it having been a long time - plus the releases of new Star Wars content coming soon. Here is the new chapter.

But first, me and Lucius Walker gotta thank the following people for their contribution:

UnitedOsprey1991

Bigtrunk

PLPanda

Kurogane7

Crnlonewolf3195

Timeskip

23 BBY

One year. That's how long it took for a story that nobody had even thought was possible to spread across numerous civilizations, burning a single phrase into the minds of everyone who heard it:

The Ölüm Rebellion

Ölüm was the infamous spice mine on Kessel—an ugly place on an ugly planet with an uglier reputation. Small uprisings weren't new when it came to any nests of slavery, so interest in the event quickly subsided. But that interest renewed when more details were unveiled.

Not only was it revealed that this slave uprising held numerous casualties for the slaves themselves, but the Yaruba Palace and the many rich patrons themselves were slaughtered mercilessly - a large blow to the spice trade.

But that story didn't end there. Not only did most of the survivors flee (before the Republic came to the rescue), but those who volunteered to stay behind managed, but they managed to return to the forests of Kessel after burning down the palace. They would continue their war against their former masters, holding out against them in guerilla warfare across the tropical half of the slave labor planet.

Thus, this event was soon known as "The Partisan War", where the Kessel Security forces alongside the Zygerrian slavers with the support of the Pyke Syndicate, fought against the remaining slaves that dubbed themselves the "Ölüm Partisans".

Even though this war only lasted a mere three months, it resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of combatants in this short war, blisters of forest fires scarring the green surfaces of the planet.

Even now the story of the Partisan War was being read, spoken or even researched all across the galaxy, as it now the curiosity had even entered the minds of some young people.

"Unbelievable."

One of those young people was sitting in her office. She was the young and fairly inexperienced legislator from the Republic, a young blue skinned girl with golden eyes and purple hair. And yet, Riyo Chuchi was able to hold herself together as she gave her report. "And all that happened just in the span of three whole months."

Reading the whole article that was written by a Terran journalist covering the story in such detail that it was now universally spread to Coruscant. Doubly so now that pictures were taken there that showed the full scale of this war that had taken place.

"Senator Chuchi."

Startled a bit, the young Pantoran's focus turned from the holographic report to the open door where she was met with a visitor. Astonished eyes widened when she saw that her visitor was the former Queen of Naboo and its current senator herself Padmé Amidala, seen in her purple traditional robes and her hair in her usual style that kept her hair high and regal with metallic bands that kept it like that.

"Senator Amidala." The young Pantoran stood up from her seat and bowed her head. "My apologies, I-"

"Please, spare the formalities." Padmé politely asked kindly, "I came here to see how you're doing. I trust you're adjusting well?"

It was true that young Riyo had just been appointed as Pantora's newest Senator just a few weeks ago after her predecessor, whom she worked closely with, was beaten by her in a snap election, barely having time to prepare herself for the job of representing her people. Something that was unusual for someone her age, but she was up and willing to fulfill her duties.

Perhaps that's why Padmé decided to try and tutor the young girl through the whole life of being a senator. Sure she herself wasn't as experienced as her previous mentors, but she was a former monarch and could perhaps lend a hand to the young and good-willed lady.

She just hoped that the young Pantoran, much like her family, could handle the tasks of being a senator. Senators with strong wills like hers would be needed in times of hardship, such as the seemingly unending conflict that was the Separatist Crisis.

Riyo sighed as she replied. "Honestly, I wished that I came here at a less pressing moment."

"You mean with the Republic and the Confederacy?" Padmé asked. Her answer was a negative nod.

"No, not that." Riyo cleared her reason. "I mean the tensions between the Zygerrians and Terrans."

That mentioning itself caused a heavy sigh to escape out of Padme's mouth, as she quickly understood what she was talking about.

The sound of the door opening up again caused the two females to turn around and see that the person seen walking in was none other than their friendly colleague and native from Alderaan, Bail Organa.

"Senator Organa?"

"My apologies, Senator Amidala, but a special session has been called in by the Chancellor," Organa urged the two female politicians, "All senators have been called to attend in the next hour.

"Why?" Chuchi asked right away. "What happened?"

Organa quickly glanced over to Padmé and gave him the confirmation.

The confirmation she did not want. As she sighed and nodded.

"Let's go."

Jedi Temple

As time went by, so did the usual business of the Jedi in their homes, as they all tried to set their minds up in the usual activities that they were doing day-by-day. Wanting to seemingly isolate themselves from the numerous crises that were plaguing the Galaxy.

But that willful ignorance wasn't going to work for the members of the Jedi Council—every member now present in their seats had just been called in for an emergency meeting by both Master Windu and Grand Master Yoda.

Yet they were also given the presence of both the Padawan Anakin Skywalker and his master Obi Wan Kenobi.

"Good to see, everybody in here is," Yoda announced, as he took his seat in the council, "Discuss important revelations we must."

"Sounds pretty urgent if you ask me," Ki Adi Mundi commented, "What's it about, if I may ask?"

Windu went on to say. "We've recently managed to talk with the Senator from Konoha Jiraiya-"

Then a collective sound of groans could be heard. Surprisingly amongst the normally patient and calm Jedi Council members, but most of the grievances were from the female members who were way too familiar with the Senator's 'reputation.'

Windu sighed and rubbed his eyes, as he himself knew the mere mention of that name could raise some eyebrows and frowns as he had made himself already known to many of the Jedi Knights and Masters who got to meet him - often with mixed results. But it was Luminara who broke the tension.

"What has the senator from Konoha informed you about, Master Windu?" The green skinned Jedi furthered with a clear remark. "And I hope it has nothing to do with his recent publications."

Shaak Ti closed her eyes. "Agreed."

Anakin craned in to whisper to his master. "She's talking about the senator's romance novels, isn't she?"

"She is," Obi Wan confirmed but then hushed his padawan, "Now stay quiet."

"Jiraiya's perverted books, discuss them, we will not." Yoda stated, earning a few sighs of relief from the gathering, "Information being given, of recent discovery."

"A discovery of what precisely?" The Iktotchi Jedi Master Saesee Tiin asked skeptically.

"The Ölüm Partisans," Windu replied in a short answer. "We've just confirmed the identity and location of its leader."

The mention of that group alone got all the Jedi in the room to raise their heads up and pay close attention. As it had been months of little to no updates on this group's disappearance from Kessel.

Windu specifically even glanced over to some of those Jedi Masters who were personally involved into the search of this group, like Shaak Ti and Plo Koon and even Obi-Wan and his padawan Skywalker, who everyone knew had a particular interest for his own reasons.

"Before you all ask, I have to note that the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki was not amongst the identified members of this group, so the search for him is still ongoing."

"So what has Master Jiraiya discovered?" Plo Koon asked, "Surely it could be a lead to the young Naruto."

"Fighting, they are." Everybody turned back to Master Yoda who was speaking.

"Two commanders spotted, on Earth they are." Yoda continued. "Formidable both are." He turned towards the two standing Jedi. "Master Kenobi and Skywalker to be sent there, approach the commanders."

The two Jedi understood what their role was going to be in here, as they'd been sent to multiple missions across the Galaxy for a variety of reasons. Some were diplomatic in nature, though they were more frequently sent for the search of these Ölüm Partisans as of late. As it has been the Jedi's priority to try and locate Naruto Uzumaki, who has been confirmed to be alive and being amongst the initial members of this group. Many of these searches came out empty-handed as they kept themselves on the move.

But now, with Jiraiya's confirmation, it meant another lead.

"To Earth, you must." Yoda cleared. "Talk with these two, you will."

"We will do, Master." Obi Wan responded and asked, "But where on Earth are they specifically?"

Earth

The sun stood tall above all with clouds lightly grazing beneath its mighty gaze. A beautiful summer day within the region of the Caucasus.

War, famine, plague this region was no stranger to such hardships. In particular Urzikstan the "Arab jewel within the Caucasus." A nation built upon harsh wars and religious discourse, laid on the brinks of the Black Sea. They'd been invaded by the vicious Turks in the south and the barbaric Russians from the north, their imperial agenda simply too powerful to overcome.

From the Ottomans, to the Czars, to the Bolsheviks, to the Nazis, and finally the Russians again. This country had seen many wars - but it also had seen the will to fight back, resist and defy those that encroached upon their lands without ill intent, even willing to pay the ultimate price.

And here yet again another war was being fought, a civil war, yet nothing was civil about it. As this conflict had multiple belligerent factions, with the Russians and the Western powers having a military presence in the region, and insurgent groups like the Urzikstan Liberation Force and Al-Qatala having kept their presence clear across the war-torn country.

Last year had exacted a terrifying toll on the Urzik people, a number of large-scale chemical attacks along with the siege on the US embassy. Not to mention the sheer brutality of retaliatory air strikes from the local Russian forces ignited by the loss of their foothold within the airport.

They could never have been more wrong. An agreement, a single piece of paper had allowed both Russian and US forces to withdraw, leaving the struggling security forces to deal with insurgents and militias

That in itself had become dangerous. The security forces could not hold their own, the government collapsing within weeks of the withdrawal, the foreign muscle which had kept its rotten heart beating giving out. Now only 2 controlled the misbegotten country, the extraordinarily fanatic and horrible Al-Qatala and the undermanned yet hopeful ULF.

And when the first news reports hit the airwaves about members of Al-Qatala being spotted in the suburbs of the capital, the chaos that ensued burned the land.

*Gunfire!*

Gunfire broke the morning peace, sending civilians - entire families running for cover, any luggage or items they could carry strapped to their backs as they rushed toward the airport

Cars were abandoned Haphazardly in the streets as men, women and children made a mad dash for safety as entire families left homes they'd lived in for years. Shopkeepers left their stalls and shops, leaving businesses that had known many customers lifeless. Of those who were left behind, some simply couldn't, while those who refused to flee chose to die rather than become another refugee. They watched with cold uncertain eyes as their countrymen ran.

There was another watching, one who seemed alien to the struggle and strife seen within the people. She was not a native, not of the country nor planet—an infamous zabrak bounty hunter known only as Sugi watched as a large concentration of people neared the Al-Raab airfield. The uniformed men within the airport desperately tried to hold the growing crowd back even as they were woefully outnumbered.

*BANG!*

Her head snapped toward the large hills which surrounded the besieged city, on which an old military installation had been attacked and blown apart, reduced to ashes, with the smoke smoldering over the sky and being visible over the half-destroyed city.

"They're mopping the whole area up! They're only five miles away from the city!"

Sugi turned her head around again to see who it was and responded. "Ah, it's you. Name's… Tayuya, correct?"

Tayuya was now quite different having changed from the years of fighting. Her once long ponytail had been cut short and the sandals she once wore had been replaced with heavy-duty combat boots. Although her love of guns hadn't changed, the Kalashnikov which she had prized so much remained slung to her chest, the weapon which had saved her many times in Ölüm now had some words etched into its firm wooden stock. The radio which was attached to her chest seemed to buzz every so often.

"That's me." Tayuya said as she shook her head. "You were the bounty hunter that helped out at the palace, right?"

"Yeah, on Kessel." Sugi remembered. "You were leading your own group - took out a lot of guards."

"Yeah, a lot of people died that day." Tayuya reminisced, with that look in her eyes as she talked to the bounty hunter. "A lot of good ones, but a lot of the bad ones too…"

Sugi could feel the unease in this girl, but she couldn't blame her. Her actions against slavers were well-known with the group she's attached to.

"Red leader, Red leader. This is Red 6 speaking, over."

Coming from the radio on Tayuya's shoulder, the redhead went on to respond back. "Yes, Red 6, Red Leader here. What is it?" She replied. "Any updates?"

"Just got word from Green leader - AQ is breaking off their attacks on the city, our main force is on the way towards the capital."

"Already?" Tayuya asked, surprised at how sudden the news was, "We haven't even got the time to secure the city, damn it!"

"Commander's orders - gotta move."

VROOOM !*

Jumping aside, Tayuya and Sugi were watching what passed by.

A couple of motorcycles driving by, coming out of an empty small passage, with mainly those old ones that looked decades old and a few technical pickup trucks with machine guns, with some even armed with blaster cannons.

Seeing where they were going, Tayuya took it as her cue to leave.

"Looks like my boys, time to get back to work." She turned to the bounty hunter. "You coming?"

Sugi shrugged as she answered. "Sure, you guys are paying me."

They both started walking through the streets as a few Black Hawks were seen making circles across the area. They hovered in the air, making rounds across the city as they spotted multiple trucks and vehicles going towards the Al-Raab airport; making these pilots nervous as they briefed this back to the guys on the ground.

Not knowing what was about to happen.

…

Inside Al-Raab airfield, the former Russian occupied military post that only a year ago was attacked and neutralized in a attack by the ULF, was now used by the US forces as an evacuation zone with the support of the Marine Corps - with specifically the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company being present at the site.

With support of the Air Force, they managed to have a no-fly zone across the capital city, as now the fighting across the country intensified to such new levels that weren't seen since the days the Americans had set foot on this soil.

And because of that intensity in places like Rammaza were now fully silent when local US-trained Urzik forces had gone silent when Al-Qatala had started its offensive. Meaning the city most likely had fallen.

The city that Sgt Griggs had fought in - a seasoned Marine who fought in the country for decades. The African American was busy staring at the black smoke coming out of the city, seeing all that work going up in flames. Holding onto his M4A1 assault rifle, he clenched onto it as he watched.

Twenty years, all gone in a short period of time.

"Griggs."

Turning around, the sergeant saw he was getting approached by his superior officers - Colonel Norris and the CIA Station Chief Kate Laswell. Both were now in charge of ground operations of evacuating all US personnel out of Urzikstan with anybody else that had managed to enter the airfield.

He saluted them and addressed his commanding officer. "Sir."

"At ease, sergeant." The Colonel told him. "Status report. Got any?"

"No sir. Not at the moment."

"FALL BACK!"

The three Marines turned to the voice and saw multiple Marines who were trying to keep the already crowded area behind the fence at bay, as arms and hands were extended out as civilians were begging in their native language or even in broken English to be allowed inside, some holding passports or documents of various degrees that they brought along with them.

Amongst them were children rushing their position, many of whom were crying in the arms of their loved ones while also begging - a heartbreaking sight for the American troops who had held their guns ready.

"Tell them to stand back and be patient, man."

"I'm trying, bro. But they're desperate." One Marine said. "They don't want to listen."

"Well tell them to take a few steps back!"

The squad of Marines were soon joined by others as they managed to get the situation at this gate to some sort of control, allowing then the CIA station chief to mention.

"Hopefully your men can handle this, Griggs. Because there's more to come." Laswell warned without much filter before asking. "How many planes have already left, Colonel?"

"By now, I believe around twenty C-17's have left in the past week since the withdrawal started at full capacity."

Griggs whistled at that. "Jesus, how many?"

"The amount of civilians who managed to hop in? I'd say around ten thousand if I'm being honest," Colonel Norris answered, evidently unhappy with those numbers, "I mean, those aren't the same numbers as Kabul but…"

"Please, don't…" Laswell interrupted, "With the situation going on now, I fear we might be in a similar situation, but this time without any allies."

"Yeah, no allies," Griggs scoffed at that, even eye rolling as he mentioned. "Not like we had those…"

Norris however didn't like that and warned him. "Don't start Sergeant."

"I'm just saying, sir. We had a good ally - that was reliable with intel and combat experience and some trust from the local population," Griggs argued, trying his best to stay calm, "But we screwed up when we put Karim and her ULF on the list, and look where we're at now."

Before the colonel could make a remark on that, Laswell stood in between to try and ease the tension. Even though Griggs was an experienced field soldier, he didn't agree with command's decisions that caused this mess.

Yet, before even she could say something-

Screaming started as chaos erupted again in the crowd, but this time they all started to run for the sidewalks as the forward Marine spotted the reason:

Coming up to the closed gate at a slow pace, an T-72 tank was seen driving towards the entrance with the cannon aimed up high.

"Tank incoming!"

Going in formation - the Marines quickly took their positions with those with M136 AT4 launcher readied and aimed for the incoming tank.

"Permission to open fire, sir!"

Laswell then happened to then spot something and shouted. "Hold it!"

Norris turned to her. "What are you doing?"

"Look!" She pointed. "At the front of the tank!"

On the old Soviet-era tank was something written, and it was with white paint, and read:

ULF

"The ULF, Farah's militia?" Laswell was surprised by their appearance. "What are they doing here?"

"More importantly, how the hell did this tank get so close to the airport? I got men in the sky!" The Marine Colonel demanded as he grabbed his comms to try to get some answers.

Sgt Griggs, however, decided to move up closer as he walked past his men who were still aiming for the tank, even when some nervous glances were being given to him. He then happened to hear some talk going on through his open radio, as confusion was sounding clear.

'All units be advised, multiple unidentified groups of armed combatants are seen reaching the Al-Raab Airport.'

'This is Colonel Norris, inform me, pilot. Are there any other incidents you're witnessing?'

'Negative sir, no hostilities are being seen from my angle, on the contrary - I see cheers going on in multiple streets.'

'Cheering? For AQ?'

'No sir - these vehicles display green colors - suspected ULF forces entering the city with minimal resistance.'

This, however, confused the Marines even more, as intel earlier yesterday had entailed Al-Qatala was expected to be entering the city."

"What's going on here? Is our intel off or something?"

"Nah, something must've happened - AQ was on the move and now Karim's people are strolling in here like nothing?"

"Maybe they beat those fanatic motherfuckers."

"That can't be, they're outnumbered by AQ seven to one. No way they managed to break those odds-"

"Well we did, and we sent those fruitcakes running, how 'bout that?"

A voice interrupting the Marines' conversation turned out to be coming from behind the tank, as it was Tayuya who walked up to the fence gate with her rifle slung around her back as she was unfazed by the armed men pointing guns at her.

"Stop right there!" One of the younger Marines ordered. "Stop or I'll shoot!"

"Oh please, as if I am scared of you, shithead." Tayuya cussed him out as she asked. "Who's in charge here?"

"That'd be me," Griggs replied, stepping up, "These are my men. Sergeant Marcus Griggs, United States Marine Corps, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company."

Tayuya inspected the black soldier and then nodded before turning to find more backup was arriving. Among them was a pickup truck filled with ULF soldiers and a couple of Tayuya's Partisans, all of them armed with various types of firearms ranging from slug throwers to blasters.

"I'll tell you who I am later." Tayuya told Griggs as she stood aside. "I'm taking you to meet my bosses."

"Your bosses?" Griggs asked, spotting two people walking up front.

The first one to come out was Farah Karim, the female leader of the ULF, but the second was equipped with tactical gear, Marine boots, traditional keffiyeh scarf across his neck and with a beard. Having been missing for a few years, he was presumed dead at this point, yet this American was alive and well in front of the Marine Corps he joined up with at a young age.

"It's been a long time since you saw your comrades," Farah said to her cousin, "You sure you can handle it, cousin?"

"Yeah, I'll be alright," Tarik said, coughing lightly, "I just hope they'll still recognize me."

"Well time for the moment of truth," she replied, tapping his shoulder. "Good luck."

"Thanks."

Tarik came face to face with his fellow Marine and old acquaintance who was shocked by his appearance.

"Hey Griggs."

"Tarik…. You're alive?" Griggs asked beyond disbelief. "B-but you're supposed to be-"

"Dead? Yeah, I get that a lot." He smiled at him. "Mind if I come in and talk to your superiors?"

"About what?" Griggs asked.

*CLAP!*

With the T-72 Tank hatch opened up violently, revealing its commander to be Chewbacca himself, angrily roaring as it was clearly heard from him.

"The fuck is that?" One of the Marines asked in shock. "Looks like a Bigfoot."

Chewbacca roared as he slammed his fist against the tank, obviously not liking this vehicle.

"I told you not to get inside that tank, Chewie." Tayuya told him off. "Why did you get into that bucket?"

Roaring back against Tayuya, the atmosphere was slightly less hostile as Farah approached the gate and stood alongside Tarik as she greeted the black Marine.

"Griggs."

"Farah, been a while," Griggs said as he noticed. "You two know each other?"

"Cousin from my father's side," Farah answered, "Mind if we come in? We need to talk."

Laswell was seen then walking up and spotted Farah and Tarik, and asked again the question that Griggs did.

"About what, precisely?"

"Peace, of course." Tarik answered. "This damn war has been going on for too long."

Coruscant - Senate building

In the Grand Convocation Chamber, the heart of the Grand Republic's democracy, a special session was about to take place with most of its senators present, filling in their pods.

Coming in as one of the last, Padmé and Riyo arrived at the pod of Senator Bail Organa, who happened to have, through pure luck and coincidence, open space in his pod

"Senator Organa."

The senator from Alderaan turned around. "Senator Amidala, what is it? The session's about to start."

"That's just it, we can't find any open ones with enough space," Padmé explained, "Can we join you?"

"Sure, get in," Bail offered, gesturing them in as he turned back around, "Chancellor Palpatine is about to begin."

The two female senators moved quickly towards the pod as the session was just about to begin.

The chime of the Assembly Bell filled the room as Senators and Delegates quickly moved to take their places. Murmurs filled the atmosphere as the senate wondered why they were being called to assembly outside the normal scheduled time. As Mas Amedda stood tall, the murmurs died down and the attention was drawn to the Chancellor's podium.

"This Special Session of the Galactic Senate shall now come to order. Chancellor Palpatine will now speak."

The former senator of Naboo and Amidala's former mentor stood and addressed the assembly.

"Senators, I've called upon this session over the recent events taking place on the planet Earth in the Terran sector; a development connected to the growing Ölüm organization."

The first reactions of murmurs and shouting could be heard on all levels of the senate, until one floating pod could be seen moving to the center. Palpatine went on, unperturbed. "The Senator from the Land of Fire, from Elementia of the Terran sector, will now take the floor to explain the situation."

The Elementian delegation's pod had slowly lifted off and placidly shifted over to the center of the Senate's conference hall. All eyes locked on the large, white-haired figure standing in the middle as he tapped on his pad, compiling his notes. He gave a grim nod to himself before raising his head to meet the Senate's scrutinizing gaze.

A veteran of many wars, Jiraiya was many things; a novelist, a gentleman, an unrepentant pervert, and a firm believer in peace and unity through mutual understanding.

He was also a monster with few equals hailing from a planet where many people died young. He'd earned himself a great many enemies during his time as a soldier, not many of which had survived his wrath, and thankfully a great many allies as well. A spymaster with great reach and influence, he'd already made himself painfully aware that this Senate was filled with rich nepotistic fools who refused to step out of their carefully cultivated bubbles..

Truly, they were the greatest reflection of the Republic's health.

"Thank you, Chancellor Palpatine, for giving me this chance to speak," he bega, his deep voice booming throughout the halls, "As of five minutes ago, I have been informed by members of the Earth delegation that the Zygerrian Empire has sent an Ultimatum to the Earth's United Nations Council."

He tapped the pad and a holoprojector sprang to life, playing the recorded message. Atai Molec's visage sprang to life, his voice slightly distorted through the projector's QEC, but unmistakably his.

"Earthlings.

This is Atai Molec speaking as right hand, Prime Minister and Chief Advisor of her radiant majesty Queen Miraj Scintel, long may she reign.

Our information networks have received word that your people are harboring members of the Ölüm group amongst you.

As you may know, Ölüm are a group of fanatical, dangerous and deadly individuals to the Zygerrian throne and therefore also a threat to our Queen. They have formed an organization that is responsible for Bombings within Zygerrian borders, leading to the loss of the lives of their betters. Escaping, Resisting and undermining the Zygerrians authorities who have every right to arrest them.

As of today, our Queen has given me permission to bring you an ultimatum. You will hand over the escaped criminals, and bring us the heads of Tarik 'Imam' Karim, and Tayuya the Red, or our military fleet will begin bombarding you.

You will comply, or war will be the last option available."

Once the recorded message ended, Jiraiya continued to then stare out with a clear glare to the whole of the senate. But more directly to the small diplomatic mission that included the Zygerrian Ambassador that was sitting by themselves, having been on Coruscant for a few days to talk about the rising tensions. Even when Zygerria wasn't a member of the Republic. "I would like to remind the Zygerrian delegation that Earth is one of Elementia's staunchest allies, and that we will not be taking these threats lightly."

Jiraiya looked the Zygerrian Ambassador dead in the eyes as he continued. "For centuries we've let the Zygerrians do as they pleased and only a scant few centuries ago did the Jedi put a full stop to their slaving operations. This very message is solid proof that they have not learned their lessons and would return to their barbaric ways the moment they smell any weakness."

Once more, Jiraiya tapped his pad and a wall of text sprang to life on the projectors of every senator present. "It is with deep regrets that I must propose a complete and utter ban on the Zygerrian Empire's trade. Let us quarantine their planet and patrol any and all hyperspace lane leading to their system until they can prove to us that they can do better. That they can be. Better."

"Objection!"

The first resistance came from the senator from the Trade Federation, Lott Dod, a Neimoidian male who was known to be a major obstacle in Republic' legislation. A type of politician he'd recognize from his younger days - the type he was often tasked to protect or assassinate. And Dod is a preferable candidate for the latter, he thought to himself.

"Senator Dod of the Trade Federation," Chancellor Palpatine addressed, "I understand you have a complaint with Senator Jiraiya's proposal. Please enlighten us."

The Neimoidian senator spared no words. "This is an outrage! The senator from Elementia wants us to mingle in the affairs of two non aligned planets? Especially when it involves terrorists who are known to have committed heinous crimes against the Zygerrian Monarchy?"

The protesting voice of the Trade Federation was joined by thousands of other voices in protests - mainly those close to Dod or other entities who were financially connected to the Federation.

This however did not deter Jiraiya who chose this moment to retort. "Isn't that a bit rich coming from the people who have been selling equipment to the Zygerrian monarchy? What was it again?"

Jiraiya dramatically made a pondering motion as he tapped away on his pad. "Ah yes, seven hundred units of calming agents, hundreds of thousands of shock collars, sonic emitter rifles, shock staffs, tanks and even several units of war-droids." His dramatics faded away as he stared the Neimoidian senator down. "And let us not forget the stunt you pulled at Naboo a couple of years ago, so are you really in the position to start slinging accusations of heinous war crimes? Deactivate and scrap your battle droids and we might start taking your accusations seriously."

The senate chamber exploded into a cacophony of yelling, hollering and roaring as various allies and enemies to the Trade Federation began accusing and defending each other. Mas Amedda slammed a button on his chair and a loud buzzing sound erupted over the crowd.

"Order! I demand Order!" He roared, "Are we beasts or are we civilized beings!?"

As if chastised by an angry parent, silence reigned over the hall, before Chancellor Palpatine stood up. "Thank you, Councilor Amedda. Now, I understand that these are serious accusations Senator Jiraiya and I-."

The light on the pod to the Ishi Tib delegation sprang to light before he could finish. "Yes, Senator Saam? You may speak if you have any objections, but do try to keep things civil."

The Ishi Tib pod slowly hovered to the center of the hall, coming to a stop next to the Elementian and Neimoidian pod. "The Elementian Senator is basing his accusations on ancient records. These purchases were made with the Techno Union and Trade Federation long before the Zygerrian slave network was shut down by the Jedi council, and should not be used to accuse either our Neimoidian allies, or the Zygerrian monarchy."

Jiraiya frowned at their attempt to dogpile him. Classic strategy really. His frown became downright predatory when he pulled a slip of paper out from his robes and handed them to Chancellor Palpatine, who accepted it with raised eyebrows, putting the slip into his scanner and a small stream of data sprang to life on the holoprojector.

"Pardon me, Senator Saam, but to me, it seems like these irregular trades and purchases have been taking place over the last three months, not three centuries ago. Please note the dates underneath each purchase," he uncrossed his arms and pointed at a few particular patches of data, "Several of these weapons, and shock-baton models are only a decade or so old, not to mention highly restricted by the Republic. So coupled with the threats made to our allies, and the Trade Federation's backing, not to mention worrying behavior since the last few months, please do explain to me how this is not a sign of the Zygerrians planning a war of aggression."

This information however made the entirety of the Senate to be surprised by shock when the content of the document handed over to Chancellor Palpatine was made universal by the holoprojector.

By Bail Organa's pod, the reactions of the three senators themselves were filled with shock, but to various degrees.

But it was Padmé who was shaking her head at these numbers, and the amount of tanks - the same ones that occupied Naboo a decade earlier, was bringing back old memories to her.

"Senator Organa, I-"

"Of course you will," Bail said, knowing what she wanted to do, he pressed the button.

The pod started to float into the air as it started flying slowly up to the middle as it was prepared to make its statement in an attempt to prevent war as it was being recorded live across the Galaxy through recording droids.

Meanwhile

Kamino

The feed was being transmitted even to the outer rim planets where people were watching the special session taking place on massive holoprojectors that were being witnessed by species of all kinds.

Including a very young Boba Fett, sitting in a chair at home in the clone facility of Tipoca City, as his father was sitting next to him at the table, absentmindedly cleaning a piece of his jetpack's exhaust port while he was going through the last training results that the Kaminoans sent about the clones.

Jango happened to look at the holoprojector, seeing it was tuned to the special senatorial session on Coruscant, and spotted that Boba was watching the proceedings with a focus not often seen by children his age.

"What're you watching, Boba?" Jango asked his son, not taking his eyes off the reports, "You don't normally watch the Holonet news."

"It's about Earth, dad," Boba said excitedly as he closely kept watching. "They're saying that war is coming to Earth."

"Earth, huh? That's nothing new, Boba." Jango grunted, putting away the exhaust piece and starting the cleaning on a different part. "So many conflicts on that planet, it's almost a normality for them. Earthlings are a warrior race, much as they'd prefer to ignore that fact—they're actually not that different from Mandalorians in that regard, just with less efficient weapons. They make up for it in ingenuity and spirit though."

"No dad, I mean war between planets," Boba told his father, "They are saying that Zygerria is planning to invade Earth."

…

Jango put down the reports on the table as he looked at the newscast as he watched on seeing that the Galactic Senate was in full debate with the headlines the press were setting up:

Ölüm vs Zygerria new front: Earth?

Ölüm response - Rather Death then Slavery

But he knew this news was still something that would worry anyone else. After some thought he made his decision; Jango then turned to his son as he asked him a question.

"Boba, would you like to go with me on a short trip?"

"Uhm, sure," Boba hesitantly agreed. "But why?"

"To pay a visit to an old friend, of course," Jango said, reaching for his greaves, "You remember Naruto, don't you?"

Boba's eyes widened as he stood up. "Oh yeah! I remember him. Are we going to visit him? When?"

"We're going now," Jango said, grabbing his gun belt, "Like now - so pack up get your raincoat."

Jedi Temple

The Council adjourned. Both Obi-wan and his padawan Anakin moved through the grand hallways, the brief which had explained the developments on the planet had greatly troubled them, particularly the Tatooine native, for he had seen slavery. He had seen gang wars, and knew that they were nothing to scoff at.

"Tsk."

Hearing that, Obi Wan turned with a question. "Something on your mind, Anakin?"

"No, not really…." Anakin replied to his master, before he however changed. "Actually, there is something, master. Something that has been bothering me."

Obi Wan nodded. "Go ahead and do tell, my padawan. You know we can talk normally. So what is on your mind?"

The two Jedi stopped their small walk next to a window with a view of the endless Coruscant skyline, as Anakin began to speak his mind.

"It's the Earth situation, master," Anakin began forwardly, "I don't know how to say it - but this whole issue with the Zygerrians hits me personally."

Obi-wan could already understand where Anakin was going. "Is it because of your past? Your former life as a slave on Tatooine?"

"My mother was sold on a Zygerrian slave market," Anakin confessed, staring out the window wistfully, "She told me how the Zygerrian slavers treated her…how she…"

The clear sign of Anakin's hands tightening up in fists was something that Kenobi spotted, and he knew that this topic was uneasy to deal with. So he decided to at least divert it to an easier topic.

"How is your mother by the way?" Obi Wan asked with an assuring smile, "Is she alright?"

Anakin's face brightened with a small smile. He had contact with his mother and her extended family on Tatooine - even when it was strongly discouraged, let alone even against the Jedi Code, it was helpful to keep contact with them.

"My mother is doing alright, she still sends me messages often," Anakin replied, turning to his master, "We also call when I can, only outside the Temple, of course."

Obi Wan chuckled. "Is that the reason why you like taking walks nowadays?"

Both exchanged laughter for a short while before they proceeded to then walk again while talking more.

"I do, however, have to tell you something. Remember C-3PO?"

"Yes, the droid you built when you were younger, what about it?" Obi Wan remembered. "Why? Is something the matter?"

"Oh no, nothing. But remember how I was two days gone with permission? Cliegg and Owen asked help for the harvest and wondered if C-3PO could return. So I did," Anakin brought up. "Brought him back and changed the golden plates back to his old ones?"

"Changing his plates?" Obi Wan wondered. "Why put so much effort?"

"You don't think it's a smart idea to allow a golden protocol droid to be brought to a place like Tatooine, do you?" Anakin argued with a smirk. "I trust the Lars family for sure, but if the Jawas spot him, he's gone."

Seeing the logic behind it made Obi Wan chuckle at it before proceeding to ask. "Well, perhaps Senator Amidala would be glad to hear that droid is being put to use."

"Yeah, she thought the same way."

The two then stopped in front of the large training room that had its doors closed, but the sound of clashing could be heard from the other side of the thick metallic gate.

The sound of lightsabers clashing against one another could be heard as they were intense.

"I guess those two are sparring again,

*CLASH!*

*CLASH!*

*CLASH!*

Two dark colors crossed as they clashed into one another in a violent but common occurrence between the two parties.

The two students seen fighting were being observed by their designated trainers, both Jedi Masters of high caliber and able to train these two adequately. Jedi Masters Shaak Ti and Quinlan Vos, Sat and observed the results of their special apprentices, with Vos being seen having a small snack for himself until he then noticed the doors being opened with both Master Kenobi and his padawan entering.

And as usual, he smiled at their entrance and welcomed them. "Kenobi, Skywalker. How are you two doing?"

"Doing splendid, Vos, I see you're doing fine, as usually." Obi Wan said as he turned to the Togrutan Master. "Master Shaak Ti?"

She seemed to be more focused on whatever was happening in front of her then on the conversation. To which Anakin happened to then turn to the sparring match and commented.

"Master Shaak Ti's focus is on something else."

Both now in traditional Jedi clothing to their own liking, they still wore however different colors that separated them - but their power almost equalized one another, with the female purple wielder in gray and white garments that still showed her grown beauty - while the young man was seen wearing all dark colors from blue and black.

Those seen fighting there were Hinata Hyuga and Sasuke Uchiha, both were now in a sparring match where they exchanged hits against one another as they went on the offensive, defensive and even equally went against one another. Like Shinobi back in their homeworld.

The one fighting on the offensive however, to many surprise, was Hinata. The shy-warm girl from the Hidden Leaf had grown into a slightly different person when engaged in combat.

Sasuke however was still much the same - yet unlike Hinata, he stood out from the rest of the young Jedi, as he still was determined to fulfill his goals - but to do it differently without being consumed by blind revenge.

Both had changed over the time. For better or worse, both had taken Jedi training on Coruscant after they both were tested for high Midi-chlorian levels in their blood. So the Council and Hokage came to an agreement for both to be given special training by the Jedi to wield the Force that they both were capable of.

With a hard stomp to the ground, Hinata managed to catch Sasuke off guard and force him back with her unusually new willingness to go on the attack - something that Sasuke was still struggling to get used to. Even when he was forced to jump upwards and flip over her, Hinata turned right around to then strike one more time-

*CLASH!*

The two blades' connected again as it was another draw when the timer finally stopped.

"Time's up." Shaak Ti said, ending the session as she stood up. "Now please bow to each other in respect and refresh yourselves."

As it was supposed to go normally, after every sparring match a respectful bow was expected to happen, as Sasuke was the one who did it first by lowering his head.

However, as words were not even spoken, Hinata did the only thing she always did in the presence of Sasuke and turned around to leave, with a clear face of disapproval as she grabbed her coat and left the room through the other entrance. right in front of the Jedi.

"And here she goes again…"

As this was a normal occurrence, Sasuke sighed as he knew all too well why. He wordlessly lifted his head and grabbed his coat and without a complaint left the room through the third entrance that he went through.

"Looks like she's still not letting it go," Vos said with a disapproving sigh, "Shaak Ti, I thought-"

"I have. But she still won't open up to talk about it," Shaak Ti responded before the question was even asked, "Hinata's a good learner with a strong connection to the Force, but her grudge against Sasuke is still strong and unbroken."

Ever since the failed mission on Kessel to try and retrieve Naruto Uzumaki had ended, Hinata had been treating Sasuke Uchiha as a persona non grata for what she perceived is his fault for Naruto's abduction

Many still held a grudge against Sasuke, but he was slowly getting everybody's second chances as he now was mostly not in the village and mostly under the supervision of the Jedi with Hinata, the very person who was holding a grudge to the bone, meaning he won't be having a time of any luxury.

"Even when the Uchiha boy is showing remorse? In his own way of course," Obi-Wan asked, having seen the young man's efforts of trying to reconcile with the Hyuuga, "Even when the road is hard for him, he's trying to rebuild."

Anakin commented. "She, however, doesn't seem interested in rebuilding."

Ob-Wan nodded before he began. "Anyway, we've got an assignment from the Council, Vos. Master Shaak Ti must've informed you about it?"

Vos nodded. "I heard." He crossed his arms. "We're going to Earth, when?"

"When you are ready."

Vos smiled. "Then let's go."

Senate Building

After the end of the special session, Jiraiya left feeling it was an hour wasted with how little was accomplished. After returning to his office, Jiraiya found himself busy with the most recent reports from his contacts. As he read the reports he started to see a number of disturbing patterns starting to form.

He places the tablet down and turns to the window

"As always war and its costs are easily ignored by those with the luxury of not personally experiencing it themselves"

"Wise words, Senator Jiraiya."

Looking up, the novelist saw that he had visitors, including some of the few allies he had in the senate, including Alderaan's Bail Organa alongside Padmé Amidala and Riyo Chuchi.

"Well now, this is a pleasant surprise. It's good to see you Senator Organa as you can see I was a little busy working on my latest novel, but I can spare the time to talk to a friend and the two beauties with him." Jiraiya said.

"My apologies for coming in unannounced." Bail said beforehand as he continued. "I wanted to introduce you to Riyo Chuchi, the senator from Pantora."

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Senator Jiraiya," Chuchi bowed her head slightly. "I've always wanted to meet someone from the Terran sector."

"The pleasure is all mine, milady," Jiraiya smiled and returned the bow, "And as you can see, I'm indeed the first human from the Terran sector, as well as its unofficial senator for the whole sector."

"Unofficial?" Chuchi sounded confused. "What do you mean the whole sector?"

Padmé chuckled as she clarified. "Senator Jiraiya here is currently the only legal representative in the senate, Senator Chuchi. The only one of the whole sector."

"Is that so?" Chuchi asked, clearly surprised by that fact, "Care to explain?"

"Oh, for one, Suna still has yet to decide who they'll send as a senator—something the other countries of my home planet are still discussing." Jiraiya said, reclining in his chair, "However, the situation on Earth as a whole is a totally different story, seeing as they're still universally trying to figure out what to do to keep the stability on their planet - the United Nations decided to remain neutral."

"And by now, Senator Jiraiya is their main political connection to the Republic," Senator Organa told the Pantoran young woman. "Mainly because he's the most recognizable."

"That I am…I just wish that could help now really." Jiraiya sighed, "With what's now going on."

"That's why we're here, Senator," Padmé stated as she walked up to the desk. "We want to assure you that many senators are supporting you."

"If that's so, how come many voted down the proposal?" Jiraiya asked her, "Senator Amidala?"

This however made things really awkward at the mention of the failed vote that was voted against by the corporations and their allies.

Padmé could only sigh in defeat.

"Do not blame yourselves, fellow senators," Jiraiya said to them lightheartedly as he frowned while adding. "The fact that these rich pricks are allowed to vote in the first place, is beyond my understanding; they couldn't give a damn about anything beyond taking advantage of the war to line their pockets."

The way he said it overwhelmed the three other senators.

"And so again, the Cycle of Hatred will continue," Jiraiya huffed sadly, "Such a waste of life…"

It was then that Chuchi asked out of nowhere. "Did you fight in a war?"

Jiraiya's answer however did not come out immediately, as he instead answered it in such a way that was understandable but yet short.

"On my planet - everyone is at war, no matter what generation."

WOOOSH!*

The door opened up, allowing entrance for Senator Mon Mothma, causing the other senators to wonder as to the reason for the worried look on her face.

"I've got some bad news to tell you all, so pardon me for barging in."

Bail raised his hand in a placating gesture. "What is it?"

"The Ambassador of Zygerria has called for another special session."

Meanwhile

In the furthest corners of the Outer Rim, there was a planet that was mostly left untouched from the spaceports and advanced technology—in essence, a garden world. Its lush green forests and large rivers spread across the planet like veins, emphasizing the large rock canyons that were just beautiful to gawk at. So removed from society that its atmosphere was clean of any pollutants.

And if you reached the top of the mountains, the view of being above the clouds as you watched the sun was equally beautiful - whether it be sundown or sunrise, the views of this planet's ground-side were just extraordinary.

"Feast, villagers!"

And the inhabitants of this planet were just as wonderful, as of right now a large celebration was being held in the night as hundreds of villagers were present. All of them wore traditional clothing and were peace-loving people who respected the untouched nature of the land they held sacred.

They were however accompanied by a few visitors. Both Jango and Boba were sitting at their prepared spots with food and water, welcomed by the villagers as if they were neighbors. With Boba having already finished his meal, he was allowed to socialize with some of the villagers' children who were eager to play with him.

"Want some more water, mister?" One of the men offered kindly.

Jango properly said. "Of course, thank you." He held up his empty cup as the villager began pouring the drinks in. "May I ask you something?"

"Yeah, shoot."

"What brought you here exactly? To this planet I mean." Jango asked as he turned to his left where he was speaking to someone. "Because I did not expect you to get all the way out here. Kid."

Sitting next to him was a changed Naruto Uzumaki, with the physical change being more noticeable. As he grew his hair slightly more out and with him still wearing the black bandana around his head that covered the nasty scar he had been given on Kessel. From his movements, it was quite clear that he was recovering well since that incident.

As for what he wore was a mixture of the clothes he picked and a bit of what he adapted to from the villagers, especially the noticeable red traditional shawl that everyone wore in the village like them, he had it around his shoulders as he wore underneath it his usual attire.

He wore some traditional garments that were similar to the Jedi, yet he was dressed distinctly differently from them, as he wore a long brown coat over his clothes. As the planet was pretty hot at this time of year, he had to dress appropriately so as to avoid a heat stroke, the most prominent of which being a short-sleeved shirt and baggy pants tied around his legs. Given the atmosphere of the planet, the fabrics used were likely able to keep the body's core temperature constant, allowing cool air in during hot weather, while retaining heat during cold seasons. He also wore a visor to prevent the sun from getting into his eyes, and his boots seemed to be made of durable material.

It was quite obvious from the gear he took with him that he'd been out of the village—nothing specifically for war, but perfect for a hunt. He had a bandolier of ammo slung across his shoulder, ostensibly for the strange-looking hunting rifle in his hand. On his belt, he had a large knife in the holster that looked to be well-made for both combat and daily chores.

"Well, for once I say it's a place far away from current events," Naruto argued, taking a bite out of his food, "In exchange for work around the settlement from hunting to helping with the harvest, I get what I need to live here."

Jango asked. "And what's that?"

"A place to sleep, food and some places to train…" Naruto said as he took a bite from the fruit provided to him. "The locals here are generous, good people."

"I can see," Jango stated as he noticed some of the welcoming glances the boy was given earlier on. "But is that the only reason you are here?"

Looking up, Naruto nods his head towards a direction that Jango turned to see what it was.

The direction led to the podium where the village elder and his two grandchildren were seen sitting and eating while observing the festivities going on. At the forefront was a young woman with white facial markings along the bridge of her nose, and below her eyes. She wore a small bouquet of red flowers secured with blue ribbons attached to her ears that contrasted against cream-colored hair, and a horn headdress fitted around the back of her neck and over her shoulders. The fineries she wore were simple, consisting of a white one-piece dress with blue stripes running down the middle.

She was joined by a girl around the same age, but dressed more simply—in addition to the red shawl typical of her people, she wore a black tank that bore her midriff, and black short-shorts with green trim along the hem and secured to her waist with an orange belt. Her hair was done up behind her head in a ponytail, and was more plain compared to the other girl, with a more energetic disposition.

The more proper girl turned to find Naruto looking down at them before quickly turning her attention back to the children she was playing with. If one were to pay attention for a brief second, they could see her turning a light shade of red before her skin turned back to its normal warm tan.

Naruto winced his eyes as he looked down back to his food, causing Jango to then question him.

"You know that girl is looking at you, right?"

"Her name's Haru, and yes, I noticed. This has been happening for almost a year now." Naruto replied calmly as he admitted. "Ever since I brought Asu's body back."

"Asu?"

"That's the name of Haru's fiancé." Naruto sighed as he went on. "I knew Asu in Ölüm, he was abducted and sold into slavery by a some raiders who caught him. He worked alongside me in the digging unit often. He was a goodhearted, kind soul."

"What happened?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, as he held his cup with tingling that was visible on his fingers.

"He was beaten to death, by Zykol of all people," Naruto began, clearly reluctant to recant this tale, "Zyg bastard denigrated him and taunted him for his non-resistance before smashing the guy's skull in. All the while I was forced to watch with the others. He died after the first blow, but the bastard kept on going until his brains were pulped."

"Kriff…." Jango cursed hearing that, shaking his head. "That's brutal…"

"They don't know."

"Hmm?" Jango turned back around. "What do you mean?"

"Haru and Saku, those two girls down there, they don't know," Naruto added, "The cause of death, I never told them about it because the village elder told me they were close to him when they were childhood kids."

A couple of kids were seen running past them, causing a small pause in their conversation before Naruto resumed. "I did, however, cover his body up before giving him to the village so they didn't have to see the state of his body when I found it. He was, of course, given a proper burial, that was the least I thought I could do for him."

"And as an unintended consequence, this girl…"

"I wanted to pay my respect and help them out, I didn't mean to do anything like that," Naruto added, dismissing the prospect, "Asu told me how he loved Haru, and how he planned on marrying her. When he was being laid down I could see she was heartbroken by his death."

"I'm not accusing you of anything, kid." Jango said, putting a hand on his shoulder, "Just so you know."

"Over time, we talked, mostly about Asu," Naruto began, "Pretty soon, we were doing more things together; whenever we did the harvest, she would often join me on the hunt or looking for a spot for me to train. And then one day…"

As he trailed on, Jango was able to put the pieces together. "She confronted you, didn't she?"

There was no answer from Naruto—the silence said more than enough. "How'd she take it?"

"Well to tell you the truth, going after a friend's fiancé not that long after he died? It'd take a certain kind of scumbag to do such a thing," Naruto explained, "And believe me, I really did feel like a dirtbag. So I tried to let her down gently…and wound up botching the job—she seemed to recover just fine though, but I still haven't seen her courting anyone else."

Again, a glance from the beautiful Haru was seen giving to Naruto, but this time it was more out of concern as she then was forced to turn back to focus.

Jango shook his head as he told Naruto. "Kid, I suggest you stop thinking you're a scumbag because that's the last thing anyone would think of you."

"But-"

"No buts, you aren't." Jango finalized, slightly raising his voice up. "You've proven yourself in front of many people that you are the direct opposite of it, and clearly even now you are proving it."

In the background, Boba was seen running to a group of villagers who were seen coming to the only radio in the village, causing his interest to spike.

"I just want her to have the best options available," Naruto said to Jango, "Haru's got a good heart-"

"And I believe that is why she's looking at you, Naruto," Jango argued, "Your compassion, your actions, and willingness to help and comfort these people, is perhaps the reason why she's seeing you-"

Boba was then seen running through the feast as he'd just heard something on the radio.

"You got all the attributes of your ancestors," Jango assured him. "And that alone with your self-reflection, is enough to convince me that you are not what you claim you are."

Naruto took a moment before he smiled and responded. "Thanks, Jango. I appreciate that-"

"DAD!"

The conversation was cut short when young Boba ran up to them, Jango voice a bit rash as he tried to calm him down. "Boba, can you not see I am-"

"But it's important!" Boba began hastily, "Zygerria is attacking Earth!"

The news was heard by nearby villagers as gasps could be heard, but other villagers were seen spreading the word.

It even reached the ear of the Village Elder and his granddaughters, with both the girls looking distraught. Haru was especially worried as she looked over to Naruto's side.

Meeting eye-to-eye, it was Naruto who could only close his eyes from the stare as he turned back to Jango.

"Guess we'll be going to war."