**Chapter 632**
**Scene 1**
**Throne Room of Daltaran, Capital of Atricia**
The throne room of Daltaran, the capital of Atricia, was illuminated by rays of sunlight streaming through mosaic windows composed of multicolored tiles. These were not mere stained glass but works of art — capturing important historical moments that had left their mark on Atricia's past: emperors ascending, battles won, warlords rising, warships clashing in the void. A sight of unforgettable beauty, each panel telling a story of glory, sacrifice, and unyielding resolve.
To an eye unaccustomed to this scene, it was nothing new to those in the audience. Emperor Dze-Dze Tchin clapped his hands and nodded approvingly, his regal robes shimmering under the light.
"It looks like we've decided on the direction we'll take in the negotiations. Minister Dorma, you've done a wonderful job."
"Parliament listens to the opinion of Your Majesty and strictly supports the traditions of our society," Prime Minister Seseg Dorma bowed politely, his voice smooth and deferential.
"I think we need to agree on a list of events," Empress Xiuyin Tching said, her tone measured and authoritative. "Everything needs to happen quickly. A prolonged presence of ambassadors in the Commonwealth will negatively impact our relations with other entities."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We are already finalizing preparations for the planned events, and have set a tight schedule," Seseg replied. "However, in this regard, we can dictate our terms as the host."
Warlord Gao Shenli stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "The fleet is ready to demonstrate its might. We'll conduct a couple of exercises… purely by chance, in the areas where the embassy ship flies. I think this will be a clear demonstration of our military might."
"I think it's not just the army that's ready to prove itself," Xiuyin turned to her younger sister, Xiuli Tching. The thirty-year-old woman was the chaplain of the Yovshin Swordsmen, leading squads of elite warriors who devoted all their time to honing their art — the mastery of dual blades. In years gone by, they sowed death among the enemy ranks the moment they appeared on the battlefield.
"Yes. I heard those Jedi think they can swordsmanship," the Chaplain replied sarcastically. "I don't think that would be a good idea. After all, the Jedi is a representative of the Republic and we shouldn't put him in an awkward position," Dze-Dze remarked.
"I dare say," Court Advisor Ma Yulong stepped forward, his aged voice carrying wisdom, "that knights and masters are usually accompanied by their students, so-called Padawans. Perhaps, due to their youth and inexperience, they might be drawn into a mock duel."
"As always, your advice is very useful," the Empress smiled at the old adviser. "Glad to serve, Your Majesty."
The room filled with murmurs of agreement as the Atrician leadership solidified their strategy — a careful balance of diplomacy, subtle military posturing, and cultural display designed to impress and intimidate the incoming Republic delegation.
**Scene 2**
They were different.
X-1 and X-2 had always understood this, but they couldn't put into words what exactly this difference was. Yes, they were clones — but very different clones. They knew they were unlike other clones. More precisely, the difference began with their appearance. However, clad in Phase One armor, they were indistinguishable from other clones. So others accepted them as their brothers. This was easy, considering they never removed their helmets in the presence of others. It was necessary...
They were also raised on Kamino. They underwent the same training as Jango Fett's clones but both excelled in their abilities. Strength, reaction speed, endurance — they excelled in everything. Ultimately, they had only one other to compete with.
When the war began, the Kaminoans sent them to the battlefield with one of the legions, ordering them to send detailed reports on their progress. They both distinguished themselves in their very first battle and were transferred to the commandos. From then on, they were assigned the most difficult missions, which they carried out with honor. They were simply lucky, unlike anyone else. Sabotage behind enemy lines, the destruction of important installations, the elimination of enemy commanders, reconnaissance, information gathering... The range of their tasks was quite broad. X-1 and X-2 understood that this was, first and foremost, a tribute to their abilities, and they accepted it as their due. And now, command was calling them back to assign them a new mission...
Opening the door, the clones entered the office of the head of the military intelligence service of the Thirteenth Sector Army, Colonel Sander Tull.
"Sir, Sergeant X-1 has arrived as ordered."
"Sir, Sergeant X-2 has arrived as ordered."
"At ease, boys... As always, no improvisation," the puffy colonel sighed heavily. "That's what I like about you."
The clones relaxed a little.
"Do we have a new mission, sir?" X-2 asked.
"Yeah, guys. This time it's a delicate matter. We need to infiltrate Hutt territory. We're interested in Geonosis. After we defeated the Separatists in the first battle and destroyed the battle droid factories, Geonosis ceased to be a priority for us. However, several factories were recently discovered, either under construction or operating, with Geonosians present. That means the bastards are still supporting the CIS, and possibly rebuilding their forces on their home planet. We need to scout out what's there, and how. If there are signs of armed formations training, or traces of droid production... well, the fleet will have to go there and rip everything apart again... However, we should be careful: Geonosis is in Hutt Space, after all, and those guys don't like it when someone interferes with something that isn't their business. Here are the details of the operation." Tull handed them the datapad.
"All clear, sir," X-1 accepted the device and handed it to his brother. "Everything will be carried out without a hitch. We're just going there and back..."
**Scene 3**
At sixty-one, Sate Pestage was in excellent health, though his appearance belied it. He was thin and had sharp features, which some attributed to illness. However, this was merely a characteristic of his entire family, most of whom lived in the Ciutric Hegemony; Sate himself was born and raised on Coruscant.
He searched for his path in life for quite a long time, until he finally found it. Politics. More precisely, management, lawmaking. This is what he loved to do. However, he was only able to truly pursue it after meeting his current master.
Palpatine. The Naboo-turned-Senator caught Pestage's eye. A strong, charismatic figure, he had a future. Soon after they met, Sate became Palpatine's right-hand man, recognizing his talents. During those years, he served alongside Kinman Doriana as Senator Palpatine's aide.
Pestage soon began to suspect the senator's double life. He didn't deny it, revealing to Sate that he was the Sith Lord Darth Sidious and initiating his aide into his grand plans. Sate merely shrugged. To be involved in such an interesting undertaking... What more could one wish for? Palpatine would help him pursue his passion — and the Sith Lord could rely on his talents.
Palpatine soon lived up to Sate's expectations by becoming Chancellor. He himself was also satisfied with the work he had accomplished: spreading rumors, shaping public opinion, and organizing negotiations with other senators that secured Palpatine's ascension to the position. Pestage himself became the Chancellor's personal advisor.
Few knew it, but Pestage carried the lion's share of the Chancellor's staff. Sate oversaw Palpatine's meeting schedule and managed his staff. Pestage also spoke on the Chancellor's behalf at various meetings, making official statements on a wide range of issues — from refuting speculation about the Republic government's measures against karting to denying rumors of the Chancellor's intimate relationships, should they arise.
He devoted himself entirely to serving his master, and Palpatine relied on him more than on any of his other advisers.
"What do you think about this?" Palpatine tapped his fingernail on the datapad screen.
Just a day ago, he had handed Sate several documents, asking him to review them. Sate had handled the task with the utmost care. Now the Overlord demanded a report. Pestage immediately arrived at the nearest location where they could speak frankly.
"I dare say, sir, the ideas expressed in these documents smack of excessive naivety. Despite a number of the reasons cited, I can immediately propose equally effective countermeasures designed to resolve both issues. Furthermore, I believe that you, should similar problems arise, could find a solution equally effective. As for countering the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, I believe such an undertaking could be beneficial regardless of the circumstances. In addition to countering external enemies, we must also focus on countering internal ones. In that case, having such a trump card at the right time will facilitate our desired outcome, or tip the scales in our favor."
"Okay," Palpatine nodded slightly, "Continue."
"As for the second question, I defer entirely to your wisdom, as I lack the necessary information on the matter. However, in my humble opinion, it would be difficult to justify from a legal standpoint. Given that the Jedi will face appropriate charges — treason and sedition — steps to preserve certain parts of the Order, or to repurpose it for the needs of the Empire, could provoke a negative reaction in society. Given the policies you are promoting, this would be one of the worst moves imaginable. I dare to express my own opinion: once a traitor, twice a traitor. We cannot be certain of the loyalty of the Jedi, given their hostility to Sith teachings, which means they must be destroyed to prevent further incidents. Furthermore, I have no doubt that your skill will enable you, if necessary, to create the instrument you need from scratch: as far as I know, on many planets, standard procedures are carried out at birth, including measuring midi-chlorian levels. Therefore, a registry of potential gifted individuals is maintained, meaning finding suitable sentients to establish the appropriate body will not be difficult. In fact, I would recommend introducing a mandatory procedure for identifying gifted individuals on all planets in the future, to avoid problems with rogue subjects or reborn Jedi, should they arise. Common sense dictates that such a possibility should not be ruled out."