Building Alliances

Padmé arrived on Manaan, the planet of oceans and the home of the Selkath, determined to forge a new alliance. The city of Ahto, built on the ocean's surface, gleamed under the sunlight, its white structures reflecting the endless blue. The Selkath, known for their guarded neutrality, had seen better days. With the rise of bacta, their once-essential resource, kolto, had become all but obsolete, plunging Manaan into economic turmoil. But Padmé saw an opportunity in their plight—one that could benefit both their worlds.

She was greeted at the landing platform by Senator Shuuru, an older Selkath with weary eyes that spoke of the recent struggles of his people. He bowed politely and gestured for her to follow him into a conference room overlooking the endless ocean. They exchanged formal pleasantries before sitting across from each other.

"Senator Shuuru, thank you for meeting with me," Padmé began, offering a warm smile.

Shuuru nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "Of course, Queen Amidala. You said you had a way to help my people. These times are… challenging, to say the least. The development of bacta has left our kolto almost worthless on the market. Many of our people suffer as a result."

Padmé leaned forward, her gaze steady. "Yes, that's exactly why I'm here. I'm putting together an alliance that would help us not just survive the upcoming war, but become self-sufficient—free from the control of either the Republic or the Separatists."

Shuuru tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "And how do you propose to achieve such a thing, Senator Amidala? Manaan's power has always been tied to our neutrality… yet it is that very neutrality that has left us vulnerable now."

Padmé's smile widened slightly as she revealed her plan. "There are many who cannot afford the high price of bacta—whole worlds and colonies that would still pay for kolto, especially if it's more affordable. With war looming, there will be a need for medical supplies on all sides. Naboo can supply the clients and facilitate the trade, while Manaan supplies the kolto. Together, we can create a new market for your people's product, one that doesn't rely on the Republic or the Separatists."

Shuuru leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the play of light off the waves beyond the window. He pondered Padmé's words carefully, considering the potential impact on his struggling people. For the first time in months, he saw a glimmer of hope, a way for Manaan to reclaim its place in the galaxy's economy without compromising their sovereignty.

A slow, thoughtful smile spread across his face, and he extended a webbed hand toward Padmé. "I think you may have just offered Manaan the lifeline it needs. You have an alliance, for as long as it brings prosperity to our people."

Padmé reached out and shook his hand firmly, sealing the agreement. "Thank you, Senator Shuuru. You've made a wise decision. Together, we will make sure that Manaan is not forgotten, even in these uncertain times."

As they finalized the details of their arrangement, Padmé felt a sense of accomplishment. With Manaan's support, her coalition would be stronger, more diverse, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. And in turn, she had given the Selkath a chance to revive their economy and retain their independence. It was a victory, not just for Naboo, but for a future where their allies could stand united against whatever challenges the galaxy might é leaned forward, her expression earnest as she spoke to Mina Bonteri through the secure holocomm link. The image of Mina flickered slightly in the low light of the communication room, but her attention remained focused on Padmé's proposal.

"Mina, I have a proposal," Padmé began, her voice steady and determined. "I want to create an economy completely independent of the Republic and the Separatists. We can build alliances with planets that have valuable resources but have been neglected by the Senate. Manaan, with its kolto, is just the beginning. There are many worlds out there that feel abandoned, and if we can unite them, we can build a coalition that doesn't rely on either side in this coming war."

Mina raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the scope of the plan. "And how would Onderon fit into this, Padmé?"

"I want to use Onderon as one of our key trading hubs," Padmé explained. "Your planet's strategic location would make it ideal for coordinating trade routes and distributing resources like kolto. It would also provide a place where planets can trade with one another freely, without needing to go through Republic channels or be subjected to Separatist tariffs."

Mina's thoughtful expression shifted, a small smile forming as she considered the idea. "It sounds ambitious, Padmé, but it could work. There are many who would welcome the chance to escape the Republic's control, especially those who have seen how easily they can be overlooked when the Senate's focus shifts. And Onderon would benefit greatly from being a central hub in this network."

Padmé's smile widened as she saw Mina's enthusiasm growing. "Exactly. With your support, we can turn this idea into a reality. Manaan has already agreed to supply kolto, and we have allies on Ryloth and Naboo. By building these connections, we can create an economy that supports our people, not just the politicians in Coruscant."

Mina nodded, her resolve matching Padmé's. "Count me in, Padmé. I'll start working with my contacts on Onderon to set up the necessary infrastructure. If we do this right, we can offer hope to those who feel they've been left behind—and give them a way to stand on their own."

Padmé's gratitude was evident as she thanked her former mentor. "Thank you, Mina. With you on board, I know we can make this work. This alliance could be the start of something new, something better than what the Republic or the Separatists have to offer."

Mina's image flickered one last time before the transmission ended, but her support had already added a new layer of strength to the coalition. With Onderon as a trading hub, Padmé's vision of an independent network of planets was starting to take shape—one that could withstand the pressures of a galaxy at war.

Vetris and Anakin stepped off their ship onto the dense forest floor of Kashyyyk, where towering Wroshyr trees reached high into the misty sky. The air was thick with the sounds of the jungle, a constant symphony of rustling leaves, distant roars, and the calls of the planet's wildlife. Anakin glanced around, the gravity of their mission weighing on him as they made their way to the meeting with Chieftain Tarfful.

"Master, remind me," Anakin asked quietly as they moved through the dense foliage, "how are we going to keep our dealings with the Wookiees a secret from the Republic?"

Vetris kept his gaze forward, navigating the jungle with a familiarity that came from experience, even in such a new place. "The Republic is stretched thin, focusing on the conflict with the Separatists. As long as we keep our movements subtle, they'll have no reason to look too closely here. We'll use discreet trade routes, ones they don't patrol. And if anyone asks, our presence here is simply... humanitarian." He gave a wry smile, though his voice remained serious. "The Wookiees need allies, and we need their strength. But secrecy will be our shield."

Before long, they reached a clearing where Tarfful, the chieftain of the Wookiees, waited alongside a small gathering of his most trusted warriors. Tarfful stood tall and imposing, his fur a dark blend of browns and greys, his eyes carrying the weight of his people's struggles. He greeted them with a deep, rumbling voice, gesturing for them to sit around a low wooden table carved with intricate designs.

"Thank you for coming," Tarfful began, his Basic heavily accented but clear. "My people suffer from being forced to work as cheap labor—or worse. Slavers have taken many of our kind, and the Republic offers us words but no true aid." His expression darkened, and a note of frustration crept into his voice. "We need protection, but the Republic won't help us."

Vetris leaned forward, his red eyes meeting Tarfful's steady gaze. "If you're willing to make an alliance, I can guarantee your protection," he said, his voice carrying a confidence that matched the weight of his offer.

Tarfful narrowed his eyes, considering the proposition. "What type of alliance do you offer, Vetris?" he rumbled, his tone cautious. "We have heard promises before."

Vetris held up a hand, speaking with measured calm. "One built on trade and equality. My allies have resources, and we are looking for partners who wish to stand independently from the Republic and the Separatists. We don't seek to rule you; we seek to trade with you, to build strength together. We recognize the Wookiees' value as warriors, as well as the unique resources of your world."

Tarfful crossed his arms, considering Vetris's words. He gestured to the surrounding forest. "The main resource here is the shi-shok fruit, harvested from the highest branches of our trees. It is a delicacy, rare and valuable, but few know of its worth outside Kashyyyk."

Vetris's eyes gleamed with interest, and he nodded. "I think we can sell that as a delicacy among our allies and on worlds where luxury goods are in demand. The credits from trade will help your people, and in return, you gain the protection we offer."

Tarfful let out a low growl of contemplation, his mind weighing the risks. "And how will you protect us, if you cannot remain here openly? Our world is vast, and its dangers are many."

Vetris leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "For the sake of secrecy, I can't just leave ships deployed over Kashyyyk. That would draw attention from those we wish to avoid. But if you're willing to host them, I can station a small number of Mandalorian warriors here. They will work discreetly among your people, ready to fight if you are attacked and able to notify me directly. I will ensure that they understand their role is to assist, not to interfere."

Tarfful's eyes flicked to Anakin, as if gauging his reaction, then back to Vetris. After a long moment, the Wookiee chieftain let out a deep breath. "The Wookiees have always valued our independence, but these times demand new ways. If your Mandalorians can help us hold back the slavers and protect our people, then we accept your offer, Vetris."

Vetris gave a respectful nod, the faintest hint of a smile touching his lips. "You've made a wise decision, Chieftain Tarfful. With this alliance, the Wookiees of Kashyyyk will not stand alone. And together, we will make sure your world remains yours."

Tarfful clasped Vetris's forearm in a firm, Wookiee-style gesture of solidarity, sealing the agreement. "Thank you, Vetris," he said, a hint of hope returning to his voice. "We will prepare for your Mandalorians. May this alliance be the strength we need."

As they departed the meeting, Anakin turned to Vetris, a newfound respect in his gaze. "Master, I see now why we needed to come ourselves. The Wookiees are proud, and they won't trust just anyone. But I think you've won them over."

Vetris nodded, the Darksaber at his side a silent reminder of the power he wielded—not just through force, but through forging connections where others saw only division. "This is just the beginning, my apprentice. The Wookiees will make valuable allies, and in time, they will help us create the future we seek. Remember, Anakin, strength is not just in battle—it's in knowing when to offer a hand rather than a blade."

Together, they headed back through the dense Kashyyyk forests, ready to set their new alliance into motion, even as the shadows of the coming war loomed ever closer.