Meanwhile, in the Endor system.
Three small ships dropped out of hyperspace into the star system.
Two were G9 Rigger-class light freighters, and the third was a GX-1 Short Hauler.
Despite their civilian designation, they had been heavily modified.
The cargo holds had been gutted and replaced with laser turrets, pushing their firepower to a dangerous level.
“Endor system.
Let’s do a quick sweep.
See if anything looks out of place,” a pilot drawled over the comms.
“I still have no idea what Master Dooku wants us looking for in the Moddell sector.
This is a nightmare.”
“Tell me about it.
After scouring the whole sector, I’d rather just hit a run out in the Outer Rim.”
“Quit complaining.
Master Dooku’s paying enough for us to live like kings back on Serenno.
Just do your job.”
“Boss!
Strong radar signature coming from Endor!”
“Someone actually out here in this backwater?
Ha!
Might be a payday.
Let’s check it out.”
…
Qui-Gon Jinn lifted his cup and took a small sip.
The fragrant black tea spread across his palate, bringing a rare sense of calm.
He drew in a slow breath, savoring the aroma.
“Are you used to this kind of tea, Master Qui-Gon?” Daphne Clement asked from across the table, smiling.
“I have never tasted anything quite like it,” Qui-Gon replied with a nod.
“Not exactly delicious, but deeply soothing.”
“How has your inspection of the Fourth Group’s colony been these past few days?” Clement continued.
“Nothing suspicious so far.
Except…” Qui-Gon paused.
“That large mining operation on the fourth moon.
Are you planning to develop industry here?”
“That’s correct.
The group has some shipbuilding ventures as well,” Clement answered.
“Only major corporate conglomerates build starships.” Qui-Gon stood and looked out the mothership’s wide viewport at the small orbital shipyard under construction.
He turned back.
“Then why have I never heard of the Fourth Group before?”
“We only just formed.
“If I recall correctly, Endor has a native species,” Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke up suddenly.
He had been quiet until now.
“You’ve renamed the planet Dawn, I believe.
Though that change will need to be registered with the appropriate Republic authorities.”
“The Ewoks.
Yes.
We get along with them quite well.
We’ve already started teaching some of them to help with construction and housing.
Once we fully grasp their language, we’ll gradually begin integrating them into civilized society.” Clement’s answer was seamless.
“There are other intelligent species on Dawn as well, like the Duloks.
But they are highly aggressive, so we are still in the early stages of cautious contact.”
“I hope so.
Genocide driven by colonial expansion is strictly forbidden under Galactic Republic law,” Obi-Wan said.
“Naturally.
We have dedicated staff handling the paperwork on Coruscant,” Clement replied with a smile.
Inside, her heart was pounding.
Dedicated staff.
Bullshit.
She had only heard the word Coruscant a few days ago from Velas, who was currently being held hostage on board.
“And your leader, Daemon.
Still no contact?” Qui-Gon asked.
A look of worry crossed Clement’s face.
“Not yet.
He should still be traveling through hyperspace.
I don’t know his exact location.
According to the original plan, he was supposed to make a stop at Tatooine to explore potential sales channels for our products.”
“What kind of man is Daemon?”
Clement smiled.
“He is visionary, approachable, and fearless.
He may still be young and inexperienced, but he is growing into an excellent leader.”
“I believe she is telling the truth, Master,” Obi-Wan murmured quietly.
“The Force confirms her emotions.”
“To command a mothership of this scale and launch a planetary colonization effort at such a young age…
Daemon certainly deserves the praise,” Qui-Gon said with a smile.
“On behalf of our administration, I thank you for your confidence,” Clement said, standing up formally and bowing to them both.
[Notification.
Incoming communication.] Mainframe’s voice cut through the room.
“Put it through,” Chief of Staff Chief Jenson ordered immediately from his station in the staff department.
A highly arrogant face appeared on the bridge’s main screen.
Mining at Endor without authorization, do you even have a permit?
We are Galactic Republic tax officials, here to audit your accounts.
Hand over the taxes now, or we’ll make this unpleasant for you.”
Jenson’s face darkened instantly.
“Tax officials?
Hah!
You’re just here to rob us in broad daylight!”
“I told you, we are following regulations,” the man sneered, his arrogance unshaken.
“A ship your size owes…
one million credits in taxes.
Pay up immediately.”
Obi-Wan shot to his feet, ready to storm the screen, but Qui-Gon stopped him with a gesture.
Qui-Gon turned to Clement.
“I can assure you, Galactic Republic tax officials do not operate like this.”
“Understood.
Please wait a moment,” Clement said, her expression turning serious.
She stood and walked toward the combat command center.
“Master, they are clearly pirates!
We cannot just sit here and do nothing,” Obi-Wan whispered once Clement was out of earshot.
“I know.
But this is an opportunity to gauge their true capabilities,” Qui-Gon said, shaking his head slightly.
“I understand the logic, but this is…”
“That is the perspective of the Republic, not a Jedi.”
“Yes, Master.”
In the command center, Jenson issued his orders.
“Alert the entire ship to battle stations!
All personnel return to posts.
Fighter pilots board their craft and stand by.
Halt all operations at the orbital mining facility!”
Alarms blared through the mothership’s corridors.
Off-duty crew spilled out of their quarters and sprinted toward their stations.
“Sir!
Three ships are advancing on the gas giant’s mining station!
Vessel length twenty to thirty meters, light corvette class!” a radar operator called out over his shoulder.
“Issue an ultimatum.
Demand they halt their advance immediately, or we will use force,” Jenson said firmly.
Clement looked worried.
“We only have a handful of Interceptor-class fighters right now.
Their combat capability is…”
“Even if all I have left is a dagger, I will fight to the end!” Jenson’s eyes burned with a fierce light.
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