I want to thank my lovely reviewers for my kind words and feedback, as usual. You all mostly know at this point of the edit I did to Chapter 9 due to being rather rushed…which I apologize deeply for. I'll take more time to review before I publish so I won't have to do that again. Other than the brief edit, I feel this story has been going wonderfully so far. You all have been so supportive and wonderful, and I enjoy hearing what you all have to say. Thank you.

Chapter 8~The Harnaidan Assembly

The morning seemed to have come brighter and earlier than usual. It shone on Harnaidan's emerald city like a golden veil that spread out over the valley. Along with this lustrous sunlight came a laid-back tranquility that seemed to encompass the general populous. Many strolled through the metropolitan landscape in good-spirits and humor, seizing the sunny day under a turquoise-green, clear sky. It was a weekend without the storm for the first time in many, many months—ready to be enjoyed.

Watching it all somberly from the great skyline above was Neimoidian senator Lin Nova, looking down at the clusters of people that walked and loitered through the city square. She let herself bathe in the tepid light that shone through her window, feeling natural warmth for the first time in a good long while.

"I wish I could be out t'ere to enjoy that," she murmured to herself, adjusting her dangly garnet earrings with the reflection from the window. "T'is is a day meant to be seized."

She wistfully turned away from the scene and looked at herself in the mirror. Her lazuli-blue robe pulled heavily on her shoulders and trailed elegantly around her feet. Her platinum jewelry gleamed white in the sunlight, highlighting the suppleness of her light-green porcelain skin. She cupped her cheek softly, checking that her appearance was graceful and epicene. She was a blue-blooded lady of the evening, not some frolicking flower-child in her youth who attained her energy from the bright light of day.

She laughed softly to herself, pushing the image away as she fitted her braided wig onto her cranium. She only wore it on special, unique occasions, but a hunch within told her that today was going to be a most peculiar, different one. She felt it was best to wear it. It certainly didn't hurt to hypothesize.

The senator lightly caressed the gold and turquoise beads interwoven tightly into the plaits of her hairpiece, inspecting herself one last time before she confidentially strolled out of her temporary lodgings and into the streets of Harnaidan, looking out at her surroundings briefly before she made her way toward the Separatist base.

Her presence went mostly unheeded, but a few individuals stopped to stare at her as she walked on, watching her substantial attire sway cumbersomely in the light wind. The jewelry in her wig clinked lightly together as she strode, swaying behind her back like a jet-black curtain. She was dressed to her nines and walking solo, standing out from the rest of the lightly-attired, cheerfully social populous.

"She looks important," she heard someone whisper. Nova for the most part paid little notice to her surroundings, instead ruminating over the possible outcomes of today's senator meeting. Why this one was different from the tens of others held in the past weeks she couldn't say for certain, but the tension she had felt from Gunray and his apprentice one afternoon in a café in downtown Harnaidan just told her that today was going to be dissimilar. The senator also found it peculiar that, during these times of a newly beginning war and sudden transitions in both politics and social derailment, there was still little anxiety amongst the general masses. Harnaidan still felt to be a typical city-state with its similar idiosyncrasies and typicality of urban life.

Maybe people just don't want to believe it, Nova thought musingly. Or it just hasn't been affecting them yet.

However, approaching the perimeter of the Separatist base was a different vibe than walking through the streets. The nearer she stepped towards the darkened barracks, citizens loitering around the area regarded their surroundings cautiously, watching her with vigilant eyes as she walked closer to the station.

"A lady of status," someone said hurriedly. "What in the name of Jabba is she doing here for?"

"She could be a representative," someone else proposed, not taking regard that she could hear them quite clearly. "God knows there is more of those around here."

"Yeah, she looks like your typical Nationalist," another responded with distaste. "Get ready to see a bunch of those wandering around pretty soon, guys."

"Ah quit it ya' damn Collectivist," the first person shot back. "I wasn't asking for your tirade."

Nova blushed, but kept her head straight and pace the same.

Maybe I'm wrong on that.

Once she entered, she hastily made her way past the garrisons, past the dormant B1 battle droids, past the camps, and into the tall, yet well-hidden Federation building located near the back, tucked snug between other prestigious businesses that must have been highly aloof regarding the Seperatist base behind their quarters. That came across as a relief to the Neimoidian senator. It showed that there was a possibility the general populous was accepting of this new transformation. Other than hearing tid-bits of arguments that occurred around her, she didn't sense too big of a disturbance.

The Senator also detected that the possibility of a new autonomous government establishing itself across the Galaxy was just too implausible for people to digest at the moment. It was way to early for the transformation to completely be integrated into people's minds. That, and the media constantly telling the masses that the "war" was just a fierce disagreement between hive workers rebelling toward Republican Unions because the latter didn't give standard pay. The senator almost guffawed when she heard that news. It was almost like a cover-up of the whole ordeal, while also dismissing the concerns and anger arising from the Republic's ignorance of many Outer Rim systems. Most people most likely had no clue what would currently arise from Geonosis, or the ever-growing rebellions occurring on related planets.

"They're so ungrateful," another wealthy woman had told her while the senator was waiting to be taken from Neimoidia to Muunilinst. "They all get jobs and then they complain about it. Entitlement in all caps is what it is."

"Most of t'ese planets are poor as dirt," Nova argued. "I personally hate t'e argument t'at one must stick with a horrendous occupation or government and remain subservient to t'ose who boss t'em around."

The woman seemed near-stunned. "You question the Republic?"

Nova nodded. "I do. I have since I was a poor orphaned girl on Kattada. T'ey ignored us from the beginning, and we're not even an Outer Rim planet."

"Oh you poor dear," the woman said piteously. "Well, you can't always be on your hands and knees begging for a savior to come."

Nova had stewed over the conversation for days, wondering if the lady knew what was going to happen, or if she expected anything to happen at all. Did she truly think that everything would stay the same? That everything would follow its same cyclical pattern until doomsday? The senator had no conclusive answer for this on-going debate, but one thing was for certain: and that there was going to be a change. Drastic change.

"This way, ma'am."

A mechanical voice interrupted her thoughts. She directed her attention to the source—a B1 commando standing with a group of droid soldiers.

She hadn't realized that she had simply been standing there letting her thoughts wander.

She entered the glass door the droid opened for her, and was escorted up a series of stairs to the entrance of the usual meeting spot for their meetings. She didn't hear or see anybody on her way up. Maybe she was late.

The droids left her, and soon she was entering the foyer for their Senate meetings. She stopped suddenly in place, quickly shocked by what she saw.

Nearly every seat in the room was taken up.

Granted, there weren't many chairs there to begin with, yet enough to make her ponder over her surroundings at how many individuals sat in that very room. Many of them she had never seen before, let alone heard of. The diversity on display was incredible—so much for her to list. It was so surprising and different-looking she wondered if she had stumbled across the right assembly, until she saw Gunray sitting with his associate near San Hill. She wondered what the Viceroy's business of being here was, but part of her didn't feel like contemplating. Looking around in silent awe, she avoided their presences as she made her way up the side-steps looking for her assigned seat.

When she finally found it again, she discovered that the chairs around her had been filled up—instead of left empty as they had previously. Sitting herself down in the middle of the cluster, she looked to her left and saw that the seat next to her was occupied by a tall, brown-haired human female dressed beautifully whom the senator had never seen in the senate before, though she had to admit the woman looked quite familiar.

Nova awkwardly waited for the woman to turn her unoccupied attention towards her, in which she finally acknowledged the Neimoidian with a faint nod and a pursed frown. It was a lot friendlier than what the senator was normally accustomed to. Something about the women seemed oddly anxious.

"Hello," Nova smiled gracelessly, initiating the eye contact. "I don't t'ink I have seen you here before."

The woman fixed her sharp brown eyes on the Neimoidian's opulent green ones.

"I am new here," the woman said vaguely. "This is my first meeting. What is your name?"

"Lin," the Neimoidian said, unto realizing she had introduced herself uncouthly, proceeded quickly with "Lin Nova, delegate Senator of Neimoidia, representative of the Colonies region."

The woman slightly cocked her head, curious. "That's quite a notable title," she responded ambiguously. "I have heard of you before. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I have seen you before."

Nova nodded, looking intently in the woman's eyes. She had never met an individual with such a peculiar diversity of emotions expressed on one's face before. The woman's brows were raised with a slight concern, yet her eyes and features were calm and collected, like she was split between two different situations. "What's your name?" Nova asked.

The human at this point had turned her full attention to the Neimoidian. Turning her head, the collar of her dress was pushed down, revealing a network of blue curlicue tattoos etched onto the woman's neck, almost like another article of clothing.

"I'm Mina Bonteri," she spoke formally, "representing Onderon."

The Neimodian tried not to gasp, but she found herself completely taken by surprise.

"By t'e gods—t'e Mina Bonteri of the city of Iziz? T'e one who spoke out against Onderon's King Sanjay Rash?"

The woman was now looking back at her with confidence, a faint smile growing on her lips. It was a very humble was of affirming Nova that she was indeed correct.

"Oh, pleased to meet you Bonteri!" Nova laughed softly. "I have heard much about you."

"So I hear. Sounds like I have a fan."

"Granted, I had no idea t'at you would be here, in t'e Confederate Senate…" Nova trailed off nervously.

Bonteri moved slightly. "I've temporarily relocated here from Raxus to be part of this meeting, where my son and my husband currently are. We wanted to settle in an area that wasn't completely Republican or Confederate, if you understand what I mean."

Nova nodded, even though she didn't.

"Some tumult has occurred on my home planet," Bonteri continued. "We have a king who wants to be part of neither the Republic or the Confederacy, and frankly I'm not sure if he has much of a choice."

"So…you think Onderon should be a Confederate state?" Nova asked hopefully.

Bonteri chuckled, almost in a bemused manner. "I don't know if I can say that."

Nova was perplexed, but before she could ponder over it, everyone around her was beginning to stand. She turned to face forward to the podium below and saw that Count Dooku had just entered the room, flanked by a cluster of Battledroids and two imposing Magnaguards. Watching him intently, she and everyone else who had sat idly now stood in plank-like posture with the rest. A deafening silence fell upon the room, everyone watching as the Count steadily took his place at the speaker, briefly adjusting his attire before quietly clearing his throat. With a second's hesitation, his raised his left hand into the air with his pointer and middle finger pointed upward, and without preamble, every soul began saying the new Confederate undertaking of allegiance:

"We pledge ourselves, us and our brethren, to the Confederacy of Independent Systems. We shall keep thine words true, and take the oath and responsibilities within thine governing body. We announce our Separatist alliance, our independence, our freedoms, our patriotism for the nations who join thee. With our autonomy, we bring justice and liberation for those whose pleas ignored. Under these Systems of individuality and emancipation, we most obediently serve."

Once finished, the sound of hundreds of bodies sitting in their seats was all that could be heard before the Count wasted no time in beginning his speech.

"I would like to welcome you all to our first official Assembly of Harnaidan—acting as a temporary establishment for our parliament in the meantime," Dooku began. "For those of you who pledged yesteryear, you are most likely surprised to see that almost every seat in our gathering is now occupied." He took a moment to scan the whole amphitheater. "We have made stunning progress compared to what we started with just barely two years ago. One year after the Confederacy of Independent Systems was established, the amount of chairmen we had I could barely count on two hands. A year later, it doubles, but unsteadily, and those who pledged seemed somewhat shaky. Now, just two weeks after the labor strike on Geonosis, the number of chairs occupied in our parliament has tripled in the number combined of the previous years since the Confederacy has been established."

Nova and those around her began to clap raucously, followed quickly by other cabinet members—echoing loudly throughout the room for a good solid minute before the Count finally indicated for them to stop. They all managed to have it die down, but with hesitation. There was already buzzing excitement bubbling within the council even before the topic of the meeting had been discussed.

"Do not let your sky-high enthusiasm pull you all by your reigns," the Count said in an almost killjoy manner. He seemed to be looking directly at Nova when he said that, as if she had instigated the whole thing. "It is excellent news, but we must remain pragmatic and logical for the topic of today's meeting—which absolutely none of you knew what we would be talking about.

Nova mentally guessed Geonosis, but it didn't quite make sense in the context the Count was addressing.

"It's not Geonosis," Dooku said, seeming to know what everyone was thinking.

"T'ank god," Nova heard Gunray mutter nearby. Haako and a couple others snickered quietly.

"For the past week or two, Geonosis has been the central topic of our meetings, and as integral and important it is for us to talk about and take action, at this point, I feel that we must also branch out to the other situations which Geonosis is greatly influencing." He paused for a moment, reflecting on what he just said. "Do not listen to what the media is saying about the debacle. They're trying to dismiss that a war has in fact just begun, and will spread to other planets and systems in due time. Geonosis will shortly no longer be a contained hotspot for conflict. As a matter of fact, what could be possibly affected by this Battle is the topic I would like to discuss for today's assembly. Today, I would like to address the current situation of the settlement on Hypori."

His announcement was met with an uneasy silence. It seemed that all the new members had no idea what the Count was talking about, and those that knew seemed befuddled about why it was this topic, out of everything, was being brought up.

Dooku didn't look surprised by the reaction. "How many of you have ever heard of Hypori?"

Only a few hands were raised, including Nova's—and begrudgingly, Gunray's. Other than her and a small group she knew personally, most of the individuals occupying the seats remained still.

"I should not be surprised," the Count affirmed. "Let me give you a brief synopsis of what Hypori is and the events taking place there."

Nova and many others sat back in their seats, pulling up their data pads from their desks, ready for notetaking. She saw Bonteri pulling hers out diligently, watching Dooku with great intent.

"Hypori is a hydrothermal planet located in the Outer Rim Territories," the Count commenced. "It shares a near-similar axis with Geonosis, as well as a analogous landscape and geological formation. Hypori is important in many regards: The first being is it being the location of a major Techno Droid Union factory, as well as being the headquarters—which we hope to transfer somewhere else in due time. The second reason is the fleeing Geonosians from their home planet have decided to make this planet their residency, as its landscape shares some familiarity with their own and they can be employed under the Droid Union Factory."

"Will they be receiving pensions?" an Iotrian senator intervened.

Dooku remained undeterred. "Most likely, and, unlike when they were employed under Republic rule, we will establish plans regarding superannuation for the employees in the near-future."

The senator and a few others nodded their heads keenly.

"Back to what I was saying, the third reason Hypori is important is because we also have an established military post out there right near the Geonosian camps. The post was sent there the same time the Geonosian's established their residencies. This is the first time the Confederacy has done an operation such as this before."

Bonteri raised her hand. "If you don't mind me by asking Count, but is Hypori a known territory to the Republic? The reason I ask is because you speak of there being Separatist militia on the planet."

"An interesting question, and it's one I was about to answer—though admittedly not completely without seeing how fate rears its head. The Republic at this point most likely figured there would be expatriates fleeing from Geonosis to any nearby world, and what better one would that be than one that hasn't bene touched by Republican hands that just happens to also be an Outer Rim world?"

The reaction of his statement was mixed, but it manifested as skepticism for a good portion of the senators, excluding Nova.

"What information do we have regarding this?" A Twi'lek asked him without hesitating.

"Do we have communication from someone who is currently down there?" asked a Duros right afterwards.

Before questions could be bombarded, the Count cut through, leaving everyone to quickly fall silent.

"I can understand all this…interrogation," the Count put tastelessly, "Now listen. This is a very complicated matter. The Geonosian's fleeing the planet were sent with one of our armada, lead by two capable individuals. One happens to be an Acolyte, trained as an assassin and user of the Force, as well as a Commander in our Armies. The other is, how shall I saw, an ex-veteran of a war on his ravaged home planet, a survivor of an ion bomb the Jedi planted on his ship when returning to help his family. He is a General of our Droid Armies"

Mixes of surprise, shock, and "oh dear's" littered the room from those who had not heard the story before, which happened to be hundreds of people as Nova discovered, who were speaking amongst themselves with slander towards the Republic and sympathy for the man who suffered.

"I wonder how on Earth he survived," she heard Bonteri comment quietly. "That's quite incredible." Then, amongst the others, she asked the Count "Is this individual a cyborg?"

Her apparently strange question went overheard, yet many people stopped whispering to pick up on what she had asked. The Count smiled, and requested her to ask her question again, though Nova had a feeling he had heard her quite well.

"Is he cybernetic?" she asked.

The answer was a second of silent contemplation, before some people around them began to laugh quietly, and before she knew it seemed almost everyone around was reacting in some unusual way to what Nova thought was a normal question. It appeared to these people that having a cyborg be a capable General was too absurd for the senator to assume. The chain-reaction was so quick she wondered if there were some deep prejudices being concealed that had been released by some innocuous inquiry, or they were going along with the others.

"Why, yes he is."

That response pierced into the noise, swiftly stopping the amusement from continuing. Everyone seemed to turn and look at the Count as if he had told them he was going to slaughter their families.

"He's mostly cybernetic. In fact, there isn't much left of what was him originally, and what there is beneath his new alloy physique are organs, his face, and his own mind."

The silence that pervaded his response was surreal. Nobody made a sound as they slowly processed what he had just told everyone. Well, exempt people like Nova who had heard and learned this way before. Still, she found herself sitting absolutely still to not break what had to be the eeriest reticence she had found herself in.

Dooku seemed to not notice this at all, or even care. "But, that's not stopping him from having immense potential. I think you will all find out in the near-future."

Nobody questioned or small-talked the issue.

"Now, this General and Commander and their armada are guarding the Geonosian outpost on Hypori. What we need to discuss is plans for if there happens to be any future conflict on this planet. Wat Tambor, our Techno Droid Supervisor, has sat through several meetings with me and other authoritarian individuals to discuss this probability, in which we configure is a rather high one."

"What!?" Gunray's acidic voice suddenly sputtered through the stoic quietness.

Dooku turned a glaring stare up at the Viceroy.

"Is there something you'd like to debate, non-Senator?"

Though Nova could only see the back of his head, she could feel the Viceroy's cold glower shooting directly back at the Count.

"It does not matter if I am a Senator or no," Gunray snarled rancorously. "I am a member of the Separatist Council, and I possess as much autonomy as the rest do, if not more."

There was a cold tenseness saturating the area, though nobody else spoke outright.

"Care to say something worthwhile?" the Count jabbed. "Or are you going to continue fooling yourself in front of the rest of us? It's both infuriatingly time-consuming yet also provides the weekly entertainment."

The Viceroy, completely out of character, did not suddenly burst a blood vessel and go on a harsh outburst. Instead, he composed himself still, resting his hands on his lap, and spoke with taciturnity.

"I believe t'at instead of pooling many of our resources onto Hypori, where I have recently heard Captain Lushros Dofine departed due to undisclosed reasoning, an' lost many precious droid stock whilst on Geonosis. Now combine t'is with t'e stock t'at will be produced from t'e droid factory, as well as what t'e Geonosians brought with t'em, do we really need to sacrifice more resources? We should focus on advancing outwards toward other Outer Rim Systems before t'e Republic comes and intercepts wit' t'ese territories."

The Count gave a small nod.

"Fine points made, Viceroy Nute Gunray," the Count commended distantly. "Yet I need to explain why we worry about an outbreak of conflict on Hypori. From what we gather, the Republicans are most likely figuring the whereabouts of this Geonosian colony—but I think what is interesting them is the military force that accompanied this colony that was not on their own record. The Republic has been keeping secure grips in terms of cooling down rebellions and outsider attempts to establish a 'dissenter militia'. Since we have outposts on Hypori, the Republic is most likely not going to take the chance to let it slide by their radar. They know that since war has been declared, they must stand their ground and try to eliminate any outsider threat that questions their influence."

"Don't you think, Count," a Zabrak senator asked quite sensibly, "that many people are ignorant on this war? The Republic is most likely going to have a firm victory on Geonosis. We're having to retreat our paramilitaries from that planet because we are not faring well. We've had to disperse our services wherever there is Confederate support. My point is, do you think there is enough support from general populaces in order for us to gain a threshold in this conflict?"

Dooku pondered over the query briefly, but from his posture, it appeared he had an answer on the tip of his tongue.

"I'd think from the amount of new senators we have sitting here today is proof that there are several systems and colonies that have had to keep their ideologies hidden from the Republic, but it is not something known to the general masses. The media is making it sound like this is a simple conflict that the Republic has already resolved. I think that, in order to stir an influence, we must win a battle before we can think of further implementation."

The response to his theory was of mixed reaction. Nova, herself wasn't quite sure what she could say on the issue, and glancing over at Bonteri's face, she could see her furrow her brow. It was becoming obvious the woman was not one for war. For Nova, herself, war was almost a second nature to her. Growing up in the barracks of a poverty-stricken colonial planet of Neimoidia had left her with many experiences and perceptions, yet what it did not do what pacify her. Her home planet of Kattada had yet to alliance itself with an autonomous governing body, and from the outlook of where the Confederacy was heading, she could sense that there was a possibility for the Colonies to finally form a coalition.

What she debated internally was whether this was meant for the better.

"Winning a war sounds like a rathe high expenditure to pay just to gain trust from different planets," the Twi'lek from before brought forth. "I am not sure it is wise to spend the money to gain public interest."

"Most of our expenditure is going towards our military," Dooku enunciated. "This is crucial if we're going to engage. And let me make this clear—by gaining forth the confidence from both media and the public, to let voices be heard and not stifled, we would gain an interest of having people join our military. A general interest from the populations also means funding from the governments that would be aligning with us."

The Twi'lek sat there still, thinking over the situation.

"If we're going to establish power, we need to proceed with an action that helps gain it."

"You don't find this rather impetuous?" The Twi'lek suddenly queried, nearly interrupting the Count.

"Don't you know what could happen if we do not engage in this tryst with the Republic?" the Count suddenly spoke with acrimony. He began to pace slowly, orating articulately.

"The Republic is beginning to notice that there is a disturbance. They know that there is an outsider rebellion that is a real legitimate threat to their governing body. Their dismissal of it being a simple riot because of lack of Union support was mostly done as a cover-up for the mass media, which is of course mainly in their grasp, and if it isn't, leaning sharply in their favor.

Now, they are seeing that there's autonomous military activity occurring on Hypori and around there. They're going to want to investigate, and because they have been keeping up such a good image with the masses lately, are going to try and intervene with this operation. They must have figures out by know those incursion of battle droids are going toward our army. I do think that they would not have quite known about us at this point if those two Jedi had not committed espionage on Geonosis."

Scattered murmurs occurred amongst them, yet this time Nova did not partake. She had heard about the Jedi spies, and their failure to be properly trialed. She wasn't surprised either, that the Republic was attempting to take further action and halt their operations.

She did have to keep reminding herself, however, that War had just begun.

And that it was now in their complete decision whether they should instigate another Battle.

"But furthermore—" the Count continued, cutting swiftly through their murmuring and Nova's thoughts, "If we do not take action and let the Republic bring forth military action without us fighting back, we would lose a great supplier and would cut our military by over half. The losing of the droid factory and the labor would mean lack of economic stability within this established Confederacy.

"If we engage in battle, this could lead to two very positive outcomes. First, we keep our settlement and the Droid factory, as well as the planet of Hypori for future Confederate enterprise, as well as a possible base—but I will not look too far forward yet. Second, the winning of this battle would grant a victory toward an autonomous government outside of Republic control. It would carry an incredible impact within this Galaxy. A victory for an autonomous government would mean more faith and curiosity arising from the general peoples. It would also cement the faith that there is possibility to rebel against a corrupt government—as many people have called the Republic into questioning."

He fell quiet, but nobody else knew quite what to say. It had been a well-articulated response, a talent the Count exceeded in. It seemed that many of the other senators were considered what he had to say. The points seemed to make clear sense to Nova, before Bonteri, herself confidently came to question.

"What if we lose this battle?" she asked.

The Count stopped in his pacing, and turned to keep a steady stare at the Senator, seeming to look at her as if she spoke heresy.

"A questioning of if we'll lose this battle," the Count stated gradually.

"Because the Republic could bring forth a formidable armed force," Bonteri continued, "that is more grounded than what we may be able to pull together."

"My dear," the Count said, somewhat more aggressively. He never called anyone such a moniker if he wasn't flushed with irritation. "We also have an equally capable militia. If the battle droid factory on that planet isn't enough for cover, we also have two Separatist leaders situated on that planet that could strategies to wipe out three times an army larger than what the Republic normally commands. My acolyte, Ventress, has served under me longer and more efficiently than any other one I have ever had. I would not make such broad claims if I lacked confidence on how the tables will turn."

Something in his voice wavered, and it became intangibly obvious that further questioning on the matter was not merited for acceptance. Bonteri held her ground.

"If we do lose this battle, Count, where are we to send our armies and reinforcements?"

Nova would have expected the Count to ignore the inquiry of sheer frustration, but much to her surprise, he responded.

"If we are to lose this Battle, senator—then we shall agree to send them here to Harnaidan to amalgamate with our base here. I will certainly hope we shall not fail so miserably, or else the integrity I hold for our Confederacy shall drop significantly."

There was a quiet acknowledgement that the topic of losing was not to be taken in hand and Bonteri accepted his answer, though Nova could perceive it was not as fulfilling as she would have liked.

"Nonetheless, I hold far too much pride in our Separatist leaders to even consider the thought that we shall fail."

He didn't observe the gauche silence, and instead commenced with the question Nova was deeply dreading.

"Do I have approval that we issue the militaries of Hypori to go forth with this plan?"

It was a rather odd question from the start. It seemed that the Senate starting out in this Confederacy carried little weight in top-tier decisions, gathering from what Nova could exemplify of past verdicts made without them knowing until far later. From conversation she had initiated and ones she overheard, there was this strange lack of power they seemed to hold on the current events. Nonetheless, she had hopes that there would be change in that regard. With all the multiple individuals she saw sitting alongside her, she ostensibly believed that there would be a greater contribution from them in the future—at least, she passionately hoped so.

The Count, for the most part, seemed correct in his surmises. A win for their coalition meant newfound hope for a new government, for more trust and funding to go in their name. It also meant that there was going to be a long, tumultuous, bloody trail that followed suit. A win in a battle meant promise, but it didn't guarantee a finale.

And yet, it felt right. They could stride forth with confidence or slink back with their tails between their legs. Too much pride and restlessness filled her breast to consider the latter. She wanted there to be change. She wanted to kick the Republic hard where it hurt, to give the galaxy new identities and to change its path.

Nova was the first to raise her hand. She didn't know how else to express it so, and held it up rather awkwardly.

This guided attention towards her quickly.

"Does anybody else follow agreements with our Senator of Neimoidia?" the Count probed quietly.

There was unspoken tension, glances exchanged that signified apprehension. She kept her arm temporarily raised, left to be examined by the others. After a moment's hesitation, a male Duros raised his, quietly whispering under his breath. The Ithorian next to him shook her head and slowly raised hers, followed by another Neimoidian, then an Iotrian, and pretty soon, it was almost a field of raised arms filling the room accompanied by the cacophonic chorus of debate and affirmations. Bonteri kept her limbs down, almost slinking herself behind the tall Muun sitting in front of her. Nova could conclude she was mainly the odd one out, unless there were others hiding themselves as well as she was.

"I am sincerely satisfied that there is as much approval towards this decision." The Count approved. "It seems that we have to come to the agreement that we shall keep our settlement on Hypori and engage the Republic. I appreciate you find it more logical than running away to hide all over the Galaxy. This is not how we establish rebellions. Ou sancitify that you put your faith in our highly-trained Separatist leaders."

He scanned over the amphitheater of chairs, before giving one last affirmative nod of his head.

"Our final verdict has been made. You are all dismissed."

…

Nova sat in the back of a café with two fellow colleagues she had befriended years back—a slender female Muun who worked as a Financial Manager for the Banking Systems of Harnaidan, and a green skinned Duros-Neimoidian whose sole occupation was being an officer. Nova had invited them for caffeinated beverages in hope that it would ease out her tensions, and that she could relax and gossip freely.

Unfortunately, their inquires of what she had spent her day doing only lead her friends to become tensely political after she had responded honestly. Both just happened to have some government affiliation with the Confederacy that meant they knew about everything she discussed. Nova was almost amazed by hoe dedicated her girlfriends were. Both were Separatists to the max, and both seemed to research and know there ways around when it came to their politics and general knowledge about their government.

The sunshine from earlier had merely disappeared, replaced with dark stormy clouds and rain that thundered like machinery against the rooftops. The storm from many weeks ago had finally made its return, and it wasn't helping in lightening up the moods of the whoever was subjected to it.

"I don't understand why the Count is being so impetuous with the decision of fighting the Republic head-on," her Muun friend, Saraj Manivera, expressed. "Can he just prognosticate the future? He's so sure that we'll win it sounds like he's blinded by what he hopes rather than what's realistic."

"I don't know," the Durosian-Neimoidian officer Nikonn Para said, "but he's probably confident for a reason. He's probably worked out some kind of deal with that Skakoan supervisor of the Techno Droid Union to supply him with more droids in aids of this crisis. That's probably why they were desperate for the Geonosians to get to Hypori as soon as possible."

Manivera snickered. "I wouldn't be surprised." She balanced a hand-rolled cigar on her maw and lit it carefully. "Nova, I want you to tell me something I don't know."

The Neimoidian senator rested her balled knuckle below her chin, watching dozily as her friend slowly inhaled her cigar before drawing out an impressively long, thin strand of blue smoke. '

Manivera acknowledged her feat with a small nod and titter before asking her question. "Who is this General the Count was talking about? I hear the titles but I'm not sure who they are. Do you?"

Nova was surprised to hear the statement coming from her well-rounded friend.

"I don't know either," Para admitted, "but I haven't been called on duty yet, so I haven't had much of a chance to learn."

"Oh," Nova said, sitting quite upright. "You must mean t'e cyborg Dooku talks about."

"Yes, him," the Muun confirmed. "The Count seems to be putting so much faith into him. "

"The General you're asking about is named Grievous—General Grievous," she quickly corrected. "He's the Supreme Commander of the Droid Armies."

Manivera narrowed her eyes, slowly drawing in another puff of smoke.

"I know I've heard that name before," she said vaguely.

"Probably because you heard the Count or someone else say it," Para joshed, stealing a cigar from Manivera's purse. Her response was a playful slap from the Muun.

"Of course I've heard people say it," Manivera spoke matter-of-factly. "I know I've San Hill, himself speak it—but I swear I've heard it from somewhere else."

Nova took a small sip of her beverage—spiked with hints of Dokaii alcohol she stashed in her purse. She had a feeling she was going to need the boost.

"Well, maybe you saw him at some point, after all you're involved in t'e niched financial sector," Nova proposed. "He worked for San Hill for a considerable time."

The Muun's eyes suddenly widened to dinner-plate circumference, setting her drink down so intensely it chipped the porcelain of the cup.

"That Loan Officer kid who worked for Hill!" Manivera exclaimed. "Yes, yes I know now who you are talking about."

Both Para and Nova looked at the Muun with interest, Nova especially.

"So you did know him," the Neimoidian said, partially as a question.

Manivera nodded. "Oh yes, I know about Grievous, though Hill never spoke about what happened to him after he disappeared for a considerable time." The Muun sat back and her eyes glassily shone, as if imagining herself right at the moment she was discussing. "He was that tall fellow from some strange Outer Rim world. I cannot remember which one."

"Did you know him well," Para inquired, taking a long draw of her cigar.

"Not particularly," Manivera said, "but I think I remember him because he was rather strange. I remember me and colleagues would wonder why he had such a sordid name, but Hill never disclosed this information. I remember…" she paused for a moment, trying to gather her memories into place. "he wasn't particularly liked by Hill. I remember he was always dressed in white from head to toe—and his eyes. My gods! They were the shiniest yellow embers you could ever lay gaze to."

"Are you sure you didn't have a crush on him?" Para teased.

"No," Manivera replied very seriously. "It's a fact. They were like ambers!"

Nova chuckled heartily. "Oh, you're not wrong in t'at regard."

"So you've seen him?" Manivera asked with intensity.

"Yes. I and many others met him many weeks ago on Geonosis."

"Does he still dress in white from head to foot?"

"Hah, he may not be wearing white, but he's white from head to toe, to face."

Manivera looked rather amused, but there was still that twinkle in her eye that signified curiosity. "So he still wears the mask…"

"The one with the dark red stripes behind the eyes and along the cheekbones?"

"Oh, yes." The Muun sighed reminiscently. "I remember that vividly, too. No other species I know wore something quite like it." Suddenly a muscle in her cheek twitched and she was sitting quite upright. "Wait, this is the cyborg General we're talking about?"

"Well, yes—" Nova said, now remembering they were talking about the Droid General."

Manivera almost covered her mouth in astonishment, but realized she had a cigar sticking out of her mouth and didn't want to burn herself doing so.

"What happened? I can't believe this is the same individual."

Nova orated to her friends the whole story, everything including Grievous' home planet of Kalee being under a horribly tumultuous war, how Grievous began working for the IGBC to fund for his home planet, and the shuttle that crashed from Republican sabotage. Both women stared at her with wide, unblinking eyes as she discoursed.

"Oh that's horrible," Para exclaimed after Nova was finished. "I hope those Republicans who placed that bomb rot in the lower pits."

"You and I, sister," Manivera agreed. "I had no idea. I assumed he just quit. Oh, that is awful Nova."

"Indeed," the Neimoidian settled, "but he's alive, and is now our Supreme Commander. He's t'e General t'at's currently on Hypori wit' t'at Sith Assassin."

"Commander Ventress? The hairless harpy?" Manivera asked. Both of her friends suddenly laughed boisterously. "They have lightsaber wielders fighting in this war as Commanders?"

Nova nodded, forcing herself to smile faintly, taking a swig of her drink to hide the faint green blush occurring in her cheeks.

"Oh now that's just crazy," Para alleged after she had calmed her amusement."They need to have someone who is trained in militia combat and firearm, not with a lightsaber and a some dabblings into unseen energy. She is an acolyte of the Count, not a fighter."

"I beg to differ—"

"Right," Manivera interrupted. "At least we have the General there as a counterbalance."

"Ah," Nova began to chuckle anxiously "About t'at—"

"Oh no!" the Muun exclaimed. "Are you insinuating that the Count is using his time to train the droid General in the 'lightsaber arts'?"

"Um well," Nova was blushing now. "Yes."

Manivera began to laugh rowdily once more, coughing up smoke in raspy gasps. Other patrons of the café began glancing back at them with indicated frustration. Para merely shook her head and frowned.

"These are the people the Count want us to rely on," the officer said, very unconvinced. "This isn't even funny. He's delusional."

The Muun forced herself to calm down after the manager attending the juice bar shot her a warning look. She placed her long fingers to her thin chest and gained composure.

"Dear Para is right," Manivera commenced. "I do not know why he relies on practices so antiquarian. They do not hold up with modern technology and advances."

Nova felt herself becoming rather frustrated by how her friend's stances had seemed to change on the whim. She felt that if they had actually know the people they were gossiping about, sans the Count, that they might be of much better understanding of where these people were coming from.

"I think you two are wrong, and I'm not holding myself back from saying it," the Neimoidian spoke up. "You have never even seen t'ese people in combat, let alone how t'ey are vigorously trained. Do you really t'ink t'e Count would set two incompetent individuals out to fight? I don't really t'ink it is wise to hastily jump to conclusions."

The Muun finished up her smoking and lay it down on the glass ashtray at the center of their table. She looked at Nova in an unreadable manner.

"I'm surprised you're defending them."

"And I'm surprised you're antagonizing t'em," Nova shot back.

Both Para and Manivera were staring at her with grim fascination, wondering why she was acting the way she was. She was normally so laid-back and quiet around them it didn't seem like she should be arguing back.

Para almost looked like she wanted to use her foul military vocabulary upon her, but she remained quite calm, even if her eyes were ablaze. Nova couldn't decipher of this was because of her of because of the thought of having respect towards two individuals whom she thought followed inferior practices.

"He's probably not even Forceful if he's a cyborg," Para uttered indignantly. "I don't get it."

"Neither do I," Manivera sighed, this time holding a cigarillo to her lips before lighting it. "But for now, it just seems we'll have to come to terms that the fate of the Confederacy rests on the shoulders of the Droid General and the Bald White Witch."

.