Chapter Text
Lorian Maverick, senator from the planet Salliche, walked slowly through the corridors of the Galactic Senate building, heading for the Chancellor’s office.
In recent hours, senators had been flocking to the Republic’s political forge to discuss the latest breaking news—the defeat of the Grand Army of the Republic on Jabiim. Indeed, the loss of such a large number of troops left few people indifferent. Moreover, Lorian was well aware of the background to this military operation. Rich mineral deposits were a significant factor in the current war…
Lorian was the daughter of Grant Maverick, head of the Sallich Agricultural Corporation, and she represented not only Salliche but also ten other planets of the so-called Agricultural Circuit, as this entity was unofficially known. The corporation’s products met the needs of Coruscant and many other worlds in the Core, the Central Worlds, and the Colonies. However, at present this was not its main source of income. The bulk of the profits came from supplying concentrated rations to the clone forces of the Republic…
Although many senators—particularly those on the Loyalist Committee, which had been formed to find a peaceful solution to the Separatist Crisis—put forward various peace initiatives, they failed to achieve the desired effect. Calls to create an army to defend the Republic only grew louder. Lorian, along with her allies, worked tirelessly to convince neutral senators to support the bill. Still, it was not enough to secure a clear majority in favor of the Decree to create an army. When the time came to vote, not only the decree itself but also the transfer of the right to unilaterally enact laws to Palpatine must be decided, and the decision had to be sincere. Many openly opposed such measures, fearing the strengthening of the Chancellor’s power, but Lorian believed the price to be justified. Peace, order, and effective authority were what the Galaxy needed. That was why she supported Palpatine—and he approved of the actions of his supporters.
Their desired decision was also facilitated by the Senate’s unexpected realization that the Jedi were unable to contain the wave of violence that swept across the Outer Rim, which further amplified the overall effect. One of the senators, Ainlee Teem, delivered a harsh speech in the Senate, openly criticizing the Jedi Order. The result seemed obvious: if the Jedi and law enforcement agencies were unable to protect the Republic, an army would have to be created to assist them…
Lorian, like many other senators, had long been part of the coalition supporting Palpatine. She had met the politician more than fifteen years earlier, back when he was still a senator himself. Even then, she had recognized his potential—and she had not been mistaken. When Palpatine rose to power, he did not forget those who had supported him, and his gratitude proved truly invaluable…
For Lorian and the Maverick family, this culminated in a single proposal made about three years ago. At the time, the Chancellor hinted that the Republic would soon acquire a new army, which would require food supplies on a massive scale. The corporation responded eagerly, and now the lion’s share of provisions for the Grand Army of the Republic came from the worlds of the Agricultural Circuit.
Palpatine was an ambiguous figure, but Lorian believed that he was exactly the kind of ruler the galaxy needed. Her opinion was shared by other senators who had joined the so-called Palpatine Coalition at the time. Lost in these thoughts, she finally reached her destination. Entering a large oval office with a panoramic window overlooking Coruscant and walls draped in deep red fabric, she saw that the room was already lively. Bowing slightly, she greeted the Chancellor.
“Am I late?”
“Not at all, Lorian. You’re even a little early.”
The Chancellor smiled. The woman inclined her head once more and then moved toward a group of senators standing to the right of the Chancellor’s desk. In front of him, seated in armchairs, were members of the Jedi Order: she easily recognized Yoda, as well as Shaak Ti and Ki-Adi-Mundi. Two others—Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi—were present only as holograms.
“Senator Maverick,” said Senator Keida Pollock, representing the planet Thyferra in the Senate, greeting her. Thyferra was a hot, humid world in the Polith system, producing most of the valuable substance known as bacta and thus making it one of the key ones for the Republic Army.
Lorian returned the greeting, nodding to the other senators and briefly studying each of them.
Tiviole Tardun, senator from the Bormea sector. Its primary world, Corulag, was a densely populated planet in the Core Worlds, located in the Corulus system. The Perlemian Trade Route passed through it. Other planets in the same system—Solag, Biolag, and Garulag—were just as heavily populated. Corulag was one of the oldest members of the Republic and among its founders.
Lily Rin, senator from Denon, an ecumenopolis in the Inner Rim, situated between the planets Osarian and Nubia. Denon was the second ecumenopolis after Coruscant. The planet was known for the fact that about ten years earlier, investors from Denon and the nearby world of Ardru had founded the Denon–Ardru Mutual, a powerful mining and refinery corporation.
Wull Morrin, senator from the planet Charmath. His world was home to the Galactic University, renowned as one of the most comprehensive historical archives in the Galaxy.
Kira Pax, senator from the planet Carida. A fairly large, high-gravity world—nearly two standard gravities—Carida was notable for its diversity of natural landscapes. It was ideal for military training grounds, and it was only natural that numerous complexes existed there where experienced instructors trained private units and even certain planetary armies.
Dorian Tess, senator from Rendilia, a planet in the Core Worlds and one of the founders of the Galactic Republic. Rendilia was home to the headquarters of the Rendili StarDrive corporation.
Kruya Vandron, senator from the Senex sector, a recent addition to the Republic. House Vandron, which had ruled the sector independently of the Republic for millennia, finally chose to join the Republic after the outbreak of the Separatist Crisis.
In addition to these senators, who formed the backbone of the Palpatine Coalition, there were other influential figures supporting the Chancellor. Among them were Senator Orn Free Taa of Ryloth, Gidean Dano representing the Kuat sector, Ardus Kaine, and the young Ishin Il-Raz. Standing near the Chancellor as well was Janus Greejatus, Palpatine’s personal adviser.
On the opposite side of the hall gathered senators from the Loyalist Committee, led by Senators Bail Organa and Padme Amidala. With them were Mon Mothma of Chandrila, Fema Baab from the Bajik sector, Bana Breemu from the Humbarine sector, Chi Eekway Papanoida of Wroona, Nee Alavar from the Kanz sector, Silya Shessaun from the Thesme sector, Senator Male-Dee of Uyter, and Feng Zar from the Sern sector.
In addition, roughly a dozen other senators stood apart from both groups, maintaining a careful neutrality.