I woke up early and only mildly hungover. R4 was slamming her arm against my head to wake me up at the most annoying interval possible, some thirty seconds or so. I soon enough get up take a shower and shave my stubble. After inspecting my uniform I remember I need to head to Parliament so I don the wetsuit instead. Annoyingly my slugthrower would be pretty much useless underwater, so I put on an additional holster and blaster-pistol on my off hip.

  I jump in a taxi from just outside the hotel after managing to grab a breakfast sandwich from a Rendili vendor near the cab stand. The half speeder half submarine takes me into the ocean and towards the capitol. I end up needing to swim a bit to finally reach the Parliament where I start to linger near the entrance to see if I could catch the Chief.

  I wait for a while there, I had asked R4 to alert me early, so I could get to Parliament early as well after all. Eventually the last call was made and I swam into the chamber and sat down in one of the highest rings. A pity I hadn’t caught the Chief, but I still had a chance afterwards. I take a look around the egg like building, it would be best to observe for the moment.

  The meeting wasn’t going well. Maker on high it was going terribly. I completely understood why Ackbar was so worried about a civil war. From what he told me this behavior was completely unusual. There was shouting from both ends. The usually neutral humans, who received a few seats to represent their minority, were being far more aggressive than usual and there were more than a few racial slurs being thrown around from everywhere in Parliament.

  Eventually a fish like being took the floor. Dark on the top and white below his nostrils, the top of his head almost flat and his eyes predatory: “I am certain we are all in agreement that this meeting is beyond saving. As the delegate from the Confederacy of Independent Systems I would recommend ending this meeting prematurely, so calmer minds can prevail at our next meeting.”

  I stand up at that: “As the only available Republic delegate I second the recommendation from the delegate of the revolting territories of the self proclaimed Confederacy.”

  There were a few murmurs and shouts of indignation at that. I roll my eyes, just because he was a Separatist didn’t mean this meeting hadn’t gone to the desert over an hour ago. I tune out the ceremonial ending to the proceedings and start swimming over to the now located Chief Nossar Ri.

  I almost call out to the Quarren, but I am intercepted by a quietly angry Ackbar: “You shouldn’t have done that. People already talk about your loyalties, agreeing with a Separatist won’t do well for you.”

  “I am well, aware of that Captain, however when someone utters an absolutely true statement I find it hard to disagree with them.” I say as I swim past the man to Chief Ri.

  “Your honor.” I call out, gaining the Chief’s attention.

  “Commodore, I must say it is a surprise for you to be joining us, especially since we asked the Republic to remove their military forces from the system.” The Chief replies.

  I laugh and wave him off: “I could have sworn I sent you the information on my appointment as the temporary Republic delegate. Did you not receive my last few reports? That simply will not do. I will have R4 send them to you again.”

  The Quarren leader considers my words a moment before re-directing the conversation: “How are the goings on with your squadron then? My world’s people?”

  “Are all well. I must admit the extra humidity still annoys me mildly, a detractor of growing up on a desert world I suppose, but they are all well. They are being offered multiple ways to express themselves and communicate with friends and family in these trying times.” I reply.

  The Quarren nods before snatching up the other thing I had said previously: “You have still been sending me reports?”

  “Of course, this is still a Republic world after all. It would simply not do for me to fail in my duties in informing her governance. I am happy to say the Republic has recently and might I add, finally, accepted my request for further reinforcements. We are expecting the 99th Battleship Section and another two section’s worth of ships to be joining Dac and my squadron. The 10th Halla Sector Volunteer Regiment has also been deployed and the fighting on Targonn has sped up, in part thanks to the need of stationing Republic forces outside of Dac in accords with your request.” I say, my smile gaining a slight maliciousness.

  Before the Chief can speak my line of sight is covered by a snarling maw of Commander Tamson: “I would not threaten the leader of the Quarren people, Commodore.”

  “I am not threatening his honor, I am informing him. The Republic sees the importance of Dac. I have laid it out to them since I took command of the 347th Outer Rim Section, Commander. I am simply informing Chief Ri that the Republic has come around to sending the requested reinforcements.” I say, swimming up slightly to come to eye contact with the fish like being.

  “You should be careful not to interfere where you are not wanted.” The Separatist officer threatens.

  “I would advise you to do the same, though I know very well the Confederacy does not listen to the reasonable requests of her people.” I counter as I tap on my blaster holster.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Baseless accusations from a traitor to his world and people.”

  Don’t cause a diplomatic incident, don’t cause a diplomatic incident, oh kark it. My eyes narrow and my voice goes cold: “Best apologize to me, Commander. I’ve already fought your droids, I don’t think I would particularly mind placing a slug into your skull, a fitting motif to add to my heir’s holster.”

  The Officer snarls: “I believe it would be an unfair match for you, water has a tendency to suppress slugthrowers.”

  “You misunderstand me, it’s a matter of tradition. Once a tyrant or their lackey is dead the body gets dragged somewhere nice and remote. Then I get to put a wonderful slug in your head, now if only I had the family’s old knife to finish a proper tyrant’s burial, it’s just not proper if your head’s still attached to your shoulders at the end of it.” I reply, a bloodthirsty grin marring my face.

  “So here is the confidence of the dreaded black Hussar.”

  “I see that damn nickname has joined me on the Confederate side as well. Though I wonder, is the color for my hair, or the scorch marks your ships keep giving my dear Little Revenge whenever I make them explode?” I ask.

  The Karkarodon snaps his jaw at me and I begin reaching for the backup holster, before we are interrupted by Chief Nossar Ri: “Gentlebeings, this is not the time to fall back on petty squabbles. I thank you Commodore for informing me on the Republic’s intentions. Commander, would you please escort me back to my residence. I believe we have a meeting today.”

  “Of course your honor.” I and the Separatist parrot back.

  The two swim away as I stare back. Maybe ten seconds later Captain Ackbar approaches me alongside Senator Tills. I give a short bow to the Senator.

  “Commodore, I would introduce you formally to our Senator Meena Tills of Mon Cala.” Ackbar says as I finish the bow.

  “It is a pleasure Commodore.” The Senator says.

  “The pleasure is mine, Senator.” I reply.

  “Come along, Commodore, with you helping in ending the meeting in Parliament we can move our own meeting up.” Ackbar says.

  “As you wish, sir.” I reply, not like I had much else to do, any representative here would either try to gut me or suck up to me. Better to be productive than waste their and my time.

  The group of two officers and a Senator head off to a smaller upscale restaurant within the capitol, a restaurant thankfully without any water in it. I was more relieved than I was willing to admit when I could finally remove my helmet and breathe in the recycled air. The three of us were politely moved to a table with a view of the city.

  I couldn’t say I was particularly happy about the positioning of the table, or the fact that Ackbar took the seat with a view of the entrance and the Senator took the seat with a view of the kitchen. I siit down anyway and listen in as two of the Mon Cala’s leaders began discussing.

  “We should bring the Prince to the next Parliament meeting. It could increase our political credibility.” The Senator presses.

  “His majesty is still untested in too many ways.” Ackbar cautions.

  “He needs further support from the Quarren. If we can poach some of the Chief’s people we have enough of a coalition to put him in place.” The Senator says.

  I interrupt their discussion: “I believe I may have caused a minor lapse in his confidence today. I will be contacting the Republic and see if I can convince them to send even more ships here. It could very well convince his honor the Chief to remove his claim if he believes that Dac is secure in Republic hands.”

  The Senator answers my proposition: “You might as well do that. However we should still try to poach a couple of his men.”

  I retort the Senator: “If that is done, he could react unpredictably. He already seems too attached to the Separatist delegate. Removing his more compromise seeking supporters could force his hand into taking the Separatist’s offers of support.”

  Ackbar speaks up then: “We never did find all the stockpiles of droids. We were already missing some fifty shipments and multiple stockpiles we had seized have lost considerable inventory.”

  “Then the war may very well be inevitable.” The Senator bemoans.

  “Do you wish me to begin tugging further on my leash?” I ask.

  “It may be necessary.” Ackbar says.

  “I will begin ordering my squadron closer to the edge of the Dac system’s space. It could be seen as pressuring, but a rapid response could very well be critical.” I say.

  “Does the Republic have any under water troops nearby to support us?” The Senator asks.

  “You know the answer to that, Senator. I do not know their location, operational security and all that. However I would bet a large sum that they were near Targonn or Toong’l by now, maybe Garel of Dornea if they’re quick, but I wouldn’t bet on it.” I answer.

  “Then we must hope the negotiations will calm.” Ackbar says.

  “Have you offered Chief Nossar Ri the regency?” I ask.

  “We have not, it could easily lead to him seizing the throne.” Senator Tills answers, her tone hinting at her displeasure.

  “I would recommend trying to form a backroom deal. An attempt should be made at the very least.” I say.

  Senator Tills sighs: “We’ve been trying that since his majesty’s death. We never offered the full regency, Prince Lee-Char is old enough to assume the full responsibilities, but we’ve offered him the position of First Minister and a two fifths guarantee of his supporters within the cabinet of ministers, he simply doesn’t seem overly interested.”

  Ackbar speaks up: “We will offer him the regency alongside the other offers, hopefully we will be successful and the next meeting will not entail another shouting match between the factions.”

  “No matter the outcome the next parliamentary session will be interesting. I wish I could eat some snacks while watching the proceedings. I suppose that would be unprofessional as well as hardly possible?” I ask, while rubbing my chin in exaggerated thought.

  Ackbar places his face in his hand as Senator Tills answers my question: “Very unprofessional.”

  “Days like these where I’m happy I’m in the Navy and didn’t go into politics like ma’ suggested.” I say.

  “May Mon Cala’s tides preserve us if you ever became a Senator.” Ackbar says.

  “I would be insulted if I didn’t agree with you Captain.” I reply, my tone light and mirthful.

  The conversation goes along those lines as lunch is served. I really can’t tell if the two ordering the same traditional Mon Cala dish is a message or not. I assume it is, because I’m doing the same thing by having a traditional Sluis Vani dish, it seemed more or less appropriate to take up the minority dishes of the world while my Mon Cala counterparts seemed too focused on their own people and culture instead of that of the entire world. I hope the Chief doesn’t think too similarly or else the civil war is almost certainly inevitable.

  I ended up catching a cab shortly after lunch. Once I had entered the hotel again I started writing up my report for the other delegates. At this rate I wouldn’t be surprised if the civil war started before they even made an attempt at reconciliation. I also started writing up a report requesting any additional forces that could be spared to be sent to Toong’l or Targonn or Baros or Lothal, Maker I’d take Gand or Iego at this point. I always need more ships and now that they’re finally coming I need twice as many more!

  I sigh as I delete the last paragraph in the report. Too aggressive, High Command would never commit forces to an area without even a semblance of a cause, especially if the person asking for it was being overly emotional about it. Maybe I could request something small? A patrol section would probably be slightly too much to ask for, but a couple escort ships for the 99th Battleship Section just seemed like a safe bet.

  I just hoped Commodore Molim, the commanding officer of the 99th, wouldn’t mind me creeping in on his territory. Maker knows I wouldn’t be too happy if someone else sent me ships without a prior alert. I should wait to send in the military report until I’ve sent in a request to the fellow officer. Maker all this politicking was tiring. I write a quick report to my fellow officer in the 99th and start revising my final report.

  An hour and a half later the Commodore agrees and even gives permission to add his signature to the suggestion. Quite generous of him. I do so in an addendum to my report and send it off shortly after. I should ask Raddus about the prospective loyalties among the Merchant Fleet. I send a quick message his way then sit down on my bed. I really needed a stiff drink and a good nights rest.