High orbit of Naboo
January 23, 2553, 13:21
Surrounded by a trio of ships consisting of two battlecruisers and a familiar ring-shaped Droid Control ship. The two Lucrehulks fired as many of their Turbolasers at the three ships. The two ships also deploy many squadrons of their Vulture droids to harass their attackers. Picking their targets, waves of droid starfighters moved to intercept the two battlecruisers, who used their point defense arsenal to fight back against the fighters as they assaulted in dive bombing maneuvers with their laser cannons and concussion missiles.
"Focus on the ships. I'm using the remaining droid fighters to screen a defense!" Hestia ordered the Spartans to follow as they used the targeting systems to set the cannons to fire onto their designated ships. Hestia focused on a package she was creating for their enemy, or, more so, a virus that would spread through signals sent to each of the ship's systems that controlled their fighters.
In the digital world, she transferred the virus data package through signals sent to the few fighters under her command. A key step in her plan was that she learned of the droids' ability to send smaller communication signals to one another, enough for her fighters to infect the other fighters and spread the infection. Hestia commanded groups of fighters to engage, getting close enough to deliver her package. She only needed one to succeed, but she needed reassurance, especially with the thousands of fighters moving toward them.
Hestia's fears were swiftly validated. As soon as her fighter groups engaged the enemy, it was obliterated, marked by a burst of chaotic explosions that signaled its demise, despite the evasion maneuvers shown in the visual feeds. The vibrant yellow dots representing her fighters flickered and disappeared one by one, far too rapidly for her, while the relentless tide of ominous red dots surged forward, closing in and overwhelming her forces.
"Come on!" Hestia said with her digital fingers deftly moving across orders and signals sent faster than any commander could address their living pilots.
The virus needed to be transferred for at least ten seconds, but her depleted fighters barely had a chance to commence the transfer. Just two minutes into the dogfight, her forces had dwindled to half their original strength. The attrition continued as the battle dragged on, further reducing their chances of successfully deploying the virus. Now, she was left with only a handful of squadrons, but there was still hope as enemy fighters who had split off from the main force pursued one of her more distant squadrons.
She needed and would take advantage of this opportunity. Ordering her droids, she had them move in, causing a small dogfight to ensue. The number of fighters in both squadrons dropped as they exchanged energized red bolts. Casualties on both sides had occurred, and she was left with one fighter, while the enemy squadron had two, but quickly became one too. Now, a chase began as her fighter neared the enemy fighter that kept trying to outmaneuver the fighter on its back. It was a game of cat and mouse, with Hestia intending to be the predator. Her fighter closed in on its prey.
A link had been established. Hestia only needed the seconds to pass and the distance between them to remain constant.
1
2
No! The Enemy fighter had accelerated away, disrupting the connection and causing the download to be paused. Hestia again ordered her fighter to give chase, which it did. The fighter chased the enemy fighter as it veered towards its allies, accelerating to close the distance again.
3
The link was reestablished as the droid began sending the signal with the virus package. Meanwhile, both fighters closed in on the more significant battle, and another squadron of enemy fighters moved to intercept.
4
5
6
7
The droid fighters started firing as the fighter under Hestia's command started to weave. However, it maintained its course by chasing the fighter ahead of it. The fighters steadied their aim, concentrated, and fired another volley of red streaks.
8
When Hestia's fighter was hit, its speed slowed while the fighter it chased kept at its speed. The distance between them grew.
9
10
Hestia's fighter was struck by another barrage of red streaks, which disabled it as the cannon fire ripped it apart. It didn't matter as it had completed its mission. The virus package had sped off with the droid fighter and relayed through the controller. Hestia now controlled over a thousand other droid fighters, and next, she would control the rest.
"Six, watch the lights for me!" Noble-2 moved from her screen to the console she created from scraps of other consoles in the bridge. Their Turbolasers are now on cooldown, and their connection is loose, as signified by the red light on the side of the screens.
Fires of Winter
After receiving a communique from Hestia about her control over the Trade Federation, she decided to move in with the rest of the battlegroup. Rear Admiral Gatlin had told the fleet to move at maximum acceleration.
Meanwhile, in a hurry, the two Lucrehulks had broken away from the attacking ships, which gave chase along with the three thousand fighters under Hestia's command. The rest of the fleet moved to intercept with their MACs charging.
"Athena status?" Still gazing out of the bridge, the console to his side lit up with the appearance of the dark-silver AI. Reaching her side, she pulled forward a projection of the battlegroup's status.
"The fleet is close. We just need to move further. While the Fires of Winter can use its engines along with the two heavy carriers when charging their MACs, the rest of the battlegroup cannot." Pulling up an image of the engines, she continued. "The experimental engines attached to the three ships can use less for more when it comes to power efficiency, allowing them to maintain mobility while firing."
After hearing the technical information about the experimental technology added to his ship, he moved to the holo table. He highlighted the Fires of Winter and the two heavy carriers. "Inform the captains that we will intercept the two ships, and they will charge their primary batteries while our carriers lead the attack. Inform Captains Kay and Reece to prep the Bident missiles as well." After he finished speaking, Athena disappeared to follow as ordered.
Gatlin expanded the holo table to show the distance between the battlegroup, the two ships, and the three friendly ships that harassed them. In thirty seconds, they would reach the effective range for their MACs, letting the Trade Federation know what happens when they mess with their kind. "Mac status?" Athena flashed atop the holo table. "100% along with Howler pods one through ten are prepped." Both heavy carriers were also in position as they slowly adjusted, tracking the movements of the two Lucrehulks. The battle cruisers were out of the way but still harassed the two ships, bright lances of light that sliced through open space and hit against the shields of a Lucrehulk. "Launch the howlers." Quickly, close to a hundred Howler missiles moved toward their target. "Captains, launch all your Bident missiles," Gatlin ordered through a secure connection between the three ships established by Athena. The Howlers were a precautionary measure to create a smoke screen, ensuring all Bident missiles hit their intended targets. That is why they needed to be launched first, as their speed and range were more limited than that of Bidents.
Looking at the friendly signature of the two battlecruisers and their commandeered Lucrehulk, who was safe from any danger of getting caught in the blast radius, he focused back onto the missile signature as they closed onto the carrier. Athena provided a count until impact on the holo table.
6
5
4
3
A screen displayed a close-up video showing the Lucrehulk firing at the missiles with its primary batteries. Still, the batteries were ineffective in taking out any of them, unable to hit even the slow Howlers.
2
1
Upon impact, there were twenty large explosions; although smaller than a Shiva output, each missile did more than what a volley of Archer missiles could do. But the ship was still standing, though it didn't matter as its shields were dropped after that attack. The ship was quickly bombarded by red streaks coming from the ship Noble commandeered. Piece by piece, the ship was coming apart under focused fire, but soon, the ship was sliced through like butter under the Plasma lances of two cruisers.
A larger piece of the once fully attached ship exploded in a chain reaction. Due to their proximity, it and the smaller parts of the ring-shaped ship were soon consumed by a fiery explosion, most likely because the ship's engine was caught in one of the more minor explosions.
Only one more ship remained, now the sole target of the battle group. Gatlin quickly glanced at a screen that showed the MAC status of each ship. He ordered Athena to link every ship to the COMs. Upon getting a nod from the AI, he then ordered to. "Fire!"
Under his order, a large volley of MAC rounds was sent at extreme speeds towards the last Trade Federation ship. The first to make an impact was the heavy coil ships, consisting of cruisers, and the Fires of Winter was designated as a super heavy MAC. Being heavy coil-type MACs meant they did more damage, and it showed as their rounds battered what remained of the ship's shield. Then followed the smaller MAC rounds that shredded the unshielded ship as it succumbed to the damage caused by the MACs, and, like its former companion carrier, it was absorbed by its explosion.
The last of the Trade Federation in the star system was destroyed, meaning the battle was over. 'This was good.' Gatlin thought as he sat down on his command seat. The casualties were very minimal. No ships were lost in battle, but sadly, some of their pilots went down. He rubbed his forehead while his officers kept to their posts; though excited at how the battle had also turned out, they remained professional.
Sighing, Gatlin knew what would be next and had already ordered some ships to head back to their base. He decided to stay with some ships in hand as well. He would meet the Queen and have his men help clean up; his eyes moved to the debris of the two ships.
Theed
January 23, 2553, 14:09
Two Pelicans sliced through the sky, their engines roaring as their noses aimed downwards as they descended low below the clouds of the Naboo with the sight of Theed off in the distance. "We'll be reaching touchdown in two minutes." Seated at the back of one of the Pelicans were Six and Kat. Meanwhile, Kat was observing Six, whom he had noticed out of the corner of his eye. Initially, facing the other end of the Pelicans' cargo bay. His head now faces her, causing two pairs of blue eyes to mirror each other.
"What is it?" He said softly, yet an edge of bluntness followed. Meanwhile, Kat followed with a statement. "You." Then, she posed a question based on her observations. "You're quieter than usual. What are you thinking about?"
Six didn't immediately answer as he gripped both sides of his helmet, looking at the reflected face. His face showed him a mirror scenario of his actions before joining Noble Team on the Warthog ride to the outpost, where Noble was briefed right before Visegrád Relay. Before Reach was lost and before Noble was lost.
Millions of light-years away from countless glassed colonies and the struggle for their humanity. Maybe the Rear Admiral was right; they could use the time to rebuild and create connections, something they had already done by intervening in Naboo's battle against the Trade Federation. However, simultaneously, they had gained an enemy with an unknown number of military assets. Maybe their purpose hadn't diminished after all. The purpose of the Spartans was to protect and ensure humanity's survival. So far, besides trying to take over a human world, it looked like this Galaxy wasn't at war.
"Everything. What is our goal now that we won't fight the Covenant?" Six knew they would have to focus on their settlement on Nereids, as it was named, or Nova-03. From the chatter, Kat picked up and informed Six that the science division of the battlegroup was already researching the new shielding type from the scattered ships that floated around the planet, with the use of the Orion-class assault carriers' resource gatherers that started the scrapping apart of a tiny number of the ships.
Investing time in research and technology adaptation for the ships is crucial for their future in this new galaxy. Establishing a long-term base will provide the necessary support, and steps are already being taken. With the assistance of a map from Genial Preservation, the installation's monitor, platoons of Marines are actively engaged in exploration expeditions, paving the way for further advancement on the planet.
"We are Spartans Six. We will complete the missions given to us, whether that is more combat or something else. We will see to it that they are completed." Six wasn't given any time to dive back into his thoughts, with the pilot's voice cutting into his ear as she announced their arrival. The Spartans felt the Pelican land as it recoiled slightly. Getting up from the seats, they saw the light bleeding in as the bay door moved downwards, creating a ramp platform on which they could walk.
"Six, we're a team; we'll work on it together." Six nodded as they walked down the Pelicans ramp. The light touched the skin of their faces, which was pale due to a lack of exposure to a star's natural light. Particularly, Six's skin was predominantly paler than that of Kats.
The Rear Admiral has exited the second Pelican to their side, which the Spartans saluted. "At ease." The Rear Admiral then moved toward the Queen's retinue, as both Six and Kat fell in line with the rest of Noble, who followed the Rear Admiral. Meanwhile, the Spartan Red Team remained on the sidelines, although they were also helmetless.
Finally, the two leaders of their respective people met face-to-face. Padmé remained dressed in her handmaiden combat attire, and the Rear Admiral wore his navy attire. "Your Highness, I am Wilder Gatlin, Rear Admiral of the battlegroup."
Padmé, the Queen of Naboo, offered a bow to the Rear Admiral, who smiled due to slight embarrassment as the Queen's retinue followed their Queen's action and bowed towards the Rear Admiral. "We thank you for the protection and the sacrifice your people of the UNSC have given us of Naboo."
"Upon learning of your situation, our people were fired to help. As you probably know, we aren't strangers to such violence." A slight frown appeared on Padmés face as her eyes drifted to Six. "I've been told so. It's still hard to believe the Republics have been at peace for so long. Something like your people's story is unthinkable."
"Hopefully, our people can find a home here and rebuild and hopefully have a fruitful relationship with our new neighbors." The Rear Admiral's intention was clear as of day one, which Padmé fully agreed upon. Again, her eyes seemed to roam as she found Six's eyes meeting hers. Unnoticed by some, yet visible to others.
"You seeing this?" Jonah nudged Roland, who rolled his eyes and instructed Jonah to. "Shut up." Without their helmets, their facial features were exposed. Jonah's facial structure was square-shaped, with a typical shaved head associated with the UNSC and blue eyes. Roland's face was more oval in shape and had medium-length hair. Unlike his team members, his eyes were brown. "She saw," Jonah mentioned and, with his head, gestured towards Kat, whose eyes were now watching both Queen and Spartan.
"We should continue our talks in the palace for a more comfortable setting." Padmé kindly advised. "Of course." Agreeing, they began to move, followed by their respective retinues.
The large group moved through the outer corridors, which took them to the courtyard, still littered with scars and proof of the battle. With the Naboo and the help of droids of differing models, they piled up droid parts as scrap. The bulkier frames carried larger scraps cut apart by the smaller astromechs. Some Marines were present, assisting with the cleanup alongside the Naboo.
Small groups of Naboo civilians approached the Marines, expressing their thanks by offering what little food was left. Six watched the interactions with a neutral expression, yet his thoughts were hidden. Padmé, too, watched her people's actions and felt happy in what was preserved. Her people would be strong; she truly believed that, and she would ensure their people's prosperity during her terms as Queen. Then, after, she might hope to enjoy something like what her parents have. Glancing at Six, whose piercing blue eyes were caught observing what he fought for.
It was odd for Padmé as she felt her heart race at the sight. She never expected to fall for a young man of his type. But here she was, swooning like a young maiden, which she was, but that was beside the point. While very different from the young men of Naboo, Six's character had leaked from that stoic facade, giving Padmé enough for her interest to bloom further.
"What would you like to discuss first?" Now sitting in her throne room and across from her was the Rear Admiral. Her eyes drifted to the Spartans. Her thoughts shifted as she recalled everything that had happened over the past few days, including the Republic's slow response, the events on Tatooine, and the battle and suffering of her people.
____
Six stood at the Queen's room entrance, still in armor, except for his helmet, which he held. He looked to the guards, who nodded and let him through. As he scanned the room, he noticed the absence of presence. Usually, the room would be filled with the Queen's handmaidens, but there was no sight of them.
He walked towards the balcony, shined by the moonlight of the three moons that orbited the planet. In the distance, he saw the beauty of Naboo in the night. The sound of the rushing water down the falls and the moons' reflection in the water painted a relaxing sight. Relax, Six did, but not enough that he didn't notice the presence sneaking as he could hear her quiet steps, yet pretended he did not.
Softly, he was caught in an embrace by Padmé. Turning his head, Six studied her current appearance; unlike the usual more flamboyant outfits she wore as a Queen, this one was simpler. Her hair was not held together in some headpiece, and her curly locks flowed downwards. There was no sign of any makeup, which revealed her beauty to be natural and captivating; her youth also created an air of innocence. However, this was countered by her silk-like nightgown, which was silvery blue and clung to her body.
"Will your team be the one that is staying?" Softly, she asked. For protection, it was decided that a Spartan Team would stay as a protection detail alongside a team of ONI operatives. She agreed to it, and although Naboo still chooses to cling to a more pacifist approach, discussions have already begun on more defensive options to employ, which her Captain has mainly spearheaded. Even after the attack by the Trade Federation, the concept of arming themselves remained controversial.
Six was silent only momentarily after hearing the answer, which was blunt: "No." Tightening her hold on him as he continued speaking. "Red Team will be deployed indefinitely." Padmé didn't move or voice a protest, her hold on Six remaining.
Quiet between the two, Padmé's thoughts filtered through her mind, and Six waited as he was unsure what to do next. But he was glad Hestia was with the rest of Noble. Six, although not ignorant of social interactions, especially now more than ever after years of solo work. All of that didn't matter as he was dropped into the deep end of something unfamiliar.
"Your Highness." Six softly gripped her shoulders as he extended the distance between them. This caused Padmé to blush, as she believed she may have gone too far. "I'm sorry, Six. Did I go too far?" Truly, at this moment, she resembled a pure maiden.
Meanwhile, Six evaluated the situation and sighed. This scenario was more complicated for him than any previous mission, but relying on his instincts always helped. Currently, they are pushing for a continuation of his bluntness.
"This is unethical." Six stated as he placed his helmet down and met the eyes of not just the Queen of the planet he had helped protect, but a young girl close to four years younger than himself. Immediately, he could see the challenging glare in her eyes. "How would it be unethical?" She questioned him sharply while crossing her arms.
"Simply the difference in our age." Hearing his words, she stared at him, her eyes boring down on the Spartan.
"That is of very little consequence. My father and mother have a similar gap between them." Padme said with some heat in her tone.
"No, it is relevant. I'm a soldier and don't think I'll ever stop being one." Padme cooled upon hearing his words.
Of course, she had considered this fact, and while she understood a soldier could not be home for such a long time, she was willing to sacrifice that part of what she had envisioned in her future: her desire for a family. Even to make it easier to create a family, once her political responsibilities had ended as planned after running for a second term, she would follow him by living among his people and in their new home.
Still, it would be challenging, but she would get used to it. Their system, being neighbors, should make it simple enough for her to visit her family.
In her mind, she had called herself crazy, acting like a lovestruck fool. Irrational and willing to give up parts of her dreams for this man whose name she didn't even know, due to confidentiality in their military.
Six added, "I cannot give you what you want." His eyes watched over her, waiting for a response, but she was given nothing as she seemed to be slowly digesting everything. "You are still young and have so much ahead of you, and you shouldn't waste that on me." Six's words made it seem like he was a man beyond his prime, speaking words of wisdom gently to a child.
Maybe it was having gone through what he had.
Padmé registered her words and the gentleness that leaked through the stoic tone. Six may have believed his words were dissuading her, but they proved her evaluation of him. He may believe there was nothing to him more than a soldier, but Padmé knew there was more, and his argument reinforced her image of him.
"It wouldn't be a waste." Softly, she muttered.
Sighing as he backed away, Six reattached his helmet and, with his voice, modulated. "Yes, it would."
Leaving her chambers, the only sound that filled the dimly lit corridor was the sound of his armored steps. The stubborn Queen remained as his words replayed in her head.
_____
Theed
January 26, 2553, 6:23
They waited alongside the Rear Admiral as a ship in the distance broke through the clouds of Naboo, colored in red and white. The ship itself was not a warship. The three large engines in the back propelled the ship, which moved with great agility, as it flew into the city and started its descent onto the prominent street of Theed.
The Queen stood alongside her retinue and the three Jedi. The uniformed security of Naboo surrounded the landing site, all in position to welcome the new chancellor.
Rear Admiral Gatlin examined the ship through a COM's earpiece, where he learned of the ship's arrival and escort. The information came from the captain of Durandel, the last ship in the system with its escort as per his orders. The captain claimed that the cruiser's AI pinged the arriving ships and made an input on their low tonnage appearances, slightly longer than that of the transport holding the most crucial figure of politics in this galaxy. Even from the reports on the Republic's preference, it was surprising that the escort was so under-armed.
After a couple of minutes, once the ship had landed, a ramp was deployed from underneath the ship's bow. Watching as the ramp was about to touch down on the street, the Rear Admiral turned his eyes as the security captain for the Queen walked up to the prisoners.
"Now, Viceroy, you're going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all of this." The Queen addressed the prisoners, while the captain, to their side, commented, "I think you could kiss your trade franchise goodbye." He then led the two prisoners alongside the two other guards towards the ship's ramp.
As he descended from the ship, an elderly man in formal attire was surrounded by a squad of blue guards clad in elaborate gear. The Rear Admiral's attention was primarily drawn to the design of the helmet. Meanwhile, the Spartans stood rigid as they scrutinized the blue guards.
The new chancellor, previously a senator from Naboo, was the sector's representative. The Rear Admiral watched as the chancellor greeted the Queen. He was certainly different from what Gatlin had seen among UEG politicians. The chancellor did not fit any politician image the Rear Admiral could think of. With his smiles and the soft-spoken way he had lightly talked with the Queen, he had more of a sweet grandfather image.
When the Queen was done speaking, she led the chancellor, who kept his smile as they walked towards Gatlin. The Chancellor seemed not to mind the presence of the Spartans behind Gatlin, but his escort guards were another story. They stiffened, adopting a more rigid posture that mirrored their alertness, while also clenching their rifle-like blasters tightly.
Unlike their counterparts, Noble didn't react, merely watching and observing. Finally, the Queen arrived with the Chancellor in tow.
"This is Rear Admiral of the fleet that helped liberate our people and helped with the capture of Nute Gunray." The Queen said, introducing Gatlin to the chancellor, who had a delighted look and outstretched his hand to the Rear Admiral.
"I would like to thank you graciously and your soldiers for what they have done for my people, " the Chancellor said with sincerity. Gatlin lifted his hand, allowing the chancellor to grasp it with both hands.
"Sincerely, I thank you for what you have done." The Chancellor repeated his thanks. Then, he pulled back his hands, his expression changing to one of solemnity. "Yet I unfortunately would like to discuss some important topics with you that would be prudent to share due to your involvement."
"Of course," both turned to the Queen, who decided to take charge of leading the two. Both sides' guards followed behind as they headed to the throne room.
___
"That is outrageous!" Said Padmé as she lost her composure after hearing the news from Chancellor Palpatine. In contrast, Gatlin remained composed and was thinking deeply about the news.
The Chancellor had informed them that the Trade Federation deemed the Viceroy's actions to be rogue and that they were unaware of the extent to which he was taking action. This supposedly appalled them upon finding the truth of the statements against him. This had taken much of the blame away from the Trade Federation, placing it solely upon the Viceroy and those under his command.
"Not only have they shied away from responsibility, but they are also bringing questions that are bringing even more." The two other leaders focused on the Chancellor's tone change.
"What questions?" Padmé asked. Upon hearing the young Queen's question, the Chancellor had sighed.
"They seek to know what happened to the twelve Lucrehulks left with the Viceroy." Immediately, Gatlin frowned upon hearing the statement.
"Twelve? During the battle, there were only four total present." Gatlin explained. A stern look took over his expression.
"The Trade Federation claims that they had lost contact with their enforcement ships as, upon learning there was truth to the Queen's words, they sent their detachment of ships to inspect the work of the Viceroy, and that upon entering the system shortly, they were wiped out."
"That is preposterous!" Padmé exclaimed immediately. "When we arrived in the system of the original ships that had started the blockade, two remained, and our buoy marked two others arriving late in the battle, all of which were destroyed." She added while also mixing in a lie.
Gatlin didn't glance her way, only focusing on the Chancellor, who was thinking about what neither of them could guess. But Gatlin was in no shock, whether the Queen had merely misinterpreted their buoy data or lied for their sake.
"I believe that the Trade Federation is lying, but to their end, I do not know." The Chancellor quickly spoke to calm the Queen. "Unfortunately, questions have arisen in the Senate, and they will most certainly not be ignored due to the attention they bring."
"Such as?" Gatlin asked, not liking the direction this conversation was taking.
"Your ships and whether they conflict with the Ruusan Reformation laws." Grimly, the Chancellor spoke with his eyes set on the Rear Admiral. "Each planet has its right to see to its defense, of course, as long as it adheres to the limitations of the Republic laws."
The Ruusan Reformations were meant to prevent large-scale conflicts and to prevent neighbors from growing their naval power to dominate one another. Padmé wondered if the Rear Admiral would allow Republic officials, most likely the Jedi, oversight of their ships. Doubtful as she considered it, they were a sovereign but also a stubborn people; her eyes lingering on Six, of course, the Senate would put them under heavy scrutiny.
"Yes, I've been briefed on your laws on naval military." Blank was the expression on the Rear Admiral's face. "I understand the cause of alarm in your Senate." The Chancellor smiled with relief, hearing Gatlins' words.
"But I do not recollect why my people would be subjected to those laws." Upon hearing the words of the Rear Admiral, the Chancellor frowned.
"After all, we are not a part of the Republic." Rear Admiral Gatlin added, enforcing his pointed question.
"Our ships were only set to patrol our space, but with the attack of the Trade Federation, we couldn't sit idly by and watch a measurable force enact horrors on our peaceful, your own home, Chancellor."
The Rear Admiral's words were careful yet contradictory, audacious words toward the Chancellor. Both sides eyed each other with a measured look, staring down, while the Queen was between the two, looking unsure of the new atmosphere.
"Again, I am grateful for what your people have done, but I now have to seek the stability of the Republic and make sure there is nothing that would threaten that stability."
"I can assure you we are no threat to your Republic." Padmé was about to advocate for the Rear Admiral, but Captain Panaka had stopped her by whispering something to her, to which she responded.
"Let them come." After giving the order, she focused on the two men before her.
"Gentlemen, the Jedi have arrived and will soon join us. Why don't we take a recess?" She spoke diplomatically, her Queens voice returning.
The two looked at each other as they considered the young Queen's words. As the queen observed them, they agreed to a recess, with the Chancellor moving to his advisors. The Rear Admiral grouped with the Spartans.
Deciding that she would have to speak with the Rear Admiral, she walked to work on damage control. She knew the Chancellor's points were valid, especially if she considered them from an unbiased perspective, but there was still hypocrisy.
The Trade Federation was allowed such a powerful force and would have gone uncontested without the UNSC. She hoped that with Palpatine's appointment, he would quickly work on dismantling the likes of such megacorporations, thereby preventing the Senate from harassing their people's saviors.
A complicated matter, and the Rear Admiral wouldn't back down to the Senate. She would have to play peacemaker, hoping the Jedi would help her efforts.
____
The Jedi arrived, and among them were familiar faces. With them dressed in Jedi robes was the young Anakin Skywalker trailing at the end of the group, following the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn with newly minted Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jedi Master Plo-Koon and his apprentice, Ashoka Tano, were ahead of them, positioned near the front of the group, only behind a dark-skinned human Jedi and a small green alien who ambled with the assistance of a cane, leading the group as the leader.
Nine Jedi arrived in the throne room under the eyes of three groups. At the center was the Queen, seated back on her throne, while on opposite ends were the Chancellor and the Rear Admiral
The arrival of the Jedi had broken some tension between the parties. A calming effect wafted through the atmosphere, subsiding the shadows that lingered. The talks continued a couple of minutes before the Jedi's arrival. There was no sign of compromise in sight between the two opposing parties.
"Greetings, Jedi, and welcome to Naboo." The Queen greeted the incoming Jedi.
"A pleasure, Queen Amidala, it is." Grandmaster Yoda of the Jedi Order received the greeting in kind.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor moved to greet the Jedi, while Gatlin stayed behind with the Queen, thoroughly studying the Jedi. He received a comprehensive briefing from the Spartans on their experiences with the Jedi and the information shared by the Queen.
A religious entity that acted as guardians of peace and advisors to the Republic. Diplomacy, and they were here to make sure the wishes of the Republic were met. He wouldn't back down, not even for some galaxy-scale government. For the sake of his people, they would not leave their protection to someone else, especially to this incompetent government that couldn't save its people from a megacorporation. It made him think: what if a war were to break out? How would they react, and would the Republic even be ready for something like that, given a thousand years of leniency?
He watched as the Jedi followed the Chancellor, approaching them. "This would be Rear Admiral Gatlin of the UNSC." Looking down at the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, his face was blank, hiding any expression from being made as a clear canvas.
"Hmm?" The Grandmaster hummed as his eyes closed. "True it is, the force in you I cannot sense." The Grandmaster had his eyes open as he spoke.
"Living, you are but the force; it does not flow through you." Followed by a question. "The Force, do you know of it?" Finally, he asked the Rear Admiral a question.
"A supposed force of life that binds every living thing together, from what I have been told," Gatlin said without blinking, and spoke bluntly.
The Grandmaster then turned to the Queen and motioned to the holotablet on her desk. "May I?" The Queen nodded to the Jedi.
In a moment, floating up as if being perfectly manipulated as it rotated. Meanwhile, behind the Rear Admiral, silently, on the TEAMCOM Noble-2, addressed the AI of the team. "Hestia?"
"Already scanning, and it seems in truth there is an energy field surrounding them," she said as she isolated a scan from Six's armor onto the Green Jedi. Gatlin turned his head to see any result from Hestia, to which he received a nod from Noble-2, confirming the words of the elderly Jedi.
"Believe now you do?" The Grandmaster asked after gently placing the holotablet back in its place.
"Yes, I believe so," Gatlin said.
"Believed it was in all living beings that the force in us resided," The Grandmaster commented as he moved with his cane. Then, he arrived again in front of the Jedi who followed him. "Mistaken we were."
"In orbit, your ships they are?" The Grandmaster asked another question.
"Yes, they are," Gatlin answered.
"For war, they were made for?" Finally, the Question they were here for. The Rear Admiral faced the other side with no hesitation in answer.
"Yes."
"So you were intending to use your ships for conquest then." Dangerously spoke the dark skinned Jedi who, like Yoda, held the rank of Master of the Order.
"No, our ships have always been to ensure the security and safety of our people." Sternly voiced the Rear Admiral.
"That belongs to the role of the Jedi as we serve as the peacekeepers of the Republic." Argued Mace Windu.
"While that may be good for the Republic, I do not see how that impacts my people," Gatllin stated sharply, catching the Jedi's insinuation. "Like I have previously brought up with your Chancellor, we are not a part of your Republic, and our goal in our operations with Naboo was to help liberate their people." Causing Mace to back down as he mulled over the foreign Admiral's words.
Quickly, Gatlin added, leaving no time for the Republic side to argue further. "We will see fit to keep our ships in our space while we hope you respect ours to cause no incidents."
Turning to Queen Amidala. "Your Highness, thank you for the hospitality. Tomorrow, we will be set to leave after the parade."
"It was the least I could do after all you have done for us," Padmé responded graciously, to which the Rear Admiral smiled lightly. Turning to the Spartans, as they understood the talks were done, they moved to escort the Rear Admiral out.
"The Senate will think differently." They were passing the group of the Jedi as Mace Windu chose to offer final words of wisdom. Not responding to the warning, the Rear Admiral and his escort continued to move.
The doorways opened, allowing them to exit with Naboo security on point, guarding yet delivering nods of deep respect and thankfulness for what had been done for Naboo.
Now it was time for them to return to their new settlement on Nova-03 and continue building their home in a galaxy far, far away.
At the same time
Systems away from the Taris System, the Luire System
A large fleet of ships gathered over the planet Nyriaan, showcasing their control over the planet. Many ships were seen orbiting the planet, and some bore a resemblance to ancient ships from wars long fought and settled. At the center of the fleet was a larger ship, more than double the size of the fleet's standard battle cruiser. Bristling with an array of quad-heavy turbo-laser batteries and many more batteries of turbo-lasers and laser cannons.
Passing through the fleet was a dark, sleek starship that went unbothered by the many fighters moving along patrol. It's destination, the flagship of the fleet. Moving to the ship's hangar, which was stationed at the fore of the ship, protected by two prong sections of the ship that made up its wedge-shaped design. The hangar housed many docked starfighters and other transports used for planetary assaults.
The ship landed in an open section of the hangar, and it was not long after its landing that a ramp descended from the starship. Smoke had poured off from the ship. Finally, as the ramp extended all the way, the ship's hatch opened, revealing its passenger.
A Lethan female Twi'lek, whose red body was covered from her head to her lekku, down to her exposed thighs. She moved with a dark seduction down the ramp as an escort awaited her, who were clad in dark armor and blasters in hand. A cold expression rested on her face as she met with the troopers.
"Ma'am, the Dark Lord awaits your report." Merely nodding with no change in expression. She followed the two troopers as they led her out of the hangar.
Following the escort to their destination, she took some time to mull over the details of her mission, which was merely just one of observation. One of her goals was watching the results of the Jedi and the Banite Sith Assassin. While the Jedi had a numerical advantage, the Assassin should have at least been capable of striking down the Padawan, yet his destruction was at the hands of the young Jedi Padawan.
He was too much of a disappointment to be called a Sith at all, including whatever new so-called "Darth" had trained the assassin. Every Sith with the name Darth under their master's order had to accomplish a task of taking down a Jedi Knight or Master, and all named a Dark Lord of the Sith had accomplished this because otherwise their failure would mean their destruction.
Even with this task, the Jedi have yet to take notice of this, and it was thanks to their hubris and the work of the heretical "Sith" who had done their order a favor of manipulating the Dark Side artifact that the Jedi's pride and central hub of their order was built atop of. The Jedi believed they could cleanse the artifact so foolishly; unfortunately, Darth Talon sneered in her mind that they had unknowingly blinded themselves.
Now they could not truly sense the happenings in the Galaxy as darkness began to envelop it, the light dimming ever so slightly each day. Machinations will soon unravel, and the whole galaxy will feel the weight of a grand plan, and then, complete darkness.
The Jedi's light diminished to a mere spark until a flame was born from it again. Then will come a searing light in an instant, shifting the balance with Sith extinguished until the cycle repeats once again.
The Dark Lord had perceived this all, yet this is not what is to come. A mere path that had diverged so long ago. Now chaos comes, and here the true Sith stand to weather this oncoming storm. A fleet large enough to conquer the many star systems, and an army that could decimate any resistance.
Soon they will show their might, but right now they will bide their time. Growing their numbers as they have done with Nyriaan. Originally, the resting world for their Dark Lord, who would only wake so often every hundred years to check on the descendants of those who were stranded with him. Until he decided to start his order from the broken flame that once belonged to the Dark Lord Revan, he had spent a thousand years building up the new order, and now it had reached an apex.
Darth Talon's musings had stopped once she noticed their arrival upon the Dark Lord's meditation chamber. The troopers had stepped aside, resuming a post on the sides of the entrance to the chamber. The Doorway opened, and she entered. A chill surrounded her as she entered, and she quickly steeled herself as the Dark Lord's presence with the Dark Side filled the chamber.
Yet to move, she waited for the Dark Lord's response to her presence. Surrounding the Dark Lord, Talon noted that the Dark Side, like a heavy mist, covered the Dark Lord. Covering the humanoid features of the Dark Lord, which were usually concealed by his cloak. Darth Talon waited, her eyes trained on the Dark Lord, and she reviewed the events that took place on Naboo, from the arrival of the interlopers to the destruction of the Sith Assassin by a mere Jedi Padawan.
Upon the end of her mental recollecting, finally the Dark Lord responded, and the Dark Side mist once covering him was now dispelled, showing the humanoid Sith, and upon opening his eyes, the piercing yellow eyes of the Sith were released. Darth Glovac had responded.
"It has come — chaos converging on the galaxy, and destruction will inevitably follow.