Chapter 31 – Interlude pt.3

Core Worlds – Chandrila

Hanna City – Chandrilian Parliament Building

Sinjir Rath Velus – POV

"We have received word that their shuttle has departed from their flagship. They should be here in a few minutes, Prime Minister." The junior aid was clearly nervous about the whole situation. But to his credit he was doing his job to the best of his ability while maintaining a moderate form of composure.

Next to him was Prime Minister Taerve Uni, the current head of state for the world of Chandrila. The woman was in her late sixties and was dressed in the typical Chandrilan robes that were adorned to reflect her political position. Her robes were a combination of intricate blue and woven gold and her golden headdress was expertly fixed within her greying hair as it shone in the light of the sun on this clear and cloudless day.

Taerve Uni nodded her understanding and thanks to the aide as she watched the sky with clear intent and focus. "What is the current status of their fleet?" She asked without looking directly at her aide.

The man paused for a second before answering. "Unchanged, Prime Minister. Our sensors and observers count two dozen Resurgent-class star destroyers in orbit around the planet. A further ten Imperial class ships were originally there as well. But they seem to have been dispersed across the star system. In addition, four interdictor cruisers are around the planet and a further two have taken up position on the main hyperspace lanes in and out of the system."

"Sensors also indicate that fighters have been launched from the fleet. But they seem to simply be taking up a patrolling route." The aide reported while leaving the obvious (for now) left unsaid.

The Prime Minister seemed to stare at the sky even more intently. "What is the latest update on the people? How are they reacting to the news?" She asked.

The aide consulted his datapad before replying. It was linked to the planet wide holonet and was receiving updates by the minute. "For the most part the planet is quiet. There has been some rioting and social unrest due to the people involved being gripped by panic. The local law enforcement has been dispatched to these zones and are working to calm them and keep the regions under control. But the majority of the population is remaining quiet and out of sight. Schools, Businesses and most transportation services have been suspended as per your instructions and the parliament have approved the need for additional forces to be on standby." He reported.

Taerve Uni nodded for a final time and once again turned her attention to the sky.

Sinjir Rath Velus watched the situation unfold in front of him as he stood behind and to the left of the Prime Minister.

The former Imperial loyalty officer had been living on Chandrila since the battle of Jakku and the end of the Galactic Civil War. He had been invited to remain on the world by (at the time) Supreme Chancellor Mon Mothma as an advisor for the Chandrilan Parliament and the New Republic senate when the capital had been based on the planet.

Life had not been easy for a while. Despite Chandrila and Mon Mothma's public declaration that former Imperials would not be subjected to reprisals. The truth (as it so often was) was different. With the New Republic often condemning all former Imperials as war criminals, whether they had personally committed any such crimes or not. It had made life hard at times. Particularly as a former loyalty officer who was hated by the New Republic and former Imperials.

But with time and dedication he had managed to overcome the obstacles and the stigma. And was now living a comfortable life as possible as an advisor to the Chandrilian government. This was made all the better when he had settled down with his husband Conder Kyl, who had since been named chief of the Digital Warfare Department

But now that life was likely going to be upset.

Chandrila had been a founding member of the Old Republic, a backer of the Rebel Alliance and one of the founding worlds of the New Republic as well as its first capital.

A history of accomplishment, historical achievement and a firm adherence to the tenant's and ideals of democracy. And coincidently a source of great pride from the Chandrilian people.

But now that legacy and image might very well be their undoing.

The destruction of Hosnian Prime had sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy. But before the people could even begin to process the cataclysm that had happened. Reports had begun to come in of vast First Order fleets moving through Republic space.

This news had sent the people into a state of terror. But it was only increased when the outer systems had reported that a massive First Order armada was seen in the inner core. They were moving from planet to planet enforcing their surrender, and their trajectory showed that they were heading straight for Chandrila.

This news had caused the normally tranquil and reserved planet to almost implode in fear.

The First Order was after all the successor state to the Galactic Empire. Chandrila had been opposed to the Empire since its inception. Discreetly backing the Rebel Alliance and finally turning on the Empire to help form the New Republic.

Their own citizen and senator Mon Mothma had been the leader of the Rebellion and served as the New Republic's first Chancellor.

The people had thought that the Empire was beaten and destroyed. That the fear of Imperial reprisal was a thing of the past. They had laughed and cheered and had congratulated themselves on helping the glorious rebellion overthrow the tyrannical regime.

But now the Empire had been resurrected in the form of the First Order. Now suddenly the people of Chandrila were forced to consider that they might be facing severe consequences for their actions.

The destruction of Hosnian Prime had showed that the First Order (like the Empire before it) had no problems destroying entire planets in order to gain a military advantage or to simply prove a point.

What would they do to a world that had defied them and everything they stood for years longer than Hosnian Prime had?!

For the better part of a day, the citizens had lived in terror that any moment they might look up and see a burning beam of death heading straight for their planet. That they and their planet would all die in an instant, and that there was nothing they could do about it.

After all, Chandrila (along with almost every other planet in the galaxy) had traced the trajectory of the great red beam that had destroyed the Hosnian system. They had found the First Order's secret planet killer weapon. The few who had access to the secret Resistance channels had heard them claim that the First Order's weapon had been destroyed or at least disabled.

But all reports indicated that the weapon was still intact. True the planet was clearly undergoing intense seismic activity. But the world (and more importantly the weapon) was still clearly visible. The weapon might be disabled for the moment, but there was no way to confirm it would remain that way for long.

This had led the citizens of the galaxy to live in fear of being the next target or simply the next test of its capabilities.

But then the news had reached them of the approaching fleet.

This had led to some feelings of relief as it was pretty clear that the First Order was not planning to destroy them utterly as they had Hosnian Prime. But then that had quickly been replaced by fear of what the First Order would do to them once their fleet arrived.

Being a world with an almost religious zeal for diplomacy and pacifism. Chandrila had no military fleet to act in their defence. The most they had were some patrol ships used to prevent smuggling. Against a full First Order fleet, they would provide as much resistance as a pebble would to an earthquake.

Sinjir almost laughed as he considered that fact and the knowledge that it had been him who had helped pass through Mon Mothma's Military Disarmament Act years ago. Scrapping most of the New Republic fleet and vastly reducing military spending.

They were probably going to pay for that little bit of idealistic idiocy.

He had long since stopped caring about governments, causes or ideology of any kind. Empire and New Republic meant little and less to him and had not even mattered when he had travelled with the rebels lead by Norra Wexley.

He had simply followed out of boredom and the fact that he had nowhere else to go. Later he had continued to help because he had grown fond of the group. Rather than out of any loyalty to the New Republic. He had been done with all of that.

Even now, with a fleet of star destroyers hanging in orbit. He found he was unable to give a damn about the political or ideological implications.

Right now, his only concern was how this was going to affect his life and that of his husband.

Some people. His old friends and allies among them might call him blind, short-sighted, uncaring or apathetic. And maybe he was these things. But in truth he would rather be this then marching of to die for some cause.

His thoughts were interrupted by the founds of engines and he looked up to see the Xi-class light shuttle descending on the landing platform of the Parliament building that the Chandrilan delegation had been waiting.

The shuttle was emblazoned with the symbol of the First Order on the wings and as it descended two TIE fighters were accompanying it on the flanks. When the shuttle landed the TIE fighters pulled away and took up a circling patrol rout around the building. Out of the way but within reach if anything happened.

The delegation straightened up and prepared themselves. In a few seconds the shuttle ramp lowered and a number of First Order personnel walked out of the ship and on to the landing platform.

The man walking in front was clearly an officer. He was in his early thirties and was clean shaven with slicked back black hair. He was wearing the standard black uniform of the First Order, complete with gloves and military cap.

Behind him marched a personal guard of six stormtroopers clad in their iconic white armour. They marched with clear uniformity and their discipline was impeccable.

As the First Order people marched towards them, Sinjir could see that the assembled Chandrilan delegation were looking like they were getting ready to negotiate with him. He rolled his eyes at their naivety.

This man might be a competent officer but he was too young to make these negotiations for the submission for a planet. Much less one as important, politically and symbolically as Chandrila. The Empire would never allow a person of such limited experience handle these talks.

He knew this. But he also knew that the First Order commander (whoever they were) would not be stupid enough to come down to a hostile planet and place himself in potential danger from the natives. No, he would make arrangements to handle these negotiations from a safe distance while also ensuring they went according to his design.

As the officer came to stand in front of the Prime Minister he stood at ease and the six stormtroopers came to a halt with their blaster rifles held at rest but clearly ready to fire if need be.

The officer did not salute as he would a superior officer. Instead he simply inclined his head in a gesture of greeting and clasped his hands behind his back. "Prime Minister Taerve Uni. I am Captain Mervelo of the First Order. I have come to open negotiations on behalf of Admiral Mozen and the Supreme Leader." He recited with the clearly rehearsed words.

The Prime Minister moved forward. "Captain, you have entered our system with no confirmation of your intentions and with a large military force at your disposal. Before we continue any further, I need assurances that my people and world will not be attacked by that fleet while negotiations are being discussed." The minister said firmly in a tone that did its best to not acknowledge the sheer gap in power each side had in this moment.

The Captain did not seem surprised or affronted by the question. Clearly it was something that had been expected. "Admiral Mozen, commander of the 2nd Fleet has instructed me to assure you that the Fleet is currently on stand by and all weapons are powered down. The status of Chandrila is currently in question and as such is not considered an enemy of the First Order."

Captain Mervelo paused for a brief moment before continuing. "Whether or not Chandrila's relationship with the First Order will change is something that will be determined by our negotiations." He said, the threat clear in his words even if his tone did not change.

The Chandrilan delegation heard the implication as well. But despite the situation they did not flinch, or shiver or show any outward sign of discomfort or fear. On a world that held politics and negotiation as almost part of its culture, it helped the people mask their feelings.

The Prime Minister nodded her understanding. "Then will you please join me and my staff in my office. We can begin the negotiations there." She offered as she stood to the side and gestured for him and his soldiers to come with them.

Taerve Uni - POV

Soon both group of people found themselves inside the personal office of the Prime Minister of Chandrila.

Once the Prime Minister was seated behind her desk. Captain Mervelo pulled out a pocket-sized hologram projector and placed it on the floor in front of the desk.

After a few seconds, the projector activated and an image of a blue tinged figure appeared in front of them. The figure was depicted sitting down in a command chair with his black Admiral's greatcoat splayed out and his military cap with the First Order emblem clearly shown.

He was a human male in his early forties, he was sitting in his dress blacks with his blonde hair neatly combed back and his neatly styled full blond beard extended past his chin. His narrow jaw and cheeks gave him an almost gaunt look that was enhanced by the stern expression on his face as he regarded Prime Minister Taerve Uni with cold blue eyes.

After a few moments, the conversation began. "Prime Minister Taerve Uni of Chandrila. I am Admiral Mozen of the First Order and commander of the 2nd Fleet. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me to discuss the situation." He said with a tone that was polite but certainly not friendly.

The Prime Minister regarded him with a gaze of pure professionalism. Making it clear she intended to give him his due as the envoy of a foreign power. But that she did not enjoy his presence on her world or in her office. "And invitation become hard to disregard when it is accompanied by a fleet of warships, Admiral." She replied in a tone that was just shy of being snide.

Admiral Mozen made no indication that he was offended by the tone or the slight condemnation. Instead he proceeded with the matter at hand. "Prime Minister, as you are well aware. Due to the attacks inflicted on the First Order by the Resistance and the failure of the Senate to respond to our just ultimatum. A state of war now exists between the First Order and the New Republic." Mozen paused as he recited what was already common knowledge.

Taerve Uni nodded her understanding. "As you say we are well informed of the current goings on in the galaxy, Admiral. In fact, I doubt that many in the Core would be unaware of what has happened. A large number of systems were able to view your attack on Hosnian Prime by simply looking out their window." She said with no indication in her voice of how she personally viewed the mentioned action.

Admiral Mozen inclined his head to show he had registered her words, then continued. "While we offer our condolences for your senator who died in the attack on Hosnian Prime. The fact remains that Chandrila was still an active member in the New Republic when the ultimatum was issued. Several worlds contacted us before and after the attack to announce their secession from the New Republic and their requests for the protection of the First Order. However, Chandrila has not made their intentions or their stance clear to the wider galaxy."

"So, I am here to resolve this matter and clarify the issue." Mozen summarized while he looked at the Prime Minister pointedly.

"I need Chandrila to clearly state its position, Prime Minister." He said simply. "The New Republic has all but fallen. If Chandrila intends to declare its withdrawal from the New Republic. Or if it still intends to standby the New Republic government." He concluded with his hands resting on his chair's armrests as he stared at the Prime Minister with all the intensity and focus as a laser beam.

The tension in the room increased noticeably as all the assembled Chandrilan advisors felt their breathing hitch and their heart beats increase. Meanwhile the First Order captain and soldiers visibly tensed as if expecting combat to break out any second.

Sinjir watched the situation unfold with no small amount of concern. True he might not give a damn about wider causes. He would not mind either way if Chandrila was united with the New Republic or overseen by the First Order. But he did care deeply about his loved ones and their happiness. And he knew that the majority of his old friends would not be eager to see Chandrila fall to the First Order.

Still, there was nothing he could do about that right now, so he simply continued to observe.

Prime Minister Taerve Uni was silent for a moment as she poured herself a glass of water and drank deeply. It might seem like she was unconcerned. But Sinjir recognised it for the delaying tactic it was. The Prime Minister was trying to gain extra time to think. Even if it was only a few extra seconds, it could make all the difference.

The Minister placed the glass back down, faced the Admiral and replied. "You ask me to clarify the intentions of my world Admiral. You ask me to confirm where we now stand on the matter of war. Before I do so, I must ask you for a clarification." She asked with her feelings obscured.

"You have asked me to declare my planets political stance. It is true we were a member of the Old Republic and the New Republic from both of their inceptions. It is true that we have been an active member of the New Republic up to the present. What would your intentions be if I proclaimed that Chandrila remained a member of the New Republic?"

Admiral Mozen did not react beyond a narrowing of his icy blue eyes. "If you maintain Chandrila's position as a member of the New Republic then you will be identified as a hostile planet allied to an enemy power during times of war. With this being the case, it would be my duty to turn my fleet against Chandrila." He stated with simple bluntness.

To the Prime Minister's credit, she did not cower at the implication. Instead she simply continued to regard the Admiral coolly. "To what end, Admiral?" She asked and then clarified. "You say you would be forced to turn your fleet against Chandrila as an enemy planet. To what end?" She asked.

Admiral Mozen did not hesitated. Clearly it was an outcome he had given a great deal of thought too. "I would first call for your immediate surrender. If this surrender is accepted without the need for violence. I would be willing to negotiate a conditional treaty that would allow your world some concessions." He stated.

After allowing that information to sink in he continued. "If you insisted on fighting and were the cause of needless death and damage to the First Order, I would enforce your unconditional surrender and would lay down whatever penalties and restrictions I felt your actions warranted." He paused as he again allowed the potential ramifications of that outcome to sink into the assembled Chandrilan delegation.

Despite the dire situation and obvious ramifications that were hanging on her choices this day. Prime Minister Taerve Uni did not so much as flinch as the First Order Admiral laid out his plans for the humbling and subjugation of her world. Instead she simply nodded her understanding and continued with her next question.

"Thank you for the clarification Admiral Mozen." She stated politely. "And what would be the situation Chandrila could expect if we declared that we had also withdrawn from the New Republic and were willing to align with the First Order?" She questioned.

Admiral Mozen's face instantly took on a more accommodating and welcoming tone and expression. "If you and Chandrila formally renounce the New Republic and all allies associated with it." He said without actually mentioning the Resistance, even though they were clearly at the forefront of everyone's minds. "Then this can all become very civilised and mutually beneficial."

Admiral Mozen leaned forward and his hands came together in a gesture of universal offering. "If Chandrila renounces the New Republic. Then the First Order will be in a position to offer our standard agreement with new client worlds. This would include protection of outside threats and the use of First Order military forces to represent your interests in the hyperspace lanes." Admiral Mozen conveyed.

"In addition to your world being protected from outside threats. You would be granted all the benefits that the First Order can grant you. This would include, (but not be limited too) the right to maintain your own sovereign government and your planets autonomy. Instead of an Imperial governor being sent to rule over you. A First Order representative will be dispatched to work alongside your chosen civilian leader."

"This representative will simply act as the mouth piece and the ambassador of the First Order on your world. They will ensure that the wishes and needs of the planet are conveyed to the First Order. They will be responsible for conveying your wishes and complaints to the sector council and thereby making the High Command aware of any issues Chandrila is facing at the current time." He relayed.

"In addition, our representative will act in alliance with the current Chandrilan government and will not be given license to interfere with the current Chandrilan policy unless actively chosen to act as the political voice of the planet in an independent election." Admiral Mozen continued. "I am sure you can agree Prime Minister that this arrangement would be of mutual benefit to Chandrila and to the First Order. This will allow Chandrila to maintain its independence while ensuring the protection of the First Order against outside threats." He concluded.

It was a nice scenario. And it was considerably more relaxed a rule then the Empire would have offered. Especially in its later days with the Rebellion spiralling out of control. But the Prime Minister was not so inexperienced to not ask the next question.

"Nothing comes for free, Admiral. Least of all an occupation no matter how light it may appear in theory. What does the First Order expect from Chandrila in exchange for this 'generous' protection?" Taerve Uni asked with clear suspicion in her voice

Admiral Mozen was not fazed by this question and answered it immediately. Clearly, he had been expecting this question to come up. "As you said, Prime Minister. Nothing comes for free. The First Order is offering a great deal and it would usually require a great deal of contribution. However, this is not the case."

He paused as he typed a few commands into his command chair armrest console and within a few seconds a large number of records were being dispatched to the Prime Minister's personal computer as well as to other members of the delegation (if the beeping of their holocom's was any indication).

The Prime Minister pulled up the newly received information and quickly saw that it was a list of planets with various records listed beside each one.

A quick skim of the list made it clear that these were all worlds that had come under the 'protection' or direct rule of the First Order over the last few years. The data contained a summation of each world and a detailed update on financial transactions, resource yields, recruitment quotas and production outputs. The records were all meticulous and each new entry was dated exactly one year from the last one.

"As previously stated, the First Order will not interfere directly with the government of your planet or impose mandatory taxation on your world. We do not engage in the universal taxation of worlds regardless of their personal prosperity. We all saw how that brought down the Old Republic and crippled the New Republic."

"However, we do insist that all worlds offer a fair contribution to the galaxy. This contribution takes the form of an annual tribute to the First Order in exchange for all that we provide. This tribute will be negotiated between High Command and your government and is open to discussion. For rich core worlds like Chandrila, the tribute can take the form of simple financial transactions."

"For less fortunate worlds that contain less liquid wealth. The tribute can be paid in raw resources. If the world has no valuable resources, they can contribute to production output. Factories and manufacturing plants will be established to help in this."

"Finally, for worlds that do not possess wealth, resources or wish to engage in production. They can contribute by providing recruits to serve in the First Order military. They will be given all the training and living amenities they require. Through their service, they ensure their impoverished worlds remain secure, and their homes and families safe."

The method of tribute is decided by your world and confirmed by First Order High Command and the Supreme Leader. The actual scale however must be equal in scale and value to the tribute of other worlds. Unlike the Republic, the First Order does not engage in favouritism. All worlds are held to the same standards and the same obligations. Only the Supreme Leader can reduce or even nullify a worlds annual tribute agreement."

Admiral Mozen finished his explanation and regarded the Prime Minister with what appeared to be genuine sincerity. "Prime Minister. A wealthy world like Chandrila is more than capable of paying the tribute to the First Order, which incidentally is less than the taxes demanded by the Empire and the Republic. In exchange for this concession and the inclusion of our representatives in your government. Chandrila will not only be spared from war. But it will continue to enjoy self-rule and will be part of a galaxy that will be more prosperous, secure and united then the New Republic could ever hope to be. Moreover, the rights of your own faiths and philosophical beliefs will be respected. As long as they do not pose a danger to the First Order or the well-being of your world."

"When the alternative is war, devastation and death. I hope you will agree that only a mad man would reject these terms." He finished with a level of certainty that a man who claimed that water was wet would possess.

Taerve Uni sat back as she considered all that she had heard and all that it entailed. As she did so, she continued to review the information that had been provided on the First Order's client worlds. She was comparing it to her own knowledge and her own information regarding these worlds. Trying to determine if this information was accurate, embellished for completely fabricated.

In truth even as she played for time, she knew that she had little to no choice about the outcome of these negotiations. With no navy and with a planetary militia and local security forces instead of an army. Chandrila had a snowballs chance on Mustafar of fighting off the First Order if they decided to attack.

And while she understood of the concept of fighting to the last man and going down fighting the good fight. She was smart enough to understand that such thoughts made for pretty speeches and good holo-dramas. But they were cold comfort when a world was burning and its people slaughtered.

In addition, she knew that these terms (if the First Order honoured them) were good terms and they would spare her people a great deal of suffering. The fact that aside from working alongside a First Order representative. Their planet's government would remain unchanged was also a welcome fact.

If this treaty was all it seemed to be. Then Chandrila could pay an easily affordable annual tribute to maintain its safety, prosperity and most importantly, its very existence.

Still as a Chandrilan, a world and people that valued and exalted democracy and diplomacy. Surrendering to a military junta like the First Order was an anathema to their spirit as a people. And she was smart enough to expect that the First Order's light grip on Chandrila, would likely begin to tighten as time passed by. So that in the end the planet would be stripped of all that made it unique and its people were walking around in First Order uniforms.

As she considered these facts, Admiral Mozen was also thinking about how the First Order would claim full control over Chandrila.

But it would probably not happen in the way that the Prime Minister was thinking.

She was probably thinking that it would follow the Imperial method. Direct taxation, heavy military presence. Local government superseded by an Imperial Governor or Moff overseer. It was an effective and quick system. But one that ultimately left the Imperial control of the world brittle.

The First Order followed a slower but far more effective and long-lasting method of annexation.

Grand Admiral Kuvira, with the consent of the Supreme Leader and the aid of the diplomatic service. Had created the expansion codex of how a newly claimed client world was to be dealt with to ensure its slow but total annexation to the First Order.

First the world would be allowed to maintain its own government and customs. The only change would be a naval presence in the system and a number of representatives to manage their interests. The world would have a clear but hardly noticeable First Order presence. With no impact to their daily lives. Following a policy of out of sight, out of mind. The people would come to accept the First Order as a non-disruptive presence in their lives.

Then the First Order would start to bring more people in. More officers, more ships and more soldiers. The soldiers would begin to make spread out patrols and would work in co-operation with the planets law enforcement to bring down criminals, crime lords, smugglers and other undesirables. This act would get the populace used to a heavier military presence while gaining the good will of the people.

Next the First Order would bring in planners, engineers and builders. Their job was to improve the institutions of the planet with new First Order technology and innovations. At the same time, they would begin to subtly spread the First Order's (wonderful) military culture among the people they interacted with.

And of course, any local people who were interested in helping for whatever reason. Would of course be welcomed with open arms. And included in the work force. A usually very well paid and privileged position.

These new workers would then be spread out across the work force. So that they would then be surrounded by people who were already loyal to the First Order and its ideals. And they would naturally be willing to teach the new comers about their strong, simple and all-inclusive philosophy and life-style.

While it might not be obvious at first. A majority of people would be interested in the First Order's militaristic lifestyle. After all, everyone in the Order contributes to the greater good and has a meaningful and clearly defined purpose in the regime.

Everyone has a place in the First Order. And this fact alone will see a large number of the disenfranchised, the homeless, he hopeless and the purposeless will be swayed to their ideals. While those that do not are simply left alone without clear repercussions for their subtle defiance.

But this was simply the first phase.

Once the planet had been stabilized and the economy was improving. The First Order would start to remove itself and its new followers from the rest of the population.

Loyal First Order members and recruits would be given homes in specialized neighbourhoods. They would be placed in new companies that were managed by the First Order rather than the government or private businesses. Their children would be given free education in newly built schools and institutes funded by the First Order. And which would teach the lessons and curriculum that the First Order wanted.

And slowly, over the span of years or decades. These First Order strongholds would begin to receive better treatment then the rest of the populace.

The First Order companies would receive the better contracts and their profits and wages would increase. The neighbourhoods would have the newer hospitals built within them and the homes and houses would receive increased funding and land rights for expansion.

Slowly but surely, the 'other' people would start to think how much better their lives would be if they applied for a position of employment with the First Order. Because the First Order paid well and came with a large number of benefits. This was made all the more obvious by the fact that businesses and communities not under the control of the First Order. Were suddenly facing economic and social struggling due to the loss of revenue and support.

More and more of the populace would come to appreciate the First Order and what it stood for. Until the populace that was loyal to the First Order would outnumber the populace that was not.

After that things would start to accelerate quickly.

New laws would be enforced on the impoverished parts of the planet to keep them 'safe'. They would no longer be allowed to gather in large groups. And to combat the poverty in those regions. Members of their community would be selected to come and live in the bigger and better First Order communities.

For people who had been living in poverty to suddenly be given a taste of life at the galactic standard. It was almost a certainty that these people would be willing to do anything or pledge loyalty to anyone. So long as they could stay in this place. They would be very willing to listen to what the 'oh so generous' First Order masters had to say.

The final stage of the annexation was now set.

Citing the failures of the local government to handle the situation. The First Order would take full control of the government of the planet. To combat the crime and poverty in 'certain' regions of the planet. Birth rates would need to be controlled. Only those that the First Order deemed mentally, physically and socially fit would be able to reproduce.

Naturally, believing in the ideals of the First Order would be a clear sign of mental well-being. It might also lead to the child being granted First Order citizenship, and the family moving to a nicer neighbourhood. They would be given new homes, new jobs and good food. All for the good of their child, naturally.

Citizenship itself would typically be reserved for those born to First Order citizens. Or to those who had completed a full tour of service in the First Order military. After their service was completed. They would be granted citizenship and either discharged to allowed to remain in the military.

The First Order made it clear that citizenship was a privilege to be earned. Not a right to be expected.

It was more then likely that the poorer communities of those who refused to bow to the Order would eventually rise in rebellion or some form of unrest. The crippling poverty and social restrictions would all but guarantee it.

But when they rose up in the name of their planet and people's independence. They would find that their fellow country men in the richer First Order cities and communities had not interest in helping them.

After years, maybe decades of separation from each other. The First Order citizens would have become content with their lives and would feel no sense of connection or unity with the outcasts. At best they would be seen as unfortunate people who were rioting in anger. Or worse they would be seen as violent criminals who were trying to destroy their hard-earned peace and prosperity. In the end of the day, the rest of the planet would do nothing as long as their lifestyles remained unchanged.

Whatever the situation. The majority of the planet would remain loyal and the rebellions and riots would fizzle out as the rest of the planet refused to join them in their madness. Without the support of the planet's majority or money and resources, they would be defeated and probably killed as the First Order removed the slum communities once and for all.

The process could be slow. And the total annexation of a world could take years or even decades. Naturally poorer and war ravished outer-rim world took far less time to be annexed as they had so little to begin with. Rich core worlds would take more time as the prosperity was harder to match and manipulate.

But the end result would be the same. A peaceful, compliant, loyal world. Where the First Order ruled supreme and everyone understood their place in the great regime.

Admiral Mozen was interrupted from his musings as the Prime Minister was talking to him again.

"Admiral. I have considered the First Order's offer. However, as you have said due to the current turmoil in the galaxy the existence of the New Republic itself is in question. You have asked me to clarify if Chandrila intends to remain loyal to the New Republic or if it intends to welcome the First Order." The Prime Minister paused thoughtfully before continuing. "What I if Chandrila announced it intended to stay out of this war entirely. That it would secede from the New Republic but will not formally joining the First Order as a client system. What would the First Order's response be to that?" She asked.

Admiral Mozen leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. His expression was one of utmost seriousness. "I am afraid that is a state of affairs that the Supreme Leader cannot allow. Chandrila has a well-known history and reputation for pledging loyalty to one system of government while actively supplying aid to that governments enemies and abandoning their oaths of loyalty the moment it is convenient."

Mozen looked at the Prime Minister with his eyes as hard as flint. "Simply put Prime Minister, Chandrila cannot be trusted to keep its promises or obligations. If this is how you treat things when part of a unified government. I can only imagine the damage and chaos you would allow if you maintained total independence. And the Supreme Leader is not willing to risk that."

The Chandrilan delegation bristled at the implication that they were deceitful or untrustworthy. Still form the Imperial viewpoint it was a fair concern.

Chandrila had proclaimed total loyalty to the Empire for decades while secretly funding the Rebellion with money, weapons and soldiers. In fact, Chandrila had pledged loyalty to the Old Republic but had been a part of the delegation of two thousand against Palpatine. An act seen by hard-line loyalists at the time as an act of treason during war time.

Taerve Uni mentally cursed. She had been hoping that she could claim autonomy for Chandrila without accepting the First Order's offer of being a client world. While she beloved that their presence would be minimal in the form of a representative and a small orbiting fleet. She knew that this was only the beginning of things. As an independent and not directly monitored world. She would also have been in a position to aid Leia Organa's Resistance movement if and when they reviled themselves.

She was however not surprised that the First Order had seen through her attempt. Chandrila did have a reputation for helping the Rebellion against the Empire. In the New Republic that had been seen as badge of honour. Under the First Order, it was clearly not going to be seen the same way.

She focused her mind and looked back at Mozen's glowing blue image. "What would be involved if I wanted to open up negotiations for Chandrila to receive protection and client status for Chandrila and her people?" She asked.

Even as she spoke, she felt the weight of what she was doing crushing down on her. She could almost hear the voices of all those Chandrilan who had died fighting the Empire crying out in shame, sadness and anger. But she knew she had no choice. Whatever else people might say about her. She would not let Chandrila go the way of Alderaan and Hosnian Prime.

Admiral Mozen's facial expression instantly eased. But she noticed his posture still retained its firm military bearing. "If you request and are granted client status, then you and your world will have nothing to fear from me and my fleet. Indeed, if that is the situation, I am here to extend our offer of friendship and protection. No one may harm Chandrila be they criminals, slavers or enemy nations. And if an enemy does wish to harm Chandrila, they will be confronted with the full might of the First Order." Mozen proclaimed.

Taerve Uni knew that was a very basic summation of the agreement. They would need time and careful politicking to finalise this negotiation. But the outcome was inevitable. So, they might as well get on with it.

"I would like to begin negotiations for Chandrila to be accepted by the First Order as a client state, Admiral Mozen. What is needed to begin this process.

The Chandrilan delegation stiffened at her words. But the lack of open protests or looks of shock showed that they had suspected that the meeting would end like this. They were politicians. They were not military people who might pound their chests and talk about death before surrender. They knew that the situation would either end with Chandrila burning or submitted.

They knew which one they preferred.

Admiral Mozen looked and gestured to something out of the hologram camera's range. Clearly, he was giving instructions to a member of his bridge crew. After that he turned back to face the Prime Minister "I have dispatched a team of negotiators from the First Order Diplomatic service. They will be at your location within the hour. They will handle the organisation of the terms and the finalisation of the agreement."

Mozen paused as if he was considering saying the next words. After a few moments he continued. "And Prime Minister, welcome to the First Order." He said with a tone that conveyed no smugness or gloating. It was simply a statement of fact for him.

With that his hologram faded and Mervelo put the projector back into his pocket. Once that was done, he and his storm troopers about faced and walked out of the Prime Ministers office. Presumably to board their shuttle and head back to the Fleet.

Once the door was closed, Prime Minister Taerve Uni clasped her hands and bowed her head as her delegation staff began to argue with her and with each other. She could not help but wonder what Mon Mothma would have done if she had been here.

Supremacy

Brig - Secure Holding Cells

Kuvira - POV

"The prisoner has been prepared Grand Admiral." The stormtrooper guard announced as he stood to attention outside the door to the prison cell

Kuvira nodded and waved at her two Praetorian guards to halt outside the doorway. This was a meeting she wanted to have alone.

As the door opened, she stepped inside the cell and stared at the room's only other occupant, who looked up at her entry.

"General Organa." Kuvira said as she stood before her enemy. "We have somethings to discuss."

Authors Note

As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Apologies for the length of time it took. It was hard to write out this chapter. But I wanted to show how the First Order claims a world peacefully rather than by conquest.

This is the end of the interlude chapters. Now that we have more of a sense of what is happening in the wider galaxy. Next chapter will be between Leia and Kuvira and will be back to the main story.