Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 79 - The Five Major Star Regions Community (79 words completed, please vote)
The Simirs system, the orbit of the planet Simirs.

The Jospro Galaxy.

Ryan watched as the cold, holographic projection beam illuminated the slyly smiling figure of Senator Simon Greshard in the dim light of the bridge.

Commander Carly Trilm's voice broke the silence, laced with accusation: "Consul Greshad, I remember you were a member of the Republic's Senate, weren't you?"

Simon Greshad laughed, twirling his meticulously manicured mustache with his fingers: "It's a neutral senator, dear Commander Trilm."

At this moment, they are in Westmills, one of the Confederate's most important industrial planets.

Looking out from the observation windows of the bridge, hundreds of Confederate warships densely surrounded this vibrant green planet, like a breathtakingly calm eye in the eye of a storm.

Simmills's shipyard is working day and night to put newly built warships into service.

Although the "Basic First Squadron" was forced to abandon the ship in Metalon, the more mobile "Front Squadron" seized the opportunity created by the "Revenge" and successfully broke out.

The "White Hand Fleet" was actually strengthened by receiving the surviving ships that had successfully retreated from the Metaloron battlefield.

Among these newly added warships, the most eye-catching are the two massive Providence-class capital ships.

Their names are engraved on the massive hull: "God" and "Judgment".

The addition of the two cruisers significantly enhanced the fleet's overall deterrent capability.

“Regardless of whether you claim neutrality,” Captain Clayt’s voice came through another communication channel, his tone serious, “your current actions are a direct violation of the Prohibition on Communications Act.”

“Captain, you’ll be surprised at how efficient credits are at smoothing over certain… rigid rules.” Senator Greshad’s smile widened, tinged with a knowing shrewdness. “However, enough of this small talk. I’m here to get down to business.”

“Congressman!” Ryan’s voice rang out, calm yet utterly cold. “I have my doubts about your so-called ‘serious business.’”

“Oh, don’t think like that!” Senator Greshad immediately raised his voice, leaning forward slightly. “As everyone knows, I represent the Kolumex and Wozid sectors in the Senate, and I have always maintained neutrality, solely to safeguard our vital trade routes with the Republic. But now…”

He paused deliberately, then emphasized as he continued, "My friends in Lacus have warned me that the shield of neutrality is no longer sufficient to protect the people in my constituency."

Friends in Lacks?
Raine instantly became alert.

Was Palpatine manipulating things behind the scenes, or had the corrupt network between the Republic and the Confederation become so deeply entrenched?
The slick politician in front of me practically had the phrase "opportunistic" etched into his slicked-back hair.

Regardless of the truth, getting involved in this dirty galactic political vortex is by no means a wise move.

"So you've come to us seeking refuge?" Carly raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing the person in the projection.

“Otherwise?” Greshad spread his hands, looking completely matter-of-fact. “You may have realized it, or you may not have fully realized it, but your ‘alliance’ has stirred up quite a storm within the Separatist Council, especially at this sensitive time when the Supreme Commander election is just around the corner.”

Before the Republic's First Fleet was transferred away from the Peremian route, you controlled the most concentrated fleet along that route, and I had no other choice.

His tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"So you want to join our alliance?"

Raine asked cautiously, still holding a sliver of hope in his heart.

“Not just the Wozid sector,” Greshad’s smile gained weight, as if revealing an ace, “I represent the entire ‘Community’! Five sectors: Wozid, Meridian, Antimeridian, Beldrone, and Auriel. We will offer all our political votes, and… eight hundred warships!”

The community is by no means a minor player.

This confederate entity, consisting of five outer ring sectors, has existed for decades.

It was originally formed to protect itself in the face of increasingly stringent requirements from the core world. Later, it gradually grew and eventually became a powerful organization on the Peremian route, similar to an ancient commercial alliance.

Through deep cooperation in trade and defense, the community has maintained relative stability and prosperity in the turbulent outer region.

At least, that was the case before the full-blown separatist crisis.

Even when the clone wars broke out, they tried to remain neutral in the cracks to maintain this advantage.

Now, they have finally been forced into a corner and must choose sides.

“In that case,” Carly retorted sharply, her eyes piercing, “why don’t you use your neutrality to negotiate directly with the Republic? You’ve offered an enticing price, but what exactly do you want in return?”

Simon Greysard nodded knowingly, his expression turning serious. "Officer, I'm glad you're so straightforward; it saves us a lot of trouble. I've lodged the strongest protest in the Galactic Senate, however, the political forces supporting 'Operation Trident' currently hold a decisive advantage. Palpatine thought he could appease me, but I'm prepared to resign as senator. I will not stand idly by and watch Kolumex become the next Euceron!"

“Eucelon…”

Captain Clay repeated the name in a deep voice, his brow furrowed.

He is currently based in Ringo Venda, in that isolated world besieged by the Republic, doing his utmost to maintain the separatist forces' presence in the region.

This is not only a strategic stronghold, but also a clear political signal.

If Greshad's words are true, and those councilors on the Peremian route who were still observing are now closely watching the Alliance's every move, then the message conveyed by Ringo Venda couldn't be clearer—

Useron did not join us.

They fell into the hands of the Republic, and we offered them no protection.

But Ringo Venda has joined us, and we will defend it at all costs.

This is proof of the alliance's commitment, simple yet brutal.

Those who waver will inevitably have doubts about the sincerity of the alliance.

Ringo Venda's steadfastness is exactly the kind of strong evidence the league needs.

If a large community formally signs an agreement to join the alliance, it will greatly enhance the alliance's legitimacy and influence in the divided parliament.

“That’s right, Yucelon…” Greyshad’s smile vanished completely. For the first time, Renn had seen such a serious, even pained expression on this senator’s face. “That planet, once proud to host the Galactic Games, is now just a huge, charred wreck in space. That reckless Serbon, simply because he thought the invasion was ‘too slow,’ ordered the invasion of Yucelon to be ‘accelerated.’” Greyshad’s voice trembled slightly with anger. “Do you know how many billions of credits’ worth of investment he destroyed with that acceleration, how many generations’ worth of hard work were wiped out?”

Ultimately, it all comes down to those unchanging core interests.

money.

The fundamental motivation behind Senator Greshad's search for joining the coalition is to protect himself and the vast assets he represents.

If he could package this as "a member of parliament who advocates for the well-being of his constituents," it would naturally be more advantageous for Ryan.

However, for him and Carly, just as Carly had in mind, the proposal was simply unbelievable.

“So,” Renn took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conditions, “what specific rewards does the community need in return for joining the alliance?”

“We will have equal status within the alliance,” Greshad said directly, without any beating around the bush. “Our troops will be commanded entirely by an independent officer selected by our community, who must have an equal seat and voice in your highest decision-making body, nothing more.”

"So, do you already have a suitable candidate in mind for this role?" Carly asked tentatively, sensing that the answer might not be good.

“My cousin, Diderich Greshad.”

What the hell!

Upon hearing this name, Ryan felt his temples throb. If there were a table in front of him, he would have flipped it over to vent his suffocating "surprise."

“Don’t worry, officers,” Senator Greshad said, his face breaking into that knowing, slightly mocking smile, clearly seeing right through them. “Diedrich has served multiple terms in the Community’s Joint Security Forces. Although he hasn’t officially joined the Confederate officer corps, I assure you he is a very competent commander.”

Raine tried to maintain a calm expression, his voice devoid of emotion: "Congressman, thank you for your suggestion. We need to discuss it internally and will give you a formal reply later."

Simon Greshard maintained his enigmatic smile, his sharp gaze sweeping between the projections of Ryan and Carly: "Take your time, officer. I await your reply."

The holographic projection flickered, Greshard's figure disappeared, and the bridge returned to its previous dimness.

“We can’t refuse him,” Captain Krett’s voice rang out almost immediately. “And he knows that perfectly well; it’s not even a question.”

He was referring to the Community's eight hundred warships and the political power of its five star sectors.

“We might not object, but what will the member worlds of the Alliance think?” Carly immediately raised a different point of view, her brow furrowed. “The Community joins as a whole, and its size is enormous. This will create a powerful secondary group within our existing Alliance. What if they try to use their financial resources and influence to dominate or even annex us from within in the future?”

"That makes sense."

Ryan nodded in acknowledgment of Carly's concerns.

"So what?" Captain Kret snorted. "This alliance is a product of crisis. What use will it be to us after the Republic's invasion is repelled? If the community wants this shell of an alliance that exists in name only, let them have it. The other member worlds will go their separate ways anyway."

Without a common enemy, the alliance naturally dissolves.

That's his point of view.

"What you said...makes sense."

Ryan nodded again, trying to weigh the two sides' views.

Carly turned sharply and glared at Ryan, her eyes clearly saying, "Stop trying to smooth things over!"

“When Senator Greshad mentioned the uproar the Alliance has caused in Parliament, he wasn’t just referring to our military operations here,” Carly explained in a slow, clear tone, as if emphasizing the key point. “The Alliance now commands many star systems and has formed a new, influential voting bloc within the Divided Parliament, further divided into hawks and doves. Do you understand what that means? In a balanced Parliament, our votes could determine who is elected Supreme Commander.”

Her gaze was fixed on Renn, and it held a meaningful look.

“What you said this time… makes a lot of sense.” This time, Ryan’s response was more serious.

“Perhaps that’s true, but we’re still at war!” Captain Krett scoffed. “Votes, whether they’re crucial or not, are meaningless to our current battle. We’re not asking for political support from those worlds; we want their warships, their real military power!”

“Well…” Carly glanced quickly at Ryan, seemingly implying something, “It probably depends on your perspective.”

This time it was Ryan's turn to glare back at her, his eyes seeming to say "Shut up."

The Nemodians on the communications channel clearly caught the subtle tension and let out a disdainful snort: "Do as you please. Inform the other members about this and let everyone decide together, but my position is to suggest accepting his conditions."

After Captain Krett finished speaking, he cut off the communication.

After Krett's image disappeared, Carly immediately turned to Raine, the scars on her face standing out clearly in the dim blue light of the bridge instruments.

"So?" her voice held a questioning tone, "What are your plans now?"

“I don’t even want to ask you how you figured it out.” Ryan sighed deeply, raising a hand to rub his temples. “Regardless, we do need every vote we can get. Simon Greshard certainly has his own agenda, but if everything goes according to plan…”

"Everything going according to plan?" Carly couldn't help but scoff. "Raine, we have absolutely no control over where those votes go. The agreement they signed only vaguely states 'supporting the common interests of the Alliance in the Senate.' That's saying nothing at all! You may not want to see anyone other than that Pantora man in the Supreme Commander's position, but at this critical juncture, the Alliance is likely to be dominated by hawkish opinions, believing that we need to immediately appoint a Supreme Commander, whoever it may be!"

“Don’t worry.” Ryan’s voice sounded much more confident than he actually felt. “I have a plan.”

"Oh? You suddenly have a plan again?" Carly raised an eyebrow, her face full of suspicion.

“Who do you think I am?” Renn reassured him in a relaxed tone. “We will arrange for a representative from the alliance to oppose Dooku’s nomination in the council.”

“What?” Carly’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and she leaned forward slightly. “Are you planning to prepare a speech that attacks every possible candidate within the Confederation?”

She paused, her sharp gaze fixed on Ryan. "Or...did you actually already know who Dooku would nominate?"

Uh?
Renn's breath hitched.

"Yes I know."

"How did you know? Why do you know and I don't?" Carly's voice rose instantly, tinged with anger. "Do I know this person?"

(End of this chapter)