Hello everybody :)

Welcome, back for those who are following other of my stories, or just welcome to the newcomers :)

I'll start here by a simple introduction of this story and give more at the end; During the Clone War, both sides discover a new group operating in the galaxy, this group is none other than Nazarick and its inhabitants. Ainz and his minions enjoyed some time away from prying eyes before being discovered during this part of the story (that has not been written in reference to Star Wars, therefore this is the second episode).

Please enjoy

...

...

The meeting room in the Jedi Temple was bathed in the soft amber glow of Coruscant's evening light. High above the sprawling city, the chamber stood as a bastion of serenity amidst the galactic chaos of the ongoing war.

As Anakin Skywalker shifted in his chair, the restless energy of youth evident in his demeanor, his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, exuded an air of tranquil contemplation, his hand resting on his laps. Across from them, the Senator Padmé Amidala from Naboo, with her expressive brown eyes, betrayed concern, while the Alderaanian Senator Bail Organa, sat with an air of seasoned gravitas. The remaining persons, the green-skinned Grand-Master of the Jedi Order, Yoda, meditating his eyes closed and the stern Master, Mace Windu, reading from a datapad, silently commanded respect.

After some time, the center of the room finally lit up with an holographic projection, the blueish hue of the hologram filled the space and Senator Farr's hologram flickered into view, his Rhodian features slightly weary but determined. Rhodia's liberation and Farr's recent return from the CIS to the Republic had marked him with a new level of solemnity as his presence added a spectral glow to the room's ambiance, underscoring the importance of the meeting.

Obi-Wan Kenobi glanced at each of the room's occupants and began, his voice carrying a gravity that filled the chamber. "We've gathered here today because Senators Farr and Amidala have brought us troubling news concerning an unknown new organization".

"Thank you for arranging this assembly, senator Amidala," the Rodian greeted with a nod of gratitude, before solemnly introducing. "Fellow members of the Republic, I come to you with intelligence that may be crucial to our cause."

Padmé nodded graciously, "It's always a pleasure, Senator Farr, please, share with us what you've discovered."

Drawing a deep breath, Farr began, "After our troubling days under the Separatists occupation, we stumbled upon some information that we shared with the Republic Intelligence and one piece stood out from the rest. A yet unidentified group in the Outer Rim has been trading massive quantities of both Duranium and Impervium. From what we gathered, there was a serious bidding war between the Techno-Union branch of Arkanis and Nute Gunray while he was on Rhodia, a bidding war that the Trade Federation won, seemingly securing the favors of this group not using only credits but also industrial equipment and several ships."

Obi-Wan leaned forward, his brow creased, "Such an exchange is significant, it implies either an upcoming massive production or a consolidation of power that we somehow missed. Do we have specifics on these transactions? Names, places, details on the material and ships?"

Farr looked somewhat disappointed, "Unfortunately we know very few details even if the Trade Federation wasn't overly cautious; the payment was divided along several deliveries, consisting of hundreds of thousands of credits each time, twelve old cargo ships and various equipment, mostly for mining and refining. We learnt through the investigation that followed the capture of Gunray's flagship that even them didn't seem to know much. All these transactions are enveloped in layers of anonymity, no names, no identifiable figures. Only coded transmissions, temporary shell corporations and faceless intermediaries. There is the possibility that the Viceroy knows more about them and didn't trust his staff, but unfortunately since he is no longer in the Republic's custody, there is no way to be certain."

Bail Organa interjected, "Surely there must be some leads? Any patterns, contacts, or recurring channels?"

The Rodian Senator, with his eyes reflecting a mix of resolve and concern, responded, "From what we've pieced together from the origin of some independent transporters that were used, our mysterious entity seems to operate from somewhere close to the Smuggler's Run, an asteroid belt along the Corellian Run, near the planet Wrea. That haven is known for illicit activities and its treacherous nature makes it a perfect hideout for any organization wishing to avoid prying eyes."

The young Jedi's azure eyes sparkled with anticipation. "It's a famous place, rife with smugglers and rogue traders, a very good place to remain hidden."

His mentor, ever the voice of caution, responded, "It's an unpredictable sector Anakin and without specific coordinates or a contact, we risk drawing attention."

Mace Windu, his voice firm, spoke up, "Our Order is already stretched thin with this war, every day exacting a toll on our ranks. Deploying more Jedis without concrete information seems unwise, it is unfortunate but we don't have the luxury to control all CIS actions or resolve every mystery that presents itself, no matter how significant it may seem"

The wise, small green-skinned elder added, his words measured, "Remaining blind, dangerous to be. But risks, there are."

"We can't just ignore it" Anakin disagreed, shifting forward in his seat, his hands gesturing broadly, punctuating his words. "This new supplier, whoever they are, is dealing with the Trade Federation, but that doesn't mean they are allies, as far as we know they are trading, not joining their cause. There are risks and this could be a threat, yes, but it could also be an opportunity, or at least, disrupt the Separatists' supply chain."

Padmé, quietly observing the back and forth, interjected with a calm, steady voice, "Anakin's right." Her agreement drew the room's attention. "We can't afford to lose sight of the potential ally hidden in this situation, their choice to trade with the Separatists could have been a matter of convenience or desperation, not necessarily an alignment of interests. We need to find out more."

There was a short silence as her words took root in the room, her determination bringing a new perspective to the discussion, before Senator Organa spoke up. "The resources in question are of vital importance in this conflict, large quantities of Duranium have a strategic impact and Impervium is starting to be rare with the ongoing arms race. If we could establish contact with the supplier, negotiate an agreement or even an alliance, we could divert these resources from the Separatists and turn the tide in our favor."

Senator Farr nodded his holographic head in agreement and said a hint of regret in his voice . "In my experience within the CIS, their entire war effort depends heavily on the constant flow of these resources. Disrupt that, and we cripple their production capabilities."

Organa shifted, "We will combine our intelligence and contacts to ascertain more about this entity, this isn't just a Jedi matter; the Republic must play its part."

The hologram of the Rhodian senator flickered momentarily as he nodded, "Rhodia's resources are at the Republic's disposal, the shadow of the Separatists' occupation still looms and we won't stand by idly."

Skywalker, his impulsive nature shining through, immediately offered, "Then let's find out who we're dealing with, send me to the Outer Rim while the 501st is still refitting and Ashoka is coming back with Master Undunli, I'll establish contact with the new supplier and see if they're friend or foe."

Obi-Wan nodded, but noticing the look in his friend's eyes he added. "You won't be going alone, Anakin, I'll join you. We'll approach this with caution and return with the information we need."

Mace held up a hand, "Sending two Jedi of your caliber into potentially hostile territory, especially during these times, is a significant risk."

Bail Organa interjected, "It's a risk we might need to take. If this entity has the resources and cunning to draw the attention of both the Techno-Union and the Trade Federation, we cannot afford to underestimate them."

Yoda finally broke his silence, his voice carrying an age-old wisdom, "Tread carefully we must, but investigate, we should. Great is the disturbance I sense."

Windu sighed deeply, the weight of leadership during wartime pressing upon him. "Very well. Master Kenobi, Skywalker, the task falls to you both. But proceed with caution, we cannot afford to lose you."

Anakin's eyes glinted with a mix of determination and excitement, "We won't let you down, Master."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, "We'll gather all necessary intelligence and prepare for the journey to the Smuggler's Run."

Windu gave a final nod, "May the Force guide you both."

.

.

In a dimly lit chamber of a secret CIS base, Asajj Ventress sat cross-legged, her posture rigid and her breathing steady. The distant hum of machinery and occasional distant soulless footfalls did not break her concentration as she meditated. Her twin curved lightsabers rested beside her, their hilts gleaming in the faint light.

Her deep concentration was interrupted by the mechanical whirring of a tactical droid as it entered the room before it said its tone emotionless "Commander, Count Dooku and Viceroy Gunray opened a communication."

Ventress opened her eyes slowly and rose on her feet. Her intense gaze settled on the droid as she nodded and the droid extended a holoprojector, within moments, the hazy blue figures of her Master and the Neimoidian appeared before her.

"Ventress," Dooku began, his tone both authoritative and measured, "I have received information that the Jedi are planning a mission concerning one of our new suppliers. They are trying to figure out their identities and turn them against us."

Gunray, his reptilian features accentuated by the bluish glow and a look of concern etched on his face, added, "This organization worked very hard to remain anonymous, not only can we exclusively make contact with this new supplier via the holonet, but they are also using a string of brokers and independent transport companies. We know little about them, other than that they are based in the Outer Rim and that they have access to significant quantities of minerals."

Ventress raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What makes them of such interest?"

"These resources are of utmost importance, the Duranium is crucial for our shipyards and this Impervium has already allowed us to produce more weaponry that we hoped for, proton torpedoes, shield generators, electro staffs ... It is also a key component in our experimental superweapons, we could even make another mega-ion cannon to replace the loss of the Malevolence. More importantly, unlike several other suppliers, they proved to be reliable and their deliveries have been punctual, involving dozens of ships without any incidents." Explained the leader of the Trade Federation.

The hologram of the Sith Lord leaned forward, his spectral form seeming to pull the room into an even more intense focus and he picked up where the Neimoidian had left off, his voice a controlled blend of command and urgency, "The early stages of this war dictate the necessity for allies, the grand scheme of our plan depends upon resource control and reliable supply chains. The deal made by the Trade Federation is problematic, we need to uncover the true motives of this organization and more consequentially, secure them as our pawn, their allegiance could significantly bolster our strategic advantages. If they choose to remain neutral, or, worse, if they decide to side with the Republic, it could result in an unfavorable shift in the balance of power. We must prevent this."

Ventress, realizing the gravity of the task, bowed respectfully and in a tone echoing dutiful loyalty said, "I understand Master. I will travel to the Outer Rim and establish contact with this organization. They will align themselves with the Confederacy... by any means necessary."

As her Master disconnected, the chamber doors began to slide open before Ventress, when Gunray's voice came through the holographic connection, "A moment, if I may."

Ventress paused her departure, her predatory gaze turning back towards the holographic Neimoidian. His figure seemed to squirm in the dim light, the weight of his responsibilities and his position as co-conspirator of the Siths visibly pressing upon him.

"Before you depart," the Viceroy began, "I feel it necessary to extend my gratitude for your recent actions. My liberation has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated, thanks to you I have resumed my duties."

A silence filled the room as the Sith apprentice merely stared at the Neimoidian. She offered no response but the unblinking intensity of her gaze urged him to continue.

Gunray swallowed, his nervousness tangible even as an holographic form. "And as for the situation with this unknown organization, I feel a need to defend the Trade Federation's position. When they first approached us, their offer was too good to simply turn down. Large quantities of much needed materials from an untapped market, delivered right on time, all without asking too many questions... We saw an opportunity."

Ventress held his gaze for a moment before the Nemoidian continued uncomfortably.

"It is true that we didn't foresee the potential issues that a lack of proper control could bring, we had no reason to suspect they would turn out to be such a regular supplier and become an interest for the Jedi and the Republic." He sighed heavily, the strain of the situation evident.

When the silence from the Sith reached a suffocating stage for the business magnate, he resumed his babble.

"I acknowledge our oversight in not exercising due caution, but our intentions were never to jeopardize our plans. On the contrary we wanted to bolster our resource availability for the Confederacy, we hoped to gain control of this new organization in due time once we knew enough about them." The holographic Neimoidian appeared to gather himself, before continuing with renewed conviction, "We may not have anticipated these complications, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to our shared cause."

The holograms flickered out, leaving Ventress in the dim light, her resolve strengthened. She would find this organization and ensure the might of the CIS grew even stronger.

...

...

Hello again :)

I hope you enjoyed this introduction, I've had this story in mind for some time but couldn't find the time to write it. I won't make too much disclosure about the story in itself, as before I hope to find the good ratio of canon compliance and crossover interaction and you will shortly see what kind I have in mind for this story. :)

As I find myself recently unemployed I finally have the bandwidth to work on fanfiction. For those that are concerned I'm still working on my other story A New Crossroad Stargate / Overlord and on the contrary writing this unblocked the process for it. I will be much more invested in the writing (at least for the foreseeable future ^^) and I will create a discord for the next update; getting beta-readers if there are some that are interested, answering questions, proposing votes and so on.

As usual, please leave a review and comment, it's always a great help.