sufficient quantities. General Valentra made that clear to me, and he should know," Wilhuf noted. "This leaves us, the Mid-Rim Alliance, with anything you can scrape up," He nodded at Veil.

"If Mandalore can secure the Mandalorian Sector, he can finally take full advantage of the alliances I made before the war. We have it on good authority that the Separatists haven't been able or willing to go after most worlds in the sector or those near it. They have locked down the major hyperplanes and blockaded various industrial worlds. However, their primary efforts are focused on Mandalore itself. If we can break their hold there, Mandalore can potentially forge a power in that part of the Rim a thousand systems strong. Victory has many friends. Star Hammer is publicly acclaimed for his success. It was his idea, and it is the only reason the sham of the Republic still stands."

"Everything you've said is true, Chancellor. Yet, what you offer isn't a return to the status quo. It means that we will be pledging ourselves to your cause and, in the fullness of time, risking a full-scale war with the Core," Gideon countered.

"Do we? All the deals that made me a Chancellor, all the deals that might see me as a puppet leading a new order, failed to consider two factors," Kenobi offered them a sad yet determined smile. She looked at Veil and pointed at him and Zash. "At the end of the day, I do have raw power backing me. With the Mid-Rim Alliance, a new Mandalorian nation, and these two? We can potentially reshape the galaxy to our liking."

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Part 6

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Chancellor's residence, Republica 500
Coruscant

"We don't seek a conflict with our 'allies' in the Core, Governor Tarkin," Veil interjected. "We would be more than content to go back home. However, while that was an option we were offered, our allies chose not to deliver on it. Now, we must make our own arrangements to ensure long-term survival and prosperity."

"Where is the Republic's place in your new order?" Gideon asked.

"In the dustbin of history," Kenobi's answer was firm and to the point. That was telling, considering it came from the Chancellor of the Republic. "The conference that made Operation Star Hammer possible had clear results. We wouldn't get the forces we would need to relieve Mandalore. At the same time, without General Veil here achieving yet another victory, many of our so-called allies would have looked for a separate peace with the Confederacy, exchanging their support for a good place in the new galactic order. That is what they want from us for their continued support as well – a new order that puts them in a better place than the Republic would ever give them, no matter how privileged they were under the existing system."

"That kind of new order," Gideon didn't hide his distaste at the idea.

"With me as a figurehead to take the blame. I am an expendable outsider, after all," the Chancellor scowled. "We decided a different arrangement might be in order. If there is to be a new order, let it be our New Order. Will you join us in reforging the galaxy, Governor Tarkin?"

"We won't get a better offer or opportunity to improve Eriadu's fortunes, brother!" Wilhuf exclaimed. "You know that any other offer we receive will be a poisoned pill! You know your history as well as I do, and we both know things here haven't changed! All our lives, we've fought and struggled for our family and Eriadu! Let it not be all in vain!"

"You people bore me. If thousands of years of history have to be unwritten, then let them be unwritten!" Zash scoffed. "Will you let fear hold you back, Governor? This is the kind of opportunity that comes once in generations. Make your choice. The faster we are done, the faster I can return to my research!"

"Some things don't change even after thousands of years," Veil chuckled. "Others must change," His amusement vanished, replaced by a grave expression. "Are you with us, Governor? Can I count on the Mid-Rim Alliance?"

"If it wasn't for you, there wouldn't be an alliance to speak of. We will send what forces we can spare. I am afraid that they might not be enough. As for your broader offer…" Gideon sighed. "Yes. Let us make our own path."

Now, selling all that entailed to the rest of the alliance's leaders was another question….

"Splendid!" Kenobi clapped her hands and smiled. "Now, while you are here, Delkatar, please tell me if there is something else we should know that slipped your mind. Like that artifact hunt of yours."

"That you should know in person or that other people in the military should be aware of?" Veil inquired.

That certainly got Gideon's attention.

"Don't you dare play word games with me!"

"There are various projects I have been unable to check the progress of due to the demands of the war and everything that happened since the Crimson affair," Veil began.

Everyone blanched at the reminder of that horror. Gideon himself only had second-hand information, but that was more than enough to give him nightmares for months.

"There's my black operations group that has been going after Sith Empire boltholes set up in case the Empire fell. That is where my people found the schematics for the Basilisk Droids. It was part of that group that managed to reach me today with more goods, and we are going to see how we can utilize them to liberate Mandalore," Veil nodded at the other Sith. "Another project my people had been running in conjunction with various Republic Intelligence services was taking over the major crime syndicates on Coruscant to ensure the CIS won't use them again to smuggle in agents or carry out attacks. The last I heard about that project was before the Palpatine's murder. I haven't had the time to see what is happening there."

"Have you been playing at Spymaster in your spare time?" Kenobi hissed.

"Just a bit. As I said, most of those projects were in conjunction with Republic Intelligence services. They only provided material support for the treasure hunt while taking the lead in subverting the local criminal elements. Finally, after the whole mess with the Jedi younglings, my people stashed a few of them in a safe location in case the Jedi got compromised again. It might be for the best if someone goes to check on them and recovers the children and the survivors of their families."

"I am calling Obi-Wan on that one. While we are all here, we might as well discuss what we will do with Force Sensitives. Obi-Wan and I had a few conversations about it but haven't reached a decision on that point that might be politically viable," the Chancellor glared at a comm device left on the table before her after glancing at her very pregnant belly. "Be a good brother-in-law and give me that thing."

Veil shook his head and looked at the device. It floated above the table and flew into Kenobi's waiting hand.

"Have any of you two given a thought about the future of the Jedi, or well, Force Sensitivies? They do need training, yet the Jedi's legacy is going to be tainted for generations now," the Chancellor reminded them.

Honestly, Gideon hadn't thought about that at all. A glance revealed his brother was in the same boat.

"I am not sure we should be consulting your two at all," Kenobi looked critically at the Sith. "However, you know very well how the old Jedi Order failed, as well as how the Sith Empire failed in training people like you."

That was actually a good point. In that regard, there was no better qualified to consult than their 'pet' Sith.

"You don't have any other secrets to share, do you?" Kenobi asked while tapping buttons on the comm device.

A holographic projector built into the ceiling above them came to life, showing the bust of General Kenobi. He looked harried but otherwise well.

"Satine! You've got a Veil issue? What did he do this time?"

"What he did months ago is the better question, Obi-Wan. He can fill you in himself."

Obi-Wan looked around and raised an eyebrow.

"I see you have guests, dear. What have you been up to?"

"The Midi-Rim Alliance is with us. Now, we need to discuss certain other matters."

General Kenobi grimaced before smiling bitterly.

"It couldn't be helped then. We will have to walk this path we chose to its end. Delkatar, what have you been up to? I haven't heard the end of complaints you went rogue."