WotH Chpt 46

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 46==
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===Checking the Records===
Jedi library
Coruscant
"Thank you for allowing me to use the Jedi Library," Padme bowed to the older woman. "I did not expect such a rapid response."
 
"It is not often that anyone from outside the Order requests to look at our records," Jocasta Nu smiled. "Now, there will of course be some records that are restricted that you will not have access to, but most of it should be free for you to research and peruse as you wish."
 
"Am I allowed to retain any copies of works that I might wish to continue reading while I am not here, Master Nu?" Padme asked as she took a seat.
 
"That will have to be a decision made on a case by base basis," Jocasta replied. "Now, if you need any assistance, there are many padawans and assistants that should be around to help."
 
"Thank you once again," Padme smiled as the Jedi Librarian stalked off to stop someone from archiving something in the wrong place, again.
 
And with that final statement, the Senator of Naboo began her search into the past and what it would mean for the future of the Republic.
 
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"Senator Amidala," Obi-Wan greeted the woman. "It's a pleasant surprise to see you here."
 
""Obi-Wan," Padme smiled at the older man. "I was just getting ready to leave. But if you have time later, I would love to meet with you and get your opinion on some things."
 
"Of course!" the man stroked the beginnings of a beard he was growing. "I don't have your comms frequency though."
 
"Here," Padme handed her comlink to Kenobi. "Input your frequency there and I'll get to you later. Unfortunately, it seems I'm running late for a committee meeting and have to leave."
 
"It was a pleasure to see you again, Senator," Obi-Wan moved out of the way as Amidala rushed towards the landing bays and her waiting speeder, a familiar astromech droid following as fast as his wheels allowed.
 
"Very peculiar," Obi-Wan shrugged as he entered the library. "I wonder what all that was about."
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===Question of funding===
"The Confederacy is going to fund our development project," the CEO of Rendili Stardrive looked at the table, the holograms for the owners of all of the shipyards that built licensed products seated around it. "This, is the basis for our project."
 
"Sir, that looks like Old Republic tech," one of them pointed out. "Why would they be go backwards in time?"
 
"Because this, isn't licensed or in production anymore," the CEO smirked. "And the tech isn't that much older. The owner of said antique allowed us to make detailed scans before we modernized what we could on the ship. She might be older, but if what the shipwrights and engineers tell me is correct, we'll have the best cruiser in the galaxy. Built for anti-piracy operations and ready to be sold to both PDFs and the Confederacy Navy at large."
 
"How long will development take?" An older woman asked.
 
"Six to eight months," the CEO replied. "Which gives most of you time to finish the refits of the Katana Fleet and prepare your shipyards to build it in bulk."
 
"That's just a light cruiser though," someone pointed out. "The Confederacy is going to want something larger if there's any major fleet actions. And there's only two hundred ships in the Katana fleet."
 
"That's why we're going back in time again," another image was shown. "We're making some modifications due to complaints we have received about the Command and Control systems, but we're bringing back several designs that were easier to manufacture, and with improved power infrastructure, we can make adjustments that will mean the Confederacy has the most modern Navy in the Galaxy."
 
"Why the Confederacy though? Surely the Republic is going to be exploring options as well to combat the build up of the Confederacy."
 
"The Republic has turned to Kuat Drive Yards! Ignoring everything that we have sacrificed over the last few thousand years to ensure its survival!" The CEO slammed his fist on the counter, the droid hand leaving a crack in the obsidian table that extended all the way to the end. "No, we and several other smaller companies are turning to the Confederacy. You are not beholden to us, so I will not ask you to side with us. But know that we will not be licensing the new designs to your yards," he held up a hand to stave off the rage. "You may continue producing whatever you are already licensing from us provided the proper fees are paid. But do not expect more than that. As of next week, we will begin breaking off all contracts with the Republic's government. Now, any questions?"
 
All of the yard owners stood up and began shouting at once, barring a few older men and women that exchanged short messages, looked at the CEO and nodded at him as he met their eyes before the holograms winked out.
 
"Calm down the lot of you!" someone physically present shouted down the rest of the group. "One at a time or he can't answer any of our questions."
 
After a few more minutes everything simmered down, the pot was still near a boil, but it had slowed.
 
"Now, one at a time."
 
"Where are we going to get the starfighters to fit with the cruisers?"
 
"I'm working on contracts and licensing with several manufacturers," the CEO explained. "I should have some more solid information by the end of the month."
 
"What about selling to the Planetary Defense Forces of planets that are still within the Republic?"
 
"It's your yard," the CEO shrugged. "The Confederacy has first rights of refusal to any of the cruisers that we manufacture though. It is a part of our contract."
 
"But what about…
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===Interrogation with suspected Smugglers===
What is your business on Beloria?" A harsh voice asked.
 
"Same as most of the people who visit these days," Satele shrugged. "I'm here to meet with the most interesting group on this side of the galaxy."
 
"We're going to need more than that," the man looked at the woman through his helmet's visor.
 
"It's the truth in this case," Satele shrugged. "The ship we brought is my brother's it's been passed down for a long time and while he upgraded and modernized most of its components, he might have forgotten the communications suite."
 
"We've got a team going over your ship now," the man leaned back in his chair. "If your story is true, then you have nothing to worry about."
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Meanwhile, in another interrogation room…
 
"And Satele, she just doesn't understand that fixing a ship costs a lot of money, I'm three to four million credits in debt but she still thinks that I'm fine because I've been on the same planet for the last fifteen years," Jacen complained. "I mean, do you see how ratty my jumpsuit is? I'm barely able to make the payments I've got now, much less able to finish the last upgrades the Hawk needs."
 
On the other side of the table a soldier was making periodic marks on a sheet of flimsy, while another behind the see-through mirror was writing a detailed report on all of the information they were getting.
 
"I know what you mean," the soldier took off his helmet to run his fingers through his hair before tucking it back down. "Family can be tough sometimes."
 
"And to make matters worse, it's me and five sisters, I'm barely able to keep Satele out of trouble. But no, Jacen has to make sure all of the girls stay out of trouble and stay in school while mom and dad go off bounty hunting around the galaxy."
 
"I'm going to need to swap places here in a bit," the soldier commed the Sergeant in charge. "I know we're getting good intel, but I'm starting to fall asleep here."
 
"We'll call it quits in fifteen, Josh. Their story checks out for the most part."
 
"Thank God," Joshua breathed. "I've been listening to this guy complain all day."
 
"I'd get used to it," Sarge chuckled. "You're the guy's handler for his stay here."
 
"Who'd I piss off?" he muttered.
 
"You impressed me," a voice broke into the channel. "It's not every day that our Security Forces have to deal with someone like this."
 
"You heard, Major Dunham," Sarge shrugged. "IT looks like you're getting picked up by the spooks."
 
"Fuck me," Joshua breathed. "There goes my retirement."
 
"At least the pay's better, right?"
 
"Not enough to justify the paranoia," Joshua replied. "Now shut up so I can hear this guy finish up."
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Chapter 46