The Galactic New Year had come and past. Unlike much of the galaxy, the Sinsangese came to their major celebrations during their planet’s astrological new year. But the clock of the Galactic Coalition and its politicians ran on the galactic clock. Chairman Chao sat at the head of a desk as his cabinet entered the room. Many of them talked amongst themselves until Chao raised his hand, signaling the beginning of the meeting.

“Welcome gentlemen. This is the beginning of a momentous time for the people of Sinsang. This is our first meeting of the Galactic New Year and our formal entrance in the book keeping of the Coalition. We’ve been granted our first financial grant.” Chao said with a smile and a small amount of applause from the gathered councilmen. “So, I would open the floor to discussion on how it should be spent along with the rest of the quarterly.”

Zhang Sei, financial minister was the first to pipe up. The man was a scrawny man, with nothing particular to note about him. He was, like most of the council in his mid-forties. “There’s been some discontent amongst the corporations on the Gravlex Med situation. The situation has advanced slowly and some are worried that we won’t see any major profit from it. Up to this point all that it’s done is cost us a vessel and her crew as well as the staffing and resources to build a station.” The financial minister cast a quick gaze over to the minister of defense, Mao Han. Mao was a strongly built man, who had experience during the Clone Wars from the period when a couple of battles were fought over the weapon production facilities of Sinsang. Small skirmishes compared to many of the conflicts in the war, but hard fought and victorious for the Sinsangese.

“I would thus suggest we use the money to supplement the financial sector as we convert and adapt to these changes. To show that we are still a friend of the workers. If we are to be re-”

“I respect that minister, but if I could interject….” Mao Han spoke up, and Chao nodded his head to the displeasure of Sei. “Thank-you Chairman. I would like to take this moment to remind the council what Councilman Sei brought up. We are down our largest ship. We were already having problems managing the pirate threat, and with this investment with Gravlex Med we’ve now returning Anx coming to try and aid the resettling of the planet and one less ship to guard our other trade lanes. And I am sure the council would not like for us to rely too greatly upon the Coalition in case we are forced to withdraw in the future.”

“So what’s your proposal Councilman?” Chao asked, his eyebrow raised as he looked at the man with interest. Up to this point, the defense minister hadn’t had much say but defense became a major concern after the Wi-Jiang was destroyed over Gravlex Med.

“Taking this wealth to invest in building a military machine for ourselves. A fleet to defend the various space traffic in the region. Respectively, I’m sure that the People’s Navy needs to be polished. Especially if the Empire is willing to launch raids against the Kashan who are becoming quickly known as a fierce military power. We are far closer to their major facilities at Bastion and Yaga Minor.” Councilman Han said, putting a pile of finely put together documents on the table. The outline to his portfolio for the Sinsang fleet. “To be reviewed under the Council’s discretion and to be decided on during Second Review.”

“Very Well Chairman Han. This shall be brought forward for a second review at our next meeting and we shall consider allotting you a budget.” Chairman Chao said with a nod as he grabbed one of the documents and put them before him. “What further discussions are there?”

“Yes, as I’m sure the council is aware that crime has been an increasing power and many of the prisons are becoming old and outdated. The Ministry of Defense…..”

Chairman Chao ran carefully through the pile of paperwork on his desk. In a week’s time, they’d meet to run over their various agendas and decide which parts they’d keep and which parts they’d throw out of the portfolios and which they’d keep and of how much of the budget they’d be allotted. Then, they’d meet again after that to discuss their sought budgets on the different sections.

Chao sighed as rubbed his forehead and took a sip from the cup of green tea at his desk. Stress was always battering at his mind and the way recent events have unfolded have done nothing good for his nerves Everything that could’ve gone wrong with Gravlex Med has more or less gone wrong. And Irtar knew nothing about politics as to help beyond as a puppet for every so often.

The robust Sinsangese took a breath as he thought over all that he had to cut through to keep things moving, instead of them rolling back to how they were. The support between themselves and Progressive Sinsang was beginning to slip. He needed to do something cunning and fast that could swing the polls back in his direction. If the Progressive Sinsang got their way, they’d become another Imperial State.

A hiss came from the intercom as his secretary buzzed him. Chao pressed the large button on the intercom console and the soft voice fo his secretary came over the intercom. “Mister Chairman, I have Councilman Zhang Sei here asking to see you.”

“Send him in.” Chao said with a sigh. He knew what was in store for him now. But life was all just a display and the truly thoughtful politicians already knew all that was going to come to pass. They learn the strengths and weaknesses of their foes and friends. Though Chao wasn’t one of the greats he knew well enough to know those of his personal staff.

Zhang Sei stepped into the office with pride, a smug smile across his face. Dressed in the incredibly formal wear the business man normally dressed in, with a briefcase hanging from his side. He stepped into the office towards the Chairman and gave a quick bow to Chao. “Ah dear friend, it is good to see you again. And with the sweet scent of profit in the air. It truly makes my blood flow to think of it all.” Zhang Sei said, in an excited and optimistic voice as Chao motioned for a chair for the entrepreneur.

“What can the office of the Chairman of Sinsang offer you today Councilman?” Chao said, a smile upon his face that was hollow but seemed as real as any man’s due to his practiced experience.

“Well, I couldn’t possibly wait until next meeting to discuss the ideas I and my fellow merchants have for the future of the Raioballo Sector.” Zhang Sei said as he opened the briefcase he came in with. “I’ve come to show you the financial information a little bit before time. Before the others could see. For you see Chairman, I don’t think our friends would see eye to eye with my ideal business arrangements….”

Before Chairman Hung Chao was the briefcase, full of credit chips. The man raised a brow and looked back to the business man who’s appearance suddenly took on a much darker shade. Be it that the lid of the briefcase blocked some of the light from the table lamp or that his mind’s eye merely played with the light of his soul.

“I must ask, what you would ask in exchange for this… generous gift?” Chao asked, taking a handful of the chips then dropping them back into the briefcase. More than last time Chao thought as they fell through his fingers like water.

“All that I would ask is that the local businesses be able to advance the profits of Sinsang. With less government interference. I’m sure that you’d agree that in these turbulent times that we’ll need funding to advance, not just a lease from the Coalition. What if the New Order decides to press now that they’re fully committed to war with the Dragons?

I merely offer a short term investment that’ll permanently increase the safety and power of Sinsang even if we are forced to withdraw from the Coalition.”

“And what if during this short term we come under attack?” Chao pressed the Councilman.

“Oh, our business can easily find clientele that would be more than willing to assist Sinsang during its time of year thanks to our years of dedicated service. And in the end, we’ll all be better from it.” Zhang Sei said with a smile as devious as that of a devil.

Chairman Chao ran through the papers on his desk. “You realize that we’ve heard of your pressing to take the Bu’shin Rainforest for development.”

“With modern air processors and hydroponics technology, we’ve nothing to worry about from loosing some trees.” Zhang Sei noted matter-of-factly.

“And what about natural beauty?”

“It doesn’t help the bottom line Chairman. And the collected businesses realize this. But we also understand the love of the naturalist so we are more than willing to reconstruct an orbital hydroponics facility built to replicate more than enough of the rainforest for a good nature hike.”

“And what about other illegal activities, such as worker exploitation?” Chao asked with a hint of skepticism. He knew Zhang Sei and the dreams of the many corporations of Sinsang. It had been a hard battle to keep them appeased without having the planet turn into another like those of the corporate sector. With politicians being nothing more than puppets of the corporations. Figureheads to keep the people happy.

“Worker exploitation? I’m sorry that times like this require us to drop wages in order for the factories to continue existence. Why, I’m sure that they’d be happy to have something rather than nothing at all. I’d rather be making 10 credits an hour rather than loose the factory job completely. We more like to consider ‘Workers uniting for the benefit of their nation’. That’s more of a socialist idea than a capitalist idea is it not?” Councilor Sei said with a note of deep sadness in his voice.

“I’m quite sorry Councilor, but if the businesses of Sinsang are so desperately in need, I could not possibly accept this gift.” Chao said with a tone of empathy in his voice. “Take this healthy gift, and share it amongst your peers. I insist. And I shall be sure to carefully review the economic data to ensure that your associates stay in business and that the people of Sinsang stay well fed.”

For a moment, Chao swore he saw a hint of anger enter Zhang Sei’s face. But as fast as it was there, it was gone replaced with that same respectful smile he always holds before himself and the rest on the council. “Of course Chairman. I shall be sure to distribute this gift amongst my peers to help stave us off until we hear your wise decision.”

Zhang Sei and Chao both stood and bowed to one another. And Zhang Sei quickly, briefcase and all, departed from the room and moved quickly from sight. Chao sighed deeply as he stood at his desk for a moment. His secretary looked in and warily made her way into the room.

“Another bribe attempt?” The secretary asked cautiously. She knew the expression on the face of her long time employer as a dead give away. Her voice suddenly took on an incredibly stern tone, like a mother scolding a child. “Why you keep company with his ilk in your council? I know you don’t like what he does and his constant attempts are sickening!”

“For one simple reason.” Chao said, as if completely unphased from his secretary. A shocked look came to her with how solid Chao’s voice was despite his weary expression. “All businessmen that are any success are cut throats. I would take the evil I know, than to risk the mystery I don’t.”

She knew full well Chao and Zhang Sei were childhood friends in a Sinsang that seemed galaxies away. The two had split separate ways during their college years but politics had brought the pair back together. The two, though normally at odds, also seemed to work strangely well together. Chao’s desire to do some good balancing out for Sei’s desire to make profit at any expense. The two together somehow managed to make business (for the most part) work for the party.

With a sigh, the secretary left to return to her duties and Chao returned to his desk to resume reading through the portfolios. It was going to be a long-

The buzzer for the intercom buzzed again. What could’ve happened in a whole two seconds…

“Yes?” Chao asked, a bit of annoyance creeping into his voice as held down the intercom button with a pudgy finger.

“You aren’t going to believe it…”

“Send them in.” Chao said simply, cutting off the secretary. He looked up from his desk as he saw the door open. He stood up once more and gave a healthy bow to the newcomers. “I was beginning to wonder if business had somehow managed to get in the way. Come, sit. We’ve much to discuss….”

How many things did we, in an absent minded phase, forget?

On a daily basis, we forget to grab the milk at the store. Or we forget to shut off the computer. Perhaps we forget things like cleaning the litter box or mowing the lawn. All just things that were small and insignificant.

But what if you forget some of the bigger things?

Like going to work. Taking care of your children. To obey the laws set in place.

Irtar felt like he had been doing the latter. All these diplomatic duties had been keeping him from the duty he had sworn himself to. To move forward and get justice on the Sith for everyone like his mother they killed. Innocent people who did nothing more than be near their target. Just killing for the sake of killing.

Irtar grumbled as he pulled himself up, forcing his chin to again connect to the bar.

He had set up a rudimentary gym to practice in inside one of the rooms that the staff wasn’t using. He set up some simple equipment as well as some of the bits he had of ‘Irtar’s Run’ with him. His old training set he had built at the Temple as to help him train in both body and the Force. He had begun to try to set up a new thing for it but he just didn’t have the time now.

He sighed as he let go of the bar and dropped to the floor with a soft thud. His arms were dead after the exercise. His limbs throbbed from the over-exertion. He had taken off everything except the sweat pants due to the sweat. He grabbed the towel and gently patted it on his face and sat down for a moment to catch a breath and a drink of water.

He had learned at least one lesson from Vodo. That he needed work. He needed to keep pushing himself further. The doctors had given him a clean bill just the other day. He finally had some time since it seemed that Mao Han had decided that his efforts with screening the schematics was done. And with the mess that his old master left his office in, he had a chance to catch up. And he was going to take full advantage of it.

After just a quick moment, Irtar grumbled as he headed over to the dual bars he set up for some acrobatic training. He placed the bar farther apart and with a greater height separation than the norm, and with his limbs as they are it forces him to focus slightly on the Force to help himself. To help try to keep himself going.

The hard way of training both mind and body.

He got on the low beam and forced himself to pick up the speed and force, pulling around and spinning from one beam to another. He wasn’t at a professional level, but he was definitely equal to most skilled person at the two-bar. Though it was through using the Force. He used his mind to try and help him in the motions and propel him further. Harder. Faster.

Irtar hadn’t ever been that skilled with the Force. He was slowly beginning to become better, but he still wasn’t able to do too much. But he was able to do enough as to be brought into his training routine. Enough to increase his motions and hopefully allow him to survive a bit better in the situations he might find himself in.

Even if he could just remove some of their lesser members, it was a start.

Irtar turned himself around on the beam, and held himself there in the air. Staring down towards the ground as he suspended himself. Forcing himself to lock his arms and ignore the pain from the previous exercise. And then he rolled forward, bracing himself as he picked up speed and came around and let go of the beam. He twisted his body to allow him to wrap his legs around the bar. The room flashed by as he twisted around, his hands quickly grabbing the beam as he brought himself to a sitting position.

“Impressive.” Came the familiar deep voice. “Most impressive. But you’re not a Jedi yet….”

“Y’know Chao, but if you keep quoting Lords of the Sith I think the population might get a skewed impression on your views of the Coalition and the Empire.” Irtar said with a weak smirk as he spun and dismounted roughly from the pole. He was a Jedi, not a gymnast. Landing as stiff as their sort did would generally be a bad thing.

Irtar grunted as he began to head towards an exercise bike to try and get started on getting to work on training his legs. Endurance was important for the amount of moving that Jedi generally did during a duel. Especially depending on how they chose to fight.

“Why don’t you talk a break? You’ve been at it all day.” Chao said with a worried look as he watched the Jedi continue to work on pushing himself. “They say it’s unhealthy if you push yourself too far. Makes things worse.”

Irtar grunted as he turned up the resistance and began to push at the petals.

“I’m still able to move. Means I should.” Irtar gritted as he got past that initial hard part to get the wheels going. “Besides, it’s not like I can’t deal with being a bit sore for a while. All I do is sit at a desk anyways….”

“Well, you’d be happy to know that they agreed to your idea Mal’Gro. I must admit, I’m surprised they did.”

“Now let’s see if it pans out….”

The Chang family of Sinsang was as old as the Empire that proceeded it. Eternally bound in some way to service the state. In the time of the Emperors, they were valued advisors and politicians. When the sundering came, the Chang family was wise enough to see the might of the people over the arrogance of the aristocracy and were rewarded by being allowed to keep some of the material vestiges of their status.

The Chang house, nestled in the lush green mountains, was one of the few of its kind left in this age of forward progress. A place as majestic as it was imposing. Many of the foreigners who visited the planet would be amazed by the exotic site. A delicate wind passed over the old stone path that lead up to the estate, as a set of footsteps slowly came to be heard. Mao Han, the minister of defence, made his way slowly towards the old manor.

An older man stood out-front with a broom, sweeping away some of the leaves from the path. He looked up with dull eyes as the councilman approached. It took a moment of blank staring before he returned to his sweeping. Mao Han looked at the old man with a hint of sadness before continuing into the house.

He looked around for a bit, getting himself oriented before heading through the building. Through passages backed by delicate walls of paper and wood. Up firm hardwood stairs. On and on, a practiced motion from days long since passed. Eventually, he came upon the desired set of sliding doors and opened it slowly.

“It is rude to just simply walk in.” Came a firm voice. Wearing simple clothes, of pants and a dress shirt, sat the former captain of the now destroyed Wi-jiang. Chang Wu didn’t even bother to cast a gaze over his shoulder, his eyes focused on the book he held in his hands. “Now why are you here councilman?”

“Why the frell didn’t you respond to my calls!” The councilman yelled, not in anger but more in scolding as he marched into the room. “We’ve got so much at stake right now, and here I find you sitting about and reading! You’re still on the government payroll even if your command is-”

Han’s rant was cut up by the slamming of Wu’s book on the table as he swung around to look at the council man in the eyes. His face still as cold as it always, though his eyes showed all the fury that could possibly be shown on any face. “Do not DARE speak to me on that manner. If you’d have left us free command to do our duty instead of forcing a military mission on a political agenda my ship and my crew would still be alive. But you had to make us put a strong foot forward and force me to put my entire crew at risk so you would strong.”

“If you’ve come here to preach to me about the matter of priorities councilman, you may take your speeches elsewhere.” Wu finished as he picked up his book and turned himself back to his previous position.

With a sigh Mao Han leaned against the door. “Fine. Then I’ll tell you why I had planned on summoning you. You know full well how ill-developed and deployed the People’s Navy is right now. I’ve not been in the Navy for a while now so you know better the men deserving of command, the conditions of the fleet, and…”

“And what councilman?” Wu pressed the councilman, a bit of scepticism leaking into his voice. The man had just politicked his ship and crew into an early grave and he was worried about what else the man might do.

“As the Councilman of Defense, I have it within my right to promote some befitting of the rank to that of Shang Jiang.” The councilman said with pride. The pride he had tried to shown immediately crushed at the cold laughter of the spacer.

“You’d expect me to simply forget and forgive after that for just a bit of rank? You know full well my loyalties are not for sale. Especially to traitors more concerned on their appearance than their comrades in arms.” Wu said coldly, the words coming out like they were bitter to his mouth. More spat out than actually spoken. Then as if in a flash, the entire situation changed around.

CRACK!

Wu couldn’t see much for a minute, the councilman’s fist having got a clean blow to his skull. He was beginning to get over the shock of the blow when he was held firmly by the cuff, lifted from his seat, and staring into the enraged eyes of the Mao Han. With a growl the man started to speak slowly to the man in hand.

“Do not THINK to call ME a traitor. What the Hell do you think this is? The old days? When all our enemies were fucking obvious? Do you think that it’s a clear marked fleet with ‘CIS’ marked on the side or some shit like that? I’ll tell you now it sure as shit isn’t.

There’s a number of factions that want to sell us out to the Empire. Make us another backwater industrial world in their grand machine. Chao has been working his ass off to try and keep us from being pushed to the side. Even got us represented under an individual banner in the Coalition rather than being absorbed into the Onyxians or something else. And do you want to know what? If we don’t politick, everything we’ve done for the past several millennia will be worth NOTHING. Once again, we’ll be under an Imperial boot.

We’ll be voiceless and helpless. But I would hope that you’d realize this and not fall into some idiotic pit of self pity. Now you’ve two choices. I beat some sense into, you arrogant little shit, or you realize that there might be some reason I do what I do!”

For a moment, Wu lay there, limp. Thinking and processing his odds. Balancing out everything of what he could do, and the possible results there-in. And what would likely be his best option in the end, was to cede.

“What would you have of me and my house, Councilman Mao Han?” Chang Wu asked, his voice taking back the cold and former tone it had before.

“Good. I need you to gather up the fleet and take them to the Shanzing Belt. When you get there….”

The boardroom was dark and quiet. A single light, filtered into its faintest rays, was the only light. It danced upon the boardroom table as if playing with the darkness that threatened to consume it. And then, something in the darkness moved, a pile of papers shot out of the darkness into the light. An angered, baritone voice spoke out.

“The plan failed. Chao refuses to crack.”

“Then what are our options?” Came a female voice.

“We can’t maintain the profit margin out of our state of neutrality. We need to make Chao realize we need to be more moderate.” This time, a frail old voice coming from the darkness.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen… You fail to grasp the situation. Chao currently has all the reason to think he can just blindly press ahead with or without the support of the Merchant’s Guild. He seems to forget how we forewent our allies during the Clone Wars.” The younger, slicker voice called out like a snake’s tongue from the darkness. “Unfortunately, we can’t just undo him. The Imperials would dismantle us. Our best hope is just to bring Chao and his party under our wing….”

“And how would you propose that? We’ve tried to bribe him and if we kill him another will take his place. We all know he’s become nothing more than a Coalition puppet.” The woman replied snidely.

“Yes, but I understand him. Chao just right now thinks he’s in a position of strength. That no one will play a hand against him. But we must remind him how we can strike down even his most powerful allies.” The silver tongued man resumed.

“What are you proposing?” The old man asked, a hint of suspicion entering his voice.

“We kill the Jedi.” The silver tongued man said bluntly.

“Are you insane!?!” Called out the old man, the sound of a shifting chair making its way through the air.

“Calm yourself… I happen to know someone more than capable of taking care of our little problem. With his Jedi dead, Chao will realize that even a Force Wielder and an Ambassador rolled up in one package will not be safe. And if we can take out them, what’s to stop us from taking out something like… his wife? His daughter?”

“From you of all people… I didn’t know you had it in you.” Came the woman’s voice, as if proud of the callousness of her compatriot. “Though what makes you sure Chao will bend? Or that you have someone capable of killing a Jedi? I’ve heard they have a stunning ability to survive….”

“And this is also startlingly illegal. We’ve gotten away with some stuff like this before but this could well mean war if we start openly killing people on the other side.” The baritone man pointed out.

“I agree. We cannot go and start doing steps this extreme! What if we cross a point of no return? Or profit margin will mean nothing if our funds are locked.” The old man replied, his voice getting tight with fear of what was being proposed.

“We OWN most of the police and the fleet. Chao will find, if he tries to move on us, exactly how immobile his loyal troops are.” The woman pointed out with a small laugh. “We are quite secure. Though civil war is generally never profitable.”

“It won’t come to that. Chao is too soft hearted to order the Sinsangese against one another.” The young man pointed out to the gathered group.

“Is the profit worth the investment and risk?” The old man asked and in reply, a couple of more paper shot unto the desk. It showed a red bar, which sank, and a green bar which rose.

“Guess which is which.” The silver tongued man said mockingly. “I would remind this council that the only blood that’ll be shed is that of a foreigner who put his nose into OUR business. Who got us thrown into this situation to begin with. Besides, does anyone have a better idea?”

Silence.

“Then allow me to introduce to you our new associate.” The silver tongued man said as another light suddenly came into the room. The rough outlines of the four people gathered now seen, as suddenly a fifth appeared. A hologram of a stern figure in robes who looked out from his position with a cold gaze. “I give you the honour of Vance Jas, of the Sith Order who is more than willing us to aid us in our situation…”

With a careful hand, the old Anx tentatively took a small branch in his hand and cut it. With a smile, he put it to it to the side along with a number of others he had pruned from the tree. With a grunt, he stepped down from the small ladder he had set up to reach the higher places.

Vorlorn Holm, the last of the ruling council of Gravlex Med, looked up a the tree with a smile. It was one of the few hints left of his home. Thanks to modern genetic techniques, he was told they’d be able to reseed from the samples he had on the Patience and through extrapolation based on the info scattered through the various databases on the other Anx vessels.

The Patience was his personal vessel, one of the few Anx ships left in the galaxy after their planet and people were decimated by the assault of a deranged Imperial. The atrium section quickly turned from a place to go for quiet contemplation to a museum. Some of the more sentimental Anx came over to sit and remember sitting in the mountains, with the wind sweeping along their hides. They normally brought things, trinkets and the sort, and left them.

A shrine to the fallen.

The Vorlorn sat down on one of the rocks, taking in a deep breath. Enjoying the silence. Since the Anx had sided up with the Galactic Coaltion they’d been busy. Between organizing efforts of purifying Gravlex Med from the corrupting poisons that strangled it, to working towards helping the people of Glee Anselm, to discussions with the people of Sinsang he’d not had a moment to tend to his garden for a while.

The silence didn’t last long.

The whooshing sound of the door opening to the ship outside seemed to echo throughout the whole room. A surprising feet for a sound so quiet, but alas. Vorlorn turned his head to the intruder with a sigh. It was one of his younger aides. Steadfast, but he seemed to always be on edge since he came under his service.

“Yes, young one?” asked Vorlorn of the young Anx man, who clearly straightened up when the Elder’s eyes locked unto his form

“Yes Elder. I have the data you requested.” The young Anx said as he held his arm out, a simple datapad in his hand. Vorlorn’s smile widened slightly as he took the pad and began to read. “Are there any more duties you’d have me do Elder?”

“No, that is all Narl.” Vorlorn said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Narl immediately bowed to the Elder and made his way back from where he came, but his retreat was stopped by the old Anx suddenly speaking to him again. “Narl, why do you always feel so nervous in my presence?”

Narl was taken aback and knocked almost entirely off balance. “I-I… don’t understand Elder. What do you mean?”

“Hrm. Very well. I guess I was simply mistaken.” Vorlorn stated simply, returning to his datapad. He wouldn’t force Narl to confess anything he didn’t feel like. After a momentary pause, Narl returned on his way.

Genetics was such a useful field. It could let you grow enough crops to feed more than natural crop growth could. It allowed one to cure diseases that before it seemed incurable like genetic defects. And now, it allowed genetic code to be modified just slightly enough to allow a species to stay the same but allow enough genetic variation to avoid inbreeding.

It may take a decade, it may take a hundred years, it may take a thousand years, but the Anx would recover. Gravlex Med would recover. And once again, they could sit in the mountains and enjoy the wind on their hides.

And the deal the datapad detailed was the next in a long line of steps…

Shrapnel skittered off into space as the missile collided with the side of the dreadnaught. The entire hull shook as the commander vainly tried to stand, before being thrown from his feet. A quick prayer was made for his old girl to hold together. He quickly began to get back to his feet, casting his eyes around the darkened bridge. The red lights illuminating his surroundings casting an eerie glow.

“Get me port shields back online NOW!” The young captain demanded as he made his over to the tactical display.

“More enemy vessels coming in.” Said the young woman manning the sensor station. The captain grit his teeth as he looked at the incoming signals. They were already hard pressed to hold Sinsang against this new onslaught and these reinforcements never stopped coming. It looked another pair of star frigates.

“This is the Redeemer to fleet,” came a stern voice over the comm. “I want flight group Charlie to focus all firepower on that command cruiser, force some firepower off of Gamma. We’ll lead Alpha into a press into their right flank. Beta, prepare to hammer their position from beneath when we move.”

A number of responses were muttered in understanding. The Captain was in charge of the Sinsangese Defence Fleet. Now known as flight group Gamma in this battle. If they weren’t informed, they would’ve been no way for them to have held off this sudden attack.

The CIS must’ve been attracted by the factory world that was so close to the front of the quickly escalating war on Dantooine.

“Sinsangese, regroup. I want the Wi-jiang and the Dan-yao to engage those new comers. The rest of you, let’s help Charlie flight.” Mao Han said, looking out over the sensor map. Things were beginning to look grim.

For nearly an hour this battle had gone back and forth. The Sinsnagese had the advantage of having nearby support facilities but they were quickly running out of space to repair and re-supply. Mao Han watched as a couple of red lights blipped out of existence on their path. The old dreadnaught, Hangdon, still had some fight in her. She was older than most who served on her, but she refused to give up to these young upstarts that the CIS built.

This ship was proudly Sinsangese built!

Suddenly, another group of signatures appeared from hyperspace. A couple of Providence-class ships. Right on the right flank. Group Alpha was like the metal between the hammer and the anvil. Quickly, screams were heard over the comm. as a vane attempt came to call for help.

“This is the Alderaanian War Frigate Diamond to the fleet, we are to withdraw to support General Windu’s forces at Dantooine now. We can’t win here, but if we win Dantooine we can-”

“Just because we loose a group of Acclamators doesn’t mean the battle is lost!” Han yelled into his comm. unit.

“These are orders from the Galactic Republic to withdraw your fleet, Captain. We’ll come back for Sinsang. We’re sending the co-” The commander from Charlie unit began, before getting cut off once more by Han.

“After what? My people pay the cost in blood.” Snarled the Sinsangese man at the very prospect of abandoning his home system to the CIS. His home and family…

“You are ordered by your superior CAPTAIN. Now I suggest you get under way.” The admiral called, summoning on him his obligation of duty to the Galactic Republic. “We understand your duty, but if we sacrifice a battle today for the war tomorrow, it’ll be worth the cost.”

“I….”

BANG.

Han shot out of bed, shaking his head at the old war memory that had disturbed his sleep. Mao Han turned on the light of his bed room and made his way out to his personal bar. He signed as he took out a bottle of mijiu from the small fridge there. He sighed as he poured himself a glass.

His nerves were beginning to get the better of him and it seemed that he needed to drink more and more of the stuff to keep himself calm. Maybe age was just getting the better of him?

He resigned himself to his drink when his thinking was overridden by the ringing of his phone. He perked a brow as he walked over and picked it up.

“Hello?

No, I was awake already.

No wonder.

No, no. Everything is still on track.

Yes, he agreed.

Yes, everything is going according to plan. He will be in position when the operation goes into motion.

Say hello to your family for me.”

With that, the phone was put down and the bottle was raised yet again. It was going to be a long night.

Irtar fumbled nervously with some of his papers. He had no idea why Chao was making him do this but he had to make a public display to the people of some sorts. A sign that the Coalition, and in turn Chao’s party, was actually getting stuff done. And whom better than the ambassador to speak about it?

He read through the points again, his hand rapping nervously on the table. He never understood why HE was made the ambassador. There were probably a lot more people more interested in politicking than him. But here he was. Why was he here?

It started when he ended up coming to a meeting. Why had they even invited him? Apparently Dolash had some vision of grandeur. Some illusion that Irtar was meant for grander things than where he stood. At the time, he was just some Jedi run-away reviving from a cave-in. And now he was about to address some of the most important people on Sinsang. A planet with growing influence in the Coalition thanks to its infrastructure.

Dolash WAS right, but there was people who could’ve done far superior than him. What did coming to Sinsang get for him? For the Coalition? For Sinsang?

And now with this new funding, the Sinsangese could grow yet more independent and gain more profit from the Coalition. And here Irtar would talking about the promises he made on behalf of the Coalition. Passing through the carefully made speech that some spinster writer made for him one more time, waiting for his cue.

“…And as you can see, Sinsang is now well on its way as the lead industrial center for all the needs of the Coalition.” Chao noted with a deep tone of pride. The holos behind him changing to illustrate his points. “And with this wealth, we shall have brave new frontiers we could only dream of before. To discuss the future of this wealth and our place in the Coalition, I am honoured to present Ambassador Irtar Mal’Gro.”

Irtar got up on the podium, to a light applause from the gathered members of the media and business interests. He and Chao gave a quick pause and shook each other’s hands before moving on. When Irtar got to the podium, there was a moment of quiet.

“Uhm, good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Irtar began, nervously wrenching the notes in his hands. “A short, uhm, time ago I made a number of, ah, promises on behalf of the Coalition. Promises to build a better and brighter future for Sinsang. And thanks to a recent bursary from the Coalition, we have a chance to pursue one of these dreams.”

With a click, a couple of lithe metallic figures appeared behind him. Holograms and nothing more yet. But everything started out as nothing more than display and prototype. But at least they were on their way which is more than could be said before. Irtar walked up towards the first in the row and motioned his hand towards.

“Ladies and gentleman, this is the latest design in technical assistance robotics. We call it simply the Engineer.” The machine was small, not bigger than Irtar’s leg. It was somewhat humanoid, but seemed more like a monkey than a man. Its legs and arms seemed to be nothing more than simple durasteel tubes and the servos for them. “The Engineer line of robots are slimed down to the servos with a chest compartment containing the tools required. If the job requires it, you can removed the section where tools can be placed if there is a need for the machine to enter an extra small compartment. We believe this to be the best approach for ship maintenance and repair when compared to the Astromech series.”

“The Engineer series, though less stable, is far more manoeuvrable. It can crawl around the small compartments of a ship and get to areas inaccessible to humans and most mechanical bots currently available.” Irtar said in a very confident tone. Irtar was now in his realm. He was discussing the pros and cons of technology which was something he had a far better grasp on than politics.

“With the ability to be mounted with various different tools, the Engineers can be used for construction, salvage, and even combat repair jobs.” And as Irtar finished saying that, a small holo appeared above head showing a demonstration of the machine in action. It was only a display of the prototype, but if the people supported it they’d get to see the production line. The small robot moved around with ease, going through a series of technical trials. Namely, it was meant to show the accessibility and manoeuvrability of the robot. There was even a comparison of it to a couple of the Astromechs on the market. A number of approving looks and noises came from the audience.

When the hologram flickered and vanished from existence. Irtar saw a number of the media raise their hands. Irtar waved his hand a bit at them. “Uhm, we’ll get to questions shortly. There’s still another model left to be shown. Let’s deal with all the questions at once, eh?” Irtar said with a nervous smile before continuing.

The next robot was a bit larger, but was more insectoid in shape. Obviously this wasn’t designed for fitting into small spaces, and was roughly the same height as Irtar but several times more wide. “I give you the Spider. This series of engineering robot is designed for working in the vacuum of space.”

“I’m sure you’re all aware of the growing strain on the existing spacelanes of Sinsang as the Coalition begins to do more and more business with you. This is part of a project to build a series of space stations that will act as buffers. Split the civilian traffic from commercial. Also, these will be used in building different shipyards and space defence platforms.” Irtar said with a nod, running his hand to point out the different features. “The ‘legs’ are fitted with magnetic supports so it can stay attached to any surface. And inside the body are a number of tools attached to robotic arms including welders, hydrospanners, and interfacing devices. And with a small sublight engine capable of 10 MGLT, you only need to get the mother vessel near the target. Even has a light tractorbeam for bringing more materials than it can carry.”

Again, the holoprojecter began to show a demonstration of the real prototype of the Spider robot. The thing was latched onto the side of a vessel, its two fore legs attached to a duratseel patch, with a small sublight engine in its rear propelling it forward. When it reached the vessel, its other legs attached itself to the vessel and the robot began patching the vessel.

“As you can see, it’s like a tug and construction robot combined.” Irtar said with a slight smile. He actually thought the two ideas were rather ingenious. These would help the Sinsangese expand more quickly to meet demand. There were rumours going around of a possible conflict between the Coalition and the Empire and if that happened, they’d need all the help they could get.

“SO. Uhm….” Irtar threw out with a purposeful delay. He was about to face his most dreaded part of this presentation. The part where he left his skilled area and came to a section he was sorely lacking in. “Any questions?”

People were quick to raise hands and Irtar skimmed through the audience quickly. It’d probably be easier if he knew who the people were and who they represented but Irtar still didn’t quite know all the Sinsangese news outlets. He pointed to an older man with a moustache.

“John Penfield, Galactic News Network. I’ve just got to ask what is on everyone’s mind. Why is an ambassador giving a marketing speech?” The reporter asked, openly mocking this conference. But this was a question that was foretold, and Irtar’s mind went back to cue card number six.

“Well, it’s because this is the first technological partnership between both the Coalition and the Sinsangese. It was considered to be such a momentous occasion that it was worth having the Coalition representative to talk about it. This is the first step to a road of unity and prosperity.” Confident in his answer, Irtar scanned for another person and settled on a young man, in a suit with the red star of Sinsang on his shirt.

“Lu-zhu, the People’s News. One of your promises wasn’t for engineering robots, but for enhanced defences for Sinsang. The People are curious about the progress and information on that.” The young man said, getting ready to take whatever statement was given.

“That’s up to the military to disclose, not me. But I promise you that there is work being done on new military technologies to ensure the safety of Sinsang.” Irtar finished and looked around the room for another person to answer.

While somewhere else on Sinsang, a man in a black robe turned off a holoviewer. He now had his target, and a plan was already formulating in his mind of how to put an end to this Jedi nuisance once and for all.

The boardroom was dark and quiet. A single light, filtered into its faintest rays, was the only light. It danced upon the boardroom table as if playing with the darkness that threatened to consume it. Though there were no faces, tension could be felt between those that hid in the shadows. Was it regret for what was to come? Fear? Or perhaps, it was doubt?

Suddenly, a ringing noise cut through the shadow. A handful of muffled words cut through the room. A click marked the end of the discussion and a wave satisfaction came off of the man.

“Our pieces are in position. The game is a foot.” The baritone-voiced man said as he looked over the figures in the room.

---------------

“So sir, why do you think he’s asking us to gather up the fleet?” The young officer asked as he looked up to his superior. Lieutenant Tseng was a young man for his position, but he was one of the best. Tseng was gifted with the ability to digest and comprehend the large amounts of data. Luckily for Chang Wu, Tseng had been deployed to the Wi-Jiang out of the academy

He was now one of Chang Wu’s command staff wherever he was deployed. He added an efficiency that one could get from a droid, but had a much better sense of empathy for any given scenario. And this time, both were thinking the same thing. Something didn’t feel right.

“I do not know.” Shang Jiang Chang Wu said as he looked out the viewport, towards his home. Fousing would be coming into rotation for the Fousing Showers in another couple of weeks. The moon had been hit by an asteroid a couple of thousand years ago, and had its corona exposed to the space. Ever since then, whenever the corona of the moon faced towards Sinsang, it’d start a period of meteorite activity known as the Fousing Showers. It was rather lovely the way the lighting from the molten core of the moon worked.

At least, he’d have something to look forward to on his return from this errand.

For this mission, he’d been deployed to the Dan-yao, the sistership of the Wi-Jiang. They had gathered up several ships of Sinsang’s minor fleet. Sinsang had only recently become part of a larger galactic body so many of their ships were outdated or commercial vessels.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have the strength to field anything that could tip any sort of major battle at this point. They had what they needed; enough to keep any pirates at bay. Unfortunately, even that was changing as the pirates were getting rich off of galactic conflict. The longer the wars continued, the more easily it came to get mass amounts of weapons. They had no problem jury-rigging a ship from the wreckage of other vessels.

The ships that could be gleamed out of the patrols were the Dan-yao, several Assault Frigates, a couple Lancer-classes, and an MC30c. Also, they had a couple of old Corellian Corvettes to provide a screen. There were just a handful of proper squadrons between them. The Sinsangese hadn’t focused on being mobile or on the offensive since the Clone Wars, and most of what they had was to detour the pirates. The strength of the Sinsangese was in their planetary defence grids.

“Sir?” Lieutenant Tseng asked as he slowly pressed a couple of buttons to confirm his readings were right.

“Report, Lieutenant.” Chang Wu asked sternly of the young officer who began to check his readings for a third time.

“I’m detecting unknown signals sir, they’re almost on top of us. At least fifteen vessels of varying classes.”

“Initiate a fleet wide alert to scramble, and take battle stations.” Chang Wu commanded with a strong voice as he brought up a holo of the local area of the belt. They should be able to scramble the fighters. Barely. And if they took advantage of the asteroid belt, then maybe….

“Sir, incoming transmission from the unknown vessels. Audio only.”

“Put it on.” Chang Wu said with a nod. He knew that every legal ship in the sector had transponders, and the only time that they weren’t running was because of damage or because they didn’t want to be identified. And Chang Wu knew that fifteen ships wouldn’t all have the same damage.

“This is Captain Fairborough of the Raioballo Rippers! Surrender yours ships and maybe we’ll spare yer lives.”

Pirates.

But they were never known to organize into groups this large, and to attack targets this big. Chang Wu would think on it later, but for now he had to ensure the survival of himself and this fleet.

“I am Shang Jiang Chang Wu of the Sinsangese, and a representative of the Galactic Coalition. You are ordered to stand down YOUR ships, or you shall be destroyed.” Chang Wu threatened, attempting to sound as imposing as possible. “Cut the signal.”

“Order the Assault Frigates to pull back in to the field to co-ordinates 46, 12, 19. I want the Corvettes to take a position back behind Asteroid CX-1253…”

-----------------------

“You all remember the plan, correct?” The old-man said, and was replied with nods from his shadowy companions. “Very well. I suggest that we all get to our places then. By the end of this evening we should have what is ours.”

“Good… Are you sure this Vance Jas will see through his part of the bargain?” The woman asked the group, with a slight raise of her eyebrow.

“Ah, but of course. He said his operative would have special… incentive to finish this mission.” The silver-tongued man said with a slight laugh.

----------------------

“Thanks for the ride home!” Irtar called out and gave a slight wave to his driver for the evening. Whistling, Irtar made his way up the stairs into the apartment that was playing as his home. It was a surprisingly decent setup. But then again, Irtar was the supposed representative of the Coalition on the planet so he was expected to live in a place to meet the role.

Clicking a couple of locks, Irtar entered his apartment. He was greeted with the familiar chirping sounds of machinery as he entered the main room. A couple of droids made their way around the room, cleaning and dusting. The apartment wasn’t anything lavish, but it did have a good couch and a decent TV. And most importantly, a good (and now highly customized) computer.

“Computer, I’m in the mood for some steak.” Irtar commanded, and from the kitchen Irtar heard more robots whirring as they went to work to finish Irtar’s request. With a sigh of satisfaction, Irtar fetched up a datapad and began to sort his way through his mail and notifications.

There were different meetings concerning Coalition business, trade with the Sinsangese, and so many more things that Irtar was struggling to get his head wrapped around. Irtar groaned the whole time as he updated his schedule with all the things he’d have do tomorrow. At least his morning was clear to get in some more training.

Irtar yawned and stretched a bit then suddenly, he felt something. It felt like a cold hand running its way along the course of his spine. It felt like…

Irtar was on his feet, lightsaber at the ready just in time for a figure draped in black to come through his window.

--------------------------

“Then I declare this council over for the evening.” The old man said simply with a nod of his head. “Head to your appropriate places and remember that our next meeting shall come when our new investment has matured.”

And so the group left the shadow and the lives associated with it, and headed back out into the light. Some would return to their businesses, others to home, and others still to darkness of a different taste.

It was now the move of the Sinsang government in this elaborate game.