WotH Chpt 51

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 51==
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===Discussions for the upcoming talks===
Date: August 30, 3015/30.08.7954 CRCLocation: MMS (Marksman Mercenary Ship) Katana, en route to Coruscant
 
"Representative Clay," I nodded at the man who had been selected to come and assist in the negotiations with the Republic. "It's a pleasure."
 
"Always," he grinned as he settled down into a chair. "Now, we need to discuss the main talking points and get things agreed upon before we enter that snake pit."
 
"I was planning on being straightforward," I shrugged. "The CIS is a sovereign and independent state similar to the Hapans, we should be treated with the same dignity and respect."
 
"Aye," Cassius leaned back in his chair. "We should, but they won't acknowledge that. We're going to have to fight them every step of the way. So, I'm going to warn you in advance," he smirked. "I don't accept compromises, so I expect we'll have quite a few death threats and potential assassinations coming our way."
 
"And we want Senator-in-Exile Taa admitted to our court systems," I nodded. "I have a feeling that they're not going to want to do that."
 
"No, they will not," Clay replied. "They do not see our government as legitimate. And until we have established that we are both sovereign and not in rebellion we will continue to face this issue."
 
"So," I interlaced my fingers, propped my elbows up on my desk, and leaned forward. "Where do we begin to do that?"
 
"We begin, with the allies that you have already made," Cassius smiled. "You are well known in the Seswenna sector, and despite the fact that you are a member of the CIS, many of the senators that fall in line and support Eriadu will likely be in support of this. And let us not forget that Rendili will be likely to support the CIS as well."
 
"So, we have the beginnings of support, now we need to figure out how to leverage that," I hummed.
 
"Indeed," Clay paused in thought. "While also remembering that to compromise is to lose."
 
"Right," I sighed as I racked my brain for ideas. "We have a week to get our shit together, so I guess it's time to dive into the politics."
 
"I'm afraid so," Clay relaxed. "Just remember to write things down, I might be a bit forgetful in my old age now."
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===Meeting with a Opponent===
"Captain," I stepped onto the bridge of the Katana. "I believe you asked for me?"
 
"Yessir," the captain shifted in his chair. "We have a ship asking to dock with us and speak to you."
 
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.
 
"A Senator Padme Amidala and her escorts are requesting permission to dock and come aboard," he explained. "How would you like us to proceed?"
 
"Let her board," Cassius made his presence known. "I would like to meet one of those who would be our opponents."
 
"I just hope she's been struck by a bout of common sense," I sighed. "Captain, give them the go ahead. Lieutenant," I turned to look at Sturn. "If she's accompanied by a Gungan named Binks, then there's a standard protocol that's been created for such a situation. Follow it to the letter. Do not deviate or we will all regret it."
 
"Heh, I'm sure he's not that bad, boss." Kit tried to laugh my concern off before he was halted in his tracks and turned to face me, my hands on his shoulders, the smile falling off of his lips as he met my gaze. "Follow the protocol to the letter, got it."
 
"I've heard the stories about Binks," Siri agreed. "Kenobi had quite a bit to say."
 
"And I'd prefer to avoid adding to said horror stories," I allowed Lieutenant Sturn to continue on towards the bays. "Once you collect the Senator, please escort her to the office that Representative Clay and I have been using."
 
"Yes, sir!" Kit continued on his way.
 
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"Senator Amidala?" Kit asked as a small group walked down the ramp of the silver ship.
 
"Yes," a petite brunette inclined her head. "Are you my escort?"
 
"Yes, ma'am, I'm Lieutenant Sturn" the Mandalorian nodded in greeting as he introduced himself.. "I'm also supposed to ask if you have Representative Binks with you."
 
"No," Padme tried to cover and conceal her laughter behind her hand before giving up and failing. "No, I believe he is still on Corsuscant."
 
"Oh, good," Sturn waved at the group of men that had been intended for implementing Protocol 11. "Then your people can retire to a nearby mess hall while I take you and your chosen escort to Representative Clay and Colonel Hull."
 
"Captain Typho," Amidala looked back at the captain of her guard, allowing him to make the choice.
 
"Senator," Typho inclined his head as he moved to flank the woman.
 
"After you, Lieutenant."
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===Dark Side beings to move disrupt the Order===
Office of the Chancellor - Corsuscant
"Ahh, Master Yoda," Chancellor Palpatine smiled gently at the diminutive Jedi Master. "It's a pleasure to see you and Master Windu grace my office with your presence again."
 
"The Senate is asking us to provide escorts for the delegation from the Confederacy of Independent Systems," Windu took a seat as was indicated. "But while we maintain a positive relationship with the Head of State of the Confederacy, we are not willing to break any appearance of neutrality between our Order and the Confederacy. Many of our Knights are in the Outer Rim after all, and their travel being impeded could mean life or death for many sentients."
 
"Requested the Senate has, responded, have we," Yoda finally spoke. "Take sides in a potential conflict, we will not."
 
"But of course," Palpatine replied. "I would not expect anything else from your honored Order. After all, I have the utmost respect for the services you provide to the Republic. However, I do hope that you will be present for the negotiations. Especially considering how precarious these negotiations may be."
 
"Attend the proceedings, we shall," Yoda nodded. "Be absent, the Order will not."
 
After discussing a few missions that several Jedi had been dispatched on and inquiring as to the status of Anakin, Palpatine dismissed the leaders of the Jedi Order, a sinister smile creeping across his face as the door slid shut.
 
Standing up from his chair and looking out the transparisteel of the window, he contemplated his next move before nodding to himself. Yes, it was time to begin casting suspicion on the Order. And the best way to do that was to allow some of those whom he had twisted in the last year to make an appearance. After all, a disposable weapon that was pointed in the right direction would cut all that lay in its path, heedless of those that it would harm. Oh, the damage that would be wreaked on the reputation of the Order. It would be Glorious! All that was left, was to orchestrate the timing. Palpatine thought to himself.
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Chapter 51