The chamber was quiet but tense.
For the fourth time in as many days, Count Dooku sat with Tywin Lannister at the diplomatic roundtable in Elysiar's central tower—this time not to negotiate, but to finalize.
Hovering before them was a holoprojection of the trade accord, its clean silver glyphs suspended in a slow spiral of rotating script. The attending representatives of Serenno and its neighboring systems had returned once again via secure holo-links. Their expressions were unreadable, their silence measured.
Tywin stood beside the table, calm and poised, hands clasped behind his back.
"I trust the additions to the agreement have addressed your concerns," he said evenly.
"We reviewed the enforcement clauses," came Lord Vened's voice. "The sovereignty guarantee is acceptable—as long as our own sovereignty is respected in turn."
"Of course," Dooku said smoothly. "This is an agreement of equals, not submission."
"Then let it be so," murmured Lady Kraya, her image flickering slightly. "We will formally recognize Elysiar as a neutral trade partner, protected under the mutual deterrent clause. All parties will commit resources toward shared communication lines and discreet mutual defense."
Tywin gave a single, approving nod. "Then we move forward."
Later That Day – Elysiar's Nexus Spire
Adam reviewed the final terms with calm professionalism, standing at the head of the chamber as Tywin recited the last passage of the agreement.
As the ceremonial tone fell silent, the system interface swept into view in front of him—only visible to his eyes.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]Milestone Achieved: "Diplomatic Recognition"Status: Regional Sovereignty Acknowledged by External Entities (5)Reward Unlocked: Fleet Support Package – Old Republic Archive ClassShips Delivered: 1x Hammerhead Command Cruiser (Modified), 2x Thranta-Class Corvettes, 4x Aurek Tactical StarfightersFleet Integration: ConfirmedDesignation: Elysiar Defense and Trade Fleet – Call Sign "Silver Flame"
A light shimmered outside the tower window.
Adam turned just in time to see the first ship rise from its drop point beyond the city's outer ring—an unmistakable silhouette in the sky.
The Hammerhead-Class Cruiser, centuries old in design but gleaming with system-integrated technology, cast a long shadow as it took a stationary orbit above the city. Moments later, two Thranta-Class Corvettes flew past in a precise formation, their sleek frames trailing soft blue stabilizer light. Farther behind them, the Aurek fighters cut quick arcs through the clouds.
The sky felt different.
Guarded.
And below, the people of Elysiar turned their faces upward—not with fear, but with awe.
Inside, Tywin stepped beside Adam, arms crossed as he, too, looked toward the horizon.
"They're relics," Tywin said quietly, "but they carry the authority of an empire that once was. The galaxy will take them seriously."
"They're not just symbols," Adam replied. "They're tools."
"Then use them well," Tywin said, and after a pause, added, "I will ensure their existence is included in diplomatic dispatches as a deterrent—carefully phrased, of course."
Adam smiled faintly. "Of course."
Down in the city, Dooku stood on one of the open-air landing terraces, watching as the Hammerhead hovered like a silent sentinel.
He knew that silhouette.
He remembered history lessons from the Jedi Archives, lectures about the early Republic and its wars against the ancient Sith.
The presence of such vessels now—on a world not listed on any navigational charts—was more than symbolic.
It was a declaration.
Elysiar was no longer hidden.
It was prepared.