Conspiracy and Mutiny2001 short story by Jonathan Hicks Thirty-seven
years after Episode IV – A New Hope ...We re-joined the Republic so that we could benefit from the Galactic community. The first whiff of trouble and Coruscant backs off! ...My son was in the SDF and he died protecting Setnin. How many
Galactic Alliance ships are going to do the same? It's a nice number between
zero and none! ...With the Galactic Alliance leash on we can't do a thing! They even
condemned the SDF defence against the Ki-Ki push back to Leogard! Commander Sall of the Galactic Alliance Warship Moz'a'ti leaned forwards and turned off the broadcast vid with a wave of her hand. The screen died and went blue, then black. With a long sigh she rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes. "They hate us," she whispered. Her first officer looked up with a worried expression. "I can't blame them," he chattered, adjusting his antennae with a clawed hand. "Membership of the Galactic Alliance means being part of a big galactic family. They feel abandoned." Sall stood up and adjusted her uniform, her eyes lingering on the Galactic Alliance emblem on her left breast pocket. "Set course for Benesk," she instructed. "Make contact with the warship Divine and ask the captain to speak with me." "The Divine is on patrol duty in the Janite quarantine zone. It'll be on silent running." With a flick of her head Sall turned to exit the briefing room. "I don't care. Find him." ...We should just go back to being independent! The Galactic Alliance has made us soft in the eyes of the Ki-Ki sector and now they're taking advantage of us! Ocern looked up at Letitia Arkensaw and tried to gauge her mood but her face remained stoic. ...The first thing I'm gonna do is get myself a bigger ship with all the cannons I can get! Then I'm going to figure out who I should be shooting at - Ki-Ki orGalactic Alliance! There. Letitia's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Ocern shook his head and turned off the sound of the broadcast vid. The news pictures of the multi-species demonstration on a lot of the planets throughout the Setnin Sector continued mutely. He turned his chair to look directly at the Jedi Knight and interlocked his fingers, leaning over the table with an audible sigh. The great window behind him showed the vista of the Zelon moon of Benesk and it shone brightly as the terminator shadow raced across the barren landscape. Letitia faced him, her face relaxing into one of grave concern. "I don't have to tell you that feelings are running high within Setnin-born citizens," Ocern said. "We've been asked time and again by the Chancai Express for a direct quote to explain why the Galactic Alliance isn't helping us and, to be honest, I don't have an answer." "This is a difficult situation, what with our lack of personnel and equipment," Letitia said. "I will consult Coruscant..." With a groan of resignation Ocern shook his head." Not again, Letitia. No more consulting, or meetings, or discussion, or committees. And no we don't have the resources. Just a plain, straight answer. Why has the Setnin Sector been left to fend for itself?" Letitia sighed herself, drawing the breath in slowly as if to clear her head. "You're not even fighting even though the Janite/Mind conspiracy has been uncovered, and may I remind you that it was one of your own people who was nearly killed by their ministrations?" "The Janites and Minds are not the invading force and, since the uncovering of their plot by my own people, they are less of a threat." Ocern shrugged. "But no action has been taken." "They are not Galactic Alliance members." "That's just it, isn't it? It all boils down to what is good for theGalactic Alliance. If it won't affect you, you don't get involved. Is that why Setnin is being left to its fate? Is that why you won't intercede?" Letitia appeared pained. She was obviously uncomfortable talking about the Galactic Alliance's position but this time she didn't make excuses and leave. Perhaps this time I'll get an answer, Ocern thought. "Governor," Letitia began. "What I am about to tell you is my own personal view and does not reflect the stance of the Galactic Alliance. Do you know how many threats the New Republic and now the Galactic Alliance has faced over the years since the Battle of Endor? Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Ssi-Ruuk, the re-emergence of Dark Jedi, the crippling Yuuzhan Vong invasion, political machinations within the Alliance’s own walls... all these things and more have spilt in from the edges of the Galactic Alliance and each time has threatened to overwhelm us." "I appreciate that the Galactic Alliance has had its fair share of threats," Ocern said placatingly. "I understand that you are set back by each of these incidents but this is not a new invasion of the Galactic Alliance, this is not Coruscant that is being threatened. This is a member sector of the Galactic Alliance, which is being invaded, by a neighbouring sector and we are not being given the support that our membership entitles us to. Which means we're back to my original question. Why are we alone?" Letitia said nothing and gazed over Ocern's shoulder to watch the terminator shadow complete it's sweep across the barren moon and bathe the grey surface in light. "Governor, Ki-Ki is not a threat to the Galactic Alliance. We know this." "But we are part of you. We're a member sector." "That is the problem, Governor. It is because you are a member of the Galactic Alliance that makes this a problem. You are the largest sector that has ever joined our government and make up an entire region of space. You are important to us." "Then why? I'm starting to get tired of repeating the same question." "Because there are many other member planets and sectors who believe that the Setnin Sector should never have been granted membership. That this sector is brash, uncontrollable, that you do things you're way and to hell with the rest of the galaxy. They don't like you, Governor, it's that simple. If we pull ships from these vocal members and use them here, within the Setnin Sector, the political upheaval will be immense and could set us back years. "It's not Coruscant that has abandoned you, Governor. It's the Senate. They keep the actions that theGalactic Alliance wish to take in discussion because the longer the decision is held up the longer the Setnin Sector has to be... pacified. Setnin has made many enemies over the decades. Now they have power back within the Senate..." "Revenge," Ocern said simply. "They want us to suffer." "You understand, of course," Letitia said darkly, "that I never told you any of this." Sheu Ho-Travi adjusted his state robe and brushed small flecks off his shoulder pads. He stood tall and dignified, his age showing in his eyes but his face still smooth and white, almost pale. His entourage stood about him with the same stance and waited patiently whilst the air taxi slowly settled by the landing platform. Coruscant was bathed in orange light as the sun sank below the horizon. The planet-wide city slowly darkened and the lights of the buildings started casting their own small points of illumination, highlighted by the huge amount of traffic overhead. The noise, coupled with the sound of the wind that swept between the buildings, was muted slightly by the energy field that surrounded the platform. Three people exited the closed-canopy air transport. Two wore state gowns that glittered with jewels whilst the third was armoured from head to toe in the white ceremonial armour of a Ki-Ki Prime Warrior. They approached Sheu and the lead figure, a beautiful black-haired woman with piercing in her brows from which hung glittering sapphires, held out her hand. "Senator Ho-Travi," she said, gripping his hand and shaking it firmly. "A pleasure as always." Sheu smiled warmly. "Ambassador Klite. Welcome once again to Coruscant. I hope your trip was a comfortable one?" Klite smiled, her perfect white teeth shining in the dimming light. "As comfortable as it could be, Senator." They began to walk to the huge double doors that led into the building the landing platform hung from. "And how is life in the heart of the Galactic Alliance?" The noise died almost immediately as they entered the building. Ornately decorated walls and statues greeted them as they walked towards Sheu's diplomatic quarters. "Life on Coruscant is still one of routine, Ambassador," Sheu smiled and motioned for her to precede him into the large, well-decorated room that was his quarters. He nodded to his entourage who departed to another room with the second Ki-Ki official and the Prime Warrior in tow. As soon as the door slid shut the Ambassador of the Ki-Ki sector all but flung herself into Sheu's arms. He grabbed her tightly with his hands on her back, pulling her in closer for a passionate kiss. They lingered in that pose until he pulled away for breath. "Yes," Klite said, herself out of breath, "Always a pleasure to see you." "It has been three long standard months," Sheu said sadly. "I missed you." "And I you," Klite placed her hand onto his face and traced the line of his jaw with one sharp fingernail. "You appear pained." Sheu nodded and looked down at his feet. "Many of the ambassadors and senators are starting to voice their concern over the Ki-Ki invasion. Their voices now shout as loudly as those that opposeGalactic Alliance intervention. It is not easy to keep them at bay." Klite stepped away and took his hand, leading him over to the long, spacious couch where she sat and gently pulled him to a sitting position also. She took his hands. "It is not long now, love. Soon the Ki-Ki Sector will have victory over our enemy and any Galactic Alliance intervention will be too late. You must whisper into some more ears and keep the senate arguing. Just a little more time." "I cannot keep the discussion going for ever. A referendum is to take place soon and I do not know how I will sway the senators away from voting for Galactic Alliance action. I have spent a lot of my time reminding the opposing senators why they should let the Setnin Sector burn, and they in turn have told others, but..." Klite allowed her face to fall into an expression of sadness. "Now is not a good time for our plans to falter, Sheu. Fleet Commander Brotus has been seriously injured and has started a personal vendetta against some renegade Jedi's in the Setnin Sector. Cathum has been given the position of Fleet Commander and has joined Fleet Commander Dagger at the front line. The invasion force is a little bewildered and needs time to recover from the change in command.Galactic Alliance intervention now would ruin our chances of complete victory." She gripped his hands tighter. "You are a Galactic Alliance policy advisor. You can slow down the intervention." "More than I already have?" Sheu shook his head. "I'm not sure I can." "You must," Klite said. "For us. For our future." Sheu looked at her in confusion. Before he could ask her meaning she smiled and held a finger to his lips. "I have spoken with Prime Lord Atheus directly. Once the Setnin Sector is beaten he will need a Consul to control the new Ki-Ki territories. The Fleet Commanders are military types who will not make good overlords so he wants someone who knows the ways of the Setnin Sector. I told him you, you who has aided us on our path to glory, would be a fine choice." "And?" Sheu held his breath in anticipation. "And he agrees. Once we take Setnin, we will rule the territory as husband and wife." The smile that broke out across Sheu's face was one of total joy. "Ah," he whispered, lowering his lips to Klite's, "a fine incentive." The Chamber of Systems on Benesk was awash with shouts and roars. Beings from the multitude of planets across the Setnin Sector stood and shouted, cried out with indignation, slammed their appendages on their desks or raised their arms with fury. Once again Ocern Gabe had come before them to explain the Galactic Alliance's reasons for non-involvement. Once again he had not given them a satisfactory answer. "I say again, Galactic Alliance forces are limited..." A Noscagian from the back of the auditorium waved his arms theatrically. "They weren't limited when they first came here! Warships, fighters, troops on Euphoria Station, satellites to keep us under surveillance... where is the mightyGalactic Alliance peace machine now!" Cries of agreement rose and this time Ocern noticed that almost all the representatives were crying out with anger. It seemed that those with long tempers and patience had reached the end of their fuses. He held up his hands to try to restore order but as he opened his mouth to shout them down over the loudspeaker another representative pointed out of the huge window that covered half of the chamber. "What is it, Gabe?" she shouted. "Afraid the council might get unruly?" All eyes and photoreceptors turned to look out of the window. Just above the chamber sat two Galactic Alliance Warships, hanging like long gunmetal grey axes in the blackness. "It's the Moz'a'ti and the Divine," Letitia stood and regarded the vessels, confusion awash across her face. More cries of passion went up and the atmosphere became heated. Somewhere in the mass a cup was smashed, a datapad was flung onto the empty floor between Gabe's desk and the seats the representatives sat upon. "Please..." Gabe began but his words died as the huge double blast doors of the chamber hissed open. Commander Sall of the Moz'a'ti and Captain Barler of the Divine walked with rigid steps into the chamber. They had only their first officers with them although some of the representatives still looked out into the corridor they had come in from to see if any armed troops accompanied them. Commander Sall walked up to the desk that Ocern and Letitia sat upon and saluted smartly. Ocern cast a confused glance over at Letitia who returned one of her own. "Commander, Captain," Ocern said. The noise had died to a murmur as the representatives tried to figure out why the two officers were here with their warships. "Governor, ma'am," Sall returned. "Forgive the intrusion." "Are you not supposed to be on patrol, Captain?" Letitia asked. "That's right, ma'am, a surveillance patrol." Sall's words came out almost bitter and Letitia flinched. Ocern frowned and cast his eyes over the representatives who had now become totally silent. "Ma'am, after a long discussion between myself and Captain Barler, we have decided that the conditions of the presence of the Moz'a'ti and the Divine within the Setnin Sector's borders are not tenable to us." "They're running away!" someone shouted from the back of the chamber and many voices rose to join the shout. Ocern stood to quieten them but Sall did that with her own raised voice. "Furthermore," she said loudly, "the Setnin Sector-born members of our crews have expressed a desire to fight for their birthplace. We have no choice but to allow them to return to their sector. It is either that or mutiny." "Commander," Letitia said, " almost all of both crews are Setnin-born." "Yes, ma'am. Including myself." There was another audible whisper throughout the chamber. The noise level soon lowered expectantly. "Therefore, Captain Barler and I have agreed that we shall remain in command of the Moz'a'ti and the Divine and hand the vessels over to the Setnin Defence Force to be utilised as they see fit." The cheers that erupted across the chamber were deafening and Ocern allowed them to cry out their joy. It had been a long time since he had heard the chamber echo with such a noise. He revelled in it now. Letitia stood up slowly, her face only slightly moved by emotion. What that emotion was, Ocern couldn't tell. "Commander, Captain," Letitia said, "What you are doing is technical mutiny and theft. You and your crews will be considered criminals within the Galactic Alliance." "We understand that, ma'am," Captain Barler said, "and we accept the responsibility. Any of our officers not standing with us will be handed over to your care. But, whilst the war rages, we will be safe from Galactic Alliance justice." "And how is that?" Letitia almost demanded. "Because, if the Galactic Alliance broadcasts since the war started are true, you cannot spare the ships or personnel to enter this sector... or to hunt us down." The chamber burst into laughter. Cackles, guffaws, heavy bass rumbles of mirth and high-pitched squeals of happiness filled the air and Letitia, much to Ocern's surprise, smiled also. Both Commander Sall and Captain Barler removed their Galactic Alliance insignia from their breast pockets and placed them on the table. Then they saluted, turned on their heels, and walked from the chamber to the clapping and approval of the amassed. At last! Ocern cried
inwardly. Politics on our side! Conspiracy and Mutiny2001 short story by Jonathan Hicks Thirty-seven
years after Episode IV – A New Hope Histories – A
political turning point in the Ki-Ki/Setnin
War.
With both the commanders of the Moz’a’ti and the Divine turning their vessels over to the Setnin
cause, a tide has begun turning, one that will continue with the assistance
of Terrie Saffra and
Squadron Indigo. As well as this we are introduced to Ambassador Klite, the Ki-Ki representative to Coruscant and lover of Sheu
Ho-Travi, present in the 100th
story Centennial and also here.
Cast of Characters Ocern GabeLetitia
Arkensaw Ambassador
Klite Senator Sheu
Ho-Travi Commander Sall Captain Barler |