WotH Chpt 32

==War on the Horizon - Chapter 32 ==
<<Next Chapter - Return to Story Index - Next Chapter>>
----
===Supporting at independent system===
January 14th, 3014/7953 CRC Eriadu System, Seswenna sector, Outer Rim Territories
"You are certain that you wish to remain with the Republic?" Gideon asked his brother.
 
"Sullust and ourselves are the leaders of the systems that have joined in the ORSF," Wilhuff replied. "While Sullust might feel that it's time to separate. It is not. This is the time to continue to build up. The Republic may yet decide to change as a result of this."
 
"You know that they will simply continue to obstruct those of us who intend to preserve the ideals that the Republic was founded on." Gideon sighed.
 
"Yes, but we will still remain as the bastions of integrity that we have been for years," Wilhuff replied. "Should we waver now, then it will destroy the reputation that we have built for so long. No, we will continue on this path until the way to best protect Eriadu has revealed itself."
 
"And yet, we will continue to sell this Confederacy of Independent Systems ships?" Gideon raised an eyebrow.
 
"Of course," Wilhuff smirked. "We have always supported the Outer Rim arming and defending itself from pirates and slavers. As we upgrade our own defense fleets and that of the ORSF we shall continue to sell our older vessels to our neighbors in the Outer Rim."
 
"There are those in the Senate who may take offense to that," Gideon remarked as he lounged back in his chair.
 
"None who matter will oppose the destruction of evil," Wilhuff stood and looked out the window, his hands clasped behind his back. "And it will show where our true allies are."
----
===Shifting of the Force===
 
"How do we address this situation?" Ki Adi Mundi asked the rest of the Jedi Council. "Dooku has separated from the Republic, and he has brought members of our Order with him."
 
"I believe that we should exercise caution," Windu said after some thought. "Dooku and Yaddle have shown themselves to be trustworthy. They have never made moves against the Order before this speech."
 
"The Order was only mentioned a handful of times," Plo Koon replied, his hologram shaking its head in disagreement. "This was targeted at the Republic, not at the Order as a whole. And who among us can say that he was wrong?"
 
"I am tempted to go to Dooku directly to see if it is possible for a resolution to be found," Coleman Trebor stated as he reviewed a transcript of the speech. "There have been no calls for violence, and while they have hired a great deal of mercenaries and begun purchasing ships, they have also actually had those same ships patrolling the hyperlanes as he said they would."
 
"I for one, am curious to see what Yaddle has to say about this," Shaak Ti finally responded to everything. "She has not spoken to any of us since she left this Council and the order itself."
 
"Knight Tachi has been in contact with us recently," Windu leaned forward. "She said that she and her padawan would be visiting and bringing some messages from Yaddle and Dooku."
 
"Wait and see, our only option is," Yoda finally spoke, the grandmaster opening his eyes for the first time since the meeting started. "Move aggressively, we should not. Shifting, the Force is."
 
"I think we should all take the time to meditate on this," Windu said after Yoda stopped speaking. "And those of us who are not on missions should prepare a response for the Senate."
----
===Looking for Anakin===
"It's a pleasure to meet with you again, Amidala," Obi-Wan gave a small bow as he smiled.
 
"It is a pleasure indeed," she replied. "I'm glad to find you in good health. Though I was hoping I could see Anakin as well."
 
"Anakin was very sick when I left Coruscant," Kenobi frowned. "We came into contact with a local virus on an Outer Rim world while rendering aid and so he was told to remain behind when your request came through."
 
"I suppose it's better this way," Padme sighed. "Best not to get the entire delegation ill."
 
"Considering who you're negotiating with, I would have to agree," Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "I must say that it is a bit unusual to have negotiated with two peoples that were bitter rivals in the past."
"You are referring to Eriadu and Mandalore?" Padme asked.
 
"Yes, they have long warred with each other through history. But I suppose the ORSF is the reason you're negotiating?"
 
"The ORSF wishes to trade with both us and the Gungans for different things," Padme smirked. "I believe you'll recognize the one who's going to be negotiating for the Gungans."
 
"Obi! Meesa is so excited to see you again!" A voice cheered as Obi-Wan sank his face into his palm.
----
===Haggling for Starfighters===
"I was hoping to speak to Queen Reillata," Maarisa Zsinj gave a small bow. "Especially considering what we were hoping to negotiate."
 
"She delegated the task to me," Padme replied. "I'm hoping that we are able to reach a satisfactory deal."
 
"That will depend entirely on how entrenched you are in demilitarization," Zsinj replied honestly. "Master Jedi," she shifted to greet Obi-Wan.
 
"Admiral Zsinj," Kenobi smiled as he greeted the woman. "I've heard good things about your work in the Outer Rim."
 
"Eliminating the pirates who were trying to blockade Zonama Sekot was common sense," the Admiral shrugged. "They were grateful enough afterwards to help Incom and Subpro build new Starfighter factories on Eriadu."
 
"Regardless, you stepped in and did a good thing, and I personally am grateful. I have friends on Sekot and wish them well."
 
"Now, I believe you've already finished negotiating with Representative Binks," Padme cut in.
 
"Yes," Zsinj nodded. "Shrewd trader that one. I barely managed to get close to the deal that I wanted."
 
Padme and Obi-Wan exchanged a glance before shaking their heads.
 
"Anyway, You wished to purchase some of our N-1 Starfighters and the ability to manufacture more locally in your own yards, yes?" Padme began.
 
"That was indeed our aim. "While we have some plans to develop something new, we are currently limited to the Z-69 Sweeper. Which, while a decent fighter, is getting up there in age."
 
"I am firmly against arming anyone," Padme replied. "But I will do my best to represent Naboo in this."
 
After that statement, the haggling began.
----
<<Next Chapter - Return to Story Index - Next Chapter>>
Chapter 32