Sinsang was a planet in (political) turmoil.

For years, they had been producing goods for the galaxy and selling them at great rates. After all, the cost of arms had been steadily increasing and the industrious people of Sinsang were more than capable of producing them. And also with it, had been more than capable of holding off invasion due to their threats to destroy their facilities in the case that someone force their government over their government.

In ages long past, the people of Sinsang were ruled by Emperors, and with influence of the Old Republic, the people saw that they could be equal to the ruling classes. And in a people’s revolt, they took control of the planet and eventually became a thriving industrial state. The planet is divided into prefects according to continent.

They elect a head of state for representation in terms of global politics, and to help keep track of inter-prefect relations. The Sinsang Chairman. For the most part, the prefects are ruled by their appropriate ministers. When the Old Republic turned to the Empire, the Sinsang were amongst the first to defy since they had long had it pounded into their head that the people were glorious were freeing themselves from the tyranny of the Emperors of old.

And with the fall of the New Republic, the people of Sinsang have been trying to exist independently. But lately, pirates have been attacking the Sinsang cargo vessels and there have been fears growing. Fears that soon, despite their threats, someone will move upon Sinsang and take away their freedom and force them to choose a side in the great galactic conflict.

This is not something the Sinsangese are taking too well, and their are forces for many sides of them to join. Some are pushing for them to sign up with the Corporate Sector due to their industrious nature. Others push for them to sign up with the New Order for the protection the vast Imperial Fleet could offer them. Others push for the political freedom and economical support that the Galactic Coalition could offer. And others still were still pushing to remain independent and take their chances in the galaxy at large.

It was this that a young Jedi Padawan who came here to just check out the situation came upon. And it was here, through twists fo fate and concious planning, that a new organization came to being.

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The Y-Wing came howling out of hyperspace in the orbit of Singsang. It was the logical choice to start the mission that he was requested to do by Regrad. It was an industrious world that could help the Coalition if they were willing. They were proud of themselves which would help some Coalition rep shoot down an imperial counter-argument. And it was heavily populated which is always good.

Irtar and his father had gone to Sinsang a couple of times in the past as to get ahold of different components they needed for their sensor net and for other machinery on the farm. So he at least knew some of the customs of the place. But where to start his search? Hrm... should check out their senate building. Who knows? Maybe someone there can help him and tell him what he needs to know.

It was at this point, the alarm sounded that he was about to come out of hyperspace. With a couple of checks to see if he was secured and such and he was ready and came out of hyperspace a couple of moments later. Quickly was Irtar being hailed by Sinsang Security.

"Unknown vessel identify yourself." Came a voice from one of their defensive platforms in orbit around the planet.

"This is Irtar Mal'Gro here on behalf of the Galactic Coalition." Irtar replied to the officer to see how he would reply.

"You don't have the tags on your vessel of a Coalition ship mister Mal'Gro." Came the response and Irtar smacked his head remembering how this was a civilian vessle by all accounts. Had to come up with something smart to reply....

"That's because this is my personal ship! Don't want to be going around be harassed for my political views right?" Irtar replied with a small laugh at the end. Smooth Mal'Gro, really smooth.

"Hrm... you may land at Docking Port 356 for inspection and customs." the Sinsang Security Officer replied calmly and Irtar let out a sigh of relief. He was afraid he accidently screwed himself over. Consider how his membership in the Coalition is somewhat unofficial as of this point. And considering how tight Sinsang security normally is with the chaos that's consuming the rest of the Galaxy.

Within about five minutes, the Y-Wing was settling down towards the co-ordinates transmitted by the station for Docking Port 356. Irtar flipped the various switches and levers needed and was on the ground to see a Sinsang Security Force awaiting his arrival. After a detailed security inspection that Irtar never wished to go through again and upon discovering the fact he was a Jedi, he was deemed to be passable. And so Irtar booked the first transport that took him near the Sinsang Senate.

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The Democratic Sinsangese for Tommorrow (DST for short) made their way from the senate to sit and discuss a new strategy. So far, the Progressive Sinsang (PS) had presented many good cases towards the Senate and it was only a matter of time it seemed before they were undone. None could deny the point the PS made about the Empire’s strength and the risk of standing against them, but the DST didn’t want to loose their freedom. And it seemed they were loosing ground fast.

“This is unacceptable! If we do not find something we do not find something soon we shall be under Regent Hyfe’s iron fist!” Hung Chao, leader of the DST began. “The problem is they have the wealth and military to bribe over and bully those in their way! I think they even have the Conservatives in their pocket now.”

“Are you suggest we give up Chao?” Asked one of the other party members.

“Never! I am merely suggesting we need a new face to help and keep Sinsang a democratic state. A new strategy….”

It was then that the meeting was disturbed by a knocking at the door. One of the Chao’s assistance came in and gave a short bow to the group in forgiveness for intrusion. He straightened and walked up to Chao.

“You better have an excuse for interrupting our meeting….” Chao began before his assistance nodded and began shakily.

“There is an Irtar Mal’Gro here Mister Chao. He says he’s from the Coalition to ask of the situation here. He’s also a Jedi….” The assistant said quickly as to try and prove his point and hope that he wasn’t fired. Hung was in a foul mood lately.

“Jedi!?! Hrm…” Hung said as he began to think. He had an idea….

Sinsang was a planet in (political) turmoil.

For years, they had been producing goods for the galaxy and selling them at great rates. After all, the cost of arms had been steadily increasing and the industrious people of Sinsang were more than capable of producing them. And also with it, had been more than capable of holding off invasion due to their threats to destroy their facilities in the case that someone force their government over their government.

In short, they had created a market of cheap weapons and a dependent clientele.

In ages long past, the people of Sinsang were ruled by Emperors, and with influence of the Old Republic, the people saw that they could be equal to the ruling classes. And in a people’s revolt, they took control of the planet and eventually became a thriving industrial state.

The aura of equality was about and it was an aura Dargo wanted to keep in place for the next 100 years. For behind that aura held an important truth to the reality of their situation, that if known, would plunge their great 'industrious' corporate enterprise into a depression... all in the name of freedom.

For you see, while everyone was an acknowledged political equal, even representative governments held to leaders that their citizens obeyed. And those leaders?

Those with the monetary influence to keep their private coffers filled.

What did Dargo want with politics? He was one of the wealthiest Sinsangese, owners of the great ChopBlasts.... locations where local communities worked for less than half pay for blasters, blasters and more blasters. Dargo knew that if he could simply expand his operations to more than the already current ten ChopBlasts, he might even rival Tagge, Belgardi or Blastech in sheer profit.

But now, the population was getting cold feet about their situation.

You run into a little pirate trouble and people begin to think their freedom is dying!

Already, political measures were being taken as two large political parties were forming, one favoring annexation with the Empire and the other favoring annexation with the Galactic Coalition.

Dargo's plan was simple.

Why be annexed at all?

Remain neutral and Sinsang could supply both sides with inexpensive weapons systems for a profit that would raise the standard of living for their people.

The representative from the Empire and from the Coalition were due to meet for some meeting or another and Dargo, being the person he was, had obtained one of the rare invitations to not only attend but, as one of the top businessmen of Sinsang, lay down the hard questions to these two representatives.

First, he would tear the Imperial Representative apart and then he would thrash the Coalition!

He hoped it would at the very least stiffen the backbone of his people.


Pirates, please! he thought with certain derision.

"And now you understand our situation Master Mal'Gro." Chao said simply after a long discussion of politics. Irtar was rubbing his temples from the thought process required to understand the whole thing.

Chao had told him this confussing tale of inter-party relations and them switching and them turning and of rise and collapse and for the most part, Irtar had already forgotten it. But he did unerstand the central point of the whole discussion. If the pro-Coalitioners didn't do something soon, their position was going to be lost. After all, the Coalition had yet to offer them any real deals on things yet unlike the Empire which wanted it for more military production to counter the now growing threat of the Coalition. And there are definitely many parties that want the good trade of selling to both sides!

"Please, just call me Irtar. There's nothing masterful about me..." Irtar replied after thinking for a moment. "Alright, so what you're saying is that for us to bring more to our side, we're going to need to present some form of trade agreement AND some military plan? With Coalition backing? Alright... we can do this. Just might need a little help right?"

"Hrm, we'd still need to get into contact with your Coalition superiors as to find out what support they would be willing to give. Perhaps if we could something signifigant, we could begin to work on regaining lost ground." Chao said with a stroke of his short beard in thought. Perhaps they weren't doomed after all?

"I'll just need to make a call and come back then. I'll be back in a jiffy!"

Irtar made his way down the hall towards their holophone. Irtar fumbled around in his bag to look for that datapad he put the number Regrad wanted him to call on with updates on the mission. After a couple of moments later, Irtar brought out the datapad with a sigh of relief. He was afraid he forgot it on his ship. Irtar carefully punched in the number sequence hoping it was correct….

"Bernard's Ladies of Exxxtacy, can I help you?"

It wasn't long before Irtar would recieve the reply he was looking for - despite some initial difficulties.

To: The people of Sinsang
From: New Coalition Prime Minister Regrad.

The Coalition has much to offer to it's allies and member-states, and the need for unity in a galaxy divided is a great one indeed. Membership in the Coalition brings risks, but it brings benefits as well.

For a state to join the Coalition, the population must be in agreement to a great extent. The leaders of the state must sign a document declaring their willing intent and commitment to the Coalition and it's cause. As part of the Coalition, there are some required taxes and the government of the member-state must be willing to accept proposals that come down from the House of Representatives - although it also gains a number of representatives itself, with which to propose legislation and vote. It also is expected to aide in the support of the Coalition military, a combined military force made up of the forces of all member states. Member states are free to leave at any time if the people of the specified state are in favour of resignment from the Coalition, but the military disentanglement of state forces from the Coalition military may cause delays.

However, there are a number of benefits. The Coalition protects those who pledge their efforts to it. Not only that, the Coalition can offer easier trade rules and diplomatic aide for those who join. Member states can expect the full support of the Coalition if called, as well as support in any number of domestic endeavours or issues.

There are more reasons than that to join the Coalition. The Galaxy is, quite clearly, in a state of divison and war. To say that the factions currently existing will settle in and coexist is unlikely, considering our vastly opposing ideologies and the history of the galaxy. In this struggle, the Coalition stands as a group of free nations, united by the common cause of protecting our rights and freedoms as sentient beings from Imperialism and conquest. To join the Coalition is to forge a bond to the principles that we should all hold dear - freedom, equality, and love for our fellow people.

Irtar, as a Jedi and a Coalition-sanctioned official sent to Sinsang and the surrounding region, can be seen as an example of the Coalition. We vest in him the authority to speak as ambassador on our behalf, and his actions and promises may in turn also be taken as a promise from myself.

We are always ready to admit new members, and we promise that the independance and soveringty of the state is always respected in the Coalition. States can refuse legislation, pull out of the agreement, or express their own views as they see fit. This is not a promise that any Empire can offer. What the people of Sinsang must ask themselves is not which foreign power they want to take control of them, but wether they want to risk seizure by the Empire or be protected by the Coalition.

From here on, I trust Irtar in all matters of diplomacy.

-Sincerely yours
Prime Minister Regrad

Drago looked at the statement addressed to the people of Sinsang and immediately growled.


"Are we idiots?" he asked to the others gathered there. They shifted uncomfortably.

"Tell me," he asked with uncharacteristic calmness, "Do the Sinsangese look like idiots?"

"N..no." came the nervous reply.

"Then why is this Coalition and the Empire treating us as such!!" he shouted. "It is as if they are dividing the galaxy between them! And somehow it's our fault they can't get along?? Somehow, it is criticial for us to 'pick a side'?"

He growled out, "I don't care if those two governments tear themselves apart! In fact, I hope they do! In the end, OUR interests are served. First, we are bullied by any government! 2. Sales of our chief main export, at prices determined by us, will make us all wealthy. Sinsang will be able to expend more resources to building our own fleet!

A Sinsang fleet. Not some Coalition battlefleet. Do they think that they can fool us? If the Empire comes in strength, sure the Coalition might send a fleet but if the Empire invests, the Coalition will simply fall back to protect more 'important' planets.

Drago became impassioned. "If the vote becomes to enter a war that has nothing to do with us, then the fathers of our ancestors look kindly over us because no one will."

"But the Coalition Minister Regrad says.." someone interjected.

"This Regrad is a politician! Of course he'll say what he needs to say to lure us into submission. It's the same thing as the Empire. The Empire simply doesn't hide behind a facade of democracy to get what it wants. I, at least, find that refreshing. They may be bastards but at least they are honest bastards. None of this: "For the good of the Coalition, I tell you to do this and that"!"

Drago chuckled darkly, "You know, if you really look at this letter, while this Regrad says there are many benefits to joining this Coalition, he doesn't exactly say what those benefits are.

In fact, he focuses more on what we are to 'do' for them."


"Easier trade routes? We sell weapons for God's sake! The Coalition Ordinance Department isn't going to just let us sell whatever the hell we want to member worlds, we have to go through channels. So our trade routes will NOT change unless they are changing their policy on weapon sales within the Coalition."

Another stood straighter and voices rose in murmur considering the implications of such an occurance. "Actually, Drago, that might work in our favor. If the Coalition is going to grant us free, unfettered passage to every world in the Coalition to sell arms too, on our terms, then there may be something to this Coalition joining after all. You think?"

Drago paused. "They would have to make that concession naturally because they will try to interfere with our Imperial contracts."

"But we retain the right of our independence!" someone shouted excitedly. "If the rest of the bloody Coalition are suicidal and want to go to war, let them! They assured us that we can pull out at any time. Sinsang interests must first and foremost be in the interests of the Sinsang. And war is not in our interests unless it is waged with weapons supplied by us."

Drago paused as he considered, "You bring up good points. Perhaps there is something to this Coalition after all. IF we retain the freedom to do what we want when we want. But I have a feeling governments say alot of things but do very little with respect to promises. They may say that we can pull out at any time, but if they go to war, they will not simply let us walk. They will send their fleets and soldiers and hold us into their war and hold us to them! Their central government cannot simply allow member states to come and go as they please. It is not efficient and that is no way to manage a galaxy spanning faction!"

"They'd actually send troops?"

Drago shrugged. "They sent a Jedi to negotiate. Since when to Jedi negotiate?"

There was amused laughter all around and Drago patted his sidearm. "The Jedi 'aggressive negotiating' tactics are well known. If he tries anything, we shall send him back in a body bag."

"Will there be anything left?" another asked worried. "I hear they disappear after death."

Drago barked out a laugh at this. "Then there is no evidence! But let's see what these Coalition promises are worth. Let's hear this Jedi speak!"

Irtar looked at the message on the screen, his face pale and devoid of life for a moment. 'Irtar, as a Jedi and a Coalition-sanctioned official sent to Sinsang and the surrounding region, can be seen as an example of the Coalition. We vest in him the authority to speak as ambassador on our behalf, and his actions and promises may in turn also be taken as a promise from myself.' Dear. Force. Irtar was snapped out of his little fearsome reverie of exactly how deep he'd gotten himself in by a hand on his shoulder. It was Chao with a happy and excited look on his face.

"Excellent work! With this, we may be able to win yet!" Huang Chao said, his voice not bearing any of the strain from before. After all, it's not his load anymore as to try and predict the Coalition. This Jedi now represented it!

"Okay... Okay..." Irtar rambled out in an attempt to calm himself. "Now then, need to find a way to win the planet. Need to come up with something. Must think.... If I screw up I loose the Coalition the planet and am blackballed and am a laughing stalk of the entire galaxy. No pressure. None at all. It’ll be just like when I was negotiating with those… or…”

Choa looked at Irtar perplexed for a moment then his expression soured. “ARE YOU SAYING YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE!?!” Choa shouted at him angrily, the stress and strain on his face returned in full force.

“I’ve got some!” Irtar replied nervously, somewhat taken aback from his outburst. “I had some sort of training on it… being a Jedi and the whole ‘Peacekeeper of the Galaxy’ thing. I just, uhm, haven’t done anything with major politics yet! Just, uhm, get me a thing of the issues and I’ll come up with a plan or something….”

“Well the next meeting of the High Senate is tomorrow when the sun sets on the Central Province. So I’d suggest you begin to get to work on your proposal. My aids will get you a list of the issues in an hours time.” Chao said, his voice somewhat hinting suspicion. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow morning to see how you’re doing.”

“Sounds great!” Irtar said with a smile and when Chao stepped out of the room Irtar was once again freaking out. He had to come up with a plan to impress not only a planet by a major galactic government! Dear Force! He hadn’t the experience. But he couldn’t fail… he wouldn’t… he’d do something. Irtar took a deep breath to calm down. He sat down in the same position he did when he would meditate in the Jedi grounds. He needed to clear his mind like he did when he started to learn the force… clear his mind… and relax…

**Later that Evening**

Irtar was feeling much calmer after that period of self-reflection. He sat at the desk in the office granted him with a warm cup of something. He didn’t know what it was, but it was sweet and tangy and gave him a bit of a pick-me-up. He’d need it for the night if he was to come up with a political plan.

A beep came the intercom at his door.

“Enter.” Irtar said simply as the Aid came in with the data he had been waiting for before getting started. Irtar nodded his head to him with a smile took the holopad from him. The Aid said not a word and backed out of the room. Irtar raised his brow slightly. Odd culture…. “Well, thanks.” Were the only words passed between the two as the Aid left the room.

The young Jedi looked over the sheet with a sigh. No, it couldn’t be a simple dumbing down. No. It had to be a full on fiscal report and statistics and such. This was going to take Irtar a while to figure out. He had seen such things at his school but they hadn’t really handled anything this… advanced. Well, it was time to really hit the books.

‘Tax Income from Yang Province….’

This was going to be a long night.

**The morning AFTER what seemed like a long night**

Irtar had fallen asleep after six hours of reviewing data. He had stayed up as long as he could but it was a lot to take in. He had abandoned the fiscal data shortly and decided to instead focus on the political issues. The issues dealing with independence, fiscal security, and military security. The things that he can ACTUALLY wrap his head around. With a little bit of work.

Irtar was awakened after his 6 hours of dreamless sleep by a tapping on his shoulder. The Jedi jumped up and sprung his head around for a moment as a shocked exclamation escaped his lips. It took a couple of moments from his to focus on the room and remember where he was. Irtar’s face turned to the somewhat taken aback Chao.

“Uhm… good morning! Sorry about the shock, I guess you just kind of scared me to.” Irtar said with a slight laugh as he rubbed the back of his head. His face had taken on the slightest shade of crimson from his little outburst there.

Chao straightened after a moment. “Well Master Mal’Gro, how did you study go last night?” Chao asked, genuninely interested in the Jedi’s work the night passed and if he was indeed the force that could help to save their party.

“Well, I’m a Jedi, not an accountant so I will be blunt. I can’t really make heads or tales of these financial reports. BUT as for the political issues, I actually got a look at them the other night and have been thinking about them. Alright, one of the biggest things is the gun deal. I think we can actually offer some kind of deal to them.”

“How so?”

“Well, the problem is, they’re afraid that this will cut into their profits. WELL if we can find some way to promise them some nifty deals within the Coalition, it will balance out for their financial loss to their Imperial Contracts. Right?”

“Hrm… they might go for it…. But I don’t know about the Coalition. They do have their own weapon deals set up within their ranks correct? We would be risking much by making promises that your Prime Minister Regrad could not keep.”

“That’s why I won’t be making any big scheme claims. Just offers. Just ideas. But no promises.”

“And what of the issues of planetary defense then Mal’Gro?”

“Well, I was running through that one for a good bit last night. And here’s what I’m thinking. Well, first off, no one wants to go off to war and die right?”

Chao nodded his head, but as of not knew not where Irtar was going. After all, he had seen Coalition ship designs and, though impressive, they were by no means any more invulnerable than Imperial ships or otherwise. In fact, with their setup they weren’t able to take extreme amounts of damage.

“Well, why not build a droid army? It’s not like we’re doing the major flaw that the CIS did and have our entire army based on them. We’ll just be acting as support to the major Coalition forces. So thus we make the deal that for Sinsang to join, we send no unwilling man into battle. And voila, we’ve got the support of all those people afraid of a draft.”

“But the factories aren’t set up for droid manufacturing of that kind….”

“Ah, but you see, I’ve thought of a way to balance that out by using generic molds for our spaceships.”

“How so?”

“You know how Sinsang has, up to this point, produced weapons for both sides.”

“Your point?”

“Why not have our ships compossed of aspects of those ships. That way we don’t need a major rehaul of all the factories, just some. Which is more than the Empire would do and cause an entire factory rehaul!”

“I think you might be on a good path with this Mal’Gro. But have you any idea of the cost?”

“Not a clue. BUT that’s where you and your party members come in. We’ve got another eight hours to come up with a statistic after all.”

The Sinsangese Senate was full this eve. It was, after all, the first time they’d see this Galactic Coalition diplomat. Some were waiting to see if he was some sort of ace in the hole. Others were in wait to tear him apart and leave him for the birds. Irtar however was merely just trying to calm himself and focus on what he had to get done this eve. Chao told him that his party, if all went well, would make a proposition for a vote to happen in two days time as to decide the fate of Sinsang. This was, after all, a mere speech. To a planetary government.

Irtar shuddered slightly and tried to push the thoughts to the back of his mind. He just had to go over everything he and Chao’s party discussed. Just get through this, lead the counter arguments, and then go away, let the election happen, then relax. Yes. That sounds perfect.

The Senate Chamber they were in for this speech, the Hall of Words, was a circle that was divided into three sections. The senators that were arguing for a motion, the senators arguing against a motion, and the ones that were merely there to observe. In the center of the circle, there was the mediator whom would interject if the argument began to become too biased or too unruly. Some couldn’t help but begin to swear during an argument.

This was the pro-Coalition speech and argument so on the pro-side was Chao’s DST along with a smattering of people from some other parties. On the anti-side was the PS along with some members of the Conservatives and some members of the Merchants Guild of Sinsang.

“Settle, settle!” demanded an older man who was acting as mediator for today. “We gather today to hear the offers made by the Galactic Coalition from their diplomat Irtar Mal’Gro. The Sinsangese Senate shall also hear all issues discussed there-after as to settle any querry as to any confussion there-in or issue. Let it be put unto record that Irtar comes here as to the pushing of the Democratic Sinsangese for Tomorrow. Do they have anything to say as to their reason for pushing for this meeting of the Senate?”

Chao stood up calmly and looked to the mediator. “Yes your honour. We of the Democratic Sinsangese for Tomorrow felt that it is prudent as to allow for discussion of the future of Sinsang. And to not detain the Galactic Coalition’s diplomat here for any longer than necessary to settle this.”

“And so it is noted. Mister Irtar Mal’Gro of the Galactic Coalition, you may proceed.” The mediator said after pressing a couple of keys.

Irtar gulped slightly and stood up, giving a quick nervous bow to the Senate. Alright, it was time to shine or to crash and burn miserably.

“Uhm, hello ladies and gentleman of Sinsang. I am, as was said, Irtar Mal’Gro and am a Jedi and diplomat for the Galactic Coaltion. Upon my short time on your planet I’ve seen that you’re a unique culture unlike many I’ve seen in today’s galaxy. I’m speaking today to try and preserve that culture and to preserve your freedom. Yes, I’ve heard many say that the Galactic Coalition would try to bring Sinsang in as another planet but from what I’ve seen, the Coalition would work much harder towards letting you be individuals than the Empire.”

“I know you’ve all seen the basics of what you’d get as a Coalition Member State and the conditions standardly given. But today, I offer you some more. I know that what the Merchant’s Guild is concerned of is their profits for producing weapons. What if the Coalition were to offer your weapons contracts that are more inclusive than the ones you’ve had thus far? Instead of producing standard fighters and weapons, you’d be offered some of the more secretive technologies and schematics for production and thus better paying contracts?”

“To those concerned of war, I give this offer. What if the Coaltion were to offer Sinsang the right of instead of offering their young men to fight on their battlefields, what if instead Sinsang used it’s factories to produce a droid army? Yes, I know the Confederation of Independent Systems failed BUT that’s because they depended entirely upon droids. The Coalition would offer it’s standard forces for defence and the droids may act as support correct? None of your young men would die unlike the Empire which would induct your men as stormtroopers for their many conquests.”

“Mister Mal’Gro, stop assaulting the Empire’s actions and choices. You are here to discuss what the Coalition can do, not what others would.” The mediator interjected.

“Oh, sorry. Heh. Well, with the support of the Coalition, the pirate problem would be solved, the droids would solve the issue of young men, and the military contracts would solve the issue of wealth.”

“And whom would provide this droid research?” Piped up a member of the Merchants Guild. “That research is costly and I don’t think outmoded CIS models would be of any use.”

“Well, the Coalition and if need be I’ll do it myself!” Irtar said, he was incredibly sure of himself. If there is one thing Irtar knew it was mechanics! “I myself before being trained as a Jedi was working towards a career in droid engineering. So I would be capable of doing so.”

“And what of planetary defense?” Piped up another. “What if the Coalition Fleet is drawn off into battle with the Black Dragons or the Empire?”

“Well, do we have the know how to build a planetary defense grid?”

“Well yes but where would you propose we get the resources.”

“Well….” Irtar had to think on this for a moment and it came to him. It would be risky, and he would be doubted, but he could try and do it.

“Gravlex Med.”

The Senate broke out into discussion and muttering. Gravlex Med was a wasteland of a planet. It was indeed resource rich but thanks to an Imperial Bombardment during the days of the Imperial Remnant, the planet’s ecosystem was destroyed. A recovery of a system like that hadn’t been tried since the days of the Sith Wars with planets like Telos.

With that, Irtar sat down and shortly after, the Senate was adjourned and Irtar went to get in contact with Regrad. After some discussion, the pair decided to give it a shot. After all, not only was it still a mineral rich planet, but it was the homeworld of the now shattered Anx people. It would be the least they could do.

With the restoration effort announced, the vote went with the majority being pro-Coalition. And now all eyes turned to Irtar and his promises and whether he would fall or really succeed in what he promised.

Drago snarled at the stupidity of his people. Their large factories were to be dismantled at the order of this Azguard Coalition. The Sinsang had built an entire industry and wealth around the manufacture of cheap, low grade weapons.

Now, at the snap of a finger, the Coalition decided to dictate what they were and were not to produce. Instead of their steady and profitable product, they were going to produce secret specialized weapons, the bane of all manufacturers.

"They might as well ask a toaster manufacturer to produce gravitic engines!" he snapped to himself.

The fact that the GC weapons were secretive put an unnecessary risk on all his employees. No longer could they gather together and talk about their work for fear of spilling some top secret info that would get them all shot for treason!

In fact, it called into question the qualifications of his employees. Making inexpensive blasters and shoulder weapons was one thing but secret technologies? How many would he have to fire because some Coalition design board would require certain qualifications from employees and people even attempting to build the bloody things?

His current tools, each expensive in their own right, would have to be scrapped and he'd have to purchase more elaborate and much more expensive tooling to reset his manufacturing processes to handle the new technologies the Coalition promised they would be building. Then, since these were supposed to be secret technologies, he knew his company would have to pay large administrative fees to get GC Military certification as a military manufacturer.

He knew how these democracies worked. They would promise that these new technologies could be sold at a higher price to their own government (who incidentally goes for the lowest bid because, like any government, they are tightwads when it comes to credits), but neglect to tell these same manufactures that the cost to create them would go up as well. So where was the savings? In fact, he wouldn't have been surprised if they begin to lose money in the long run.

What the Coalition so glibly suggested as a solution would ruin them yet!

He cursed under his breath ignoring his employees' looks as he walked into his office.



"It's a bad image, Drago, for your employees to see you upset. With the change in government, it raises an unnecessary level of concern and trepidation."

Drago started at the voice and a fear crept in.

Seamus Arliss of the Arliss Industrial Group was seated in the guest chair. He remembered his secretary chasing him to tell him something as he had stormed down the hall but he had ignored her.

"Arliss.." he whispered. A name feared. A name that hinted at ruthless calculation yet also of untold profits. If credits could be smelled, Arliss would find them! Not that he was any Seth Vinda, of course. But then again, the Vinda Corporation was in a category all its own.


"Seamus, Drago, Seamus."


"What are you doing here? Don't you know a Coalition battlecruiser.."


"What is that to me?" Arliss replied. "They fear the Empire. Not businessmen. The Greed's Hammer is registered with the Singsang government. There is no problem or worry."

"So is Arliss Industrial wondering about their order...?"


"No. Arliss Industrial is cancelling their order.." and Drago's face fell.


"It's not my company's fault that the Coalition is..."


"Peace, Drago. Interplanetary Services, Ltd. would like to place an order for the same number of units."


Drago's mouth moved but no speech came out for a full minute. Then relief began to show as he asked, "So you registered?"


Seamus smiled. "Of course. We had to eat the new administrative fees for your new over-administration but we feel the effort worthwhile."


He motioned for Drago to have a seat but Drago did one better. He walked over to his collection of various drinks and fixed two. Upon handing one to Seamus, he sat his mind still running over the choices of his company.


"What is the problem, Drago?" Seamus asked quietly.


"You know the Coalition. It's all or nothing. If we were simply changing loyalties from ourselves to this organization, I would not mind."


"As with all such ventures, there are chains that accompany this change." Arliss said sagely.


"Alot of companies, not just mine, have built reputations in inexpensive small arms manufacturing and we have accounts all over the place."


"Especially with the militant Empire." Seamus answered and Drago nodded.


"The Coalition will ban these sales. I know it! There was no give from their ambassador.."


"A member of this Jedi Order," Seamus corrected. "The true Jedi are based on Coruscant."


"And how does that affect the price of an energy pak?" Drago responded irritably.


Seamus shrugged at the comment. "What I mean is that members of this Order based on Naboo have probably died from your weapons. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, appeal to the Jedi on Coruscant. The Corps will send someone."


"If we were still our own people and not the Coalition lackeys, I would take you up on that. But Jedi business nowadays is with Empire." Drago replied knowingly. "In any event, their grand solution was for us to stop making the products we are good at making and begin making their secret technological weaponry that their government will purchase from us."


Seamus' eyes narrowed. "That's... stupid!" He found he could not be any more articulate.


"Now you know my anger!" Drago tossed back his head and went back to pour himself another drink. "Let's say a blaster of ours costs 5 credits to make. Let's say we sell that blaster for 10 credits, we make 100% profit. Yet, now let's say the GC wants us to make a ionizing neutralizer or whatever. We spend 100,000 credits to purchase the machines to make these neutralizers. Then, with labor and materials to make this neutralizer it takes 25 credits to make. To make the same kind of profit and merely maintain, we have to sell this neutralizer for at least... at least 50 credits.

So instead of making profit on a 10 credit item, we have to make the same profit for a 50 credit item. It is harder to make someone purchase a 50 credit item over a 10 credit item."


Seamus chuckled. "Government spending is stupid. You could charge 100 credits for the damned things and the Coalition will pay it because they gave their word." Arliss chuckle became a laugh. "Drago, this could be the best thing that happened to you!"


Drago narrowed his eyes. "I thought you were pro-Imperial."


Seamus' eyes flashed, his laughter stopped. "I am pro-Arliss! If someone made it worth my while to slit Simon Kaine's throat, it would be slit. But no one has made that risk worth my while yet."


He calmed down, "I go where the money is and right now, that money is the Empire. In a decade, that may change. It doesn't matter. What matters is our companies and our profit. What do we care of politics? Our people are our employees. Everyone else is someone else's concern.


Do not fear this Coalition. They are bleeding hearts. It's all over the holonet. In their speeches. Personally, I would not change your factory. I would purchase another spot of land and build another from scratch."


"You going to pay for that?" Drago's comment was sarcastic and Arliss chuckled once more.

"Drago. Your concerns are legitimate. If the Coalition wishes your companies to make different weaponry, it stands to reason they will pay for the training of your employees and issue grants so you can aquire the necessary tools. Then you charge as much as you reasonably can (as their representative indicated you could) all the while still reaping the profits from your small arms."


"But how can I sell to the Empire.."


"Well, you don't. Drago. Does your company have any Imperial Government contracts?"


"Mine doesn't but there are other companies here that do."


"Then sell the arms instead to a company outside of Sinsang that does. You fulfill your duties to this Coalition by not selling to Empire. You still have goods that need to move so you sell to other companies. What they do with their product is not your business."


"And if the Coalition grant does not cover all the expenses?"


"I'll cover the balance." Arliss stated flatly.


"Why would you do that?" Drago's eyes narrowed.


"Let's just say this opens an opportunity for Interplanetary Services, Ltd. to tap markets previously untouched. It's a risk I would like to gamble on."


Seamus hands waved the other business owners incredulous look away. "Come now, Drago. Think of it! Everything is about perception. The Empire outproduces the Coalition by a factor of four or five but one might not know that because the Coalition tries to spend as much as the Empire anyway. They are creating a top-heavy economy without the base! They are throwing their money away to latch onto loyalties and, I will tell you this, when the crash comes it will be devestating! But ride the wave while you can! Get what you can out of this government now! If war starts, every middleman arms dealer will be looking for product and we could give it to them and still give the Coalition their superweapons. The more destruction the better and business will boom!

But as with all things, even with the Empire so it is with the Coalition: Legality is key.

Remain legal and you'll have a measure of control."


And the businessmen talked on into the night crafting plans for the next fiscal year.