Hallo peeps. Happy new years and as such to grace the year I am uploading another chapter of the Expelled jedi, this chapter is all about intrigue and backstabbing. Azula's monster shall be next and will hopefully release in 20 days.
Week Later, Unknown Space:
A figure hidden in the shadows walked through the narrow hallways of his ship and entered his personal chambers before kneeling and bowing his head. Before him, the hologram activated, and the hologram of a robed man appeared before him. Though many of the features of the man were hidden, other than the large nose. The man's mere presence darkened the chambers, the room cooled till the figure's breath could be seen.
"Dooku. I take it you know what is going on in the galaxy?" The man questioned his voice dark and gravelly, as the now identified Dooku raised his head.
"Yes,`1 My lord, I assume this is about Mandalore?" Dooku answered and questioned his voice, echoing slightly as his Master nodded.
"Indeed, Mandalore is of great value for our plans. The Moon of Mandalore, and Mandalore itself, holds great resources that have yet to be exploited, especially Beskar that would make our armies far more powerful than ever before. Not to mention that Mandalore is also a key system that lies in the Mid Rim, effectively controlling trade and the only planet with dry docks large enough to handle large ships going from the Inner Rim worlds to the Outer Rims in the North-eastern half of the galaxy." Dooku's master explained as Dooku nodded in his head, Mandalore would be critical if they wanted to establish supply lines. It was the penultimate checkpoint planet.
One that would give them the ability to split the Republic down the centre. An advantage that they couldn't resist.
"Not to mention that a Mandalore has come to power. Despite the fact that the Mandalore has been a puppet to our needs for centuries, this Mandalore must be removed. The fact that he has successfully prevented a Republic invasion of Mandalore Already shows his growing power." He paused, his breath raspy and full of pure hatred.
"Dooku, you must stop him at all costs. We cannot allow another faction to gain power to oppose both sides." He ordered Dooku.
"But master, the confederacy is stretched thinly as it is. We do not have the resources to launch an invasion of Mandalore." That was all Dooku said before his master silenced him by flaring his aura, the room itself felt like it was collapsing despite the man being nowhere near Dooku's position. Dooku struggled to breath as the pressure of a thousand mountains weighed deeply on him.
"Enough! I've made myself clear, destroy this new Mandalore and capture Mandalore. It should be even easier since Mandalore is no longer a neutral system and is an enemy of the Republic. They will be a two-front war, one they cannot win." Dooku's master ordered as Dooku bowed his head.
"Very well, it shall be done master." Dooku stated as the hologram deactivated. With his orders clear, Dooku stood wiping away the small beads of sweat that had gathered and left his chambers. heading toward the bridge, he had to select a fleet commander for the fleet that would be sent to invade Mandalore, and he knew exactly who to send.
Coruscant:
The Republic Council was in pandemonium.
The invasion of Mandalore had failed via a mutiny that led to a Jedi commander's execution.
This raised understandable concerns among both the Jedi and the senate itself, about the loyalty of the Clones in the Republic army. And fuelled the fire of those who wanted to get rid of Clones and replace them with a conscripted Republic army like those of the Old Republic.
However, that would require an increase in taxes for training new recruits since Clones are already trained genetically and are genetically adapted to learn faster than others.
New Mandalore, as people were calling it, was not even a threat as it had no military force to speak of that was large enough to defend itself, but after the failure of the liberation fleet to restore the old government. Now Mandalore had a fleet, a small fleet, but a fleet well trained enough to hold their own, that and the contingent of battle tested veteran Clone troopers many of which had been fighting since the beginning of the war on Geonosis.
However, that was the least of their worries. Many neutral systems had begun to support Mandalore, giving supplies, resources and most of all political support. While officially they were not allied with Mandalore, unofficially they had an agreement one that allowed mutual protection between the neutral states. but the Republic couldn't do anything about them since they had no evidence of these neutral systems being in an alliance with Mandalore.
The Council Chamber was filled with meetings almost every day now and they all had a very good reason as to why they were concerned about Mandalore. Many times in the past, Mandalore had risen to power and waged brutal wars and crusades against the galaxy and in one such war, Coruscant was sacked and almost destroyed by the Mandalorians and Sith combined only the damning treaty of coruscant had saved it.
No one wanted Mandalorian crusaders going around sacking planets, and many of the planets within Mandalore's reach were allied with the Republic.
"Don't worry Satine, Mandalore will be freed." Padme tried to comfort her friend, but it didn't seem to be working.
"Free? The Republic failed and now that madman has an army! Not to mention who knows what he could be planning next!" Satine stated. She had given up hope in the Republic and now she didn't know where or who to turn to.
Padme frowned.
The very man who had once fought to free Naboo had now become the man who overthrew a government and took power. Deep down, she wondered if this was all her fault. Maybe it was because of her he was set upon this path? She was about to speak before Anakin rushed in.
"You have to see this." He said as the two stood up and headed into the Council Chamber and there was a hologram of Naruto, Mandalore the Reclaimer. He was wearing something different however, he wore a steel grey military dress uniform with a Mandalorian crest along the sleeves, at his side sat the Darksaber clipped to his belt.
"Mandalore is an independent and free system currently unburdened by a useless war, yet the Republic did not care and sent a fleet to 'liberate Mandalore'. I ask you this, from whom did the Republic seek to free Mandalore, the Mandalorians themselves?" he paused the senate absorbing his words in pure shock and fear.
"This proves how the Republic has become corrupt to the core. They invade systems that cannot defend themselves by force acting as if they are giving aid while truly hosting, false-flag operations" as he said this, he waved his hand and many files and planets appeared each either a formerly neutral planet or ones that had been invaded under one pretence or another.
"Or simply political bullying them into joining! Mandalore will not be subjected to such vile attempts. and we will fight to our last breath to defend our neutrality, neutrality that was shattered by the Republic! They brought war to Mandalore. And if that is what they wish then war is what they shall have and as such, I hereby declare war on the Republic, a corrupted organization that uses Clones as slave soldiers to fight battles for them!
An organisation that only cares for the rich star systems, while it leaves the poor and the less valuable systems defenceless! I urge the many Clones across the many battlefields across the galaxy to look within themselves; I urge them to think for themselves and not as soldiers of the Republic! You all have Mandalorian blood and are descendants of Mandalore the Ultimate! By all rights you are citizens of Mandalore, not slaves of the Republic and I urge you to join me to bring about an end to this corrupt and flawed galactic system that has only caused wars and leaves the weak to perish." he paused looking across seemingly meeting the eyes of every senator within the room.
"Cry Havoc and Let slip the dogs of war, for Today will mark the beginning of the end for the Republic! " Naruto proclaimed as many people gasped and started to mutter. The senate building bursting into shouts and cries within seconds.
This man… he had just denounced the Republic! A political system that had lasted for tens of thousands of years! How could he so simply say that it was a failed system? just as the hologram faded away and one of Palpatine whispered something into his ear.
"Order! Order!" Palpatine ordered as people calmed down and turned towards him. The Chancellor seemed worried as to what he had just heard. Nothing could've been worse than what had just happened right?
"It is with grave news that I tell you that multiple uprisings have occurred throughout the Mid Rim worlds, many of which have aligned themselves with Mandalore. I fear that a new faction has joined this war." The Chancellor stated as everyone gasped at the news that was delivered.
Palpatine was seething in anger. This was not part of the plan! Now Dooku will have a harder time trying to take over Mandalore. It didn't help that many of those systems had fleets of their own and were very capable in defending themselves and if amassed could prove devastating. However, before action could be taken, the hologram came back on. This time it was Admiral Takin.
"Chancellor, I have some grave news. I have received news that multiple Clone Battalions have rebelled against their commanding officers mostly along the Mid rim, along with many Republic warships that have mutinied. All in all, we have lost so far 156 vessels, of which 30 are Venator-Class Star Destroyers." The Admiral reported.
Great, more bad news, but this was the worst of all. The Republic had now lost thousands of well-trained soldiers. This was bad and the Separatists would see this as a chance to attack the Republic.
The Republic was now in disarray and with the loss of so many soldiers and ships it greatly reduced their operational capability. Meaning that they would have to with-draw from other minor systems and consolidate their forces within the more valuable systems, meaning they would have to leave many systems to their fate. Exactly as Mandalore had planned they would leave and the Mandalorian forces would claim all, pushing aside both the republic and the confederacy.
"This is chaos, the Republic is falling apart and many of these Senators' planets will most likely withdraw from the Republic seeing as many of their systems will have to be abandoned. Unless we can find a peaceful solution to ending this." Padme said as she and her small group left the Chamber, Satine with her.
"I knew I couldn't trust the Republic. They failed, and now many will die as a result of this three-way war that Mad man has created." Satine stated. This was the end; the Republic was now on a path of self-destruction. She noticed how Padme tensed up at the mention of Naruto's name. She seemed to avoid mentioning it as much as possible. It seemed like Padme knew something that she didn't.
"Padme… tell me, what was your relationship with Naruto?" She questioned as Padme now stopped and almost fell.
"W-what do you m-mean about my relationship with him?" Padme was caught off guard by the quick and immediate questioning . Satine narrowed her eyes, something was amiss. Padme knew something and she was not going to give up.
"Tell me !" She questioned crossing her arms and staring down the woman in front of her. Padme looked around nervously before looking back at Satine, who clearly was not going to back down.
"Well… it was a long time ago…" She started; this was one story that she would regret telling.
Linebreak
The clans had always maintained a piece of independence, even when they submitted themselves before the Mandalore only when they deemed them worthy. they had still retained their independence.
They supported who they thought would do best for the clans, bringing the Mandalorian culture to the forefront and return old Mandalore.
Naruto had done so, and as such nearly all the major Mandalorian clans had joined him, from Clan Saxon to clan kast.
However not all had bent the knee to the new Mandalore. House vizsla had refused the call, with the death and subsequent absorption of death watch and Pre vizsla had left them almost leaderless.
But here the three clans within house vizsla sat, the leader of clan Vizsla, Tarre vizsla.
Named after his long dead ancestor the man was neither as honourable nor as likeable. He reigned in the other clans under his brothers' rule killing and murdering any that stepped out of line.
Beside him sat the Countess of Clan Wren, Sanite wren. she was a tall powerful woman with short black hair and a long scar across left eye and nose. She was a warrior through and through.
To her left sat an injured man, his name was Gar Saxon, he'd led the original rebellion against Mandalore the reclaimer when he'd first arrived, he and 500 Mandalorian commandos had attacked his headquarters a couple weeks into his occupation.
Only to be driven into the depths of the city by the combined might of the man's droids and Mandalorian commandos, that's where they'd suffered the most losses, facing off against their own in combat.
"Why were we called here, we should be planning a counterattack against the fool above while he breaks himself upon the republic." Gar sneered, his voice breaking the already tense silence.
Tarre turned to him his cruel brown eyes piercing through the wounded man, "who do you think your talking to whelp, it wasn't I that lost half our forces to not only traitors within your clan but also to droids of all things".
Gar moved to grab his pistol, his anger at boiling point, only for Tarre to jump towards him kicking away the pistol and knocking Gar down, stamping on his already wounded chest. Gar let out a strangled grunt as his already cracked ribs creaked in protest of the weight.
"We're gonna do thing my way from now on, the first plan of business. We're going to kill that bastard and take Mandalore for ourselves, then we'll kill the traitors. Are you with me Wren" he said turning toward the final clan leader, the woman simply nodded and Tarre grinned a wide feral smile.
"Good then let us begin"
Neither of the two men noticed the low, almost silent beep of a communicator. Nor the viciousness within the Countess's eyes.
With Naruto:
Naruto sighed as he sat on his throne. Managing star systems was quite taxing, but he handled it. though he smirked at his handy work. He had waited a week to allow the anti-Clone movement to grow by allowing them the chance to use the betrayal over Mandalore to their advantage and allow anti-Clone prejudice to grow even more.
The Clones were now frowned upon by the people and even hated. This would make sure that the Clones would have a clear choice to make when choosing sides. This was his main game. He wanted a large-scale rebellion from the Clone army to occur to bolster his forces as he had few, but now he would have gained the forces required to defend his territory and expand as well as train and retain his new Mandalorian soldiers. As he plotted, he spotted Bo entering the room and it was then he remembered what had occurred a week ago and slightly blushed.
"B-Bo, how can I help you?" He questioned. Dammit! Where the hell did that stutter come from? He then saw Bo smirk and he gulped, oh dear, this was not good.
"So, Naruto… care to go out for a date?" She questioned as she walked up to him and sat on his lap. Her plush rump practically grinding itself into his crotch. That did it for the poor bastard as his whole head turned red, steam practically gushing from his head. The force itself began to sing, seemingly enjoying his embarrassment. He had not forgotten that kiss, and while he was quite reluctant to get into a relationship after his last, he knew that he had to move on.
"S-sure." He answered. Bo smiled as she gave him another kiss before heading out.
"Great! Pick me up two hours from now!" She said as she walked out, leaving a very embarrassed Naruto whose eyes never left her swaying shapely behind. Naruto gathered his emotions before sighing. That woman was going to be the death of him, though little did he know that there were others who would like to be the death of him.
He then went back to planning. His first action would be to bring the planet Taanab under his control. The world was home to several agricultural projects which created food used to feed billions of inhabitants of Mid Rim and Outer Rim worlds.
This conquest would provide Mandalore, and every other Mid Rim system allied with Mandalore with a great source of food. It would also allow him to control a vital hyperspace line that ran all the way from Coruscant to Korriban. With the control of such a vital line, he could literally launch a direct attack on Coruscant, but that would have to wait. Taanab would have to fall first. Just then, another Mandalorian warrior walked in and kneeled before him.
"My Lord, we have reports of Republic ships entering our system. They claim to be wanting to join our cause." The Mandalorian warrior said as Naruto nodded.
"Good, have them dock on Concordia." Naruto ordered as the Mandalorian warrior nodded, but it seemed that he had something more to say. Before he could speak however, the force decided to intervene, piercing his mind and planting a vision.
"Also, we have found the armour belonging to Mandalore the vindicated but not the mask…" Naruto's eyes widened. Both the vision and the man in front of him had said and shown the same things, a set of crusader armour worn by a Mandalore yet the mask and armour of the ultimate still called out to him.
" where is it?" He questioned as he noticed the warrior tense up.
"It appears that after he had fallen, those of the zakuul empire had taken his body to … Malachor V. Our Scouting party was able to confirm that the armour is on the planet. But due to the planet being strong with the dark side of the Force, and the fact that our ships aren't able to stay in the planet's orbit long enough due to its gravitational effects and the madness caused by its dark side affinity, we aren't able to retrieve it." The warrior answered as Naruto sighed.
He had hoped that the armour wasn't on Malachor V. It was once a Sith stronghold and like Korriban, it was strong with the Dark side, not to mention the cataclysm caused by the Mass Shadow Generator that destroyed the planet, turning it into a cracked and twisted wasteland, that not even smugglers dared to go. He would have to go there himself.
"Have my personal craft ready by tomorrow, I shall go there myself to retrieve it." Naruto said as the Mandalorian warrior nodded and went on to do as he was instructed, however he paused just before he could exit the throne room.
"My lord two more things, the Clans of Mandalore are demanding a council before you leave. And two good luck on your date.`` With that the man left the chamber leaving a bright red and slightly annoyed Naruto, who slowly began to calm himself.
He had a date to get ready for. And he had to make it the best for hell, hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Praise Neptune and enjoy the new year.