Plans of the Future I Part II
Date: March 18, 173 BBY, 7:55 P.M., Kamino System, Above the Planet Kamino
The transition from hyperspace to real space was always a jarring one, but it was nothing compared to the feeling of coming face to face with the mysterious world of Kamino. As the Celestial Voyager dropped from hyperspace and approached the planet, the storm-wracked world loomed large. The endless seas and towering waves crashed beneath a swirling sky filled with dark clouds. Kamino, the home of the galaxy's greatest cloners, looked as enigmatic as ever.
Chasin Momeoran stood in the ship's command center, staring at the image of Kamino on the display as it drew nearer. His mind was focused on the task ahead. Negotiating the terms of a custom clone army was no small feat, but he knew this was the next step in his plan for the Lost Sector and his Kingdom. The Kaminoans were meticulous, precise, and skilled in their craft. He would need all of those qualities to make the terms work for him.
"We'll land at Tipoca City." Chasin instructed as the ship continued its descent. "Prepare the samples for the meeting."
Pulchra Domine stood at his side, offering her usual calm support. She had always been his anchor, and now, with their growing family, the connection between them felt even more profound. "We'll make this work, Chasin," she reassured him as they made their final preparations.
Chasin turned to her, the weight of the situation reflected in his eyes. "This will shape the future of the Lost Sector. We need to ensure that the clones are exactly what we need."
"With the Kaminoans, you're getting the best." Pulchra said, giving him a reassuring smile.
As the Celestial Voyager touched down on Kamino's landing platform, the familiar sight of the cloning facilities of Tipoca City came into view. Chasin stood, feeling the electric pulse of anticipation. This was it. The beginning of something monumental.
As they disembarked, the ship's door slid open to reveal the endless rain pouring down on the platform. The air smelled of saltwater and ozone, a reminder of the planet's ever-turbulent weather. Chasin, Pulchra, and their small entourage stepped off the ship, the long walk to meet the Kaminoan representative ahead.
The Kaminoans, tall and thin with elongated heads and sharp features, were already waiting. The person who would speak for them today was Prime Minister Qol'tar, a stern, regal figure who carried himself with the authority of one who had seen countless negotiations. Chasin handed over the carefully prepared DNA samples, which included those of four men and two women—five of them human, one a Zeltron. The samples would be the foundation for the clones he intended to commission.
Time: 10:35 P.M., Location: Kamino System, Planet Kamino, Kaminoan Meeting Chamber Waiting Room
The dimly lit waiting room was eerily silent, the soft hum of the air filtration systems the only sound. Chasin Momeoran and Pulchra Domine, sat on the edge of a polished, translucent bench, awaiting their summons to meet with the Kaminoan ruling council. Pulchra, ever poised and calm, sat beside him, her rose-tinted Zeltron features illuminated by the soft glow from the chamber's overhead lights. She was a source of quiet strength for Chasin during moments of tension, and today, her presence was no less comforting.
As the minutes stretched into hours, Chasin's thoughts drifted between the monumental task ahead and the sense of new beginnings that had taken root in his life. The news of Pulchra and Mugruco's pregnancies had given him a sense of hope, even amidst the storm of his political ambitions. This new family, and his plans for the future of the Lost Sector, seemed inexorably intertwined.
The door slid open, and Speaker Vek'Nar, a tall and lean Kaminoan with the elongated head and sharp features typical of his species, entered the room. His robes shimmered in the artificial light as he gestured for Chasin and Pulchra to rise.
"The council is ready to meet with you, Lord Momeoran," Vek'Nar said, his voice calm and measured, but carrying an air of authority. "Please, follow me."
Chasin stood, his mind refocusing on the task at hand. He nodded to Pulchra, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Let's see this through."
Time: 10:50 P.M., Location: Kamino System, Kaminoan High Council Chamber
The Kaminoan High Council chamber was a vast, sterile space, with walls lined in polished, slick materials that reflected the ever-present storm clouds outside. The sound of thunder could be heard faintly through the thick glass that separated the room from the planet's tumultuous weather. At the center of the chamber, a long table of white crystalline material stretched out, and at its head sat the Kaminoan Prime Minister, Qol'tar, a tall figure whose pale blue skin seemed to almost glow in the light of the chamber.
Seated next to Qol'tar were the rest of the ruling council: the lead scientist of Kamino's cloning operations, Ikk'Tos, whose sharp, analytical eyes never left Chasin; the military strategist, Vra'Shan, whose years of overseeing clone army deployment had granted him an air of authority; and the economic expert, Sor'Qus, who had been key in the negotiations for the price of the army.
The room fell into a hushed silence as Chasin and Pulchra entered. Speaker Vek'Nar gestured toward an empty seat at the opposite end of the table, where Chasin and Pulchra sat down.
"Mr. Momeoran," Prime Minister Qol'tar said, his voice smooth and authoritative, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. We understand the importance of your mission, and we are prepared to negotiate the terms of your army."
Chasin offered a small, respectful bow of his head. "The pleasure is mine, Prime Minister. Let us begin."
Date: March 19, 173 BBY, Time: 1:05 A.M., Location: Kamino System, Kaminoan High Council Chamber
After hours of intense discussions, careful proposals, and unyielding negotiations, Chasin and the Kaminoans reached an agreement. For a price of 50 billion credits, the Kaminoans would produce an army of 25,000 clones based on the six unique genetic samples Chasin had provided—five human and one Zeltron. These soldiers would be enhanced for strength and agility, rigorously trained by experienced and skilled military advisers; As well and outfitted with everything from blaster pistols and rifles to heavy rocket launchers, hover tanks, and artillery.
Chasin made a specific request that became a sticking point: he wanted the clones to have their growth acceleration stopped upon reaching physical maturity at age 20. This would allow them to age at a natural rate, rather than accelerating to an early demise. Prime Minister Qol'tar had initially resisted, noting the added complications and research costs, but after much deliberation, the council agreed to Chasin's request.
A final arrangement was also reached regarding the delivery. Once the Kaminoans had a batch of 4,493 clones ready and fully armed, they would notify Chasin, who would dispatch one of his converted Ruby Loyal Passenger cruisers, now fitted for military transport, to Kamino to retrieve the clones. The Kaminoans pledged absolute secrecy regarding his plans for a Galactic Kingdom, as Chasin did not want the revelation of his new empire to come prematurely.
As they sealed the agreement with formal nods, Chasin felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He had taken a substantial step forward in building his kingdom.
Time: 1:25 A.M., Kamino System, Planet Kamino, Tipoca City landing pad area 03, the Celestial Voyager
Chasin and Pulchra made their way back to the Celestial Voyager, where Mugruco and Sahaz Lor were waiting. The ship's sleek interior gleamed in the soft lights as they stepped aboard, weary but triumphant.
Pulchra quickly summarized the meeting details, and Chasin filled in the finer points, speaking with a quiet intensity. "This clone army will be the cornerstone of our new Kingdom," he explained, "and the Kaminoans will uphold their end with utmost secrecy. It took hours, but we finally convinced them to slow the clones' aging after maturity."
Mugruco, ever the historian and archaeologist, was intrigued. "These clones, trained and skilled from day one…they will be warriors unlike any we've seen in our time."
Sahaz Lor, her Cathar instincts always sharp, nodded approvingly. "This is a good foundation. A strong force, loyal and ready. But remember, Chasin, loyalty needs purpose beyond the battlefield. They must understand what they fight for."
Chasin looked at his wives, feeling a renewed surge of purpose. "We'll provide that purpose. We're not just building an army; we're building a home, a future."
Time: 2:00 A.M., Kamino System, Planet Kamino, Celestial Voyager
The crew set to work refueling the Celestial Voyager and preparing for the journey home to Brartal III in the Brartal System. Their return trip to the capital, Varinal would take more than two days to reach but for now, there was a brief moment of respite.
Beside him, Pulchra rested her hand on her abdomen, the new life within her a symbol of the future they were building. Her presence, as ever, was a comfort. He placed his hand on hers, offering a quiet promise.
Pulchra looked out at the storm-covered world of Kamino one last time, her hand resting on her abdomen, where new life was forming. Beside her, Chasin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're on our way home," he said softly. "We've taken the first step."
As the stars stretched into streaks of light outside the view-port, Chasin allowed himself a rare moment of peace, knowing that the foundations of his kingdom had been laid.
Date: March 21, 173 BBY, Time: 7:25 P.M., Location: The Brartal System, above the planet Brartal III
The Celestial Voyager emerged from the swirling blue haze of hyperspace, its sleek frame cutting through the blackness of space as it approached the familiar orb of Brartal III. The sight of the planet below—rich with its green landscapes and sprawling oceans—was always a welcome one for Chasin. But tonight, there was a new weight to the air. The momentous decisions made on Kamino hung like a star-streak above them, and the quiet anticipation of family was becoming just as significant.
Inside the ship's lounge, Chasin leaned back in his seat, gazing out the viewport as the planet grew larger with every passing moment. His wives were nearby, each one engaged in their own conversations but tethered to the shared bond of what was unfolding before them.
Pulchra, sitting beside him, broke the quiet first. Her rose-tinted Zeltron features held a soft glow as the ship's interior lights shimmered across her skin. Her hand, still placed gently over her abdomen, felt the faintest stir. She and Chasin had not spoken much of their pregnancy since the journey began, but now, the moment seemed to call for it.
"I've been thinking, Chasin." she began, her voice warm but thoughtful. "Once the baby is born, we'll need more than just a home. We'll need a strong foundation—a place for them to grow, to feel safe."
Chasin turned to her, his dark eyes meeting hers. His mind had been wrapped around the future of his kingdom, but this, this was personal. Family was his future too. "I know. I've been thinking the same thing. This kingdom isn't just for us or for our ambitions. It's for them. A place where they can thrive, where they won't just be part of something big—they'll be part of something good."
Pulchra smiled softly, the lines of worry on her face fading slightly. "We'll find that balance, Chasin. We will."
Time: 7:45 P.M.
Mugruco, ever the historian, leaned against the console in the cockpit, her sharp, Bayern Blue Twi'lek features lit by the dim glow of the navigational controls. She was quiet, as if contemplating something, but Chasin knew she was deep in thought. It was often this way with her, her mind never far from history or the future.
"I know we've taken the first step in building our army." Mugruco said, her tone thoughtful, "but what about the other steps? The political alliances? The galaxy is vast and dangerous. We can't afford to be just strong militarily. We need to know who we can trust."
Sahaz Lor, the Cathar zoologist with her warrior instincts, turned from where she had been quietly observing from a corner. She had been as contemplative as Mugruco, though her thoughts often ran more on the practical side. "The clones will be a solid foundation for the kingdom," Sahaz said, "but you're right. We need more than soldiers. We need allies, and we need the resources to keep this kingdom alive and thriving."
Chasin nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting back to the planet below. "That's why we're taking our time. Establishing Brartal III as a capital is just the beginning. We need to secure the support of local leaders, forge alliances where we can, and build trust."
The Celestial Voyager's descent into Brartal III's atmosphere was smooth, the ship's engines humming steadily as they made their way toward the landing pad near the estate. Chasin's mind remained steady and calm, though the enormity of the task ahead loomed larger with every passing moment. There was so much to be done, so much to plan for. But the most important thing—family—was already on its way.
Time: 8:15 P.M., Location: Brartal III, Chasin Momeoran's Estate
The engines whirred to a stop as the ship settled on the landing pad. Chasin led his wives down the ramp, each step toward the estate a reminder of their shared ambition. The estate was modest for now, but he envisioned it as the cradle of their dynasty, a seat for the legacy they would build.
Gathered in the estate's central room, they began to address a pressing matter: the clandestine clone army that would serve as the bedrock of their power. But secrecy was a costly endeavor. They had poured over 80% of their resources into the Kaminoan operation, a venture too vast to remain concealed without a carefully crafted cover story.
Sitting together, Chasin spoke with intensity. "Our investors will demand an explanation for where their money has gone. To keep our army hidden, we need an airtight story, something they'll believe without question."
Pulchra considered the challenge, her expression reflective. "If we frame it as a charitable initiative—a public goodwill project—it could explain the scale of our investments. We'll need tangible work to back it, though. Infrastructure on outlying systems, new planetary resources, and so on."
Chasin nodded thoughtfully, taking in the practicalities. "That would work. We can tie it to our Ruby Loyal Passenger Cruiser project as well. Expanding that venture gives us cover for large expenditures and shifts attention away from the real operation."
The plan began to take shape, a careful web of falsified records and strategic investments that would span years. Every credit would need meticulous tracking, every action orchestrated to avoid suspicion. The illusion had to be perfect.
Pulchra's gaze was steady as she looked to Chasin. "This will demand all our skills—politically, socially, and financially. We need everyone's full commitment."
Chasin's resolve was unwavering. "We'll set the charity front in motion and funnel funds through the Ruby Cruiser project as planned. When the time is right, our kingdom will emerge as something beyond their imagination."
Time: 8:30 P.M.
As night deepened over the estate, the rooms dimmed in a comforting warmth. The weight of what they had set in motion settled over them like the quiet, vast night sky. Here, on Brartal III, they had taken the first steps to carve their kingdom out of the galaxy's shifting sands.
Chasin sat with his wives, the silence between them filled with unspoken dreams. In this space of tranquility, he knew he was surrounded by his greatest allies. Pulchra's hand found his, and he gave it a gentle squeeze, feeling the heartbeat of the life they were shaping.
Looking at Pulchra, then Mugruco and Sahaz, he allowed a rare softness to break through his stoic mask. "We've taken the first step. Now, let's make this dream a reality."
As they sat in that quiet resolve, stars glimmered faintly through the estate's windows, reflecting a shared ambition as vast and boundless as the galaxy itself. Their kingdom was still a secret, but within that room, it already felt real.