AN: Hope everyone's ready for the next chapter. Sorry for the wait, but life has just caught up. I got a new puppy, work has been busy, and some other family drama, so I just haven't had time to write.
I'm still enjoying this story, and am committed to finishing it, but I'm going to start posting once every two weeks, instead of weekly. With everything going on, writing is sometimes feeling like a chore, so I think I need to give myself some more time to post so that it's not a problem and I won't feel some (self-imposed) pressure to write as much as I can. I'll go back to posting on Sundays (after this post), so next post will be two weeks from this Sunday.
So, hope everyone enjoys the chapter. As always, thanks for all the support! Special thanks to FractionalSith, Tracyn, and Dragomi125 for helping to beta the story.
MaySail199 - I'm happy to see you enjoy the portrayal of Anakin and his family much better, and that you enjoyed the humor. I agree it was important for Anakin to know that Obi-Wan praises Anakin, and that the other Jedi do think well of him. I thought it was fun to point out that which Anakin sometimes resented in the Order can still be familial and sibling like bonds, all of which helps to shift Anakin's perception of the Order as a whole. As always, thanks!
Chapter 65 - The Separatist Crisis
The Communications Room of the Jedi Temple had well over a dozen people being projected in from all across the galaxy, and there were at least a dozen Jedi, Mandalorians, Antarian Rangers, and Order soldiers physically in the room for the briefings.
Allara Shan surveyed each group, noting the rather grim looks reflected on many of their faces, with a small minority looking relieved. She hoped that this briefing wouldn't be quite as bad as some others.
Over the past couple months, the Separatist Movement had ramped up and become the Separatist Crisis.
It was good timing that the Jedi Order had been working to grow their strength because they had been needed more than ever lately. Having support in the form of soldiers, technicians, and specialists, as well as a fleet or air support had saved lives on many worlds; civilian, Jedi, and ally alike.
While the Republic was being criticized for overreliance on the Order, the Jedi Order itself was being praised for its actions—with only their fiercest critics arguing that the Jedi Order was only seeking political and military power to take further control in the Senate.
This Communications Room, which had been refurbished and converted into a Command Center, was proof of the changes in the galaxy.
Another change was the addition of a new Council . . . a Council for the Jedi Coalition.
This Council was a go-between for the Jedi Order, the Antarian Rangers, their Mandalorian allies, their new military volunteers, and all their collective other allies. This included the various sects of Jedi, like the Corellians, the Altisians, the Teepo and Grey Paladins, and the Dahgee, and similarly aligned Force religions like the Matukai, the Church of the Force, and the Disciples and Guardians of the Whills.
This new joint military had decided to brand themselves the Force Troopers.
The Force Troopers consisted of eleven branches: Mobile Infantry, Ground and Anti-Air Artillery, Engineering, Reconnaissance, Intelligence, Medical, Logistics, Ordinance, Signal and Security, Fleet, and Special Operations. Many of the various branches had their own sub-branches or entities for specific roles.
The branches were an administrative and training tool that the coalition had adapted from other galactic militaries. New recruits or volunteers would join the mobile infantry, for instance, and would report to the branch for training for their job. Upon completion, they would administratively be assigned to one of the operational units. They would still belong to that "branch" as an identifier, but nothing more. Branches were little more than a way to distinguish different job types and give members a sense of belonging within their own "branch". It also served to foster some competitiveness between the various branches, which the Jedi Order didn't necessarily care for, but others did.
The Force Troopers army itself was organized into seven corps, each of which had legions, regiments, battalions, companies, platoons, and squads as sub-elements to be assigned depending on mission requirements.
Assignments were sent to the Corps, who would then route the mission down through the chain of command to the lower echelon they felt was needed to accomplish the task. Every Corp had the necessary capabilities to independently handle any mission type in any domain, be that combat, humanitarian, or diplomatic.
They also had seven corresponding fleets, each assigned to a specific corps, and which also could be broken down into various battle groups or task forces as needed.
Naturally, unless war broke out, entire fleets or corps wouldn't be needed. So far, nothing above a company had been utilized, but it was easier and more efficient to have the task organization developed and running sooner, rather than later.
Unlike what many had expected, Jedi were not wholly responsible for each branch, all the corps or fleets, or even the overall force.
Overall, the Force Troopers fell under the Coalition Council, but even the Coalition Council was merely where all the various entities met, when needed, with guidance from their own higher echelons. The Jedi Order did not have greater weight than their allies.
Briefings, like Allara was currently partaking in, were taken by whoever could show up, before information was then pushed to the various groups for their situational awareness and possibly for needed guidance. The fleets and corps had some autonomy to act as needed, but major operations required a Council to provide direction.
The Coalition Council, and whoever sat on it, just weren't able to meet for every briefing with hundreds of active operations running at all times, ranging from anti-piracy, to medical aid, planetary protection, diplomacy, escorts, and supporting missions or requests that any of the individual organizations might receive, like AgriCorp or Education requests to the Order.
The Force Troopers were effectively enhancing whatever each individual organization was working towards, allowing all of the groups to flex their reach to greater parts of the galaxy as a whole, something that had garnered notice: both admiration and wariness.
Allara focused on the first group that included her father.
"Master Shan, Captain Solm, Captain Lok," Mace greeted curtly. "What updates do you have on the situation on Antar 4?"
"The situation is mostly stable, finally," Kastor said with a tired sigh. "Master Trebor is currently talking to the Gotal Assembly, while Master Tiin is dealing with a few remaining mercenaries that showed up late to the party. We still have a few squads in firefights across the planet, but the riots have faded, and the only remaining enemy combatants are Roshu Sune terrorists."
"Our forces are maintaining peace on the planet, ensuring the Roshu Sune have no remaining hidden elements to stir up trouble. They're working to neutralize or capture the remaining terrorists still fighting, of course," the Freeorin Antarian Ranger, Solm, continued. "Our more . . . vengeful Rangers have been redirected to helping repairs at the various Chapter Houses that were bombed, or are assisting the Medical Corps with treating the injured, be they our forces, civilians, or captured terrorists. We have troopers at the ports to ensure no more Roshu Sune terrorists escape the planet."
"The Article of Secession has been completely pulled," Kastor briefed, "and the peace talks are continuing to hopefully help appease the people of Antar 4 against all slights they feel the Republic has made against the planet."
"I will say that our actions have gotten mostly a positive response from the Gotal people, having managed to contain the fighting and save civilians," Captain Asuna Lok said, "Our swift response, and coordinated efforts were able to minimize the collateral damage, but you should note that some of my warriors are saying the Republic has gained no favor out of this skirmish . . . perhaps even lost it. Our coalition has impressed many . . . however, the Jedi are, for the first time in a long time, being looked at as separate from the Republic, and I think you should be prepared for that blowback in the Senate."
"Understood," Allara said wearily, knowing the anti-Jedi elements would get a thrill out of that, and it would lead to further problems with the Senate.
"That leads us to you, Knight Jeng and Lieutenant Commander Teviras," Mace said, glancing at the second group.
Allara glanced at the two, the Jedi ground commander and the Togruta in charge of the small fleet task force, noting they seemed more pleased with the situation.
"The Atzerri spaceport is locked down," Nordito Teviras responded firmly, with a pleased smile. "Gotal refugees that fled are being gathered, cared for, and relocated to the Ranger Chapter House at Aleen. We are already working on transportation to return them back to Antar 4, and provide further aid if needed."
"Good, that is," Yoda said.
"As you know, our actions forced a group of Roshu Sune terrorists out into the open and they seized a commuter hopper full of civilians," Sarrissa Jeng spoke with a frown.
Her projection started showing a transport at a port, and Allara noted the two Fang starfighters that were hovering above the hopper, preventing it from taking off.
"Their demands are for the Gotal government to sign the Articles of Secession in exchange for the hostages . . . yet they must know that is a desperate demand with no Gotal hostages, and the Atzerri government has no power to force an agreement."
"The Gotal emissary had a trip planned for Atzerri in the next week," Solm interjected. "I suspect that our actions forced their hand early. If they could have gotten him, along with some refugees, they might have had something."
"A reasonable conclusion," Shaak Ti agreed.
"The hostage situation should be resolved in the next hour," Sarissa continued, and twelve green lights filled the projection. "As you can see, Mandalorian and Antarian Ranger snipers have the hopper surrounded. Knight Shissan's team is moving in to try and prevent bloodshed, but the terrorists position is indefensible."
"Very well," Allara said. "Do not be afraid to give the go ahead on those shots, if they are open, but do your best to minimize bloodshed. Our critics are accusing us of using 'lightsaber diplomacy' to solve our issues. Of course, most of their examples are against pirates and mercenaries, but I'd prefer not to give them more ammo."
"Understood, Master," Sarissa affirmed, cutting her projection of the hostage situation, and Teviras disappeared from the hologram. Allara assumed he was going to check in on the situation and provide guidance as needed. Sarissa would stay on to help stay apprised of the other situations.
They turned to the next group, and Allara smiled at her adoptive sister, who was with her former master and another of their newest officers.
"We met up with Kastor and Vana's contact, the Toydarian, Reti," Adi started, "but Reti was followed by the Trade Federation who has well exceeded their rights in the system."
Like with Sarissa, Adi started projecting the situation, showing a nebula along with Adi's forces, the Trade Federation's, and Reti's rather unique looking freighter.
"They didn't take kindly to us and despite our warnings, engaged us in the Ruby Nebula," Lieutenant Commander Elbrick Antilles, Breha Organa's cousin, continued. "It's unclear whether they felt failure was not an option or they just felt they could destroy our task force with their own, but their entire force was destroyed."
"One lander and two squadrons of droid fighters attempted to destroy a force quadruple their strength?" Vice Admiral Jace Dallin asked incredulously, noting the Federation's numbers.
"They attempted to use the nebula and asteroids to flank us," Elbrick explained, and they all watched as a squadron of Vulture droids attempted to flank around to the right of Adi's force, while another squadron of Scarab starfighters came from below Adi's fleet. The Federation C-9979 landing craft took up a position directly in front of Adi's Arquitens Heavy Frigate, bold and almost challenging, its turrets firing and targeting Adi's command ship.
Unfortunately for the Federation, they didn't have the strength to flank Adi's force. Her heavy frigate pushed forward, flanked on each side by an Arquitens Light Cruiser, which all were firing on the Federation lander. Her two other support craft, Mandalorian Crusader Corvettes, each turned to counter an enemy starfighter squadron, assisted by the two squadrons that Adi had deployed.
The droids were simply no match for the mixture of N-1, Fang, Delta-7 Aethersprite, and Z-95 Headhunter starfighters that made up the bulk of the new Force Trooper starfighter corp. The droids were corralled into the corvettes' firing lanes, overwhelming them in short order.
The Lander was taking a beating, not being designed to go blow for blow with even most cruisers of a similar size to it. It was a transport for a reason.
Adi's ship attempted to disable it, but it was clear that it sustained too much damage, and a hull breach started a chain reaction destroying the ship.
"They were bold enough to demand we surrender ourselves, so perhaps they were just overconfident, though I doubt it," Siri agreed dryly. "I suspect they feared reporting failure to their boss more than they feared death."
"A not inconsequential feat when you consider the disposition of Neimoidians," Shaak Ti observed.
"Neimoidians are shabla cowards," Ika Bralor said with a derisive snort. "Always have been. Clearly they felt someone else had a bigger stick."
"I agree," Adi said gravely. "We also detected and destroyed a surveillance ship that had the markings of Sabaoth Squadron."
"So that's where Toth disappeared to after Korriban," Asuna snarled with a scowl.
"Reti confessed to having had a previous encounter with their group, but was unfamiliar with Cavik Toth, so it's not yet confirmed," Adi responded. "Afterward, Reti led us to Nym and some of his Lok Revenants, who were attacking a Trade Federation military base on Karthakk."
The projection shifted from the Ruby Nebula to show a mountainous island with a large outpost on it.
"The Trade Federation isn't supposed to have military outposts after their actions in the Naboo Crisis," Plo Koon noted gravely.
"Based on their previous actions, and the illegality of the base, we felt we had just cause to intervene," Elbrick said, only a hint of a sly grin on his face, the expression mirrored by Siri and Adi as they shared a glance. "The Trade Federation, once again, refused to cease hostilities and decided we were with Nym and attacked us."
"What was the intent of Nym's attack?" Solm inquired, crossing his bulky blue-green arms. "Nym has a grudge against the Trade Federation, but he'd never take a risk like that unless he had something to gain."
"Nym has joined forces with the Mere Resistance, which has been opposing Trade Federation control in the system," Siri said. "The attack on the base was to gain the location and access codes to a space station where the Trade Federation is illegally holding members of their resistance movement prisoner."
"So, you're off to help Nym with a jailbreak," Kastor surmised with a smile.
"And to gather more evidence to be presented to the Senate on the many illegal actions of the Trade Federation," Siri added with relish. "Their forces present at the base were well beyond what they needed to 'protect their assets' considering they had battleships, U-boats, and bombers, and this system has very little in the way of orbital defenses."
The projection left the island and started projecting the Federation naval battleships, U-boats, and Federation bombers that had been present, showing the forces spotted and destroyed.
"Continue to aid Nym and the Mere Resistance," Mace ordered. "Hopefully the investigation will help curb the Trade Federation's political and military power. If you find evidence of Cavik Toth and his mercenary unit being present in the system, report it in and we'll send reinforcements."
"Understood, Master Windu," Adi said with a nod. The Tholothian Jedi glances off to the side before swiftly returning her gaze to the Communications Room conference. "We have to meet and start planning with Nym now, so we'll sign off."
Farewells were made. Allara shared one last smile with Siri before they disappeared, and she turned to the remaining projections that still needed to present their reports.
Four of their six remaining groups would likely have very similar reports, all four dealing with similar situations in different parts of the galaxy.
Master Fisto was leading a team that was combatting the Pirates of Iridium, a piracy and smuggling group that was preying on the Atrivis sector, and had been for almost a year. Knight Garen Muln's team was combatting a second group of pirates, the Nuala Marauders while Knight Jaizen Suel and her team were working to neutralize a third, the Kalarba Pirates, and Knight Rissa Mano was attempting to flush out the Merson Pirates.
Recently, their information networks had hinted, but not confirmed that they were all financially backed and allied with the Confederacy of Independent Systems . . . which was a common trend for many other pirate and mercenary factions that were raiding Republic worlds recently.
The Jedi Order as a whole was quite divided.
Many still thought quite highly of Count Dooku, and even though his actions with the CIS had led to harm and work for the Order, many still believed him to be a political idealist just doing what he thought he had to in order to curb corruption, something many Jedi could agree with.
However, with their forces having grown, allies, and networks having been formed, information was coming in rapidly from all corners of the galaxy, and the Order was learning quite a few alarming actions by the new Confederacy, and with Dooku as its head, it was hard to swallow that he might have in fact ordered the actions, and perhaps he was not deserving of their admiration. Not anymore.
The worst event was the attack on the Wookiee Trade Guild, not six months prior. There were few survivors to fully explain what had happened, and reports were conflicting with one of the survivors claiming to have seen a red lightsaber, but an Antarian Ranger team was at least able to confirm that it had been a Trade Federation droid army that had attacked.
The evidence hadn't been enough for the Senate, but the new coalition had been worried this was the first sign of a Sith Empire and Separatist alliance. The coalition was still working to try and help the guild to rebuild, since they had been one of the few barriers between the Trade Federation and financial domination in the Kashyyyk system.
"The Pirates are easily thwarted," Kit reported, "but attempts to try and bring about an end to the hostilities have been fruitless. Master Idan attempted diplomacy, and the pirates at first seemed to be open to the talks, but it was all a ploy to try and separate our fleet."
Kit shook his head sadly, and the projection showed two Republic Judicial Consular-class Corvettes meeting up with a Longprow attack cruiser.
Not far enough away to be considered not a threat, but far enough to simply be considered security for the ships were three warpod pinnaces, another Longprow, and five enemy starfighters, which were too small to differentiate.
On the Republic side, also in security positions, were two Arquitens Light Cruisers, a squadron of starfighters, and two new Mandalorian Artus-class Heavy cruisers.
"They attacked, using power gems to strip our shields, during the attempted link up and destroyed one of the Judicial cruisers present."
They watched as the Longprow closest to the Judicial cruisers opened up a large volley, on the right ship, whose shields failed and started to explode almost immediately as the hull was breached.
The second Judicial cruiser put full power to its engines, working to evade the fire of the enemy ship as well as its allies. Meanwhile, the rest of Kit's forces rushed forward to assist and engage.
"As you can see," Kit continued, "they underestimated the speed of our interceptors, and we managed to destroy most of the enemy fighter squadron, and our light cruisers were able to intercept two of the enemy attack cruisers as well. Their forces have been depleted greatly, but they are still a threat . . . and I fear that what we have destroyed will be easily replaced. Some of the ships we've seen are far more expensive and new compared to what most pirate bands have."
"Examples?" Clee asked with a frown.
"Most of their fighter squadron were new Z-95 Headhunters, modified with better shields and engines," Sin Vihas, Kit's Mikkian lieutenant, said, and there were frowns all around the room.
Allara knew those fighters were expensive for pirates. Modifications made them more so. They were one of the starfighters that the Jedi had selected for their own forces.
The Aethersprite served as their dedicated interceptor, and the Fang Fighter was their more general use short-range snub fighter. The Headhunters and N-1s served as their long-range strike and reconnaissance fighters, while also being good compliments to the Aethersprite and Fangs.
Still, Kit's implication was sound. These pirates were receiving funding or were getting shipments from someone with resources. It was one thing to know that the Confederacy was possibly or even likely paying the pirates to attack Republic transports, shipping lanes, or ports. It was another for the Confederacy to possibly be directly outfitting these pirates to more effectively fight against Republic or Jedi forces.
"We cannot let pirates think they can use shady tactics to whittle us down," Mando Romana Jakal said fiercely. "What forces do you need to neutralize the pirates for good?"
Kit turned to his lieutenant with a smile, following his lead.
"Two light cruisers and another squadron of long-range fighters would allow us to triangulate their base of operations," Vihas answered in the Jedi Master's stead.
"I can send those forces immediately," Vice Admiral Kara Lysan voiced to the room, and confirmation nods went around the room.
"We appreciate the assistance," Kit responded with a smile, and focus shifted to the next group.
"Lieutenant Teva, Knight Mano, your update?" Mace inquired.
Knight Rissa Mano was a younger Knight, only a couple years older than Anakin, but Allara knew she had gained a reputation as being one of the finest pilots in the Order.
In the aftermath of Korriban, Reaper and Basilisk squadrons had both lost nearly 40% of their squadrons. This put them in desperate need to rebuild, just as the Force Troopers were forming and in need of experienced pilots to take lead in new squadrons.
Both squadrons' reputations spoke for themselves, giving no shortage of eager young pilots hoping to join, but at the same time, Reaper and Basilisk pilots had been offered the chance to move and take the squadron leader positions.
While many of the surviving pilots had stayed with Reaper and Basilisk, some few, Carson Teva, Garven Dreis, and Antoc Merrick among them, had decided they couldn't refuse the chance to lead a squadron.
"The situation is well in hand," Carson Teva reported calmly. "Our fighters and Kom'rk transports are more than enough to neutralize the pirates normal hit and run tactics. We defeated two squadrons already and repelled another one. Knight Anderlock and a small team are escorting two starliners through the Merson's territory as we speak."
"Their attacks have fallen off in the past week," Rissa agreed. "Based on their estimated size, they're either running low on ships, pilots willing to fly them, or they're reevaluating the job and the rewards associated with it. I suspect the latter."
"Continue to thwart the Merson Pirates, we must," Yoda said firmly. "Ties to our old enemies, the Zygerrians, they have. Resurrect the slave empire, they must not help do."
"We already have reports of the Zygerrians mobilizing," Ashka Boda reminded the remaining group, likely speaking of his contacts from his network as a Shadow.
"Understood, Master Yoda," Teva responded with a respectful nod. "We'll keep everyone up to date on the situation over the next week."
"Thank you, Carson, Rissa," Allara said with a friendly smile, earning a smile and nod in turn from Rissa.
"As always, your servant, Lady Shan," Carson responded cheerily, and they ended the communication.
"I wish our situation was as well in hand," Garen Muln said grimly. "The Nuala Marauders are better equipped than we were led to believe. Currently Master Choi and two of our frigates are preventing the pirates from sneaking past our blockade of their movement corridor, while Knight Fida and his squadron patrol the opposite flank."
"So far, the pirates have not yet pushed their offense aggressively," Magg Vo, Garen's Tholothian Captain, briefed. "I suspect that is because they are not yet aware of our full strength. Their actions suggest they are probing us before they strike."
"Not typical of pirates," Mace observed with a frown.
"Definitely not my normal experience," Garen agreed. "They're striking more like mercenaries under an actual commander with experience."
They started projecting out, and the room got a clear look at what Garen and Vo's force was dealing with.
"We could use more support," Vo requested. "Just keeping track of the ships that have probed us suggests they have nearly four squadrons of starfighters, and we've noted at least three frigates and two escort craft. If they are as competent as they've seen so far, they could have two or three times that in reserve."
"That is definitely not typical of the run-of-the-mill pirates," Allara agreed, and she glanced at Kara.
"My section can be ready to leave within the hour," she assured.
"Mobilizing a large task force bodes ill for the future," Kastor muttered, and there were grim nods all around at that.
"Take your section," Mace agreed. "The people of the Nuala system need our aid, and we will not risk our people's destruction if we can prevent it."
Kara, her commodore at her hip, both nodded and immediately departed the room.
"Vice Admiral Lysan's fleet section is on its way to reinforce your position," Mace said back to Garen and Vo. "When she gets on the ground, read her in fully, and then she will take over."
"Understood, Master," Garen replied with a nod, and a grateful smile.
Allara knew that Garen was partially relieved for himself, but he was more thankful that the reinforcements would help limit losses among his crew.
"Now, we must get back to check on the situation," Garen finished, and they all nodded as he and Vo cut their signal.
Allara sighed, thinking about how piracy and mercenary briefs were becoming all too common, and many of the updates were similar.
Case in point was now Jaizen Suel briefing about her own situation with the Kalarba pirates, who specialized in boarding vessels. They would then assault through a ship and claim the bridge, making it hard for reaction forces to counter the pirates without causing damage to the vessel and crew or passengers they were trying to protect. Jaizen's crew were currently countering the Kalaraba pirates, but they needed more time to fully neutralize or at least chase off the pirates.
"Knight Eerin?" Allara asked, turning to their penultimate briefing, but knowing these last two were perhaps the most important.
"It is as we all feared," Bant briefed, the Mon Cal's normally kind, happy disposition nowhere to be found. "Somehow, the Rakghoul Plague has returned to Taris."
A short pause came about and a small wave of alarm flooded over the conference.
"That plague died out millennia ago," Shaak Ti said in mystified concern. This wasn't like the hidden Sith sects. Rakghouls lacked the calculated malice and even awareness of the ancient enemies of the Jedi to partake in any prolonged subterfuge. "How could it have returned?"
"It was of Sith creation," Kastor said grimly. "It's possible this is a creation of the Sith Empire."
"It's possible," Bant agreed. "A starship crashed onto the surface, and it was that level where the plague reappeared. I'm still trying to trace the ship, who owned it, and where it came from, but there is a chance that the Sith are involved."
"Well . . . there is another option," Allara said slowly, thinking back on her history. "It could still be Sith involvement, but I remember an amulet."
"That was lost," her father said, realizing where her mind was going.
"Yes, but it was never confirmed destroyed," Allara returned. "It could have been found by the Sith . . . or it could have just been found by random smugglers, looters, treasure hunters, or who knows who else and we just are now seeing or hearing about its return."
"Would the two most ancient Jedi in the room like to share with the group?" Romana asked dryly.
"The Murr Talisman," Kastor and Allara said together.
"It was created by the Sith alchemist, Sorzus Syn, one of the original twelve Jedi Exiles who became the first Sith Lords," Kastor said. "It was created for Karness Muur, another of the twelve, to enable him to create the first rakghouls and sustain his life force, granting him immortality."
"The talisman is basically a parasite," Allara continued. "It seeks out powerful Force users, and forces them to act as Muur's vessel and conduit. It was lost for centuries, before the damn thing somehow turned up on Taris. It's what caused the original plague on the planet."
"It was the original, infamous, Jedi Covenant that theorized the cursed item was on Taris and went looking for it," Kastor took up the history lesson again. "Their search for it was unintentionally delayed by Zayne Carrick, and by the time a Covenant Shadow had been dispatched, the Mandalorians had invaded Taris, found the amulet, and fled the system."
"The Jedi pursued them to Jebble," Allara took up the final part of the tale. "The cursed object started turning the Mandalorians into rakghouls, spreading the plague even worse than before, so the Covenant Shadow took the Talisman to try and contain the power. She was losing the fight when Zayne Carrick and his comrades sealed her away to try and buy time. It was for naught as Cassus Fett arrived in orbit over Jebble, knew of the threat, and thus bombarded the planet. Zayne and his comrades escaped, but the Covenant Shadow was left and presumed dead."
"So, you think the Talisman might have somehow made its way back to Taris?" Mace asked in concern. "Do you know of a way to fight it?"
"I never studied it specifically, but I think I'd have a good chance if I saw it," Kastor admitted. "It wouldn't be my first cursed amulet."
"I am of the same opinion," Allara admitted.
"Good," Yoda said. "Depart we will to Taris. Meet us, Kastor will. Find the source, we must. Stop it we will. Fail, we cannot."
"Understood, Master," both Shans said.
Everyone turned to the last man to brief, one who probably should have briefed first, but had asked them to continue so that he could observe.
"How can we help you, Mand'alor?" Allara asked, smiling at Khaeno Ordo.
Her father, Fay, and Siri had many pleasant tales involving the man, even if she'd only spoken to him like this.
"We need more assistance from the AgriCorps," Khaeno said gruffly.
The Jedi in the room frowned.
"I understand that you might be impatient for results," Shaak Ti said, "but it does take time to repair war ravaged worlds."
"It's not that," Khaeno said with a shake of his head. "Our crops and your efforts are being targeted on Mandalorian worlds. We believe it to be the work of the Death Watch, but have not yet confirmed so."
"Why would they do this?" Plo asked. "I understand the Death Watch venerates your Neo-Crusader ancestors, but hurting your people seems counter to even their desires."
"Some among my people are still unhappy with this alliance we have formed," Khaeno replied. "Some have been unhappy since the beginning. However, their voice means very little when there is hope and happiness among their fellow Mandalorians. Many of my people rejoice at the alliance, even if some of our sons and daughters do not return from the battles. Fighting has always been our way, and always will be. Our songs are being sung, glory is being found, and wealth is returning. The Death Watch cause cannot rise when the people are happy and supportive of the government. They need the hope to die. We believe this is the first step in a plan to bring about the end of our alliance."
"We cannot allow that to happen," Mace said. "Your people have become an integral part of our alliance, and we would struggle to accomplish all that we do without you."
"You have no need to convince me, Master Jedi," Khaeno responded assuringly. "I too have enjoyed the alliance and what it has done for my people. Our songs are louder when they are sung together, and our futures are brighter. No, I will fight for our alliance with everything I have, but I need help trying to flush out the cowards. One of my best, a Wookiee, who has his own grudge against Death Watch, is working to track them and monitor them so that we can strike, but I believe laying a trap using AgriCorps Jedi might also bear fruit."
The Jedi all exchanged glances.
"We will have to talk to the Master of the Corp, but if Jedi can be spared, we will let you know and send them to fall under your guidance," Mace said. "Is there anything else that we can do for you?"
"No," Khaeno said. "Not yet. Perhaps, if we fail, but for now, we'll keep this mostly internal. This is a fight we've been fighting for decades, and I think it's coming to a head, but I'd prefer to keep it a Mandalorian affair, if possible."
"We understand," Allara said, and Khaeno nodded.
"Very well," Khaeno said. "Let me know when Jedi can be found and sent to us."
With those gruff demands, he ended the communication.
"With the briefings done, I believe it is time to turn our discussion to the border crisis occurring on Ansion," Shaak Ti said.
"What about it?" Kara asked, eyes frowning in confusion. "I don't remember seeing a request from the Senate to intervene there."
"There wasn't one," Plo agreed.
"I've never even heard of Ansion," Jace remarked curiously..
"It's a backwater world not worth noting," Romana said with a derisive snort.
"That might be true," Shaak Ti agreed slowly, "but through a multiplicity of pacts and alliances, Ansion leaving the Republic could pull dozens of other, greater, systems with it. More systems than we care to think about."
"See, this is one of my problems with the oh so illustrious Senate," Romana said in contempt. "Only your Order seems to have noticed this, and you want us to go and help these people stay in the Republic. If they want to leave, I say we let them! Let the Republic deal with the fallout of losing a small empire's worth of systems."
"If this were as cut and dry as Ansion not liking its treatment in the Republic, or just wanting its own autonomy, I would agree," Allara stated calmly. "That is not the case. The planet is split between the Alwari Nomads and the Ansion 'City Dwellers,' and the Alwari believe the Senate favors the city dwellers, and the city folk are certain the Senate will side with their cause. The perception of favoritism from the Senate is close to persuading both sides that Ansion would be better off outside of the Republic, where internal disputes can be handled without external interference."
"The issue," Plo took over, "is that there is evidence to support the contention that offworld elements are stirring the pot, hoping to induce Ansion to secede."
"The CIS," Ika muttered darkly. "They are playing the galaxy like a dejarik board, except they are doing their best to just convert pieces to their own side and divide up the galaxy as they see fit, leaving the board unfair."
"Which is why we must intervene," Romana reluctantly acknowledged. "The CIS cannot be allowed to continue to divide and conquer without opposition. How long before they turn their sights on more than just the Republic? Especially if the rumors of their alliance with the Sith Empire is true."
"The Sith Empire itself is cause for worry," Jace pointed out. "All our intelligence points towards them building up their infrastructure and making production facilities for war machines."
"Which is why keeping the Republic strong is vital," Shaak Ti asserted. "If the Confederacy continues to grow in strength by weakening the Republic, it will only make it harder for us to act as a barrier to possible Sith aggression."
There were many in the room who gave unhappy glances.
"I'm still not, nor are many of my people, confident keeping the Republic strong accomplishes much," Ika admitted. "The Mandalorian people have found faith and kinship in the Jedi Order, and the rest of our newly made allies and comrades in arms," she nodded at many within the room, "but we still have little love or respect for the Galactic Republic itself. We see the value in it as a supplier and as a client, but many of us still believe the Order, and now our Coalition, is stymied by the Republic. Individual worlds, peoples, leaders, and even Senators in the Republic have value . . . the Republic Senate as a whole has little. In fact, it continues to shrink."
"They grant us the authority to do what we do," Mace said as neutrally as he possibly could.
"Yes, but with your Order and its reputation, and the economic, political, military, and financial reach of this coalition, I don't think it's a stretch that systems would reach out to us to continue what we;re already doing for them," Ika responded. "Then we would have the right to bring those worlds into our fold afterwards to help create a galactic power of our own, one that could rival the Sith, the CIS, the Republic, the Hutts, or whoever dared to try and upset the peace we had created."
Allara, along with many of the Jedi in the room, exchanged weary looks. This was a common argument in their Coalition.
Their Mandalorian allies didn't mind fighting pirates, slavers, or other hostile organizations on behalf of the Republic, if they were paid for it. They didn't mind providing humanitarian aid to any world, since they knew the same aid could come to them, but they did believe that the Republic should be working harder so that their coalition, along with those few altruistic worlds like Alderaan or Naboo, weren't the ones bearing the brunt of the work.
Unfortunately, many Jedi were finding it harder and harder to argue, especially with many Jedi always having thought that the Order should be reaching into the Outer Rim and working to help people there without Senate interference.
Of course, it was also acknowledged that the Order didn't have the strength to fully assist everyone in the Republic, let alone the entire galaxy, but there was a growing unrest in the Order in regards to the Republic, and their actions.
Other Jedi felt that would set an extremely dangerous precedent, but continuing as they were was steadily proving to be a far more damning choice.
Unfortunately, they couldn't keep putting the argument off, lest that sow seeds of resentment and discontent among their own.
"You raise fair points," Shaak Ti ventured carefully, "but it is not so easy for us to just make that change. We are already starting to try and exert more pressure on the Senate, and gain more influence in the Senate. Perhaps we can table this for a discussion in the near future? Even committing to your idea would be a lengthy and resource costly process, and cannot be done on a whim."
Ika nodded grudgingly, conceding to Shaak Ti's points.
"If we all agree that we must attempt to intervene on Ansion, then I believe we could send two diplomatic teams," Shaak Ti ventured.
"If there is external influence, then we might wish to send more than just two diplomatic teams," Jace respectfully disagreed, his expression thoughtful. "If you're right, Master Jedi, then Ansion is a linchpin for a small empire joining the Confederacy. It's also a linchpin that few others have noticed. I can imagine that whoever is manipulating the situation will want to prevent our intervention."
Another point in their allies' favor, with the mounting evidence of Sith influence in the Senate, the Jedi and the Coalition's adherence to the Senate's regulations all but guaranteed their playing into the enemies' hands in some fashion.
"What about Knight Unduli and her Padawan, and we'll reinforce her with a fire team of Force Troopers?" Plo proposed to the group. "Then I recommend Master Kenobi and one other, also with a fire team of Force Troopers to be the second team."
"Just enough force to help stave off an attack, but small enough not to appear threatening," Allara agreed thoughtfully. "Obi-Wan and Luminara are both able diplomats. Barriss too has shown promise in that arena, but she at least can support her master. Who would we send to assist Obi-Wan?"
"What about Knight Skywalker?" Romana asked. "Those two work well together, obviously."
"He's unavailable at the moment," Mace said with a shake of his head and then he gave a disgruntled sigh. "We don't expect his mission to last much longer . . . and he did owe us an update today . . ."
Various sounds of amusement echoed around the room.
"But reporting to anyone is hardly his specialty," Allara finished with a fond grin before she thought a bit. "What about Knight Ertay?"
"That's possible," Mace said with a nod. "She is another able diplomat and warrior."
"I suspect they'll need that," Plo said gravely. "They'll need to work hard to remove the suspicions that exist between the two groups on Ansion, and they will likely find respect, but little trust, and no allies. This is especially true with Ansion's senator leaning towards secession."
"It's decided, then" Mace affirmed decisively.
As usual, there was much work to be done, and soon.