Chapter 13
Suffice to say, the thought of the Jedi coming here especially armed was not pleasing for many of the Dominions, but the Supreme Leader quickly addressed his allies and reassured them that he would deal with them if the Jedi proved to be problematic. With trust and confidence, their worries were assuaged. Vader got them out of worst after all.
After getting past the heavy security, they were told where to land, Vader walked with a small battalion. His eyes shot up when he felt a familiar presence. But it had been so long. Too long.
The moment the door opened, the form of the male Whiphid walked off. Alongside him, a Kiffar and Twi'lek accompanied. Vader had a moment to actually be surprised. This was far from someone he thought he would have ever encountered in this timeline. A fairly wise Jedi, someone who hated conflict...
Most notably, Aayla Secura was staring around. Looking through the Force for if something was the matter, the Twi'lek was obviously reluctant to refer to him as an enemy. Vader knew she had been one of the Jedi who believed in his cause. Someone who he could break free of indoctrination.
At the very least, the other two Jedi didn't appeared eager to engage him in battle just yet.
"Greetings, Supreme Leader Vader, I'm Jedi Master K'Kruhk, and this is Master Quinlan Vos and Aayla Secura," the man said after a few seconds of silence, frowning in consideration at the blasters gripped in the soldiers' arms, but not commenting on it.
K'Kruhk seemed to be observing him for a long moment as was Quinlan Vos.
"We wish to see Master Jinn and Gallia on behalf of the Jedi Council," the Whiphid continued.
They must have been hand-picked as decent duelists and wielders of the Force as well as patience because they might be the most reasonable Jedi among the Order that wouldn't start a conflict. It was a public secret that currently the Dominion was stronger than the Republic in Army and Navy wise.
The guards broke apart, knowing that the Jedi could not do as much as they would be able to do, and trusting their Supreme Leader to take care of himself should the Jedi cause a scene.
"You have done your handiwork for sure," Vos commented at last, alert and attentive.
"Life not restrained by the Jedi allows me to do wonders," Vader replied without turning his head backwards. "Can't you say the same?"
"You don't approve of our presence here," Aayla Secura stated more than asked, spotting a tone of flatness in his voice.
"You didn't show this much concern when the slaves were suffering. Only when it involves your own." Vader replied abruptly, indifferent as ever.
The Jedi said nothing else, and they continued walking down to the medical ward.
Vader stepped to the side, watching the scene with silence.
"Master K'Kruhk?" Obi-Wan and Siri spoke simultaneously.
"Ah, Knights, I'm glad to see you're safe," K'Kruhk replied, offering them both slight smiles of reassurance as well as probes through the Force.
"Masters Jinn and Gallia are going to take a while to recover," Siri commented, looking down at the ground. "They threw themselves at the blast, saving us from suffering any damage."
Quinlan made a slight snort. "Kenobi, you're in trouble again as a Knight!" He slammed his hand on his back. "Oh, what would Bant think?"
Obi-Wan scoffed. "You were always punished by Master Tholme, I distinctly remember, Master Vos."
Siri sighed out loud. "Some things never change..."
"Master Vos? Really. You're still on the formalities," Quinlan chuckled. "And for your information, Master Tholme adores the ground I walk on."
He scoffed. "Hardly."
"If you two are done flirting," Siri sniped, "we can be able to carry out business.
"We're not flirting," he hastily denied.
"Kenobi doesn't roll with that life," Quinlan laughed.
"And who are you to determine my sexuality, idiot?" he asked, though Vader spotted the outlines of a smirk across his lips. To describe the relationship between Obi-Wan and Quinlan would be best summoned up as "weird".
"Kenobi! Kenobi! Kenobi! You know you need me!" The Kiffar quipped.
He rolled his eyes, replying. "Still don't understand why the Jedi Council would let you have a Padawan."
Aayla smirked. "My Master is far from the most orthodox. It's why I always save his life."
"I take offence! You're supposed to be my Padawan, Aayla, and you're siding with him?!"
K'Kruhk had a hard time not to break his professional Jedi Master stance and rolling his eyes as he responded, "I will be reporting to the Jedi Council about the status of the Jedi. Please do not make a mess of things, Master Vos."
"See even Master K'Kruhk knows!" Obi-Wan pointed out bashfully to the spluttering Kiffar.
When Shmi Skywalker became Empress of the Outer Rim, it came with uneasy dealings. As much as he didn't intend to overlook the oppression of slavery and made this clear by coming down on worlds within reach which gained both ire and loyalty by criminal syndicates, these board meetings had come with making it crystal clear that they would not be taking advantage of the galaxy in its current state.
This was where the Commerce Guild, Techno Union, and the Corporate Alliance would attempt to find ways to avoid going into bankruptcy. As far as the Rim was concerned, corporations like the Trade Federation, and to a lesser sense, Techno Union, kept peace in that part of the galaxy, working with governments of all types. That had been the same reason why many systems were willing to join when the Confederacy was dominated by them in another life. Even now, some may scurry to the Trade Federation's side after the conflict! Bloody idiots!
One thing was for certain, the Dominion's Senate was a bigger joke than the Imperial Senate in Palpatine's Empire. It was mainly there for show. While it was an obvious fact that the Dominion had tens of thousands of participants, with thousands more joining in the last few years, the Dominion's Senate existed to create the illusion of autonomy and influence among the people of the Empire. It had no real authority as the structure of the Imperial government devolved from the Empress directly to the various corporations and eventual Advisors who would serve at her pleasure.
The Senate was vestigial and persisted solely because some of the planets would have immediately rebelled had it been dissolved as soon as she took power, also similar to Sidious. Contrary to the Sith Master, they'd needed to have people clapping when they replaced this with various local governments. Democracy was inefficient. This circus was just for laughs at this point.
"My Lord, with all due respect, are you sure bringing all these Jedi here is a good idea?" Someone asked. "They may attempt to go behind the backs of this body."
"Calm, my friends, we don't have anything to hide. As far as the Jedi doesn't cause problems, there's no reason for alarm." That came from one Mina Bonteri, one of the few people he actually liked. He knew for certain that she could be trusted.
Padmé briefly talked about how the woman mentored her in another life. She had been one of the few who saw beyond the black and white views, admitting to the flaws of the systems, for not even the Dominion was perfection.
Unlike Dooku who waited to form the secessionist movement, Vader didn't have such time and it brought him plenty of allies. Most joined out of their own gain yet if they stayed in line, they could be tolerable for the time being.
Some like Bonteri was Vader who he knew would have to keep closely.
Vader nodded in appreciation at the woman but didn't say anything. Accompanying them at this meeting was the Kuat and new Corellia Senators Garm Bel Iblis and Dilreil Seamir Holo-transmission forms. Quite frankly, Vader knew that he would have to be careful. Risking the full might of the Core, especially at this point when the Dominion was still establishing, with Kuut's shipyards and Corellia's navel manpower...
"Supreme Leader Vader, we wish to know why you have went to a known sovereign member of the Republic and decided to assist which could have led to war."
"I take it you have both been contacted by the Republic's agents to use this as an example of war," Vader declared.
Iblis nodded. "Yes, sir, and we decided to hear the statement before taking any action."
And oh, Vader sensed the disgusting emotions from the damned representatives from the Commerce Guild, Techno Union, and Corporate Alliance. Oh, how Vader would enjoy crushing them when the time came and giving the actual Senate a bigger voice.
What prevented Vader was reaching out into the Force and crushing their windpipes was the reality that he'd a use for them and that killing them at this point in time aside from arranging accidents - perhaps some years later was that they still had galactic influence and the accusations of treachery and agreeing to this invasion would result doubt into his Dominion - and may lead the opening for Sidious to gain more systems either to his Empire or another corporation that could be used to be just as dangerous as the CIS in the original timeline.
Vader scowled. Not happening.
He moved over to his podium and tapped a red button, connecting with the entire Dominion in a mere minute. "As it is now, the Trade Federation has been publicly disowned and is to be considered enemies of the state. We respect the Core and all of the laws. We wouldn't invade innocent planet. The Trade Federation was formerly loyal to the Dominion and acted out of our jurisdiction. We decided to intervene before they could have done something out of line. When this ends, we will gladly come to a compromise."
Fortunately, he'd recorded evidence from the Corvette. The transmission from Ann Gella and Nute Gunray, when she asked him to stand down. His entire army coming down on Naboo when it was made clear they were to stop.
Both men nodded. While Naboo was an irrelevant planet, the Trade Federation illegally assaulting Naboo could be seen as the Dominion declaring war. Vader truthfully saw it coming and made plans to throw them to the Rancors as much as it would benefit Sidious in the long run.
Garm Bel Iblis grumbled something under his breath before the grumpy Corellian stated. "We would address this with the Senate. This conflict is getting old."
"You should take it up with the Republic," was Passel Argente's subtle way to attempt to start a verbal argument that could escalate, or perhaps crushed the system. But fortunately, it didn't anger any of them. If it had, the imbecile would have sealed his fate. He may have already...
"We take it you'll deal with this soon," Seamir added, dark eyebrows arching, "before we have to get involved. This unprecedented move is a direct gesture for war, for they could move to invade another planet. And the fact that you have taken Queen Amidala raised questions."
"We will provide updates, Senators."
Both of their Holo-forms blinked out, leaving Vader and the rest of the Senators in their wake.
"How do we address this disgusting assault?" Bonteri asked.
"We should do nothing," Shu Mai stated, and Vader scowled. "Perhaps we should just give them to the Trade Federation. This can still be rectify as the Trade Federation has its contributions. Naboo is not a sovereign member of this state, and us getting involved could be disastrous."
Shmi replied, "I was talking with the Queen, and she seems to have some doubts in the Republic. Perhaps she could be brought to our sid-"
"What could that planet do?" A wide-mouthed Sy Myrthian with small eyes, Toonbuck Toora had three short beards growing from her chin. Neckless and squat-headed Toora lacked legs like all Sy Myrthians and instead achieved locomotion through the use of a single foot similar to other gastropods. Alas, she was corrupt, very rich and prone to luxury. Non-confrontational, she was also known to enjoy conspiracy. "It's just another planet of pacifists who have no meaning. I concede with the Commerce Guild's Presidente."
"Naboo is located near the edge of the Mid-Rim of the galaxy, near the Outer Rim territories. The Dominion offering assistance could be substantial." Po Nudo interjected, another who Vader liked. He actually regretted cutting the Ualaq Aqualish down on Mustafar in another life. He represented the Ando people who were still unsatisfied with recent events. "They mined valuable substances such as plasma from the planet core and spice from its moons and are of significant enough trade importance. Us not helping them would not only being lost potential assets but be morally wrong."
"I agree," Vader insisted. "This could be a way for the Dominion to gain control. Us turning them away-" Not happening, he swore to himself. He would prove to Padmé that the Republic was undeserving of her loyalty, "will end in disaster. We are already seen on planet and the Trade Federation would desire to wipe us out next when they build up a formidable military that could be a problem. The Cosmic Socialist Federation is available for a reason. Why turn them away when we can gain more allies?"
The Cosmic Federation was made up of individuals who have been wronged by the Republic. They consisted of the people who suffered horrors by the Republic in the past many years. Now, they were fully armed, sustaining peace on their own planet and also helping others as well. A community built out of pain and torment. Most were rightfully greedy for their territory, but they weren't above helping others if it benefited them.
"The Galactic Protectorate Alliance should be used in this example to deal with any governments who rebuke our hold," Wat Tambor said, his greed obvious. He wanted to tighten his hold over the galaxy, and while the Dominion had some form of corruption like all systems naturally do, outright tyranny would not be allowed.
The Galactic Protectorate Alliance was an Outer Rim wide military and law enforcement organization. Run by Vader himself, the Galactic Protectorate Alliance - better known as G.P.A - seeked to shield the Outer Rim from all sorts of threats, such as dealing with the remnants of the slavers and their friends, or any pirates who acted out of line.
In short, establishing the law and order that the Outer Rim needed. G.P.A. had vast resources, including an army of soldiers and peacekeepers, starfighters and other instruments of warfare.
Two entire divided legions.
Nebula Raiders Legion under Mol.
Astral Reclaimers Legion under Hakyrr.
"Wat Tambor, that sounds like trading one act of slavery for another," Shmi Skywalker spoke. "At this point, we would be even worse than the Republic."
That earned her glares suffice to say.
Tambor twisted a few knobs before responding tightly. "If we don't expand our whole, Empress Skywalker, we would be weaker than the Republic significantly which would put them in a position to dominate us."
Admittedly, he was right. But the Dominion was not a tyrannical dictatorship. A benevolent one, yes, but that was all.
"Right now, we are in a tender relationship with the Republic, and we are going to honor it," Shmi said, her voice becoming higher and more demanding. "We don't have to turn a blind eye. Thousands of worlds have joined us. Increasing our hold with force could result in them doubting us and enforce the Republic's viewpoint that we are tyrants that would have to be wiped out."
"Already, many view the Federation as tyrants. At this point, Magister, their previous roles are irrelevant," Vader interjected in agreement. "Added to the fact that they have sided with traitors to this Dominion, I believe when the time comes, we will use bills I have put in place just before the invasion which would leave the Republic having to grumpily accept that there would be someone replacing their role. The Trade Federation wouldn't be the same after this so that would leave a void."
What they didn't realize was they were playing into his hands. They believe they could shrug off the Trade Federation and their involvement in sending funds when the members of the Trade Federation were either arrested or dismantled. Gathering the evidence wouldn't be too difficult, especially with their overconfidence. And afterwards, the Empress could send some form of compensation to the Republic that would be excusable to going to war just yet at least.
"If Naboo joins us, we can aim for the Corellian Run albeit that may take longer," Vader confessed tightly. "We already were able to find some support in the various outlying worlds and sectors of the Expansion Region and the Mid Rim."
It was surprising indeed when some in the Core joined the Separatists in the original timeline. Kuat would likely not join nor would Corellia-especially since the latter demanded neutrality long ago. But there were Fonder whose shipyard could be useful. Caring little for the Quarren, but Mon Calamari could also be useful, definitely since Ackbar's involvement with the Rebellion in the future proved to be one of the many reasons why they've survived.
Backing Sidious into a corner was unlikely, but Vader and Shmi could lessen his support. In addition, when Vader's hold became as powerful as it was under Sidious's regime in dismantling the Senate, Vader and Shmi intended to keep utter control over these sectors.
At this point in time, however, Vader was not ready to do so.
Sensing the end of the meeting, the Empress slapped her hand down. "The meeting is dismissed."
Shmi Skywalker and her tight security force walked out behind them.
Vader remained behind. There were of course some concepts he had to borrow from the Empire of Sidious's timeline. The Imperial Security Bureau was one of them, and he had the perfect man to be in charge, despite how he was tempted to kill him for what he'd done to his daughter.
He compromised on the fact that the man would never make it to a powerful Navy position under his command as the Dominion continued to grow. In this timeline, the man was a part of the Judicial Force before the formation of the Republic, though his planet left when they realized that the Dominion would be the better option, especially since the system was a part of the Outer Rim. The militaristic view played a major role. And it turned out that the power-driven people respected how Vader gathered up a bunch of slaves and militarized them and went out in combat to gain control over the Hutts.
The man still had much respect for Sheev Palpatine, but he had been willing to do whatever job necessary for his planet's best interests.
Killing him for something he hadn't done yet would be wasting his talents.
He was wearing a long black robe, a few badges of honor about which position he stood for. He wasn't the only one who Vader knew of gladly had this position, yet he was by far the most recognizable.
"Central Commander Wilhuff Tarkin," he greeted, wrapping them in a Force shield with a mere wave of his hand.
He was an intelligent investigator but a monumentally inept and incompetent leader.
Tarkin often got to the bottom of mysteries that eluded others-even sometimes the Emperor in the other timeline. However, he allowed politics to get in the way of logistics, tactics, and security. He also suffered such high casualties amongst troops he commanded that he strained the resources of the Empire.
Even just one year after the Empire formed, Tarkin already had such a poor relationship with Grand Vizier Mas Amedda that, in Catalyst, he nearly lost the battle of the Salient System. By the end, he was in such need of reinforcements that he put in a request for cadets to be called into battle:
Also, Tarkin wanted to replace Clones with conscripts. Despite not trusting Clone Force 99, Tarkin sent them off on sensitive missions to 'test their loyalty.' Then, Clone Force 99 later betrayed the Empire and allowed Saw Gerrera to escape.
Another example, he committed an act of friendly fire to kill off Krennic, who was tasked with finding any weaknesses in the Death Star, so doing this ended up being suicide.
The entire Death Star project was monumental incompetence at governing. The Empire built a space station to blow up planets because they could not keep planets in line without fear of imminent death from a weapon of mass destruction. All trust in the Empire had eroded completely, and the Tarkin Doctrine 'rule by fear' only added to that.
Overall, he was a competent interrogator and investigator. The highest he would ever get was that, and somewhat surprisingly that didn't bother the man as much. Well, Sidious did ordered Vader to kill the man's son, Ravoche Tarkin, in the former life which drove him to go off the deep end. He won't make a repeat of that this time.
"The Eternal Intelligence Bureau has detected some bugs in the system," Tarkin reported, standing straighter. "They are not good at hiding it."
The Eternal Intelligence Bureau or EIB as people label it for short was sent within to root out traitors. They were far and in between. They also had means to discreetly make them disappear or led them to traps which would have them walking into a cell or their immediate public execution, the only downside being paperwork afterwards but that was Tarkin's job. Moles were across the galaxy, though Tarkin didn't mind who or what they were due to valuing his position.
They didn't have to cross quarrels with another form of Imperial Intelligence, so the Bureau acted only under heavy observation from Noghri spies.
Vader commanded, "Take care of them. Leave at least a few within."
Tarkin grabbed a datapad and relayed the orders before nodding, saluting, and walking away.
Arthur's note: So, I'm going to say this is another ripple effect. As a result of Vader's presence in the timeline, the amnesiac Secura situation nor Volfe Karkko's situation never happens due to the Jedi being more paranoid about Vader's presence, so Aayla never becomes Tholme's apprentice and remains under Quinlan. It feels like a slight cop-out, but I have plans for them that would be fitting to the rest of this verse.
Yep, that's actually Tarkin, and hey Vader didn't kill him in sight. Tarkin is very competent when it comes to investigation, and I might do something more with him in the future along with countless other things I set up in mini side stories when I get back into SW eventually.
At least, Alderaan can breathe in relief... unless I do something else with our favorite planet. Lol
May the Force be with you all always.