"Mission on Ryloth," I looked tensely at the message that had arrived from the Order. "Postponed indefinitely..."
"Postponed?" asked Celeste, getting out of bed. We had just jumped towards Ryloth and needed to bring the ship out of hyperspace to set a new course. I closed my eyes, trying to concentrate... What year is it now? Exactly forty-eighth year before the Battle of Yavin IV. Maybe even forty-seventh... Unfortunately, orienting by the years before the Battle of Yavin isn't exactly easy. There are specific anchor points to the years, but they are closer to the episode canon. Why was I worried now? Because events had occurred that could be called the "Stark Hyperspace War." I've known for a long time that war doesn't start in a day; the reasons accumulate over weeks, months, years.
Only naive children think that war comes because someone said "I want it right now, this instant." I had been tracking and documenting Stark's actions. I wanted to use his war as a precedent to start talking about reforms in the Order, the Republic. Just start talking, find allies with similar views. But it unfolded... In my estimation, much earlier than I thought. Is it because of the peculiarity of the universe version? Or... A consequence of my own actions. Now I had received information that after the defeat of PMC "Luna" by "Black Sun" forces and the death of the PMC's leader — the survivors rallied around Laura, a Mandalorian who was an officer in this organization.
But "Luna," as a PMC, included, among others, unstable, criminal elements who joined the PMC to be part of a "serious organization" that would protect them. Laura's worldview, which was a bit noble for a mercenary — these sentients didn't accept at all. Furthermore — an internal conflict had occurred within the strongest criminal organization "Black Sun." One of the organization's leaders turned against the returned Garyn. Not the top leader, no. He was more of an assistant to the one who turned... They were fighting over territory owned by Jarko Itari. Already without Drongar, because the Jedi had settled there — too dangerous to mess with. But they fought fiercely... And some sentients from "Black Sun" also fled that organization. At some point, the internal skirmish took a very serious turn and at the same time — weakened the organization.
So the strongest criminal syndicate at the moment was the Iaco Stark Syndicate. You could say that indirectly my actions triggered his creation and Stark's actions a bit earlier... Plus, to top it all off... Dengo Hutt, whose activities we were trying to shut down on the mission that was supposed to take place on Ryloth — was also a member of the Iaco Stark Syndicate... His boss, Jabba, the head of the Desilijic kajidic — clearly can't rein in Dengo, who has risen through the sale of slaves from Ryloth and various dangerous animals. And now Dengo himself has invested in Iaco Stark, who has started active operations.
They'd engineered a bacta shortage, colluding with the Trade Federation and the Xucphra Corporation. Now I'd have to fly out and clean up an unexpected war… Sort of unexpected. Still, I remembered this war started and ended quickly. But what bothered me was that it had clearly begun ahead of schedule, and that Iaco — maybe he was even stronger than in the original. I was ordered back to Coruscant. Most likely they'd drag me into one of the missions in this war. Given that I was a Shadow, plus with a specialized ship, they might send me to Thyferra to find proof the conflict was staged, and put the squeeze on Hask. After about five days, my ship appeared over Coruscant and, after clearing all the standard procedures, headed for the Jedi Temple hangar.
"You're right on time," noted Jocasta Nu, who met me as Celeste and Jaro came down the ramp with me.
"I have a habit of that," I greeted the former High Council member. "But this summons was pretty unexpected. I was already getting ready for that mission on Ryloth — the one where, supposedly, agents encountered Malkuukai and Matukai, along with opposition from Dengo Hutt. A fairly unique situation required my involvement." I met the woman's eyes.
"Master Tivokka requested that I call you," Jocasta said. We headed for the hangar exit together. Ships were constantly either arriving or taking off from the Temple hangar.
"Master Tivokka?" Celeste asked.
"Yes," Nu nodded. "He has a special intuition and believes your talents might be useful in this crisis. I've heard you graduated from Anaxis," she added.
"That I did," I agreed. "The courses were correspondence, though. Even so, the exams were tough. Plus, I participated in developing military operations. Still, I always figured Master Tivokka was the type to avoid foolish conflicts as much as possible."
"Alas, this conflict can't be avoided," Jocasta sighed as we reached the doors leading to one of the Temple's halls. It wasn't the High Council Chamber, but one of the conference rooms, the kind used, say, to receive important envoys. Inside were several prominent Jedi. Mace Windu stood out. He was definitely a unique individual, having only just joined the High Council. He was two years older than me. Adi Gallia was also there. The Tholothian looked like all other females of her species: black-skinned, blue-eyed. And Master Yoda, of course, sat there in his infinite wisdom.
"Light," came Tivokka's voice as we entered. "Long time no see." Behind the Wookiee stood his loyal Padawan — Plo Koon.
"Master Tivokka," I nodded to the Wookiee. "Master Yoda, Master Mace, Adi." The last I could address by name, since for now we were equal in rank, and roughly the same age. "Padawan Plo."
The named Jedi greeted me, Celeste, and Jaro.
"Light, whole you are, after the expedition to Tanalorr," Yoda said. "And that warms my heart it does."
There was no point hiding it from the Order. They'd definitely figured out that, relying on the Force, I'd been in the Kobo Void and ended up on Tanalorr.
"Honestly," I said, "that expedition gave us a lot of interesting experiences." I sat down in the seat offered to me, stretching out a leg. Noticing the drinks sitting by the holoprojector, I pulled one over. "Hmph… Non-alcoholic."
"You expected otherwise?" Adi Gallia asked. "We came here to discuss the coming conflict that threatens war upon the entire Galaxy. Such matters are discussed with a clear head."
I gave the Tholothian an appraising look. Celeste repeated my maneuver with the drinks, but Jaro didn't dare, simply standing nearby.
"I just brought my ship in from the Outer Rim, and before that I was in a space anomaly with a mortality rate of ninety-nine point eight percent, Adi Gallia. And I don't blame you, but you probably don't know much about my background. I spent a long time rubbing shoulders with the Matukai and learned a few tricks from them. It'd take at least a liter and a half of top-shelf Corellian whiskey to get me tipsy. You don't have that? Then no questions."
"I'd ask you to change your tone, Knight Light. You might be used to being rude to everyone, but…" Mace said.
"So Knight Adi Gallia isn't someone you should be rude to," I smirked, using a bit of prescience. He'd come to the Council to replace Tera Sinube at a fairly young age. The previous one, who'd held his seat, had decided to dedicate himself fully to training younglings. And in my opinion, Windu was canonical. With all the pros and cons. By the way, while I'd been playing around in the Outer Rim and training Jaro at a distance, there'd been some reshuffling in the Council. The headstrong Dooku had resigned from the Council just a couple of weeks ago. He'd been replaced by Micah Giiett… I couldn't recall anything bad about him. A strong knight, he'd prove himself during the Yinchorri Uprising. In place of Elksa Kreiss, Eeth Koth had entered the Council. That Jedi—if I remembered correctly—lived all the way to the Clone Wars and didn't even die there. Jocasta Nu had also left her post, deciding to become the permanent Archivist. T'un had been invited to replace her; essentially they were cut from the same cloth—both were theoretical archivists. "But I'm not someone you can boss around like your Padawan either, Adi Gallia."
Of course, all these changes of masters didn't happen in a single year… I could have observed the Order's politics better, but before the proverbial "bifurcation points," windows of opportunity, I preferred to watch from the sidelines. A very distant sideline, since many canonical Jedi on the Council couldn't be said to agree with my proposals, so these games weren't interesting to me yet. Besides, I needed to build my reputation as a Jedi—training a Padawan and not neglecting my own training. Otherwise Palpatine would come, and I wouldn't even be able to run. Then what? Die again? Given Palpatine, probably from lightning again, or electricity.
"I think you should stop," Tivokka noted.
"Tivokka is right," Yoda sighed. "Soon Senator Finis Valorum will arrive; we must discuss the coming conflict with him."
"The coming conflict with the Stark Syndicate, I assume?" I asked. "The price of bacta has already affected many worlds. In the Outer Rim, the situation has deteriorated sharply, while the Core Worlds bought up bacta, anticipating the conflict, stockpiled it, and drove prices up even more. Stark just wants to fish in troubled waters. What does Senator Valorum propose?"
"He wants to propose peace," Mace said, clasping his hands in front of him. "On behalf of the Republic, he intends to enter negotiations with Iaco Stark…"
"Negotiations with a smuggler and a pirate," I snorted. "What other criminal scum will our Senators negotiate with next? Drug dealers and slavers?"
"And you see another solution?" Gallia asked.
I finished my juice.
"I see a problem… The Republic is forced to talk to someone who needs his teeth knocked out so he won't try it again. Otherwise, today we talk to Stark to stop his conflict, and tomorrow what? We'll have the whole Senate ask a drunk bum not to piss under a fence? The bacta shortage problem," I put the glass back on the tray and pulled another one over, "should be solved by the state at the state level, not through conversations with every kind of scum."
"And I agree with you," Tivokka growled. "However, calling a sentient 'scum' is not the most becoming tactic…"
"I conducted most of my work in the Outer Rim," I looked at the Wookiee, "so I'm used to speaking plainly. Besides, who is Iaco Stark? Yes, he's gathered impressive forces… But this isn't a workers' union strike—it's just pirates, criminals, and mercenaries who've been engaged in robbery and murder all along. Why should a whole Senator be talking to them?"
"Dooku asked pretty much the same question," Tivokka noted.
"And what would you propose?" Gallia asked.
"Assemble a fleet and smash them all…"
"Senator Ranulf Tarkin has proposed something similar," Mace noted.
"Ranulf Tarkin says the right things," I said. "But he's too impetuous. Such an operation needs careful preparation. I've seen his speeches. He seemed ready to grab a blaster right then and go dealing out good and meting out justice." I chuckled. "Right in the style of my protocol droid. But Iaco Stark isn't stupid. And we don't have a fleet… I suspect that's exactly why Finis Valorum will be negotiating… But really, this situation should teach us. I hope it will."
"Teach us what?" asked Yoda, who had been silent and listening.
"That the Republic needs an army. At least one that can call merchants like Stark to order. A state that has lost its monopoly on violence is hardly a state. And even if we can't make the Republic the sole generator of possible military violence across the Galaxy, I'd like the politicians to learn the lesson that we must have an army in our Republic… Conflicts will only escalate. And there are too few of us Jedi for everyone who wants to take up arms against their neighbor…"
"And you propose to create an army at once and repeal the Ruusan Reformation?" Mace asked sharply. "An army is a tool of war. Once it exists, some politician will want to use it for war."
"Not repeal it," I replied. "But at least create something better than the toothless Judicial Forces, which can bark at a single pirate ship but run when there are more than three." I sighed, looking at Mace. "That's the conclusion I reached while studying the art of war through the courses on Anaxis. We'll protect sentients better if they don't have to wait for Jedi for however long but can get help from local units. That's the logic of the Judicial Forces. But it's toothless and weak, plain and simple."
"Creating an army is a problem," Gallia said. "Many will want to use it to solve their own problems." She basically repeated Mace's argument. But in my plans, I wanted not only to create a fleet and units but also to strictly regulate their use to eliminate "certain abuses." Still, I wasn't counting on anything right now. The Galaxy wasn't ready for an army yet.
"Nevertheless, creating an army is necessary. Without an army, the suffering of innocents will only increase. Right now it's a bunch of pirates. They're directly issuing ultimatums to the Republic… But soon, if the current course continues, the Republic may face a challenge from far more significant forces."
"And you're saying this?" Gallia asked. "I've seen what your actions lead to."
"The actions of any sentient can lead to many things," I replied. "It's foolish to assume that doing something won't have consequences. As for the Stark conflict, in my opinion, it happened too early…"
"If you hadn't caused the massacre between Luna and Black Sun, part of those factions that broke away wouldn't have reinforced Iaco Stark," Gallia noted. "And he…"
"Wouldn't have started doing what he's doing now?" I asked. "That's a foolish assumption. Stark would have done what he's doing now sooner or later. We're dealing with a fait accompli and obvious problems…"
"Heavy these deliberations are," Yoda sighed. "Deliberations about an army, deliberations about the Ruusan Reformation."
"Let's set aside the Ruusan Reformation, though not entirely," I said. "But at least part of it needs revision. Its current provisions don't suit our time."
"That is in the Senate's purview," Tivokka reminded me. "And we can only discuss anything once the bacta situation is resolved."
"Hmph… They won't want to discuss anything," I waved dismissively. "As soon as the esteemed Senators solve their problems, they'll return to their beloved parties and demagoguery."
At that, the door swung open and the one we were waiting for entered. Senator Finis Valorum. He was a tall, young man with fair hair and blue eyes.
Seems the council would start right away. After greeting everyone, the future Chancellor sat in one of the empty chairs.
"Stark has agreed to meet with us," Valorum said. "The meeting will take place on the planet Troiken, in the Outer Rim. However, I fear the negotiations will lead nowhere. The main problem is the bacta shortage."
"Bacta is produced on Thyferra," I replied, drawing the attention of those present. "I think we should send scouts there to find out if they've managed to restore production. And it's all… too suspicious, the way it's happening together. The shortage benefits certain sentients. The Trade Federation, for example, or the Xucphra Corporation…"
"You suspect a conspiracy, Master?" Finis asked.
"I'm still a Knight. And yes, I suspect a conspiracy… Word spreads that an explosion occurred at a Xucphra facility. Immediately, stock prices spike… Bacta prices rise… The Core Worlds, regardless of cost, buy up all available bacta… And at the same time, the Stark Syndicate appears, attacking ships carrying bacta. Oh, how convenient, isn't it? That drives bacta prices even higher… In the end, everyone on the right side profits."
"If that's true, and not just another conspiracy theory," Valorum noted, "then it turns everything upside down. Stark is considered a hero in the Outer Worlds. The one who took up arms against the rich."
"It's easy to sway public opinion with cheap theatrics. The bolder the lie, the easier it is to believe. Sentients see a fearless leader who challenges greedy corporations on their behalf… I think the Trade Federation and Xucphra just want to profit. Meanwhile, Stark has his own goal — a political one. He wants to 'move up to the next level' in his life… I don't understand why you think the problem is just the bacta shortage?" I looked into Valorum's eyes. "The problem, in my opinion, is also an illegal armed group that should be dealt with separately."
"Your rhetoric reminds me of Ranulf Tarkin," Finis said.
"That's why I called Light," Tivokka growled. "While we take part in the negotiations on Troiken, and Master Tholme and his Padawan Quinlan Vos are on Thyferra, you, Light, will go to Senator Tarkin."
Because the Stark War had shifted slightly in time, a very young Quinlan had to participate in it. He'd only just been taken as a Padawan. By my calculations, it should have been another two or three years… But now… It was right now… Damn it. My interference had strengthened Stark prematurely, even though I hadn't wanted to. I should have grabbed Garyn by the scruff harder and made sure he controlled his organization better, but I'd been afraid of an early confrontation with Plagueis.
"You think Tarkin won't sit still, that he'll try to gather a fleet and head for Troiken, right?"
"Yes," Tivokka agreed. "Of all the Jedi, only you and Master Rancisis have experience commanding military operations, and not so long ago. Your skills will be useful to us in orbit of Troiken, where Tarkin will want to go… And he'll definitely find out everything."
"But what's my goal? If, as the Senator claims," I glanced at Valorum, "the negotiations are hopeless, then it seems I'll have to plan an operation against their fleet?"
Valorum looked away. For him, a fairly successful bureaucrat-senator, military action was something unusual and, at the same time, undesirable.
"Yes," Tivokka answered simply. "I'm certain of Tarkin's actions. He will definitely find out where Senator Valorum is heading."
"I believe, Knight, that you are to oversee my overly zealous colleague," Finis said.
"Do you have a plan for if the negotiations fail?" I asked. "You're almost certain they will. If negotiations with Stark fail, you'll find yourself in a delicate position, trapped on the planet, because the talks are happening in a place Stark chose… So he'll have a trap ready for you. What then? Space battles take time. I won't be able to help you in time." Given that I also remembered exactly what happened to Tarkin's fleet. I'd need to purge the viruses from the ship systems. If the entire fleet converged on Troiken, the only option would be to blow those bastards away.
"We'll manage," Tivokka replied. "Though I would like Knight Adi Gallia to be present with us as well. And also Qui-Gon and his young Padawan — Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"In that case," I stood up from my chair and telekinetically grabbed the juice glasses. During the conversation, Valorum had downed a couple, and other Jedi had taken some. "I'm heading to Tarkin."
"Senator Tarkin is extremely hungry for glory," Valorum's voice came as Celeste, Jaro, and I were almost out of the room. "Be careful with him…"
"Like anyone who thinks war makes you great," I snorted. "But thanks for the warning. Don't worry, I'll handle him."
* * *
Tarkin's fleet was in the Coruscant system, keeping its distance from the planet. His forces weren't exactly impressive. They barely outnumbered Stark's fleet, according to Order intelligence. So victory was plausible… The decisive factor in this conflict was the trap Iaco Stark had set. He'd infected the computers of Ranulf Tarkin's ships with a computer virus, and the fleet was scattered across different locations. Some were sent straight into a star, some into a black hole, some into a trap laid by Iaco Stark's ships. Ranulf had already met with Nute Gunray, who'd told him about Troiken. So he was preparing for a jump. My team and I were received aboard Tarkin's flagship. It was clearly custom-built, unlike the rest of his fleet, which consisted mainly of CR-70 corvettes, IR-3F patrol ships, and Gozanti Marauders. Plus a couple of squadrons of small craft, represented by the good old Z-95s, transported via modified Gozantis and four Dreadnoughts.
All in all, Tarkin had about thirty non-small-craft vessels. Five Dreadnoughts, including his flagship. Eleven Gozantis. Three CR-70s, three IR-3F patrol ships, and eight Marauders. Not a bad little fleet. More than enough for Stark.
"And what are you doing here?" greeted a tall, fair-haired man in a black, stylized uniform. "I've received a request from the Jedi Order for a meeting."
"Good morning to you too," I replied. We'd landed in the hangar of his flagship. I, HK, Celeste, and Jaro headed to the bridge, where we met Tarkin. "Straight to business. The Order and the Senate have become aware of certain plans of yours… Actually, no. They were predictable. So I've been assigned to command…"
"You want to take credit for my glory?" he snorted. "This is my ship and my fleet, Jedi…"
"You haven't earned any glory yet for me to take," I said coldly, looking him in the eye, then glanced at Celeste. She walked up to one of the officers.
"Stand up," she demanded. The officer looked at Tarkin.
"And what are you doing?" he asked me.
"It's come to my attention that Stark's spies may have infiltrated your fleet, Tarkin, so my friend here is going to check your navigational computers. This is your flagship's navicomputer, right? The one that exchanged data with those on other ships… So let Celeste dig into it. If spies have tampered with the computers, she'll find traces…"
"Nonsense. You're saying this so I won't get in the way of that arrogant fool Valorum 'doing diplomacy with pirates and criminals.'"
"The irony, Tarkin, is that I share your opinion about the army… And I also know the negotiations will lead nowhere. Iaco Stark originally intends—given that the Republic has no army—to present unacceptable terms. When he's sure the Republic won't agree, he'll continue his actions, and that could fracture the Republic… But to execute your operation successfully, we need to think it through carefully, including verifying suspicions." I smirked, looking at the officer. "Maybe it's time to stop thinking about what to do… and move on to more interesting actions?"
The officer, apparently realizing he'd been exposed, drew his blaster, but HK immediately shot him in the arm, and he dropped it. The protocol droid then shot him in the legs. I walked up to the officer.
"The navigational computer operator is a traitor," I said, standing before the man.
"What… How?" Tarkin asked, disconcerted. "Kramblen! So that's why you asked for leave at this time! You bastard! Hutt take you!"
"Well, Celeste, did you find the virus?"
"Tricky one," she replied. "It's a two-phase virus. The first phase is a harmless email that this Kramblen received…"
"Rotting Jedi…"
"And the second phase is entering a specific password. Only a password can activate or deactivate the virus. And now it has spread to all the ships!"
"Bitch," Ranulf spat. "Do something about this, Jedi!" He looked at me.
"Yes, right now." I pulled a prepared dose of a drug from my pouch. "I understand," I addressed the traitor, "that you'll resist a Force suggestion. So I'll give you a drug… One shot, and your brain will soften—you'll even give your dear mother the password to your porn folder." The traitor's face went pale. "Only you and Stark know the password. I can't interrogate Stark, so I'll ask you. Hope you're not afraid of needles."
"May a Hutt screw you!" the traitor snarled as I administered the injection.
"So you are afraid of needles… I'll note that in your file, in prison. And now," I focused on the Force, "tell me the password to deactivate the virus on the computer."
Four more minutes, and all procedures were complete. To be sure, I ordered one of the ships to make a micro-jump.
"Well then… I'm commanding this fleet now." I crossed my arms. "Prepare for the jump. Our target is to reach Troiken. Celeste…"
"I'll calculate a route for the entire fleet right now," the Knight replied.
"But this fleet—" Tarkin began.
"Shut up," I said, looking into his eyes. "We're leaving. Fleet order: combat readiness. The negotiations will fail… And we'll show up to clean up the failure."