Laws passed during peacetime are often repealed by war, just as laws enacted during conflict are later abolished by peace.
The scorching sun blazed down on the surface of Laxus II, a planet within the territory of the Theon Hegemony, bearing the historical imprints of one of the galaxy's oldest political systems.
Legend held that the Theon Hegemony was established in prehistoric times by the enigmatic "Ancient Race," the same creators of the renowned Corellia system.
Now, Laxus II and its entire star system belonged to the Confederacy of Independent Systems, serving as the core command center for the Separatists.
The flames of war were spreading like wildfire across the galaxy.
After recovering from the shock of the Republic's clone trooper army, the leaders of the Confederacy's major core members gathered at the seaside palace on Laxus II—either in person or through holographic communication—to strategize their next move.
The vast hall of the palace was shrouded in a hazy, ethereal light. A tall, imposing man, his silver-gray hair framing a magnificent black cloak, strode into the chamber. The outline of his lightsaber, concealed beneath the cloak's folds, flickered faintly.
He was Count Dooku, a noble who prided himself on his elegance, even his manner of speaking exuding an innate nobility.
Dissatisfied with the Jedi Order's descent into becoming a tool of the Republic and corrupt senators, he resolutely left the Warrior Order. Fueled by ambitions to establish a human-dominated empire, enslaving or exterminating non-human races, he threw himself into the Separatist movement.
Many human delegates deeply resonated with this ideology.
Looking back to ancient times, before humans and the Duros had mastered Rakata technology and before the invention of hyperspace drives, sublight spacecraft carrying hibernating colonists already traversed the interstellar void.
Even during the early days of the Rakata Empire, humans had already established their own kingdoms, with Coruscant becoming the core of civilized development and, 25,000 years ago, the capital of the Galactic Republic.
As time flowed, human influence continued to expand. Today, in the Republic, five out of ten residents are human, with another two being human hybrids.
In Dooku's view, humans deserved even greater dominion.
And all of this stemmed from the meticulous scheming of his master, Darth Sidious.
Sidious's grand "plan" provided Dooku with the opportunity to realize his ambitions.
Embracing the Dark Side with fervor, he accepted the new title of "Darth Tyranus." After eight years in seclusion, he reemerged as the leader of the Confederacy, not only participating in the creation of the clone trooper army but also personally forging the war monster known as Grievous.
Count Dooku, as the leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, presided over this Separatist Congress.
"Welcome, esteemed legislators," he began, his gaze sweeping across the assembled delegates. "Before we begin, I extend my gratitude to Mr. Bo Nudde of the Hyperspace Communication Cartel. Thanks to their communication system, we are now connected to every corner of the galaxy."
Bo Nudde, the newly appointed leader of the Hyperspace Communication Cartel, nodded solemnly in acknowledgment.
Dooku's gaze then swept across the key figures in the chamber:
Neut Galley, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, accompanied by his aides Rune Hako and Lute Ganley;
San Hill, Chairman of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and Lo Weppit, Vice President of Communications;
Bogor the Younger, Duke of Geonosis;
Shu Mai, Chairman of the Commercial Guild;
Watt Tambor, labor boss of the Techno Union and Manager of the Baktoid Armor Workshop, along with his Skakoan subordinate.
Judge Paser Akent of the Corporate Alliance.
Denaria Ki, deputy to the Kuriva system's representative.
These factions wielded enough power to shake the entire galaxy: billions of combat robots, hundreds of thousands of organic soldiers, vast fleets of warships, and countless financial assets—all forming the solid foundation of the Confederacy's opposition to the Republic.
Dooku sneered inwardly. His Master, Darth Sidious, had planned this with flawless precision.
Galaxies dissatisfied with unreasonable policies, foolish laws, and oppressive taxes were rising in rebellion. The corrupt Republic and the Jedi Order were on the verge of collapse, and a new order was about to rise, establishing absolute rule over the galaxy.
"How is our campaign progressing?" Paser asked first, urgency in his voice.
"Quite smoothly," Dooku replied calmly. "We have already launched a full-scale offensive against planets controlled by the Republic."
"All robot production facilities are operating at full capacity," Neut Gonre added, his Neimoidian accent giving his words a distinctive lilt.
"The shipyards are assembling tens of thousands of new vessels," Shu Mei added, his voice firm.
The protocol droid promptly translated Duke Bogler's Geonosian clicks: "Duke Bogler guarantees that the reconstruction of Geonosis's factories is progressing at full speed. Meanwhile, a large number of Geonosian craftsmen have been dispatched to the designated planet, where construction of the droid production facilities has already begun. Despite less-than-ideal local climate conditions, overall progress remains on schedule."
A representative from Scarcoan stood, a note of concern in his voice. "We're deeply troubled by the situation in the Metal Noen and Charos regions. The Republic Army has advanced to the outskirts of our industrial core."
"We've implemented all necessary defensive measures," Dooku reassured him. "Moreover, we're nearing completion of a secret weapon developed with the support of my master. With this, victory is assured..."
"What's the status of payments to the mercenary forces?" Walter Tambor asked, his gaze turning to San Hill.
"All funds have been transferred according to the contract. There's no need for concern," San Hill replied promptly.
Following this, the Separatists led by Dooku, including representatives from the Techno Union, the Commerce Guild, and the Banking Clan, engaged in detailed discussions about the specifics of their upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, the Council Chamber was bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun.
Massive arched windows overlooked the entire city, while the domed ceiling disappeared into the deep darkness. The smooth floor was decorated with concentric circular floral patterns.
At the center of the hall, a massive three-dimensional star map of the galaxy floated in the air, with differently colored light points marking various "hotspot war zones" and core areas of Jedi activity.
The star map continuously updated with signals from the multi-focus system. The signals were transmitted through the tower to the collimator, which directed the light beams to the corresponding positions on the holographic display, precisely depicting the battlefield situation.
Opposite the entrance was Shaak Ti's seat. To her right sat Depa Billaba, a slender woman from Characta, whose species closely resembled humans. A sparkling ornament adorned the bridge of her nose.
Next to Depa Billaba was Kit Fisto, his face always wearing a smile. His smooth head was adorned with numerous short, vestigial tentacles of varying lengths.
Further along sat Eezon Kolar, followed by Adi Gallia's empty seat. Then came Oppo Rancisis and Evan Pierre, the warrior from Laanik, whose face was etched with deep combat scars.
To Pierre's right were Sesee Tin, the Iktotch male; Ki-Adi-Mundi, the tall humanoid from Serria; and Master Yoda, deeply ensconced in his crimson seat.
Near the turbolift sat Mace Windu, a bald, muscular Colossian, while the seat between him and the lift belonged to Plo Koon.
"This is the first time I've seen Coruscant specifically marked on the star chart," Oppo Rancisis said, his voice solemn as he gazed at the glowing dot representing the Republic's capital.
Evan Pierre found the flickering dot, then his gaze shifted to another warning light at the edge of the star chart. "Lantilles."
His words had barely faded when another light lit up even farther away.
"Jabim," Ki-Adi-Mundi confirmed after careful identification, turning to Rancisis with a questioning look.
"Another planet has likely fallen to the Separatists," Rancisis explained.
"More and more worlds are being drawn into the vortex of war," Shaak Ti's holographic image said, her voice thick with sorrow.
"Tragic," Master Yoda replied slowly. "Indeed!"
As the spiritual leader of the Jedi Order, Yoda had joined the Jedi Council around a century after his birth. He was bestowed the title of Master at six hundred years of age and had carried the heavy responsibility of maintaining the Warrior Order for three centuries thereafter.
Until recently, everything had remained orderly.
But a few years ago, the truth of the Sith's return to the galaxy came to light, shrouding the future in a thick darkness that deeply troubled the aged Yoda.
The current war was draining the Jedi's resources, with almost all healthy knights stationed far from Coruscant, either on missions or on the battlefield.
"The Separatists have launched fierce attacks in multiple regions across the galaxy," Depa Billaba said, closing her eyes to sense the pervasive aura of war in the Force.
"This will bring endless suffering to the civilians," a Master sighed.
Mace Windu nodded solemnly. "What worries me more is that we've received reports the Separatists are developing a secret weapon. We cannot remain idle."
As Yoda and the others pondered their next steps, Adi Gallia hurried into the hall.
"Masters," she greeted the Council, her voice tinged with urgency. "I have good news. Our agents have located the hiding place of the Separatists' secret weapon."
"Excellent," Yoda nodded, gesturing for her to continue.
Adi Gallia approached the star map and pointed to an unassuming planet in the Outer Rim. "It's on the main planet of Laxus. That's where the secret weapon is being stored."
Mace Windu interlaced his fingers and leaned forward. "That area is under full-scale attack by the Separatists. We must send reinforcements, including troops and Jedi. We can't let those planets fall into enemy hands. Hopefully, this will turn the tide of the war."
"I agree," Plo Koon nodded in agreement.
Yoda shifted slightly in his seat, glancing first at Windu, then turning to Plo Koon. "Then, who should we send to carry out this mission?"
"I recommend Obi-Wan Kenobi and the young Anakin Skywalker," Adi Gallia said. "They have extensive experience in such covert operations. Moreover, I myself am willing to go personally."
Mace Windu looked at her with a complex expression. "Do you believe they are capable?"
Adi Gallia turned to Yoda, seeking his support.
Just then, another light lit up on the star map.
"Lunvar," Ki-Adi-Mundi read the planet's name. "Early in the war, we established a small outpost there to monitor the Confederacy's movements. Now it's under attack by the Separatists."
"How should we respond?" Plo Koon asked.
Yoda nodded decisively. "Send reinforcements immediately. Order Obi-Wan to Lennwal. We also need more information about this secret weapon. Master Adi Gallia, lead the fleet to the besieged system and provide support."
Adi Gallia bowed in acknowledgment.
The Senators rose one by one, bowed in respect, and hurried away to their respective duties.
Mace Windu lingered a moment longer. He looked at Yoda, who remained seated, and asked softly, "Is something troubling you, Master Yoda?"
Yoda pressed a hand to his forehead, his voice heavy. "Mmm... The future is shrouded in darkness. I cannot penetrate this veil, and it fills me with unease. I cannot clearly see the outcome of the war. I only sense the Dark Side lurking in the shadows, and something else... something interfering with the flow of the Force."
"What if the intelligence about the secret weapon proves true?" Windu pressed.
"We must uncover the truth. Go to the Archives and investigate information about this ancient artifact." Yoda's gaze hardened. "If the intelligence is confirmed, I will decide who to send. We must stop the Separatists. That weapon must never reappear in the galaxy."
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