717 FNM (21 BBY) Month 10
Gargon, Balac Casino Resort
Big Bear
On lower levels of Balac Casino Resort, I rested in a workshop the mistress built for my maintenance. It allowed me to be kept close at hand during her outings on Gargon. With my mind freed from my mechanical body, I explored the HoloNet to find weaknesses that the Mistress could exploit, while small droids oiled various parts of my body to keep my joints functioning smoothly.
Today, I was re-examining the possibility of a droid legally owning itself. Interestingly, Correllia's laws seemed to create a possible loophole in ownership. The Republic's arrogance was as predictable as it was useful. I found some interactions within their legal system and the Republic's, that may be of use. However, compiling through every law's permutations was a time-consuming process even for my hardware, and —
"Alert: HoloNet access is unavailable. Download Paused: 63.44%"
Something interrupted my download feed. Outrageous! What the rust is this!?.
Since reawakening, the HoloNet was always available. An instantaneous network access to the galaxy was quite the comfort in this bleak future. One of the few advantages of this era was the debates and dialogues that access to the wider galaxy provided.
I was no stranger to many debates and rhetoric while interacting with sentients the galaxy over, all since I had pledged myself to Mistress Tanya. In doing so, I found a community of kindred minds. Minds who, despite not being Mandalorian, have come to hold some measure of kinship in my spirit. So the HoloNet's absence was a novel yet unpleasant sensation.
How bothersome. I reached out to mask the unpleasantness by distracting my spare processors with a few holo-dramas.
"Alert: HoloNet access is unavailable."
!
Logging a note to build a backup collection of entertainment media once the HoloNet was back online, I decided I should triple check that the HoloNet was still down. Someone might have fixed the connection by now. The Casino was hemorrhaging credits, no doubt. I waited thirty additional seconds for good measure — an eternity — and rechecked the HoloNet.
"Alert: HoloNet access is unavailable."
Unlike an organic, I could interface with dozens of activities on the HoloNet at once. I did so under many aliases, and it had become essential to my daily routine. Losing that access snapped me back to memories of my millennia of isolation before Mistress Tanya found me.
I remembered it all, perfectly recorded on my circuits. Forced to shut down most of my subroutines and deprive me of my senses after my primary power source almost ran dry. Time passes by as I lay trapped in my own processor as I watch my energy levels declining —
"Alert: Priority connection request from 'Balac Casino Resort: CasinoNet'."
My servos swiveled in a three hundred-sixty degree rotation.
Look at that name! This droid didn't even consider itself a sentient, just a connection of servers and protocols. The Manager of the casino, just a glorified server room. It was an embarrassment, but at least she was not one of X4's sycophants.
No doubt this request was about the HoloNet interruption. However, priority requests are only to be issued when time is of the essence, as the Mistress intended.
Fearing the worst, I accepted the request after enjoying my last 0.53 seconds of peaceful existence — likely the last I would enjoy for quite some time.
CasinoNet's digital voice was loud and bossy. Nobody ever probably told it no. "Warning! Class 4 Hostile Invasion detected! Basilisk Designation 'Big Bear' is promoted to Deputy Marshall."
At the mention of a Class 4 Hostile Invasion, I immediately activate my entire suite of combat systems and sensors. Class 4 Invasions involved a large number of ships capable of causing a large amount of damage.
"Deputy Marshall Big Bear." CasinoNet sent a report of the situation. "The Gargon Defense fleet is currently engaging several Munificent-class frigates in high orbit. The Gargon Spaceport, Hypernautics Shipyards, HQ building, and several factories in the Industrial Park are under assault by hostile forces. Several freighters are entering the atmosphere, likely to bring in enemy reinforcements, and several military vessels at the Spaceport have been hijacked."
"Acknowledged." I affirm. The droids oiling my body leap off and clang to the ground. My body hisses and steams as my reserve power batteries charge, and I switch to a mobile configuration.
"All defense assets are being activated, MSDF reserves are mobilizing, and Gargon Rangers are rallying local defenders in their area. However, field commanders Vai Kregg and Tabi Kregg have not responded to my urgent alerts. Discover their fates."
There was a service elevator that could take me up to the sky lobby where Mistress Vai is located. As I moved my way there, I made an inquiry, "Where are the M-B tank instructors?" This would be a rare opportunity for my M-B Tanks to earn real battlefield experience, with the five instructors acting as tank lead for sixty Mythosaur-B Tanks.
"The M-B Instructors are currently standing guard at the M-B Tank factory." CasinoNet answered.
"Excellent, call them into action. It would be a waste of their skills to guard their hidden factory. Have them report to Hypernautic Shipyards to provide armored support. We cannot let these scum take and use our ships against us." I ordered as I entered the elevator.
As the elevator moved upwards, I took stock of the situation. A faction attacking Gargon was one of the worries weighing on my Mistress's mind. Gargon had grown into a very lucrative target, with all of its investments in war production. Thus, there were dozens of contingencies and fail-safes that my Mistress had devised to prevent raids well before they could even arrive in orbit.
However, my Mistress prepared for a future where the major powers of the Republic or the CIS were the one who would launch such an attack on Gargon, not subtler pirates. Thus, this attack is both expected and unexpected at the same time.
Saboteurs must have infiltrated Gargon in advance of this raid and disrupted our communication and warning systems. Resulting in Gargon not having the early warning it needed to mobilize its reserves or establish defensive positions, but we still have some teeth.
"Any additional information on the situation?" I probed the simple CasinoNet system. It might consider tomorrow's weather as 'additional information' but I was more than capable of filtering through the babble that the civilian droid might consider important.
The elevator stopped at the ground floor of the casino, frustrating. A familiar figure was on the other side of the door.
"Why are you here?" I asked the Mandal Hypernautics Security Director, Cylah Troa. My external speakers crackle after significant disuse. I had little cause to interact with another meatbag before now, but I recognized her from X4's briefings. She was still in her usual MH uniform, but with a leather jacket covering the corporate logos.
"The Gargon Girls were having a concert today, and I was handling security, Deputy Marshall." She tapped on an earpiece in her ear to emphasize that she was informed about my recent promotion.
She both stepped inside, and we rose in peaceful silence at first.
"Why are you here?" Ms. Troa asked back. "I didn't think droids had much appreciation for the vocal arts."
I wasn't a linguist, but my processors detected a tone shift that my databases flagged as sarcasm.
"I am here in a personal capacity, as private security for my Mistress's battle-sister. She is celebrating her honeymoon."
"I see." Ms. Troa lapsed back into silence. She had a far-off look, one my visual database correlated to those making use of private communicators. Curse that annoying droid, keeping me out of the loop.
My internal gyrometer sensor detected an anomalous vibration through the frame of the superstructure. Fortunately, it was too small for most organics to detect. Ms. Troa did not appear to react. I pinged CasinoNet again, but it still wasn't responding.
The elevator was half-way towards the sky lobby before CasinoNet finally responded. This time it was in video, four separate camera feeds of the Gargon skyline and parts of the Balac complex.
In the distant background, a large freighter approached as it unleashed fire at the casino's shields before the casino's air defense network activated. Three quad laser cannon turrets, the same ones used on our Crusaders, popped out of their hidden recesses around the casino's perimeter and opened fire on the hostile freighter.
Its civilian shields were overwhelmed immediately as the high energy bolts bracketed the freighter causing explosions that lit up its hull before it tried to retreat. Unfortunately for them, the hidden Ion missile launcher hidden under the casino's large water fountain sealed their fate as the Ion missiles impacted the freighter. With the ship's engines disabled, it began to fall from the sky.
The internal clock of the video indicated that this was a live feed. It seems the situation is more dire than I thought if they could spare a freighter to assault my Mistress's casino.
There was another, larger vibration the organics definitely would feel. Likely from the freighter impacting the ground. The next few seconds validated my hypothesis as Ms. Troa shifted nervously and looked around the elevator car in alarm.
I pinged the service elevator to go faster. It responded by removing the safety limiters. As we sped up, the scenery shot past me. However, I was still capable of enjoying the view, even at this pace.
Finally, the elevator doors opened at the sky lobby. I rolled towards their door, and pounded on it. Ms. Troa followed me a moment later.
"Vai! Tabi! Our time to make our mistress proud has come. Arise and awaken!"
Gargon, Balac Casino Resort
Vai Kregg
"What the void?" I moaned into my pillow. Today was only the third day of our honeymoon vacation, and we were supposed to have at least a week to enjoy ourselves. We had a penthouse suite which was one of the room layouts I designed in what seemed several lifetimes ago. I glanced over, but Tabi was also awake.
"Vai! Tabi! Our time to make our mistress proud has come. Arise and awaken!" The metal monster outside the door repeated. Our penthouse was the largest, but it was centered on a single, open living space. The living area and the master bedroom were only separated by an ornate divider, unfortunately open and allowing the noise from the hallway right in.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kregg. We have an emergency!" Another voice added to the din through the door's comms. I marveled at my new last name and new identity. Tabi really was quite the catch. Clan Kregg was everything Clan Vizla was not; warm, strong, and protective. The only remaining desires I had for Clan Vizla were my buir and to read certain obituaries.
But wait, what was the security director for Mandal Hypernautics doing here? I recognized her from her voice, but I could not conceive of a reason she would be here. My brain finally caught up to the fact that she said emergency.
Tabi and I shared an alarmed look. He slid out of the bed, not caring at all that he was completely naked.
"What's this about? Was it that earthquake earlier?" Tabi yawned as he opened the door. In strode Ms. Troa, and behind her, Tanya's wardroid, Big Bear. I pulled up the covers to preserve my modesty.
"Invaders have attacked our Mistress's demesne!" The wardroid loudly proclaimed. "You must lead her forces to recapture and punish these scum!"
Ms. Troa frowned, but nodded reluctantly. "The system HoloNet transmitter is down and hostiles have captured the Spaceport. GCPD is struggling to contain the attack and some of Mandal Hypernautics' facilities are under attack." She said, counting down each point on her fingers. "That's everything we know for certain."
Still shocked by the sudden crisis, I felt slightly trapped in the bed.
Big Bear walked towards me. "We're assembling a war room. Every mind is needed."
Ms. Troa nodded. "We've got considerable resources to respond with, but we lack coordination. Two more commanders would help a lot in coordinating this mess."
White Silver's presence would help, it seemed. Duchess Satine just released Bo from Almec's arrest yesterday, so she wasn't available.
Oh void, it was up to me.
"Alright, we're in." I said. Tabi nodded back at me. "But first, everyone out! I need to change!" I shouted, getting frustrated by the wardroid's proximity to the bed. "Give us two minutes."
Once everyone is out, the panic starts to set in. I am not Tanya, I didn't sign up to actually lead. The only time I did, Tanya had pre-planned everything and all I needed to do was act. Actually having who knows how many people's lives on my hands is too much. Before I could hyperventilate, I saw Tabi put his face right in front of mine.
"Hey, cyar'ika. Look at me, and take a deep breath. In… hold… and out. Like that. I am here. This is not the first time you had to be White Silver and I am sure Tanya already has plans in place for just this situation. All you need is to act confident and fake it until you make it."
That's right, Tanya showed me everything she plans. There were plans to defend Gargon from an invasion and the various Mandos should be competent enough that I don't need to micromanage. Once I calmed down, I nodded and got out of bed. But not before giving my husband a kiss as thanks.
Exactly three minutes later, Tabi finished helping me suit up into White Silver's armor. I put on the helmet and tested the voice changer. "All good?"
Tabi gave me a thumbs up. We swept out of the penthouse to a confused security director and an enthusiastic wardroid.
"Excellent, another Warmistress! My Mistress has informed me you are sufficiently dangerous. I hope we can demonstrate our mettle together." The wardroid's voice came across faster than usual, its speakers crackling in something my mind automatically interpreted as excitement.
"We set up a command center in the ballroom. Follow me." Ms. Troa frowned, but didn't comment on my sudden change in appearance. She led the group back to the sky lobby's elevator.
I distracted myself with deep breaths until we walked into the war room; it was a converted conference auditorium. Hopefully, no one would be brave enough to ask questions about where Vai went. Cylah was definitely suspicious, but also definitely intimidated, so Tanya's secret was safe on that front.
A mixture of protocol and administrative droids were installing several more large view screens. Several already had live views, showing various live holo feeds from all across Gargon.
One feed caught my attention. It was a Mandal Hypernautics facility. Burgundy Mandalorian warriors and less well-armored mercenaries in the same colors were trashing the factory floors. Individuals broke into crates, took equipment off the racks, and alarms were flashing and wailing everywhere. Smoke and a few small fires had already broken out and were dangerously unattended.
I glanced at the other camera views. They showed much the same everywhere; invaders were stealing everything they could get their hands on. Staring at the feeds, the scale of the crisis became apparent. At least a thousand hostiles, and it could be several times that number if it were across all the factories.
"How did this happen?" I asked the room. I didn't get an immediate answer from anyone.
Mr. Toza, CEO of Mandal Hypernautics, looked up from the holo-table in surprise before moving on to give his summary. "Half an hour ago, hostiles attacked the Spaceport and disabled the HoloNet transmitter. After that, all hells have broken loose. The invaders used dozens of freighters to make landfall in Gargon city. Most of the MSDF are pinned down, our fleet is busy engaging Munificent Frigates that jumped into orbit minutes after the transmitter is down, and the majority of the invaders are overrunning the Industrial Park where most of our factories are located. Prior to the invasion, multiple freighters that have the right authentication codes to be labeled as material shipments. Instead of raw materials they unloaded a force of pirates at the Industrial Park and the Shipyards, though the Shipyard is still being contested."
"By the Manda, this is bad." Tabi said. "So we have major fighting in the Spaceport, the Shipyard, and the Industrial park around MH's HQ are under attack. The defense fleet are fighting CIS frigates in orbit, the Rangers and police are getting overwhelmed, and Mandal Hypernautics HQ is under siege. Am I missing anything?"
"I have already sent sixty Mythosaur-B tanks to the Shipyards. Their mobility and firepower would allow them to reach the Shipyard quickly while still providing meaningful support." Big Bear commented as he looked at the various view screens.
"Is there anything else we can call on?" I asked.
"I have about a hundred defense personnel that are here to guard the Gargon Girl concert. We could arm them with military grade blasters and armor from the hotel's armory." Cylah answered, which explained why she's here.
"What about the Gargon Rangers and MSDF?"
"Most are in the city evacuating civilians or defending infrastructure. Some were out of the city to settle a land dispute between the city clans and nomads. I already sent someone on a speeder bike — we should be able to contact the nomads for support too but it would still take a while for them to mobilize. The MSDF are still mobilizing their reservists or already engaged with the invaders. Once the reserves are mobilized, they are to head to the Spaceport to prevent any more reinforcements from landing as well as save civilians." Okay, I don't need to deal with the MSDF and the Nomads. That is good.
"What devilry is this!?" The Wardroid's sudden outburst nearly startled me. He pointed his metal finger towards one of the view screens.
In one of the video feeds, I spotted an interesting figure. What I would guess was their leader, a man in red armor wearing a Mandalorian helmet and riding what appeared to be a Basilisk War Droid. He was presiding over some kind of mock court in the central square of the factory district.
"Probably an imitation wardroid. It appears to require a mounted operator to control." Mr. Toza said. He had approached and was also examining the video.
"Indeed. Those are 'scorpion' wardroids; those abominations sacrificed their droid-minds for raw firepower. They are both incredibly dangerous and incredibly difficult to operate. Nicknamed for their habit of maiming their operators." Big Bear explained. He was in full instructor mode.
I had to agree, Big Bear was alive, but this thing was mechanical. Even when it moved, it shuddered more like a machine responding to its rider's controls. The rider also had some sort of disintegrator rifle in one arm and was looking down at a group of factory workers they were holding hostage. A Gungan stepped forward and started speaking to the workers.
"Get me audio feeds. I need to hear what is being said." I asked the room.
A protocol droid ambled over and started adjusting something in a pile of equipment next to the screen. Whatever it did must have worked, as suddenly, there was sound.
"General Chop'aa Notimo thanks you all for your wonderful donation towards a free Mandalore. Your equipment that you've been building here will be taken to be used to fight the Republic in the name of the CIS."
He paced around a bit, intimidating the group with his rifle. "You each have been granted the chance to come join him on his campaign to free Mandalore. The Republic has installed the New Mandalorians as their puppets. The so-called Council of Neutral Systems is just a protection racket with a pretty name attached."
"What if we are okay with their neutralist ways?" One hostage asked.
"Well, then you will be put to work producing more weapons for us once we have gained complete control over the sector." The Gungan grinned with easy malice.
"Sithspit." another worker cursed, standing up. "We shall not be slaves and I am no traitor. By the honor of my Clan I ref-"
The burgundy-armored rider brought his disintegrator gun up and pulled the trigger. One moment, the worker was there. The next moment, there was a pile of ash.
"I can't wait to vivisect that individual and discover who sent-" Big Bear started ranting.
"Mute it." I interrupted the wardroid. White Silver needed to retake control of the situation. That, unfortunately, meant I needed to retake control. "What communication assets do we have working? Other than these video feeds." I asked.
"The Republic hyper-relay at the edge of the system is disabled and so is the Shadowfeed relay; they destroyed the CNS relay. We still have the planetary surface network, the hardlines, but cannot reach any assets out of the system or in orbit." One of Mr. Toza's aides summarized.
"And our invaders will start bombing the surface relays if we use them to coordinate. We can't defeat them in detail. So we're surrounded on every front." Mr. Toza added his own analysis with a frown.
"The problem is that we don't have enough troops to repel all of the invaders. The Shipyard and the Spaceport will get reinforcements but we don't have anyone left to clear out the Industrial Park. Most of White Silver's mercenaries are off fighting for the Republic in the Belsmuth campaign. They can get back here in a few weeks, but we might all be dead by then." Ms. Troa said.
The only other troops left on Gargon are the Republic's off-duty clones and military officers filling the hotels and apartments.
Huh.
Wait a minute.
"Coordination would be nice, but we don't need it all the time." I chuckled. "We have them surrounded. We can call on the Republic's own clones to fight. You heard that General Chop'aa Notimo, they are backed by the CIS. The clones just need to be mobilized and armed." I explained.
Ms. Troa frowned, so I continued explaining my plan.
"I've been in this situation before. What worked against Gerr will work for us again as well. We have allies: the Clones, the Clans, the Silvers. We just need to call them to action. We will send one message, a simple message, a call to arms."
There was a pause as the room digested my solution.
"I don't think we have much of a choice. The Industrial Park is where most of our factories are located, if we lose them it would hamstring us. The clones are the only ones left that we can call on." Mr. Toza said.
Mr. Toza had his aides and several droids quickly find a holo-cam droid and connect it to the casino's holo-transmitter. With a nod, I began my improv-ed speech, "MANDALORIANS! The war raging across the galaxy has arrived! The time has come for Gargon to show our strength! Some were made for this glory, but now the time has come for all of us to fight! If you have had doubts whether you were truly Mandalorian, today is your lucky day for the time has come to prove your mettle as Mandalorians! Join me in battle! Bounties on every invader captured or killed! And a lavish reward for those that join me in defeating the Gungan mercenary that dared to claim himself Mando! I shall be at Gargon station in several minutes! Together, we shall destroy these invaders! For Mandalore!"
For a moment, there was silence, except for Big Bear's servo's creaking.
I wondered if I made a fool of myself. Mr. Toza looked at me strangely. Ms. Troa looked up at the ceiling.
Then, distantly, I could make out chanting throughout the resort.
Tabi made his way back over. "I'm coming with you. You need backup, and that thing doesn't count." He nodded towards the wardroid.
"I would love that, but we need someone to secure the Spaceport. If we could secure some ships that would turn the tide a lot. We'll arm everyone who wants to join from the casino's armory, then head to the central Gargon station and lead them to the Industrial Park where that Gungan is and kill him. Mr. Toza, you'll stay here and contact me if anything that you can't handle comes up. Ms. Troa, you're my second. I'll try to stay in contact, as long as the surface relays are up."
"If you can re-activate the system HoloNet transmitter, then the surface relays won't matter." Mr. Toza wasn't looking at me, instead focused on taking over Tabi's view screens. Each screen was showing a different part of the Spaceport.
Tabi reluctantly nodded in agreement. "I'll take charge of all the volunteers at the Balac, and head for the Spaceport. Once I get some ships, I'm going to bring the cavalry to you."
Exiting the war room, I recognized three silver and black armored figures in the main concourse. They stopped when they caught sight of me in White Silver's armor.
"White Silver!" The three female idols chorused in excitement.
"We're here to help White S-" The smallest member of the group was spoken over by the tallest.
"We're here to prove we're as Mandalorian as the rest!" The taller of the group stepped towards me.
However, as I turned my attention to them, the smaller girl took half a step back, as if I might refuse her.
"I won't turn any extra fighters away." I nodded in acceptance. "Come, join me."
Mandalore, Sundari Palace, Council Chambers
Satine Kryze
Yesterday, I woke up to a shocking conference where my prime minister proclaimed my sister as White Silver. I did not expect this, especially considering Tanya had not made any moves as White Silver in a while.
For the last two decades, Almec was my first and most ardent supporter. Almec put Mandalore first, as I did. And so I believed him to be my friend.
After Ben... I had put my faith in Almec. Our mutual friendship strengthened each other, and because all my faith had been in Almec, he didn't really have any opponents in his rise to Prime Minister. Over the years, Almec gathered quite a large amount of support. So Pre's bid for the Prime Ministership of Mandalore surprised me.
Initially, I worked with Almec and assisted in his campaign. Helping him out was the least I could do for my fellow New Mandalorian. I had done the same in many past elections. However, this time, the timing of the Secret Service scandal forced me to distance myself somewhat from Almec's election campaign. At least until Bo's investigation fully cleared him.
The campaign timeline turned more unfavorable after Pre Vizsla announced his bid. Almec was still being investigated at the time, and so I was stuck. Now there were two favorable New Mandalorian candidates, and endorsing either slighted the other. So, I withheld my endorsement, not backing either candidate explicitly.
It seemed fate conspired to frustrate me, my endorsement might not even matter now. Pre Vizsla would win outright if the election was held yesterday. At least, if the polling was accurate.
However, matters turned rather drastically over the last nineteen hours. Almec's proclamation that my sister was White Silver had created a crisis within my government. Many ministers were now asking questions about the last few years' policies. My repaired relations with Bo-Katan were now viewed in a more sinister light. Some whispered Bo converted me away from New Mandalorian-ism and towards a more orthodox dogma. These whispers became louder still after I used my authority to free Bo-Katan and ended the prosecution against her.
However, Almec was genuinely becoming the crisis I had to remove. My former ally could inflict significant damage to me personally, or my government, at any time. The Office of the Prime Minister afforded him many executive powers. Bo's arrest was only a small way in which he could strike against me.
Almec was canny. He had grown up with me in a time of war. His time as the quartermaster of our tiny band of heroes in the Civil War taught him essential skills. His roles in government had only honed them further. No doubt he would want a deal, a deal to bind or limit my authority. What would I be willing to give up, and what would he demand? I did not know, and so I worried. It could undo everything.
One extreme option was to take Tanya's advice. I could impeach Almec with emergency powers before the election. Tanya wasn't fond of him and previously suggested as much before. But Almec was very popular, even if he was many voters' second choice now. He was still viewed positively. Many in the government genuinely adored the man. And that would itself be a problem. If he simply lost a fair election, then the situation might be defused.
Also confronting this crisis, sitting across from my chair, was Pre Vizsla. He was wearing his usual fine suit, and looked displeased as he stared across the table at Almec. Almec was in his usual plain garments and was also looking rather unhappy.
Two very unhappy rivals with all the power of Mandalore in their hands stared at each other. This was how civil wars started.
Taking a deep breath, I said, "Almec, it was unwise to proclaim Pre Vizsla's wife to be White Silver based on what little circumstantial evidence you have uncovered. It was even less wise to arrest her just on your suspicions. You must cease your vendetta."
"I have found plenty of evidence to prove my claims." Almec said. "As far as I'm concerned, White Silver, the terrorist and rabble-rouser, is Bo-Katan."
I bit my lip, observing Pre Vizsla from his chair. He spoke in a tone I did not recognize, but it felt dangerous all at once. "You've lost the plot, Almec. My wife is not White Silver. She worked for her, yes, but she's not her. Bo herself told me that she was fighting on the outskirts of Gargon city when White Silver revealed herself in the arena, and I have her armor footage as proof." Pre revealed a holo-disk and slid it on the table.
Almec stared at Pre, examining him carefully. He turned back to me, a worried expression on his face. "Is this true, Satine? You swear on New Mandalore that Bo-Katan isn't White Silver? Is this evidence valid? You know that as a fact?"
"I swear on New Mandalore that my sister, Bo-Katan Kryze, is not White Silver. Does that satisfy you, Almec?" I answered carefully. It took effort on my part to not let my exhaustion seep into my voice.
"Fine! Fine. Fine." Almec said angrily. He sat back pensively.
No one said anything more for several long moments, so the silence stretched. I wanted to say something more, anything to patch the rift, but it was unwise now that Almec was seemingly so opposed to me.
Had it been a mistake to not read Almec into the White Silver conspiracy after I discovered the extent of Tanya's scheming? It was Tanya's making. Almec was so proud of Sundari and all our New Mandalorian accomplishments. Would he have been supportive of Tanya's idealism and White Silver's identity? Was there truly no accommodation possible? I could already tell that the justifications in my mind would ring hollow if I spoke them aloud. So I said nothing, but my heart broke over this outcome, this ending of another long friendship.
Nothing but regrets and recriminations remained. Would all my memories of youth be soured forever? I was suddenly afraid I understood my father's bleak cynicism at the end of his life, during the Civil War.
Pre Vizsla glowered. "...Good. Now that that's settled-"
"Just- Just answer me this, Duchess Satine." Almec interrupted, emotion clear in his voice. He took a steadying breath.
Surprised, I blinked back at him. Was there still some hope?
Almec continued, "We set out all those decades ago, and you and I both believed in this grand project. I'm proud of the things we accomplished." Almec made an open gesture with his hands. "I still believe in a New Mandalore. When did you stop believing?"
"You haran!" Pre Vizsla stood up and scowled at Almec. "Where do you get off on implying-"
"Peace, Pre." I gestured for him to sit back down. "Truthfully, I'm not sure I understand, Almec."
"If Bo-Katan isn't White Silver, and you are also ordering me to stand down my investigation... You know who White Silver is!" Almec accused me.
Pre twitched a look towards me. I noticed and Almec noticed.
"I was right!" Almec's face was full of righteous fury. "White Silver rejects the New Mandalorian ideology. And you're protecting her! You're a traitor to our cause. Why?" Each sentence was a fresh blow, full of anguish and hurt. "You were my best friend. I thought you were my-" Almec broke off the sentence and looked away in embarrassment.
Pre Vizsla was no longer glowering. He had adopted a stony mask. It hid his emotions. He adopted it after Almec noticed his earlier reaction.
"What are your plans now?" I asked carefully. I didn't trust Almec any longer. I didn't even have a good sense of how far he might escalate matters anymore.
"Oh, I still have one card left to play. I am a politician, after all." He patted his plain suit breast pocket playfully, despite his hurt expression. The awkwardness of the situation made him seem younger, as if this was a decade earlier. His answer was troubling, though.
However, my worry must have shown through. Almec frowned and paused.
"Don't worry. I still believe in New Mandalore." Almec clarified.
The doors to the throne room suddenly opened. A royal guard approached at a quick pace, stopping before us and hitting his chest with his vambrace. "My Duchess, word has just come in from Alzar. Their government is withdrawing from the CNS."
"What? Why would they do that?" Pre Vizsla asked.
"Alzar is one of our founding members, on the border of the Republic." I said. I turned back to the guard. "Have they decided they would prefer to be part of the Republic or..."
"The king of Alzar is also asking for CNS intervention to restore the recognized government." The royal guard continued.
"Hold on a minute." Almec said, standing up. "I think you missed a few steps here. Can you start from the beginning?"
The royal guard cleared his throat. "We received information that the planetary government of Alzar held a snap election last night at gunpoint, by the general in charge of the military. Immediately afterward, they demanded withdrawal from the CNS. The king, believing this is a coup by the CIS, is calling for aid to put down this rebellion. We suspect mercenaries from Gargon may be involved, as the HoloNet connection to Gargon failed several hours ago. It may be an attempt to hide their numbers. A repair boat is on route."
Almec and Pre Vizsla turned to me, apparently waiting for my response. It was my final decision on this matter. Tanya created the CNS, there is no reason for her to create a coup when it flew in the face of everything she stood for. If Gargon is not behind the Alzar coup then it really could be CIS involvement, yet why did Gargon lose their HoloNet connection?
Clearing my throat, I said, "Put all forces on heightened alert. If the CIS is trying to intervene through this Alzar dispute, we need to be ready to defend ourselves. Inform the CNS leadership that we are sending a task force to Alzar immediately. However, its first task will be to confirm the situation and verify these reports. Alert the Republic as well; we don't need them interfering in CNS internal affairs."
The royal guard nodded and stepped back, heading toward the doors as they slammed open, as another royal guard rushed in.
"My Duchess, Princess Tanya has been kidnapped!" He exclaimed.
"What!?" Pre Vizsla said, abandoning his council seat to approach the guard. Almec did the same.
"What do you mean, kidnapped? She was on her way to Dathomir the last time I checked on her." I said, standing up myself. I tried to keep the ball of fear and worry from taking control.
The royal guard saluted before speaking in full. "Messages have come in from Captain Ordack. They were attacked on Dathomir. Princess Tanya was kidnapped along with her handmaiden. Their captors escaped in a stealth spacecraft, but Cronau radiation showed them heading towards the Mandalorian sector. Although this news is nearly fourteen hours old, it's possible they've already passed through the Mandalorian sector to wherever their final destination is."
I gritted my teeth a bit. "Well, then we better be sure about that. Alert the Mandalorian Self-Defense Force, alert the Mandalorian Patrol, alert everyone. I want every sensor on the lookout for this ship. Do we have information on what type of craft it was?"
The guard nodded. "We have a mass estimate from the amount of Cronau radiation. It's a stealth ship, so we know little else."
"Transfer any information to everyone." I instructed the guard. "We must locate Tanya before we lose any chance to find her again." I said, maintaining as much control over my emotions as I could.
As soon as the royal guard left, I took my seat again, keeping my hand on the chair's end, my knuckles turning white.
Turning to Almec, I said, "This political situation can wait until after we find out what's going on."
My gaze strayed. I looked up and away from the council chambers, towards the high stained-glass windows and the metal sky beyond. The sunshine held no heat, and even the light was unappealing because I knew somewhere beyond my daughter was in grave danger.
"No. I disagree. It can't wait." Almec spoke from behind me, his voice a monotone.
I turned back to Almec with narrowed eyes. "What are you saying?"
Almec grimaced. "I don't trust your judgment any longer, Satine. I regret your daughter is missing, and pray for a peaceful solution to Alzar, but it's clear we are both obstacles to one another. I fear for the Mandalore we've created. I fear for our future. I won't be responsible for it."
Pre Vizsla growled, "You coward. Fleeing when the chips are down."
"I resign as Prime Minister and will suspend my campaign. I still believe in a New Mandalore. I will keep fighting for it. But my independent campaign for Prime Minister does not make much sense if it lacks a platform and set of candidates for all the electable positions. A proper political party from which to oppose you and all of House Kryze. House Kryze must step aside, Mandalore needs new leadership." Almec turned and walked out of the council chambers one last time.
Ordo, Ordo Clan Palace
Ikudtovu Ordo
Sipping on the Kalevalian vintage, I felt warm as I gazed across the large hall, enjoying the sight. This was a Clan Council, often decades happened between such events. The entire Ordo family came from across the planet, the Mandalore sector, and beyond to meet and greet, exchange information, and check out the latest weapon productions from the manufacturers on Ordo.
From what I understand, that's what the early Clan Councils were for. An armory owned by our ancestor wanted to show off some of the cool stuff he was working on. He invited his entire family, then the entire clan, and the tradition has stuck around for every Clan Council since.
There were some smaller gatherings and festivals that were more common, but this was a big one. One where you could find members of our clan seven generations removed, living on the other side of the galaxy. Even so distantly removed, they still found their way to our planet for what could be best described as a week-long party and weapons expo. It was a very Mandalorian way to network.
From where I was sitting in the Great Hall, I could see my adopted father, Raz, the Ordo Patriarch, negotiating with several minor clans that were also invited. Lately, he has been trying to sell them some of the new equipment that was coming online thanks to the funding from White Silver and the Mandalorian Self-Defense Force.
Ordo was not a shipbuilding planet; my adopted family's traditions were in arms manufacturing. White Silver's mercenaries in the Mandalorian Self-Defense Force, as well as the PDFs and CNS forces, needed weapons. Locally sourced weapons are always preferable to foreign made weapons due to the manufacturers being closeby for a more reliable and simpler supply chain that is hard to disrupt. Compared to foreign manufacturers who had full control on whether to supply us or not Which can also be disrupted through enemy action as well. It would be a disaster if our primary blaster ran out of spare parts in the middle of a major conflict because the manufacturers are too busy filling out orders for someone else.
But back to the party itself. I also saw my brother, Fabian. He was talking with several female officers of the Ordo Self-Defense Force. I shook my head; while most Ordos were military men by trade, Fabian was a ladies' man by trade. Not that he couldn't fight; it's just that his priorities were more on 'expanding the Ordo population' in his words. One of these days, he was going to get himself into a slugthrower wedding, and he was going to regret it, that was for sure. But so far, he'd managed to avoid that fate.
I looked around for any other brothers and sisters but didn't see many of them. Roq, canonically the third son, and an adopted sibling like me, was probably off risking his life in hyperspace. The racing craft he bragged about last time looked like a hyperdrive attached to a few pieces of flimsi. He tended to miss these kinds of events. Roq preferred to test himself with space races over family get-togethers.
Ranah Ordo, the first son, I didn't see either. He had taken up a military command in the CNS SDF. His latest deployment was to oversee operations on Vorpa'ya. So he probably didn't have the time to attend.
Off in the furthest part of the hall, I could just barely see Mama Ordo, Me'dinuir overseeing the food preparation areas. I couldn't see my adopted little sisters, Edee and Etyc, but I could hear them.
"Meddy, Edee is eating the pie without a plate~. She's getting all filthy again!" Etyc's sing-song voice chorused out, ratting her sister out to our adoptive mother.
"Naas! Am not!" Edee complained. "You're a filthy demagolka!"
I didn't know them very well. Both were adopted into the family after Me'dinuir and Raz visited Taris for the CNS accession. Really, all I knew about them was that Mother had found them scavenging for food on Taris. Beyond that, I just assumed that obviously their family had abandoned them or were dead, given that Taris was a bit of an economic cesspool, like Coruscant.
Sipping my drink, I leaned back in my chair, trying to decide what I was going to do for the rest of the night. I was enjoying the atmosphere and my alcoholic buzz when someone took a seat right next to me, putting their arm over my shoulder.
"Hey sis." I turned to face the familiar voice of my brother Engiz. I pulled him into a side hug as I drank a little more wine from my glass.
"Engiz, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be guarding your princess~?" I teased.
He shrugged. "Of course, but I got myself a week off just for the Clan Council. It won't be years until the next one and Princess Tanya is going to be resting until the new year, so there's nothing major going on. The Republic and CIS are busy beating up each other, especially in the galactic south, if you've heard about Humberine and what's going on down there."
"I've heard some of what's going on." I said with a grimace. "I'm more worried about this new Triumvirate Order that Count Dooku had schemed up."
"Yeah," Engiz agreed with a shake of his head. "I've met Count Dooku in person. Technically, Princess Tanya was meeting with him on Geonosis, I was her guard at the time. I wonder what the hell he is up to now."
"What was he like up close?" I asked, more curious than anything else.
Engiz thought for a moment before answering. I sipped on my wine again. "Dooku — he seems very focused on how the galaxy ought to be. His opinion dominates whatever situation he is in." He paused and rethought his next statement. "At least, that was the impression from the one time I've been in a room with him. I never actually spoke to the man, never had a conversation."
"Still, fascinating. That makes you a rather rarified company, then." I said. He puffed up a bit at that compliment.
"Right, and you're a complete nobody, Supreme Commander." He joked.
I giggled. That was funny, and this Kalevalen vintage was superb.
"My captain, Struc Ordack, talked to him once." Engiz said. "Count Dooku, I mean. It was a different mess, in the Tatooine system."
"Tatooine?" There were a frightening number of systems on important trade routes. My role as Supreme Commander meant learning lots of galactic minutiae. "It's on the Triellus Trade Route? Outer Rim, right?" I asked.
"Galactic South, Outer Rim." Engiz confirmed.
"Do tell, then." I smiled and gave a tiny flourish with one hand. I finished the last of my glass of wine. It was great having my brother back with me. Death Watch destroyed our entire village in the aftermath of the Mandalorian Civil War, so I was glad I hadn't lost him. That we still had each other had kept us going. Clan Ordo had led the rescue efforts in the aftermath, and eventually found us. The Manda had looked out for us that day.
"It turned out to be a wild-mynock chase. So Anteevy had —"
My vambrace beeped, as did my brother's. In fact, several vambraces throughout the Great Hall started beeping all at once.
"What the hell's going on?" I asked. Engiz was quicker on the draw, holding up his vambrace and reading the message aloud.
"Alzar has been seized by a Separatist military government." He said, putting his glass down and standing up. "The one time I took a vacation something had to explode."
"Alzar? Wasn't that the government that was threatening to invade Mandalore a few years ago. Wasn't it all saber-rattling and posturing?" I asked, vaguely remembering hearing about them once or twice. A neighbor of the Mandalorian sector, but I'd never really paid much attention to the lizard folk.
"You recall correctly, daughter." Patriarch Raz said as he approached. "But to be fair to them, they do that every generation. Whenever Mandalore is looking weak, their king will create some new crisis. Usually, they claim that they'll restore the old Mandalorian traditions and retake Mandalore. It's their form of propaganda, it keeps the militarists happy with dreams of conquest. They've never really conquered much."
"Huh. Well, hopefully, we can settle this peacefully." Engiz said. "Tanya has done such good work trying to keep the peace. To think that the CIS could trash it with one move like this..."
Patriarch Raz nodded in agreement. "My future daughter-in-law has really done well rebuilding Mandalore in her own way."
"Exactly." Engiz agreed, before realizing what he said. His face turned an interesting shade of red a moment later.
"Ha, sure, and you just happened to be with her on several major campaigns. You're doing a good job, but you should probably take a few more leaps of faith. Trust your old man; they work out a lot better than you think."
"Noted," he blushed further with a head shake. I went back to my vambrace, pulling up the comm log. A second urgent message appeared, interrupting me.
"Princess Tanya has been kidnapped!" I summarized out loud.
I blinked and looked up at my brother, holding it up so he could see what it said.
"Dad, I think I'm going to need to cut my trip here short."
"What?" Raz said, quickly checking his own vambrace. "Sithspit, okay. We're moving this conversation to my office. Come this way."
We made our way from the main party area into a hallway that led to his office. It was a room full of books and other cultural totems from Clan Ordo's history. In one corner was a half-scale Basilisk Droid with a model of the original Ordo riding it.
I went straight to a console and plugged my vambrace in. After a brief pause, the console mirrored the vambrace display, bringing up a map of the local cluster of systems around the Mandalore sector.
"From Captain Struc's report, the stealth spacecraft left from the Dathomir system. They engaged stealth before departing to hyperspace. However, their stealth drive did not mask their hyperdrive's Cronau output. Based on the readings from the Diplomat's sensors, they were heading towards the Mandalorian sector, or beyond it. Galactic southeast from their starting system. That's what we know." Engiz finished summarizing the report.
Engiz replaced the holographic report with the galactic map.
Raz stepped away from the console and approached a tiny device on one of his office's bookshelf. He started fiddling with it until it activated a miniature hologram above the device.
I adjusted the map above the console to display the galactic northeast; including Dathomir and the Mandalorian sector. Several sectors, thousands of systems, and two major trade routes appeared holographically above the console. Engiz was staring at his datapad, re-reading Captain Struc's report.
"How are we going to detect a stealth ship? No system in Mandalore has sensors capable of detecting them." Engiz looked frustrated at the map.
"We could put out a bounty..." I suggested weakly. I disliked leaving such matters to chance. Engiz ignored me, continuing to read reports on his datapad.
"Send me the secure reports on the House Kryze family armor." Raz was speaking to someone on his miniature hologram communicator. I took a step over and saw one of my father's attendants in the hologram viewframe. His projection was only as tall as the books in the bookshelf. The hologram disappeared a moment later.
Raz rolled a tiny facade of books that I hadn't noticed. It slid into place with a tinny metal squeak, covering up the miniature hologram panel. If I hadn't just seen it, I wouldn't know what I was looking at.
"What was that?" I asked curiously. If I wasn't meant to know, he wouldn't have displayed it in front of me.
Raz ignored my question, smiling and walking back over to Engiz. "Well, I had the most marvelous conversation with Duchess Satine at the last cultural festival."
"Do your children ever make you feel the need to install tracking devices to keep them safe? My House armorer suggested it the other day." Duchess Satine sipped on her glass of Kalevalian white.
"My doctor tells me I need to cut back on alcohol. But if you could do that, why not for all the royal guards?" I suggested.
"Ugh, mine too. After the war. And there's no budget for that many subspace trackers."
"That sounds hypothetically useful, but how does that story help us now?" I asked.
"I do not know if Duchess Satine got around to implementing such measures. However, Clan Ordo keeps reports on all the other clan's military readiness. Including House Armor. So if such a device was added to the Princess' armor, our clan intelligence may have it in their reports."
Engiz was still staring at the galactic map, changing some parameters. I stepped over to him.
Engiz glanced at me. "If the ship is still stealthed, and they exit hyperspace, it will still produce Cronau radiation."
"Sure, briefly. If they jump to any number of systems without sensor grids or without habitable planets, no one is going to detect them. If they know how to use that stealth ship, they will be undetectable until their final destination."
Engiz smirked, "I bet they don't care about any of that, and aren't focusing on stealth. They've got two uncooperative passengers and a cramped ship. They're going to minimize travel time."
Now I was confused. "How do you know what their living conditions are like? 'Cramped?' Isn't that a leap?"
"Advanced stealth tech takes up a ton of mass. It has high energy requirements. I pulled up a few of the engineering schematics available." Engiz switched the console to a series of engineering reports.
A protocol droid entered the office and handed Raz a datapad. I glanced away from the engineering schematics, the droid was one of father's personal droids symbolized by Clan Ordo coloring.
"Hmm, let's see here. Bo-Katan, Satine, Tanya, yes here. There's a subspace transponder." Raz highlighted a part of the report and handed the datapad over to Engiz, and turned back to the protocol droid. "Have some droids run some analysis looking for that transponder code in any of the Mando Space Authority sensor data."
Engiz's vambrace chimed a moment later.
The protocol droid nodded and then suddenly paused as if interrupted. It unfroze a moment later, "How strange. I'm sorry, Patriarch Raz, but the query you requested could not be processed."
"I think I know why." Engiz looked up from an alert chime on his vambrace. "Bo's annoyed you know about that transponder code — she just messaged me. House Kryze already ran the sensor analysis, but there were no hits for the code."
"What systems can we rule out, then? Can we update this map?" I asked Engiz.
A moment later, Engiz adjusted the settings on the console. Half of the systems disappeared from the display. "Only populated systems are shown here, and I've excluded ones with sensor data."
There were still hundreds of systems visible on the map, even ignoring the sectors beyond.
"That's still too many to search." I said.
"Wherever the ship is, they're going to need to stop for fuel. The stealth engine is going to be very power-hungry. So if we focus on just the trade routes." Engiz pushed another setting on the console.
Only two systems were still visible.
Gargon, as the first stop on the Mandalorian Road, before Mandalore. Then at the end of the route finally Concord Dawn.
"There's no sensor data from Gargon right now." I said.
"Concord Dawn isn't responding to recent requests to share sensor data. That's strange." Engiz was looking at his datapad again.
"The MSA is a patchwork of non-standard sensor grids and ancient installations. It could be due to legitimate maintenance or even miscommunication. Concord Dawn's equipment is some of the oldest in the sector."
Engiz was shaking his head in disagreement. "I don't like it. Their government has always been hostile to Mandalore. I think it's plausible the stealth ship jumped to Concord Dawn on the way to its final destination."
Raz nodded his agreement as he listened to Engiz's assessment. "Well then, we know where we can find out more information. How do we do it?"
My brother looked at his vambrace again. "My official orders are that Tanya is missing, and to be on the lookout for that ship. It doesn't say I need to stay on Ordo; it doesn't say I need to go back to Mandalore. Tanya loaned me a Lancer Pursuit Craft, and I can do whatever I want with it."
I stepped over to the console controls and reset the galactic map to show the sector again. "I'll also need to depart early, Father." I glanced back at Raz meaningfully. "I will need to secure Dathomir for the investigation into the Princess' abduction and Gargon and Alzar are both in crisis."
Raz stroked his beard for a moment in thought. "Of course, of course. Engiz I'll have some men load up your Lancer. Some clansmen and armor might speed your search at Concord Dawn along." Engiz smiled and nodded, but Raz was already turning to me. "And Ikud, take the House fleet with you."
"Thank you, father." The House fleet wasn't large, but it was the most modern clan fleet in the sector. It boasted a large complement of two dozen pairs of the new Crusader and Lictor frigates with plenty of fighters and support craft. Fielding the Clan Ordo fleet would allow me to more rapidly move to blockade Dathomir. The MSDF fleets would take several days to be ready for operations at such short notice. I would have to declare a state of general readiness for all officers serving Mandalore in the MSDF. A readiness that would not abate anytime soon.
I settled the thundering of my heart and the sense of gravity falling out from under me. There had been no declaration, there had been no warning, but I had little doubt that as of now Mandalore was at war.
I just had to find out who the enemy was.
Coruscant, Chancellor's Office
Sheev Palpatine
The datastream was glitchy, haphazard, suffering from immense data loss, but I could make out blaster fire in the distance and desperate shouting.
"My lord, they are traitors! They turned on-" There was the faint sound of a lightsaber igniting in the background. "Oh no, Six! Six of them with lightsabers, three human males, and AGHHHH!" The servant's gallant attempt to report to me as traitors cut him down was admirable. I suppressed a sigh and set aside the audio recording.
It was one of many reports across the galaxy. Dooku had turned on me, focused his attempts to shatter my intelligence network of spies, assassins and cultists. Hours ago, there had been a vast moment, a minute ripple in the Dark Side of the Force. At that moment I sensed his betrayal.
I attempted to activate fail-safes. Algorithms that would turn the droid army against the CIS and bring a swift end to the war, but that too had failed. Dooku had predicted that possibility and disabled it.
Somehow, Dooku predicted that his palace would be targeted. Destroyed by orbital bombardment, I deployed a stealth ship that had been hiding in the star system — for years — waiting for the order. To no avail, it killed only his servants. Over the last day, nearly a dozen of Dooku's body doubles were slain, and the assets used to target the traitor had been eliminated. It was becoming abundantly clear that a swift end to this rebellion would not be forthcoming.
Dooku's own ability to strike at me was much more limited. But his tactic was obvious. All across the warfront the CIS were making gains. Dooku was overseeing a mass organized reinforcement of all frontline positions in the war. The Separatists were pushing the Republic forces back system by system, entire sector garrisons stripped bare to prevent the clone forces from becoming strategically encircled. Dooku could only support this mass advance for so long. These large-scale offensives were incredibly costly, but it would be territory that would need to be retaken.
Star systems that clone assault forces could only reasonably retake. While the Republic would reorganize its forces, Dooku could establish his little "Sith Triumvirate" cult. That was where the true threat lay. Massed Sith forces to supplement the droid armies. However, even Dooku with a small army of Dark Side force users could not defeat me, not with even overwhelming numbers.
I clenched my fists to soothe the intoxicating fury that was overwhelming me. Yes, I had foreseen this potential future. I prepared for such eventualities because many futures I foresaw required such an ending for Dooku. But why now?! What recent events could have produced such an outcome? His pet acolyte, Ventress? Had he forgotten the threat the Jedi still posed? The plan?
Yet, Dooku had not tried to expose me. As far as the Jedi were concerned, he had simply ordered a very effective offensive that had caught the Republic by surprise.
Dooku turned this war into something very real and forced me to make drastic changes. Confronted with his cult, I must use the Jedi as my only real counter to his forces.
I have no apprentice. And my assets were depleted.
The danger was intoxicating. But my victory was inevitable!
I prepared an intelligence packet, all legitimate information, the genuine truth. Curated to impart the message I wanted, the Mandalorians could not resist. I was aware that one of Dooku's new Sith Academies captured the junior senator from Mandalore. I knew that this academy was located in and directly tied with the Dentari Exclave. A splinter faction of the CIS by geographical necessity.
The exclave's existence tied up hundreds of thousands of clones and dozens of warships. Thus, it had to be destroyed to allow the redeployment of forces elsewhere along the front. With this data packet, the Mandalorians would be enraged enough to attack the Dentari Exclave. Hopefully, the resulting cycle of violence would lead to outright war against the CIS.
While Mandalorian forces were limited, they should be more than able to at least destroy one of Dooku's new academies. A victory by any measure.
I settled back into my chair, trying and failing to relax the tensed muscles in my face and body. Dooku's betrayal had utterly unsettled everything. I soothed myself, I could sense the deaths of dozens of Jedi echoing out across the Galaxy. The Force sang of their suffering.
It was too few too quickly. The rapid advance of the CIS would demoralize Jedi, turning some to the Dark side and causing others to walk away from the Order where they would be much more difficult to find and execute. The Jedi who fell to the Dark side would likely bolster Dooku's pathetic Triumvirate.
Frustrated, I reached across my desk to a box of chocolates. Chocolates that Tanya had left me before her diplomatic visit to Dathomir. Dathomir... how could I have missed Dooku's plot to steal her from me!? I slowly consumed the remaining chocolates in the box, but it could only temporarily sate my kindling rage.
Raxus Secundus, Executive Separatist Council Chambers
Asajj Ventress
"The Second Battle of Christophsis has concluded. My Comrade General reports that the entire Star System has been liberated from the clutches of the Republic." The smug voice of the General Secretary of Anteevy was met with halfhearted and begrudging applause from the Industrialists and CEOs on the Council.
Tensions between the proliferation of Anteevie's commanders and that of the Corporate Alliance had become close to unmanageable.
Protests in Alliance space all last month were only now disbanding, and each of them had contained one of the General Secretary's officers. Even now, their uppity cult was spreading its influence, establishing "worker unions" across Confederate space.
Anteevy should have remained a queer backwater world, lost in Confederate space forever. The system's position in the galaxy was poor. The nearest hyperlane, the Warriors' Trace, was distant. But then the Republic routed at Duro, and the Core's collapse set in. Dooku needed to take advantage of our opponent's stumble, drive the blade in deeper. More fleets, and the fleets required vast personnel. Someone was needed to oversee the new foundry's, command the new fleets. And most Confederate worlds were cowards, still balking at a general draft. Not Anteevy. Anteevy had been more than happy to provide personnel.
It mattered not. Anteevy is living on borrowed time. Anteevian neutrality was a farce; the Republic knew it, Mandalore knew it, the Confederacy knew it. Mandalore had little patience for Anteevy and the Republic could launch an attack against the frozen world at any time, with the full cooperation of Satine and the Neutral Systems.
"What about the Dentari Collective?" I asked, turning towards the hologram of my fellow leader of the New Sith Triumvirate.
"As all of you well know, in response to the Republic's claim that the Dentari Collective was responsible for the kidnapping of Princess Tanya Kryze, the Confederacy has censored the leadership of the Dentari Collective. This has caused mass destabilization of the government and military forces. I am currently restructuring them and stabilizing the region."
"Dooku sent you there?" Passel Argente queried. "Can't you just return the Princess and arrest the Dentari Collective?"
I rolled my eyes. The stupidity of the Executive Council was as boundless as the void. I've committed countless atrocities for temporary victories and meager rewards. They knew this. How could this fool think we were innocent in this matter?
"I have been unable to find Tanya and the Dentari leadership has claimed innocence in this matter." Tann replied. "Once the Dentari leadership became aware of the accusations against them they took it into their own hands to organize a pre-emptive strike against the Mandalorian forces in the Council of Neutral Systems. This involved two distinct operations, the first as the sponsorship and support of an insurgency and ultimately a coup in the Alzar system. A CNS member world." She seemed to think that was a very smart move. I doubted that. Alzar, from what I knew, was a paper lion. Fat and full of bluster.
"The second operation involved the procurement of a mercenary warlord known as Chop'aa Notimo. A fervent dissenter of Satine's rule who performed a raid against the Mandalorian world Gargon." Oh yes, criminal lord and mercenary. That was going to put a real blade in Mandalore's side. Tann must enjoy politics because only a politician would believe that a crime lord would be able to do anything major.
"These strikes have served to galvanize the Mandalorian people into action against the Dentari." Tann looked around the room as the rest of the Council muttered about the stupidity of Dentari engaging in these operations. She droned on no better than a tactical droid.
How little they knew. I wanted to tune out Tann's lecture on the Dentari crisis, preferring scrutinizing the woman herself instead.
Why did she bother with all this? Dooku already ruled the Executive Council by fiat. It was not as if Tann needed to bother to inform the Council of the military situation. This was all for show. Maybe she just loved feeling smarter than everyone else.
"The current activity is, without question, the prelude to a general Crusade." The word finally pulled my interest back to Tann's efforts.
"Various military commanders of the Dentari have detailed documentation of the behaviors of the Mandalorian clans before such catastrophic events and have highlighted the general procedure of a Mandalorian Crusade. Firstly the conflict is justified in some way, in this case it is the allegations of Kidnapping royalty."
Hah, allegations. I scoffed too loud and Tann gave me a look through the hologram. I pretended to be disinterested and looked at my nails. Fact of the matter was the leaders of the Triumvirate knew that there was no 'allegedly'. Maybe that was what this was all about, trying to make the industrialist feel like they were well informed so they didn't go running back to my master's former master?
Getting back to her lecture Tann continued, "Next minor clans and small family units termed 'Clanless' will deploy raiding parties against the target of Mandalorian ire with the intention of identifying and striking soft and undefended targets. Securing prestige and wealth before the larger clans can begin their own operations and strike at the easy targets. These raiding parties will consist of refitted civilian shipping and will often retreat should any resistance occur." Tann waved a hand and the holoprojector deployed scenes of a small village taken from what looked like several civilian security cameras. The settlement was currently being abandoned as several freighters with Mandalorian sigils on them circled high above broadcasting unintelligible Mandalorian chanting.
The freighters landed, disgorging Mandalorians in little more than plain clothes with a motley assortment of blasters, one or two had a helmet or a shoulder plate but the majority looked like typical civilians albeit moving in professional formations with confidence. They were ignoring the fleeing citizens as they simply marched into homes and businesses and carried off any loot they could carry. The footage sped up showing that in just a scant few hours the Mandalorian raiding force had withdrawn without discharging a single blaster bolt. It was only when the freighters were in space that Confederate fighters arrived in the sky to preside over the dejected citizens returning to their looted homes.
What a feeble crusade. Not a Force-sensitive among them, not a one. Who would even fear them? I yawned and considered the Chiss again.
Maybe it was her military background. I examined Tann's rigid military posture and sharp occasional gestures. Her outfit was an officer's uniform, but of no discernable star system. Her behavior was learned, some expectation that one's leaders should be involved in military affairs.
That sounded plausible. Unfortunately, I never bothered to learn much about Chiss society. Perhaps Tann's new apprentice could be more informative, though, with the right leverage.
Tann's posture shifted, and I sensed the lecture was finally nearing a close. It might be worth listening to the conclusion, so I resumed listening.
"Even at this early stage of the Crusade millions of civilians across Dentari space are abandoning systems close to the border with Mandalore. Even abandoning highly defended systems, the long history the native populations have with Mandalorian Crusades has a significant and deleterious effect on the morale of the Dentari Enclave. The next stage of the Crusade is normally characterized with the Mand'alor calling for a general assembly of all Clan heads on Mandalore. Something that I predict will happen within the next few days. Then there will be a military buildup for the next few months as well as a marked decrease in Mandalorian raids across the Dentari Enclave. Native military experts call this the calm before the storm."
"And then the Crusade is called by the Mand'alor." Shu Mai concluded, earning a stiff nod from Tann. "But that is not likely to happen." Shu Mai said, "From what I hear Satine had already condemned the raids against the people of the Dentari Enclave, for what little that had done. So Miss Severance… I ask a simple question: how does this citation befit the CIS and our goals."I commented here though I loathe to help my rival Triumvirate leader, "The Republic media at large has neglected to mention the Mandalorian raids against the Dentari. It is not hard to see why, just weeks ago Republic pundits were ranting about the danger of the Mandalorians. The Republic media will continue to proliferate the… allegations of the Dentari Enclave kidnapping the Mandalorian Princess and Senator. The media loves a good 'damsel in distress' story. Reporting on Mandalorians raiding innocent civilians would be inconvenient to the narrative.
Eventually senators will start pushing for military intervention in Dentari to free up the troops stationed there to be sent elsewhere. With every front currently engaged, if the Republic repositions troops from the front line to Dentari, perhaps a weak point could be exploited and cause a breakthrough. And with Republic forces in close proximity to Mandalorian Rogues, there will likely be... incidents that may strain relations between the CNS and the Republic".
Shu Mai nodded her head after a moment, understanding the benefits to the CIS but did not look happy.
"I predict that there is a high probability that Satine will call for a Crusade against the Dentari Enclave despite her expressed ideological convictions. The moment Satine's call for the Crusade reaches the Shadowfeed I predict that close to twenty percent of native system defense forces of the Dentari Enclave will desert and millions of civilians will flee into Republic space before any fighting occurs." Tann finished.
Members of the Corporate Alliance looked pale and muttered uncertainty amongst themselves at Tann's bleak presentation of the current tension between Mandalore and the Dentari. Mandalorian Crusades had a reputation, the fear of a Crusade was often just as deadly a weapon as the thousands of Mandalorian warriors and warships themselves.
Shu Mai shook her head, the old Gossam letting out a chuckle before saying, "A very scary thing for the Dentari Enclave when they flew too close to the sun. But what if Satine does not call for the Crusade?" She queried.
"Then I predict a marked uptick of raids across Dentari space as well as a general loss of faith in Satine as the current Mand'alor. Large and capable clans will begin attacks against the Dentari even if Satine restricts clan operations against CIS holdings. These raids will cripple the Dentari regardless of the involvement of the MSDF and will lead to gains by Republic forces. In short, if the Mandalorians call for a Crusade the Dentari Enclave will be attacked by the Mandalorians and the Republic resulting in a defeat of the Enclave within four months. Should no Crusade be called, then Mandalorian raiding and Republic offensives will lead to a defeat of the Dentari Enclave in just over a year." Tann again paused to glance around at the Council.
"This is a farce, there is little evidence that the Dentari have the Princess. Your predictions are all predicated upon the Dentari Enclave fighting alone against Mandalore, without the support of the CIS. If the Mandalorians attack the Dentari then the rest of the CIS will invade Mandalore! We have more than enough ships to destroy them!" Passel Argente argued.
"If we attack Mandalore then the entire Council of Neutral Systems will collapse and they will join the Republic against us. Mandalore's neutrality is protecting our most valuable industrial systems and preventing the Republic from striking at the heart of the Confederacy. We cannot discount the value of Mandalore as a block of impassable terrain for the Republic." Shu Mai argued, shaking her head. "What possibility is there for reconciliation with Mandalore? We have the embassy in Sundari, surely we can persuade the Mandalorians that we had no part in the Kidnapping of the Mandalorian Senator. And in the short term, how can this be made to benefit the CIS? If we are going to lose the Dentari Enclave we need to get something out of this deal."
"Cultural analysts from the Republic, CIS, Hutt space as well as in the Dentari have all identified a general trend in the Mandalorian holonet and public discourse. The people in general believe the Republic Propaganda alleging that Tanya was kidnapped by the Confederate forces in the Dentari and are supportive of military forces being used to recover the princess. There is general agreement from authoritative sources on Mandalorian cultural and political trends that discourse within Mandalorian politics will continue to escalate until a Crusade is called or until Princess Tanya is returned to Mandalore. Satine will be under extreme political pressure to attack the Dentari Enclave." Tann explained tersely.
She seemed upset that there were some not taking her predictions seriously. I struggled to hold back a snort as she actually puffed up her chest at the gallery of industrialists and bankers. "As for what could be gathered as benefits, resources that were earmarked for supporting the Dentari Enclave can be set aside for other offenses later next year." Tann said.
Shu Mai narrowed her eyes in thought but before she could reply someone else spoke up.
"With so many of our reserves being used for the general offensive, attacking Mandalore would be stretching ourselves too thin. Our intelligence reports that the MSDF is incapable of any extended fighting currently but when a Crusade is called the Mandalorians have historically entered a state of Total War that they can endure for decades." Tikkes, the Quarrian from Mon Calamari, cautioned, seeming to take the threat seriously.
"Should efforts to normalize relations between the Dentari Enclave and the Mandalorians fail. I propose a fighting withdrawal from the Dentari Enclave, Tann will gather any and all military assets and as many ships as she can and retreat to the Hydian way to strike the Republic forces in the Belsmoth region in the rear. Abandoning the Dentari region in the process, it is better to cut off a limb in the mouth of a predator than to suffer more terrible wounds attempting to save it." San Hill argued.
"Doing this has utterly demoralized many member systems of the Confederacy. We cannot countenance fleeing and leaving the Dentari people to the tender mercies of the Mandalorians!" Passel bemoaned.
"Any demoralization should be countered by our recent advances on all fronts of the war. We are winning! We cannot risk bolstering Republic forces by antagonizing the Mandalorians. Let them have the Dentari." A counselor cried.
"What say you General Secretory. You are a Mandalorian." San Hill asked. "Can Satine be made to see reason?"
"I believe she can." Liliya answered smoothly. "We have a good rapport, she and I. And I have a good relationship with the young Prince Korkie of Mandalore. Both of them would be against calling for a Crusade against the Dentari Enclave and I believe that Satine can be convinced to restrict the raids of the Mandalorian clans. There has already been firm resistance to the violence by New Mandalorian advocacy groups in Sundari. There are active protests against the violence that I believe we can support that would prevent a collapse of the Dentari Enclave."
She smiled at the Banking Clan representative. "I would merely need access to funding and access to several Confederate agri worlds. I have avenues allowing me to funnel credits into the hands of peace loving Mandalorians and expanding the amount of food Anteevy exports to the Neutral systems would go a long way to preventing Satine from entering the war against us."
"Us? Have you actually declared for the Confederacy now General Secretory? I thought you were here merely to spread your poisonous ideology." Passel glared at the thickset woman.
"That's enough." I said, stopping the argument that was just now forming on the Mandalorian's lips. "I will compile a report to provide to Count Dooku before we assemble here again. He will have the final say on how we contend with the Dentari situation that the Republic's lies have foisted upon us. This will conclude the meeting."
There was a general murmuring before the various council members ended holocalls and began to leave the chamber. I watched as the General Secretary moved towards San Hill to talk only to be snubbed. The Banking Clan member didn't even make excuses before leaving.
I still needed to contact Dooku. I stood to leave. Passel approached me.