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Chapter 32
The fallen Huk barely had time to register what was happening. Its progress of recovering back up on its feet was interrupted by the foot crushing its throat, its pale eyes glaring up before the attacker lethally snapped its neck. Kaleesh warrior Qymaen jai Sheelal stood above a sentient, bipedal insect-grinning in vicious satisfaction. The body, still twitching on reflex, lay underneath him before becoming limp.
Without casting a second glance, as it clearly was, the Kaleesh shouted to his anticipating brethren, all looming pridefully behind him, "Everyday shall be long remembered! We shall secure victory! We shall exterminate those who brought a curse among us from Kalee! Keep fighting!"
Followed by roars of understanding, the army darted past their leader, into the fray, anticipating to encounter the Huk head-on, while some concealed behind their blasters. They retreated of course or relied on defense. Pathetic cowards, as usual. Qymaen scowled.
For too long, their world has been conquered by those despicable creatures, and now is the time to free it, and then the Kaleesh shall have vengeance once and for all, sooner or later. When the Kaleesh won this war, they would be the ones in control. And eventually, they will go to THEIR world and make them pay with their own blood.
The Kaleesh watched as a small platoon of Huk gathered together, standing against them.
Hm...?
A swift snap-hiss, accompanied by a flash of green, cut through the Huk, and they collapsed to the ground. Painless. The Kaleesh all froze, looking up at the one who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
Coated in black was a man standing across from them, meeting Qymaen's gaze. And just examining the robes, the emerald green blade from Gods above. None dared to attack, but none reacted with any show of fear, their weapons poised, but they couldn't be sure which side the man was on.
The dark-robed man deactivated his lightsaber and placed it on his belt, planting his hands in front of him. "Greetings..."
"My thanks, off-worlder." Qymaen started coldly, observing the individual with intrigue. "You are obviously not with the Kaleesh. Who are you?"
"I have a debt own to your people after years of negligent. Beyond that, I require your services, Qymaen jal Sheelal."
With his intentions, the warlord scowled, "Do we look like a bunch of slaves to you? We Kaleesh are honorable people! We are no mercenaries! Now out of my way before you join them!"
Yet the man lingered stoically, which both irritated and intrigued the Kaleesh even more. God or not, there were many of them! This one warrior wouldn't be able to last against armies of them. "You mistaken me. I have no need for mercenaries," he responded. "If your people are in danger, I will ensure that proper ramifications are brought down. I have overwhelming evidence of the Huk's brutality and can bring the Republic and Jedi to your side."
At this claim, Qymaen stiffened. That hope long since tarnished, the Kaleesh knew not to depend on the Republic. Yet, with the lightsaber - yes that was what it was called - in his hand, and the ability to get them powerful allies politically speaking, the Huk could be finally removed from the face of the galaxy, and the Kaleesh would live amongst their ashes.
"And what is your name, warrior?"
"Luke Skywalker."
"I see," the name bore no recognition. "Well, since a favor would be far from one-sided, what do you need in return?"
"Your alliance indefinitely to my allies and myself," Skywalker answered.
The Kaleesh were many things, one of them being honorable. The Huk were savages. If this Skywalker was a being of honor and proved himself to abide by it, the Kaleesh could take him up on his deal.
"Let's see your skills further." The Kaleesh raised his rifle victoriously, his tone getting higher. "Join us in battle. Prove yourself as a warrior. Bring us before the Republic!"
The black-robed man nodded and turned around, activating his lightsaber once again as explosions soared around them. Both Kaleesh and the Jedi joined the battle, and the tide shifted in the latter's favor immediately. Destruction, death, and despair awaited the offending race, as the warriors were not spared from their wrath.
Luke Skywalker quickly earned the respect of the Kaleesh.
Sheev Palpatine had to resist baring his teeth as he stared at the Holocom.
"This," Skywalker introduced a tall humanoid next to him, with maroon scaly skin, four-clawed hands, and five-clawed feet, two opposable thumbs. Tusks protruded from their upper jaw, and shorter ones jutted from their chins, large pointed ears and long nostrils that stretched close to his eyes—a rifle on his back with a bayonet, "Is a man whose people have suffered great peril in the past few years. He is one known as Qyma_secs Sheelal. Tell the galaxy what you have faced."
Yellow eyes burning with fury, Sheelal stared at the recording. "Years ago, the Huk," he spat out, "what many of you refer to as the Yam'rii, conquered our world, subjugated our people, enslaved us by the millions, devoured our eggs, our young! The Kaleesh fought a war to liberate ourselves, to take the fight to the Huk! The war has continued for years, bordering on a standstill."
Skywalker nodded sympathetically. "It is believed that the Huk has been allied with the Trade Federation. I am sure you would be willing to wipe them out."
"It is time for us to have a voice! For every Kaleesh soul that was exterminated, the Huk will pay with blood! We implore the Jedi Order and the Republic to help us! We have incriminating evidence that will prove it!"
He resisted a source of delight as the screen altered; recordings, horrors, attacks, all of them made public on the Holonet. One video showed a Huk literally eating a young Kaleesh who screamed for dear life, being mauled into his mouth as his screams were silenced. Another showed as they roared and beat a mother Kaleesh within inches of her life, cruelly taking her eggs and conquering them as she shouted helplessly.
It was fortunate that the Republic hadn't been involved, for in one singular moment, the galaxy would be turned against the Huk.
"We ask for nothing big. Only assistance from the Jedi Order and the Republic to wipe these vermin from the face of the galaxy..." The Kaleesh's lips curled into a nasty sneer, "To destabilize them forever so they can't impact other worlds once and for all. Will you continue to help us?"
"You have my sworn duty as a Jedi Master that I will continue to offer aid anyway I can. These news will not be disregarded." Skywalker answered placidly, his face an unmovable wall of stone, something that the Kaleesh obviously respected. "I only ask that the Chancellor ensures that the Kaleesh are freed from their suffering and that peace can prevail on the worlds claimed by the Yam'rii."
Sidious was going to grind Luke Skywalker's head against the floor before killing him.
The recordings of Skywalker leading another march, this time with the Kaleesh, spread like wildfire, and in another stroke, he was vastly popular in the Outer and Mid Rim. The same couldn't be said for the Core. While he hadn't interfered with their affairs exactly, the Yam'rii had several allies that gave them financial issues. However, it wasn't as if the Kaleesh couldn't be potential business partners with the Core. After all, all of the benefits that the Reconstruction of Kalee would get...
That had been another matter. He was not in a position to move against him of course. It would require Sidious being incompetent and unfortunate at once for that to happen, but he wouldn't be in a position to move against him publicly without scrutiny against himself and his administration at this point.
Neither Skywalker nor Palpatine could strike against one another unless they wished for enemies. It was likely that Skywalker had come up with several contingencies of his own or was in the process of doing so, given how deeply Palpatine was involved.
When the time came, at the rate Skywalker was proceeding, it was likely that Palpatine would have an even harder time in building his Empire with Plagueis also looming over his shoulder.
Of course, Sheev Palpatine used this outrage as a vessel, labeling the Huk as traitors who would pay for these grave crimes!
Predictably, it hadn't been too difficult. The Jedi Order promised guaranteed protection for the Kaleesh and sent a battle force to handle the threats with utmost caution.
He looked at the gathered Jedi, Chief Justice, and court members, all of whom were wondering about Skywalker's latest gamble.
"Thank you for this meeting, Chancellor," the Chief Justice said. Ah, that would be someone who would have to go soon.
"Now that we're all here, we have to do something about this!" One exclaimed sourly.
He eyed the one who spoke: Prosecutor Sano Sauro, known for representing the wealthy and influential. However, he also tended to be involved in Jedi cases throughout his career. The one who prosecuted Obi-Wan Kenobi for the death of fellow Jedi Bruck Chun. Though the idea of another "Jedi Trial" was appetizing to the extreme, it would require a Jedi to gain such scrutiny that they would have to be dragged in front of the courts.
That was an idea Palpatine would have to store away for later.
It would be good press...
Master Qui-Gon Jinn cleared his throat. "And do what, Prosecutor? With the incriminating evidence of what they did to those people, Skywalker's actions would be easily defended and laughed out of court."
Sauro glared. "With the rise of the Ruusan Reformation, you have long since claimed to be keepers of the peace, not soldiers."
Windu intervened. "Skywalker's actions do require our attention, but the implications of what this all could mean for both the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order are not small. Skywalker is viewed as a hero who saved those people."
Sauro stared at them, doing his best to maintain a calm front. "Just what are you planning, Jedi? How many of these types of incidents have to end up on my desk before we take action against this liberator?!"
"Unfortunately, Prosecutor," Sidious chimed in with false remorse, "I can understand where the Jedi are coming from. Quite frankly, I don't agree with Skywalker's stance. To have saved my planet and now these innocent people, he is a bold one, I'll give him that."
"We don't agree with all of his methods, but at least he knows what the lack of legal proof can lead to," Koon acknowledged in his insufferable calm voice.
"The SBI," Sauro spat, "is involved in this matter. If even the slightest of evidence is false, I will not only bring up charges against him but also hold your entire Order accountable, Jedi!"
Yan Dooku sneered in evident disdain. Well, well, well, he seemed to have agreed with the course of action by Skywalker. "You are two things I can describe you as, Prosecutor."
"And what is that?" Confusion crossed the man's face.
"Brave," Dooku answered, shocking the man. "Brave, but foolish. Even if the Senate Bureau of Intelligence comes up with evidence that could bury Skywalker, it would be seen as a hero being silenced for calling out injustice, and that the Jedi Order and Republic seek not to accomplish these things."
Sauro's face scrunched in displeasure before his eyes narrowed. "And what do you suggest we do? Not take action? Should we just keep letting vigilantes take the law into their own hands?"
"Do you not hear what I'm saying, Prosecutor?" Dooku snapped, his tone full of ire. "Do you wish for Skywalker's popularity to increase even further? Skywalker knows his history. He can easily cite incidents, condemning mistakes, blunders, and horribly handled situations, and many people would agree. The Yinchorri Uprising, Galidraan, the Stark Hyperspace War, and all the Rim issues. Skywalker is covering his tracks well and is presenting a proper image for him to be respected by numerous systems. We go after him? You might as well hope he actually be brought in front of a court."
Sauro looked like he tasted poison before he lowered his head slightly, but still gave the old Jedi a scathing glare. He wasn't the only one.
"I can understand where the good Prosecutor is coming from, my friends," Palpatine stated carefully to his old "Jedi friends", attempting to keep the bite out of his tone, coming off as resignation. "I do so appreciate Luke Skywalker and what he has done for Naboo, but you must understand the reasoning for why many will fear him overstepping and the possibility of leading this Republic into war."
Which would be perfect, if Sidious were to be frank. If they had ended up with a legitimate war due to Luke Skywalker no lesser, perhaps Sidious could bid for the emergency powers much, MUCH sooner. That had been one of the original plans. Nute Gunray and the Trade Federation stake their claim on Naboo. The powerlessness of the Senate would be demonstrated to the galaxy. Gunray and the Trade Federation call for the formation of a Separatist movement, and various allies join them, emboldened by their success. Palpatine would be elected Chancellor, granted emergency powers, form an army, and motivate the Jedi to battle. It would be a bit more slow burn than the new plan in his mind, as both the Republic and the new secessionist movement would go into the conflict without much military buildup on either side and scramble for military forces, but that worked.
After it all went wrong for the Trade Federation, Palpatine realized he couldn't rely on those idiots. Yet again, Luke Skywalker provided him with an ample opportunity, or the makings of one. After the overwhelming evidence of what the Huk did to the Kaleesh, Palpatine not supporting them could border on political suicide. He would be viewed as unsympathetic while Skywalker's popularity rose regardless, and there would be nothing to stop the man from taking him out.
"We are aware of the trouble Skywalker can cause for the Republic, Chancellor, and we will take appropriate action if necessary," Windu assured.
Palpatine nodded with a tight smile. "I imagine it wouldn't cause too many complications."
"We understand, Chancellor. I implore that you trust the Council in this; we will warn Skywalker to be careful. If he sways too far or threatens the Republic, the Council will not allow it," the Korun ensured.
"Correct, Master Windu is," Yoda reinforced. "Forget, we will not."
"Skywalker is notorious for causing trouble, isn't he?" Palpatine offered his dry wit with a slight chuckle.
"One way of putting it, Your Excellency," Yarael Poof responded, with amusement now flaring.
Darth Plagueis watched the Holorecording. Skywalker's latest escapade had done another favor for the Republic and the Jedi Order. Positive reception had become a common feature within both. That, of course, did complicate some of his plans.
His first instinct was to dismiss Skywalker as a mad fool who believed that democracy would triumph over corruption and only his word would be enough on Naboo.
But Skywalker saw through Sidious. The Muun had deciphered that much the moment he'd also first met Skywalker. Yet, for some strange reason, he didn't seem to detect Plagueis. It perplexed him at the time, overcoming any anger he felt about this obstacle to the Grand Plan.
Skywalker rivaled Plagueis in his prime, if not surpassing any abilities he may have. As long as Skywalker represented any sort of popularity, the Adepts of the Dark Side were in incredible danger.
Sidious no doubt had contingencies that he implemented or improved on from the past Sith alone. That was the disadvantage Plagueis had. Should he perish, he would not be remembered as anything but a corrupt banker: Hego Damask, a former friend to Chancellor Palpatine with only his power and the clothes on his planet.
It had been part of the reason why Plagueis had been monitoring Dooku. The last thing Plagueis needed was a formidable duelist aligning himself with Sidious and possibly pursuing him.
Dooku was much older and more experienced than Sidious, but more importantly, Plagueis would never refer to Dooku as more powerful than Sidious, but that he was a better duelist. Dooku was known as one of the most skilled duelists and lightsaber instructors in the Jedi Order. He was the Jedi Temple's most agile swordmaster and instructor, apart from Yoda himself. Dooku's skills were remarkable enough that he was even known for having once bested Mace Windu at sparring.
And he seemed to have restored his place along with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
That was a temporary relief, however, for if Dooku, Windu, and/or Yoda would ever end up cornering up, Plagueis would have an issue. They had to continue adapting. The Muun had the advantage of surreptitiousness, which was a cold comfort, as Plagueis didn't relish the thought of staying in the shadows and pulling back the Sith's efforts should Sidious's own be foiled.
The Grand Plan was far too close to abandon now.
That had been the reason why he hadn't engaged in his combat with Sidious publicly, hadn't it? Oh, he had considered it. To dispatch the betrayer and disappear into the shadows, allowing the Republic to collapse perhaps under Bail Antilles of Alderaan, or in the less likely scenario, Ainlee Teem of Malastare. Of course, there would be depending on if they didn't stab him in the back as well in their own power play.
He released another breath of frustration. Damask going into the shadows decades ago was something the Muun would always regret. Had Damask maintained a similar mask to Sheev Palpatine, he could have been Chancellor himself, or the man behind the throne with a pawn who would have stayed loyal. He had trusted too blindly in someone he'd molded since a young age, believing Sidious sought the same goal with two rulers.
It was only due to the Force that Plagueis survived. In hindsight, the thought was chimerical and foolish. At the very least, there were two Sith in the galaxy-three if Sidious hadn't taken out that insufferable beast yet.
He had trusted Sidious too blindly, allowing his complacency to get the better of him...
And now, Plagueis knew what he would have to do. He'd needed to regain some of that political backing, not make it easy for the betrayer, and provide the Jedi with another enemy from the shadows. Although the Dark Lord considered retreating to the shadows, he couldn't depend on Skywalker failing and Sidious getting his Empire.
The Muun had much work to do...