- Hidden Moon of Uhanayih - Orbit - Wrath of Mand'alor -
Watching from the bridge of his personal ship, Maar Kun witnessed the breaking of the so-called Yinchorri Navy, scoffing at their gall for believing they could challenge the Republic with such meager strength. They weren't even serving as decent practice for his people with how primitive their naval tactics and lackluster their ships were.
Sure they may be able to give some trouble when it came to infantry, mainly due to their biological advantages and their Cortosis shields being annoyances for lightsabers, but that is all they had when faced with Mandalorians. A people who have lived in war and combat in the wider Galaxy, challenged its full might multiple times and survived since before the founding of the Republic. Compared to savage brutes incapable of fully grasping the higher concepts of battle nor the adaptability required to thrive in it, they were far more effective.
Having knowledge on how to fight nearly any species in existence gave Mandalorians a path to take on anyone in combat, coupled with their own experiences against the Jedi and Sith, they also knew how to counter Cortosis, hence why their loadouts for this assault fleet had been focused on explosives, beam canons and cryogenic weaponry to counter their reptilian traits and main defenses. The fact that they dared try to challenge them with their 'flutter-packs' was laughable to Mandalorian troopers using vastly superior jet packs, even more so with the legendary Basilisks returning to them.
But that was for later.
For now, he watched the Navy he had helped forge tear apart its prey, their ships proving far superior in every way even as they hid their true capabilities to not spook their Republic 'employers' at having long since ignored the Ruusan Reformation restrictions, never having cared for their idiocy and cowardice.
Claiming to have control without the power to enforce nor protect it was the illusion of both.
As the Republic would soon learn.
"Sir! Their defensive perimeter has been broken! We can begin sending our ground forces!" One of the communications officers reported, to the great pleasure of everyone present.
"Send out the signal to all forces." Maar calmly ordered as they immediately followed the plan for breaking the Yinchorri.
A simple plan which appealed to his people greatly: Spear the Heart and Break the Spirit.
While he personally leads his troops to the true command center of the Yinchorri, where the war leaders of their people huddled together, the rest would overwhelm them entirely with a mix of orbital bombardment and drop to shatter their gathered forces before eliminating all resistance.
After all, those who believe in 'Might Makes Right' tend to fold in front of even greater force.
Something Mandalorians have learnt long ago, hence why they continuously strive to improve in every way possible, never satisfied with stagnation and leaving weaknesses to be exploited. This contrasting philosophy is partially why they have always been against the Jedi in general, with their philosophies being so filled with weaknesses only made livable due to The Force.
"Admiral Miklal, you have the helm." He then stated as he took his leave, his Honor Guard following along in silence.
"*Glory Eternal and Good Hunting!*!" The Admiral dutifully responded before taking his position.
It didn't take long to reach the hanger with every Crusader chosen for this mission being ready and excited to fight alongside their Mand'alor like a tale from legends. Each with a Basilisk and more traditional melee weapons like the Beskad (sword), Bevii'ragir (spear), munit'kad halberd (vibro war-axe) and even a few Gravity War Hammers for the 'big guys' amongst them to serve as mains to keep their advanced Lightsaber designs a secret from prying Sith and Jedi eyes.
Each member was the best, personally chosen, trained and enhanced on the word of or directly by Maar Kun to serve as his most loyal warriors. Every one likely to be amongst the deadliest in the Galaxy if let loose, but completely devoted to Kun and Mandalore.
"Mount up. We drop in 5." The Mand'alor ordered without pause as he hopped onto his pure black beast of a Basilisk, with the droid purring at his presence.
They all obeyed, with one final equipment check to make sure nothing was amiss. All of them knew what they had to do and none were stupid enough to have to be reminded.
"The path has been cleared. You are good to drop." A voice announced, causing them all to tense somewhat as their hanger door opened to the vastness of space, overlooking a single desolate moon surrounded by drifting remains of Yinchorri ships, their own forces hammering away at any resistance, zipping fighters and a mixture of dropships and other orbital drop parties zooming to the moon as it suffered under continuous fire.
A scene of beautiful carnage that made their blood boil in anticipation.
"*Glory Eternal!*" Maar cried out as he urged his Basilisk forward, starting their charge through the great vacuum, his followers following moments after with their matching war cries lost in the soundless void.
And although Maar and experienced much as someone of the Sanctuarate, this moment caused his entire being to surge forward at a razor fine edge. His senses at their peaks whilst he flew through the wreckages of war, breaking through the very thin atmosphere present around Uhanayih as his droid protected him from the effects of doing so.
Already his helmet's systems we highlighting a path to the Yinchorri command center, helping him adjust his course.
Below, Kun could already see flashes where his forces were letting loose their payloads and receiving reports of successful operations or aid being sent in case mistakes were made on the information gathering front. You can't be perfect and never expect everything to go according to plan during conflict.
Case and point.
No one had discovered that level of shielding their orbital scans were showing for the Yinchorri command center.
"*Send out a Shield Spear.*" Maar ordered through his comms.
For an Op that didn't specifically require those hunkered down to be kept alive, his people had designed a way to get through shield generators without causing widespread devastation by shooting out a specially irradiated and protected pointed metal rode from their own bomber crafts to go through the shield and Pierce through everything between it and the generator thanks to sheer momentum and durability.
It might kill anyone in its way, near the generator when it explodes or through the possible collapses it could cause, but it did allow for the removal of annoying obstacles without requiring targeted bombardment.
A few moments later, bombers were rerouted to accomplish his order, stopping the necessity of launching the onboard nuclear payload present in some of their Basilisk to get through the shielding and defenses as the Yinchorri were now forced to scramble in order to make up for its loss. This made their approach much easier.
"*Fire.*" Was the next command as he and his men allowed their Basilisks to go wild, using their missiles, canons and lasers to carve a path of pure destruction through any resistance trying to get in their way.
At this moment, the targeted Yinchorri could only compare the platoon of Basilisk riders to pure bringers of death as they rode by, feeling the same fate as entire civilizations had before the disappearance of Mandalore's most versatile weapons of war. Being reaped on mass for their folly and bloodthirst as they were introduced to the 'mighty' present in this vast Galaxy, understanding just how foolish they had been to believe they could take on everyone.
Although to those above, these foolish reptiles weren't even worth a passing thought as they broke through the Command Center, half of them jumping off their Basilisks and infiltrating the place through a great hole created by them while the rest would lead the droids in maintaining their means of egress and to pacify the present enemies if possible.
Without a word, Maar drew his personal blade, an alchemical weapon born from generations of Vornskr Chiefs pouring their energy and blood into the Force-Forged Beskad to create a blade which could more than match even the Darksaber: *Honor's Fang*.
It would draw much blood today.
"Forward." The Mand'alor commanded with steel in his voice as they burst forward at completely inhuman speeds.
All as one, they synchronized to each other with Maar Kun as the center, The Force flowing freely between themselves as they did what made them so much more dangerous than simply being fully trained Force users and Mandalorians at the same time: Mind Melds.
Being capable of acting as a single cohesive whole while Maar Kun served as the leader, his Honor Guard were capable of taking far more numerous or powerful foes by working together. This was partially being showcased as they speared through every bit of resistance on foot with their flowing states between attack and defenses, with those with the right tools acting at the right time to keep their pace up.
Maar's role was to act as the tip of this spear and as the unifying will to guide the Meld, making sure they stayed focused and that none who stood before him lasted more than a moment before losing their lives.
Acting together, they now formed a path of blood and destruction, blasting away any sealed door through technology or sheer might in the Force, reaching the gathered Yinchorri commanders without so much as a scratch on any of them after killing well over 200 on their own.
"*Surrender or Die.*" Kun coldly ordered as his imposing frame stepped through the final blast door he had just finished cutting apart, his blade still dripping with Yinchorri blood also present on his and his Guards' armors.
To get his point across, he grasped the necks of every reptile present as a show of force.
Immune to the mental aspects of the Force they might be, but they weren't anything like Ysalamiri who possessed a full Force Neutralizing field around their bodies, so telekinetic abilities like this were more than functional.
At this point, Maar and his Guards could feel the complete dread they were experiencing by being near him. How their defiance and blood-thirst change to fear and submission in moments.
"*S-S *Grsss* We Surrender!*" The most important looking reptile choked out, earning him and his followers respite as Maar dropped them, causing them all to gasp for air.
"This is Mand'alor. We have secured the Commanding officers. Continue subjugation of all hostile forces and securing this base." He then announced to his forces as his Guards began securing their captives and stripping them of their weapons.
After the news of their captured Military hierarchy being spread, and other beings in a position of authority being incredibly quiet, it took less than three hour to pacify the system.
"Master." Aurra appeared through holo projection without her helm. "The Jedi have been evacuated, although they lost a number of their padawans and a few masters before we arrived.
Vilmarh Grahrk and his broodlings are in our custody, although missing a few limbs as the fools decided to fiercely resist."
"Good. Make sure to keep his presence under wraps. I want to make sure his death occurs when he is no longer our responsibility." Maar nodded to his grown apprentice.
"You believe they would be able to make it through our security?" She frowned at the possibility.
"Never underestimate your opponents Aurra." He advised, especially with those they were speaking about. "The Devaronians were never going to live long. I simply want to be certain the Republic won't be able to use their deaths to try and weasel their way out of our secession."
"Understood." She saluted.
"Master, I have fulfilled my mission." Komari then reported in, the two women sharing a brief look before focusing on their leader/teacher.
"Good to hear, my student. How did you fair?" Kun curiously asked as hers was the broadest assignment.
"Overall we have captured 63% of all Elder Council members, with the rest either having died, fled during the conflict or are still in hiding.
The heads in production and mercantile affairs have been taken care off.
And the Cortosis shipments and stockpiles are being loaded onto our ships as we speak." The short haired woman crisply reported.
"Good. Over half of their domestic leaders plus their High Command and the 'instigators' of this uprising is more than enough to placate the Republic and fulfill our contract." A pleased Maar proudly smiled, causing the younger student to shoot a sneaky victorious grin to her senior who huffed. "Where are the Jedi know?"
"They took their ship and have been observing us outside of operational zones for some time. Attempting to contact their people or the Republic whilst doing so, but haven't met much success getting through our communications lockdown." Aurra answered easily as she had been keeping a close eye on those hypocrites.
She didn't doubt for a moment that they might feel 'morally' obligated to interfere, using The Force as an excuse for their actions regardless of the lives it costs or how much they hamper their efforts. Thus why she had nearby cruisers ready to interject if they looked to be trying to get back into the fight.
"Let them connect to their order. We will be sending an update to the Chancellor anyway." He told her with a casual wave. "Komari, make sure to have a list of important prisoners and their positions created.
The Republic loves their formal documents.
Aurra, make sure Yinchorr stays pacified while we finish up with our 'employers'. I don't want any mishap until after we give them back their mess."
""Yes Master."" The two replied at once.
'Now the most tedious part of anything relating to the Republic.' Maar internally sighed. 'Dealing with the politicians.'
- Republic Diplomatic Shuttle - Around the Same time -
"We're through!" Obi-Wan announced triumphantly as he dropped a tool from his hands, having been trying to power up their communications to make it through whatever had been jamming them for some time.
"Although not a mark against your skills, my young Padawan, it would seem that it had little to do with them and more with the fact that the fighting has likely ended." His master wryly revealed, causing the young man's shoulders to drop somewhat.
"Don't worry too much Padawan Kenobi, you still did your best." Adi Gallia patted his shoulder supportingly.
"See you all, good it does me. Missing some are, saddening." Their Grandmaster said as he appeared before them in miniature. "Felt the passing of our brethren, I have.
A report you now have?"
"Master, we have confirmed the Yinchorri readying themselves for war against the Republic and the Order, but it would seem further actions are unnecessary." Mace Windu stoically reported with clenched fists, earning an inquiring look from the Grandmaster. "The Mandalorians have already pacified them.
Under the apparent request of the Senate."
"A shift in The Force, felt it i did. Assumed deeper troubles behind events, lessened the effects feel now." Yoda revealed to his fellow masters, causing some shock and much contemplation. "Troubling this is.
Speak to the United Mandalorians, need there is as well. Know more about events, they might."
"Are you certain this is wise?" Master Windu frowned. "They have less than positive impressions of the Jedi and I dread to think what they managed to obtain as their payment for pacifying the Yinchorri."
"I am with Master Windu on this." Master Eeth Koth jumped in after having put his thoughts in order. "We need to move carefully when dealing with them. The Force is telling me that matters are not as simple as they appear."
"Agree, I do. But necessary, action is exactly because of troubling times." The old Jedi sighed with a troubled look. "Feel darkness encroaching, but cannot see it. Perhaps different view is the solution."
"While there is wisdom in your words, Master, I cannot help but think that only the willing would share this view." Qui-Gon ruefully advised. "And with the other party being the Mandalorians, I doubt they would be particularly enthused about aiding members of our Order.
I am actually quite surprised that they acted in this matter at all."
"True. Has any news come through from our liaison to the Chancellor in regards to what the Senate has offered them to act in such force?" Micah Giiett asked as he came in from the med-bay.
"Good to see you, Master Giiett." Yoda smiled at his fellow Council Member being hurt but alive, receiving an appreciative nod for the care. "No news has been received. Possibly made, a secret deal has been. Difficult to tell."
"We need to assume they received a significant favor if they moved in such numbers, revealing a fully functioning military of this level to help the Republic." Mace Windu stated as fact that none could deny.
A favor from one's enemy was always the most obviously expensive.
"As such, I believe we need to know the cost before making any sort of move which may worsen the situation or embroil us into another conflict so quickly after this one." He finished with a heavy frown.
"I agree." Master Gallia supported his stance. "While knowing of possible dangers could help us, jumping into a situation not involving the Order like a deal between the Republic and Mandalorians could cost us much at this moment.
Especially with our time here most likely to be seen as a failure on the Order's part."
With a heavy sigh, the Order's Grandmaster relented on his current idea, opting in for patience in matters. Instead he would keep a close eye on the coming fallout of the Ynichorri's Uprising and the Mandalorians, moving forward from there.
He knew that many would seek to have more control over the Jedi and use any opportunity to do so, hence it would be necessary to ensure no weaknesses were visible with this recent event. Truly he couldn't help but worry about how far things had came since a few centuries prior when the Jedi had been held in such high regards.
-1 Month After the now Officially titled Yinchorri Uprising -
"You've heard it here first folks." A chipper female Zeltron with a flawless smile, wavy black hair resting over her right shoulder while wearing a fashionable and tight red top going well with her pink skin. "Mandalorian Space, otherwise known as Mandalore Sector, has officially seceded from the Republic.
This move was brought on by citing numerous acts by the Republic and its vaunted guardians of Peace, the Jedi Order, and the desire to fully self govern.
Although many have found this secession outright treasonous or dangerous to allow due to a number of systems now attempting to follow suit after years, and even decades or centuries, of dissatisfaction with the Republic, the Mandalorian people earned support for their secession through their actions during the Yinchorri Uprising, ending the conflict before many lives could be lost to the savagery of the Yinchorri while capturing those responsible. It was also a result of many negotiations in which Duchess Satine, Mandalorian Space's Diplomatic Head, forged several agreements for trade and the opening of an ambassadorship on both Coruscant and Mandalore."
"This has truly been a historical day which may shake the Republic for decades to come as many are clambering to pacify the Outer Rim, fearing economic collapses in many fields should enterprises fail in the far-fetched sectors." A relatively handsome human male with perfectly voiced blonde hair and dark eyes picked up with a serious expression. "What the Mandalorians have done deeply shook many.
As of now, parties within the Senate are heavily pushing for an expansion in Military spendings for either Sectorial Defenses or, in more extreme cases, to reform the Republic Navy in case the Now independent Mandalorians repeat actions of their ancestors, or cases similar to the Yinchorri appear anew. Such voices have been growing in number, with a variation being entities like the Trade Federation as they've stated that Senate actions have endangered their goods in a number of systems due to increased pirate activity."
"Let's not forget the possible ramifications of an Independent faction now being positioned so close to the Hydian Way." The Zeltron beauty interjected. "This could have some serious impacts on trade in many worlds if the relations now being formed broke down.
Although many new deals have been made which are predicted to be quite beneficial for both sides to avoid such a fallout. A major part would be access to Terraforming services pioneered to revitalize their worlds, cutting at least two centuries off the best time currently available, offers to train Sectorial Defenses and the sales of small arms and armor at the fabled Mandalorian standard."
Suddenly, the broadcast was turned off from the senatorial office it had been watched from.
Sheev Palpatine was of mixed emotions about the Mandalorians breaking off from the Republic at this time, but he was satisfied with the results of his experiment with the Yinchorri.
Although they were not fit to be the army he required, they had killed a number of Jedi, including a few masters, and had now been securely locked into their space to no longer be a threat to his plans.
The greatest success was the spending of Valorum's political capital to push through the Mandalorian Secession, even if it mildly annoyed him to have such a Now dangerous group completely out of his reach. Without Death Watch or any significant opposing groups and with the tight grasp and control of the new ruling parties, he had not made any headway in influencing or gaining control of the Mandalorians, nor managed to sway any their so-called 'Crusaders' to the Dark Side.
The fact that they managed to recruit Dooku's old Padawan before he could use her as another step in his fall had shifted his timeline for the former Jedi Master somewhat, but with his Homeworld of Serenno now on the other side of Mandalorian Space on the Hydian way, some other means could be exerted.
But in the end, they wouldn't matter when Palpatine rose up and took command of the Republic.
Although this secession has made many annoyances appear to attempt to mimic them, his subtle manipulations have allowed to firmly repress these movements while stoking anti-Republic sentiment in worlds he viewed as inferior, preparing them for the faction he was slowly forming to 'oppose' it, creating the villain necessary to take control once he was ready. The only problem was if worlds close to Mandalorian Space attempted to join them or if systems decided to form coalitions under their protection.
An issue which would need to be mitigated.
For now though, with Chancellor Valorum's political capital spent and the Senate shaken on all sides by the militarists, corporate factions, Centrists and Rim Worlds, it was time to set the last pieces in place to stage his own rise to the Chancellorship.
His apprentice would be busy for a time now that he has been properly tested.
Maul will be a fitting tool to ensure the smooth transition of power within several important organizations. Groups which will be very useful in the coming years whilst he fully turned Dooku.
Already the former master was close to committing to his 'cause' to 'cleanse the corruption from the Senate', slowly allowing himself to be corrupted by the Dark Side in his pursuit of knowledge and power. He only needed a final push, which will need to be carefully orchestrated to not cast doubt Palpatine's way.
Perhaps Jedi actions leading to the death of jus most favored former apprentice?
Organizing another Jedi mistake?
Some pondering will be needed to completely obtain the man.
He was the ideal figure to gather the Outer Rim after all. An extremely skilled orator with insider knowledge of the corrupt system and the many failures of the Jedi and Senate. A man with influence and charisma, as well as a strong will and mind.
If only he was a few decades younger Palpatine might have even truly wanted train him properly in the Dark Side, but for now he would be a useful tool to bring about the 'villains' he would need. Leading them in his place whilst he slowly eroded the Republic from within to turn it into his Empire.
He was so close.
Only a few more pieces were required before nothing could stop him.
And it would all start with Naboo.
-Tatooine - Stella - Kieran's Office -
Within Stella's communications room, Kieran calmly sat as he spoke to his top agents and officials on matters of importance. It was something he often did as a significant figure in the Sanctuarate and that hadn't stopped simply because he was helping raise Anakin in Republic Space.
With the Unknown Regions becoming anything but to the Sanctuarate and the crushing of the evils within it set, things were going well as nearly every level was moving with energy he hadn't witnessed in a few centuries. The last time had to be when they faced those extra-galactic beings who were almost rejecting The Force as a whole with their bio-tech.
With only a decade or so to go based on his predictions, their forces were truly shaping up to be able to more than match Republic Space as a whole. Not the current one either, the fully militarized one on top of the droid armies being amassed by the Corporate entities. Although other parts of the Sanctuarate were taking different actions like Root agents upping their infiltrations, members of the Temples teaching more practical skills or taking on more missions in the Outer Rim to gather information or accomplish some goals amongst the locals, and government officials setting everything in place for mass immigration, brokering of trade deals and everything between systems joining up to settlement relocation.
Overall, Kieran was very proud of how his people were pulling together in preparations for the Darkness that was to come.
Although at this point, it was just what was going on in the Republic with his two main points of contact for Sanctuarate forces in it. The rest having reported in and left already.
"You and Satine have done marvelously to take advantage of the Republic's plight to break off while you could." Kieran complimented his grand-pupil.
"Thank you Grandmaster." He slightly bowed.
"Make sure you cement your position as a Neutral Force properly." Asara Vao recommended somewhat neutrally. "Corporations have been gaining too much leeway and their leadership has been getting too cosy with all their recent changes and when their loose leashes are yanked back by the Senate, they'll all snap back together.
You don't want to be stuck in the middle of them when the time comes."
"We're already heavily fortifying entryways into our space while making sure our military and navy are up to par." Maar Kun responded knowingly. "Production of anti-droid weapons, munitions and artillery are currently the main focus due to those being their main forces. And thanks to your slicers, we have the schematics for their every units and ships."
"Our pleasure." Asara smirked viciously as she really hated those Trade Federation scum. "Beyond that, I have to say that Hego Demask really hid himself well.
We haven't been able to find a way to him and couldn't even confirm his location, but we're keeping a close eye on Sheev Palpatine through non-organic means to avoid his senses. He is careful, extremely so, and very good at evading scrutiny, but we have discovered that Dathomirian male from those Night Sisters taken long ago has been made into his apprentice.
An opportunity might present itself to turn those taboo witches against the Sith, but nothing concrete would be suggested with them. They've rejected us before and I doubt they would change their ways now that they've steeped themselves in the corruptive energies found in death.
That aside, we have linked him to the deaths of several Jedi, including a few masters. Although from our analysis, he seems to be heavily focused on the physical aspects of the Dark Side and not its wider, mystical or deeper applications. This would indicate that he is a tool for Palpatine instead of a true apprentice, hinting at the possibility of the man not seeking an apprentice or even a Dathomirian Zabrak male of his lineage not being at his standards, speaking of egoism or possibly a break in modern Sith ideology."
"This is good to know." Kieran hummed as he looked through the recent information unearthed in regards to Sheev Palpatine.
His assassin was stealthily running around the Galaxy of a bleeding edge ship that costs more than most cruisers, killing off those he could guess to be those who would not obey him or intimidating them. Meanwhile he plays the Senate into both pushing and placating corporate entities at the same time, stocking tensions between them and the Senate.
Playing both sides. Preparing the Corporations to snap back on his command while making the Senate incapable of responding now that Valorum would be powerless to force action and everyone else either being too corrupt or into Republic propaganda and regulations to do so on their own.
"He's setting up a play to take control of the Chancellorship, either directly or through a third-party." Kieran guessed based on the evidence he had at hand and his vast experience in politics, shadow plays and war. "He will use those like the Trade Federation to force Valorum out of office, possibly setting them up to be a force which could then grant emergency powers. This could be how they bring about the power necessary to overtake the entire Galaxy in darkness.
Or they might be more direct about it and simply use a Droid army to do so, but these modern Sith are much more subtle in their ways and this seems less likely."
"They have been testing many kinds of armies against the Jedi for some time." Maar thought aloud with a pondering gaze. "And while those B1s mainly used by the corporates do have numbers, they aren't exactly suitable to properly occupy planets long term if people rose up. Plus it would be too risky since just taking down their control ships would knock out an entire Fleet's worth of the things.
Unless they seriously overhaul their designs, incorporate other kinds of units, combat or transport vehicles, improved their ships and then properly organize it all under competent commanders, they'd be pushed back in time."
"We believe that might be idea." Asara chimed in. "Signs are showing that the Sith have likely chosen Outer Rim corporations and powers to be one half of a controlled conflict to gain control of the Galaxy.
And right now, they are finishing their preparations for that side while testing various forces to face their droids on the Republic's side."
"Keep a close eye on those with regular contact with the man and those who've had the same." Advised Kieran after thinking a bit about how things might develop from here. "Palpatine is a grandmaster politician of a level I have not seen in ages. With the corruptive and enticing influences of the Dark Side coupled with his acumen, he could turn nearly anyone of this age into willing agent.
They may act in his stead, as such do not focus too heavily on him or you may miss the clues needed to solve this puzzle."
"Yes Grandmaster." Asara saluted with a look which spoke of her determination to figure out the plans of the Sith.
"As for Maar, please begin coordinating with allied forces in the Republic. We want them to be ready for the coming times so we may all prosper when the time comes." He ordered, thinking about those on Kashyyyk, Felucia, Naboo, and ecumenopolises like Coruscant.
"It will be done once things have fully settled amongst the clans." Kun responded dutifully. "After this battle, I have further secured my position and I simply need a week or two to ensure complete submission of a few clans."
"That's fine. Things aren't urgent yet." The grandmaster nodded in acceptance.
With that, their meeting ended and he left his ship to enjoy the remaining peaceful times he could before the Galaxy shook again.
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STAR WARS INFO CORNER:
•Darth Maul: Of you didn't know or just didn't remember, Maul was one of three sons of Mother Talzin, and since they don't take in males into their Witch clans, Palpatine was basically free to snatch him up as his apprentice.
But here's some things you likely have missed out about the character.
Because of his master's true goals of things like eternal life, galactic domination and 'Unlimited power', he was always meant to be a disposable tool to help him in his designs and possibly assist in killing Darth Plagueis. That's why he was pretty only trained in combat and stealth, making him a Sith Assassin more than a true apprentice in line with the ideology or the Rule of Two.
•Mind Meld: Similar to Battle Meditation which allows a Force User to buff their side and debuff the enemy, but more refined and focused. Mind Meld allows a group of Force Sensitives to impeccably coordinate between each other and draw strength off of one another.
It could lead to people essentially becoming so in synch even without it that they could finish each other's sentences and it took great skill and will to not overwhelm each other while using, accidentally crushing each other's minds. Another danger would be if a great disturbance in the Force happens (Alderaan, Jedi purge, etc.) they could overload their minds as those connected would feel everyone's pain when they feel it.
•Yasalmiri: Now these things are pretty damn impressive for bigger iguanas.
Due to evolving of the same planet as Vornskrs, who hunt through The Force, they developed a natural Force Neutralization field around themselves which actually guests boosted in power and size the more are present near each other. When Luke Skywalker crashed on their home planet alongside Mara Jade, currently trying to kill him and later his wife, both couldn't even access the Force at all. Thrawn even made a point to always have one on him and even found a crazy loophole for cloning Force Sensitives using them.
•Zeltron: Not sure if I've mentioned them, but check these guys out.
An entire race who built their society around hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure and good times due to their natural empathy feeding off those feelings, creating a positive feedback loop as they release pheromones to increase those feelings. They all have brightly colored skin, mainly pink to deep red, are incredibly sexy or good looking.
Their planet is possibly the happiest place in the Galaxy, R-18 though. They've literally stopped multiple invasions of their world by having the invaders join them in their hedonism and partying, fucking and/or relaxing them into not wanting to do so, all while paying for their services.
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AUTHOR NOTES:
For those who didn't know, Ki-Adi Mundi joined the Jedi Council after Micah Giiett died during the Yinchorri Uprising, which didn't happen this time so he came suck it. Much prefer the guy who cheated in a cooking contest against android chef over sociopathic bastard with a pole so far up his ass that it enlarged his skull.
Aside from this, I honestly believe Palpatine would be able to use Mandalorian actions to his benefits and their Secession as fuel for his own plans. I am not underselling it when I say that he is likely the greatest political mastermind in the Galaxy and he is very flexible in his approaches. For those who didn't know, while things didn't go exactly according to his plans in Episode 1, he always did plan to use the Blockade on his planet combined with his connections throughout the Senate to take the Chacellorship after crippling Valorum politically.
So that's why the Naboo invasion is still happening on schedule.
I just made it so that instead of Valorum losing his political capital by convincing a bunch of systems to send their sectorial defense forces to aid the Jedi in quelling the Yinchorri Uprising, he used it to support Mandalorian Secession.
Apart from that, I hope you liked glimpses into the background actions of the main players in the Galaxy as they use events seen by it. I tried to give a bit more actions this time but there's only so much I can give when the enemy is severely outmatched in every way. The Yinchorri were basically a worse mix of Trandoshans and Mandalorians after all.
Next chapter, I think I'm gonna start Episode 1, so that's gonna happen.
Hope you enjoy.