Chancellor Palpatine steepled his fingers and gazed at you with a measured expression. The weight of the galaxy's fate seemed to rest upon his shoulders. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he finally spoke.
"Your offer is indeed intriguing, Lord (S/N)," he said, his voice carrying the gravitas of his office. "The upcoming battle on Geonosis is of paramount importance to the Republic. The threat posed by the Confederacy must be addressed decisively. Your support, both in troops and supplies, would be a welcome addition to our forces."
Chancellor Palpatine continued, "However, I must express my concerns. The Senate and the Jedi Council have their reservations, as you've witnessed. We must ensure that your intentions are indeed aligned with the Republic's best interests. Can you provide any guarantees that Nathema's involvement will not come with ulterior motives or hidden agendas?"
You nodded, understanding the Chancellor's concerns. "I can assure you, Chancellor, that Nathema's only motive is to help maintain the balance of power in the galaxy and ensure its stability. We have no hidden agendas, and our primary goal is to see the Republic succeed in this critical battle."
Senator Organa chimed in, "Chancellor, if I may, I've had the privilege of working with Lord (S/N) on various matters. His commitment to peace and stability in the galaxy has always been unwavering. I believe we can trust in his intentions."
Chancellor Palpatine nodded, clearly influenced by Senator Organa's endorsement. "Very well, Lord (S/N), we shall accept your offer of support. I will inform the Senate, and we will coordinate our efforts with Nathema to ensure a successful campaign on Geonosis. Please escort our friend to the Jedi temple where he will be provided with further details on this mission." The Chancellor than added, while turning to Luminara and her Padawan.
Both of them responded with a respectful bow and then headed out of the office alongside you and Senator Organa.
"That went smoother than I anticipated." Bail remarked surprised.
"Let's not celebrate too early, my friend, the Chancellor maybe having something in the back of his mind that we do not know about yet." you replied cautiously.
"The Chancellor would never do something that would harm the Republic." Senator Organa responded.
"Senator, if you could kindly allow us to take our leave. Lord (S/N) and I must promptly return to the temple." Luminara reminds the two of you.
"Ah I forgot, please excuse me for keeping you tied up here unnecessarily." the Senator apologises, "Master Jedi, Lord (S/N), please be safe on your way."
You bid each other farewell with a slight nod of respect and then head back to the Jedi temple. Arriving at your destination you take a moment to once again muster the imposing entrance of the jedi temple here on Coruscant. The temple's architecture was a blend of elegant simplicity and timeless grace. It rose high into the sky, its smooth, ivory-coloured spires reaching toward the heavens. The temple was surrounded by lush gardens and serene meditation areas, providing a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of the urban landscape that sprawled beyond its boundaries.
The entrance to the Jedi Temple was a massive, ornate doorway framed by towering pillars. The design was both majestic and humble, reflecting the Jedi Order's commitment to peace and knowledge. The doors were made of solid, aged durasteel, intricately etched with ancient symbols and motifs that had been passed down through generations of Jedi.
Two statues flanked the entrance, each depicting a serene Jedi knight in deep meditation, their robes flowing gracefully around them. The figures exuded an aura of tranquillity and wisdom, serving as a reminder of the Jedi's dedication to harmony and understanding in a galaxy torn by conflict.
The steps leading to the temple's entrance were made from polished white marble, their surfaces reflecting the dappled light of the distant Coruscant sun. The whole scene was framed by an expansive courtyard, where Padawans trained, and Masters reflected on their actions.
"Shall we head inside?" Luminara asked with a small but warm smile, and you followed right behind her and Barriss.
The three of you wander through the halls of the huge temple until you reach a smaller door. Luminara presses the button to open the door and the Jedi inside all stopped to look at you.
"Why have you brought this outsider here? This is a military operation shrouded in utmost secrecy." Master Mundi's voice brimmed with fury as he inquired of Master Unduli.
"By the Order of Chancellor Palpatine, Lord (S/N) and most importantly Nathema itself will now be part of this operation." Luminara announced with an almost proud tone.
"You cannot be serious, Master Unduli!?" Master Mundi almost shouted in disbelief.
"I was granted the opportunity to participate in the Geonosis invasion by your Chancellor. If you have any doubts, Master Jedi, feel free to verify the facts at your convenience." you reply with a composed and assured demeanour.
"We cannot possibly ignore fact that he could hide ill intentions." Master Mundi argued even further.
"I can assure you, Master Mundi, that Lord (S/N) has proven worthy of our trust on more than just one occasion." Obi-Wan stepped up.
The sceptical Jedi Master finally seemed to be at least calmed down for the moment after Obi-Wan confirmed your trustworthiness.
"It's been too long since we last met, Master Kenobi." you greet the first of the familiar faces.
"It indeed has been far too long, Lord (S/N)." he responded with a respectful nod.
"Anakin Skywalker, I see your Padawan is still by your side, I trust that she's developing well under your guidance." you greet the duo.
"It has been far too long, Lord (S/N)." Anakin and Ahsoka greet you back.
You then turned to the holotable, where the information about the republic tactics to invade Geonosis were displayed in detail. The CIS would pay an astronomical amount of money to know about these tactics but you weren't here for your financial benefit today. The target was the main facility on the planet, heavily protected by a formidable ray shield. This facility was a critical hub for the Confederacy's military operations, and capturing it was of utmost importance to the Republic.
Obi-Wan began, "Our primary objective is to breach the ray shield and secure the main facility. To do this, we've devised a multi-pronged approach. Me and Master Mundi along with the 212th and Anakin with the 501st, will form the vanguard. We'll be responsible for penetrating the initial defences and establishing a landing zone approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the ray shield."
He continued, "This landing zone will serve as a staging area for our troops and heavy equipment. From there, we will coordinate our assault on the ray shield's generator and secure the area. Meanwhile, the rearguard, led by Master Unduli and you Lord (S/N), will remain behind to provide support and ensure our flank is protected."
Anakin added, "The ray shield is formidable, but we've received intelligence that there might be a weakness in its power source. We'll have engineers and slicers with us to disable it once we breach the initial defences. It's a dangerous mission, but it's the only way to guarantee the success of this operation."
You nodded in understanding. The plan was complex, but it seemed well-structured. The involvement of your Nathema forces would be crucial in breaking through the initial defences and securing the landing zone.
Luminara chimed in, "The success of this mission is vital. Geonosis is a key planet for the Confederacy, and its capture will deal a significant blow to their war effort. Lord (S/N), we will rely on your expertise and the capabilities of your troops to help us succeed in this endeavour."
Master Mundi, still seemingly sceptical, asked, "Do you have any specific strategies or tactics in mind that will ensure the success of this operation, Lord (S/N)?"
You took a moment to consider the question before responding, "The success of such an operation will depend on coordination, timing, and adaptability. We will need to be prepared for unexpected challenges. Additionally, I will personally lead a group of my forces to support the engineers in disabling the ray shield generator once the landing zone is secured."
Master Kenobi nodded in approval, "Your insight is valuable, Lord (S/N). The Republic and the Jedi Order welcome your contribution to this mission. The battle on Geonosis will be fierce."
A few more details were then discussed about the resources you would provide and how many troops Nathema would be able to send and after the meeting was concluded you headed back to your ship.
"Give me a connection to Admiral Rayse." you order Commander Leo.
"Yes, my Lord." the soldier responded firmly.
Moments later, you found yourself before another holotable. Gradually, a white hologram materialized, and Admiral Rayse knelt before you.
"Lord (S/N)!" he shouted.
"Prepare the Reaper and two marauder-class corvettes to aid the republic troops in their invasion of Geonosis. The time and coordinates will follow shortly." you order in a firm and strong tone.
"Understood, my Lord." the Admiral responded without a single question or doubt in his voice.
"Vice Admiral Vess will be in charge during your absence.", you continued, "Is there anything to report?"
"The Odyssey project is complete and stands ready for your orders, my Lord." the Admiral informed.
"Excellent. Keep it stationed in the Troiken system for the time being, to safeguard and oversee the continued production of our new ships," you directed.
"Yes, Lord (S/N)." Admiral Rayse acknowledged, concluding the communication.
"What now, my Lord?" Commander Leo asked with a hint of curiosity but still reserved.
"Now we need to do some preparations." you responded with a slick smile on your face, "Give me a connection to Thule next, I need to talk to them."
"Understood, my Lord."
It took a little while, but the connection eventually built up and a soldier instantly dropped to his knees.
"What can I do for you, Lord (S/N)?" he asked.
"I need a battalion of droids, ready to be drooped of, fully operational." you ordered the young man in front of you.
"As you command. When and where shall we drop them off, my Lord?"
"Position them near the planet Geonosis and let them be ready to be deployed to the surface on my command."
"Yes, Lord (S/N)."
The second call ended as quickly as your first, but Commander Leo was still clueless about your actions.
"My Lord, if I may speak candidly," he ventured
"You have my permission, Commander."
"I understand why we need the Reaper and the corvettes but what do we need the droids for, aren't those the same as the enemies?"
"Just wait and see, you will know soon enough. And tell Commander Havok, he shall bring my sword and mask along." you responded.
The next day you find yourself standing at the bridge of a Venator class star destroyer. The view over the planet Geonosis into the vast emptiness of space was a sight you could never get tired of.
"Now where are Nathema's troops, that their leader is so proud of?" Master Mundi asked mockingly.
"They will arrive at their designated time, there is no need to worry, Master Mundi." Obi-Wan tried to calm him.
A clone trooper alerted the Jedi to the approaching vessel, "Generals, there is an incoming ship."
"I, myself, am also very interested in just how those ships of yours look like, Lord (S/N)." Anakin chipped in casually while turning to the windows, but his voice trailed off as he gaped at the impressive ship. "I mean, we shouldn't expect too much, since Nathema is just a single planet on its ow-"
The sudden appearance of the Reaper seemed to cut short his words, and Anakin, like the others, was left speechless as he took in the vessel's imposing presence accompanied by the two marauder-class corvettes.
The Reaper's hull was a dark, almost obsidian black, adorned with intricate, crimson-red patterns and accents. These designs gave it a sinister and foreboding appearance, befitting its origin from Nathema, a world with a dark and mysterious history.
The star destroyer's massive dorsal superstructure housed a powerful turbolaser array, which bristled with heavy firepower. This made it capable of delivering devastating blows to enemy capital ships and ground targets alike. The Reaper's ventral surface featured an array of smaller turbolasers and ion cannons, further enhancing its combat capabilities.
The ship's command tower rose prominently from the hull, featuring a reinforced viewports that provided a clear vantage point for the crew and officers overseeing the ship's operations. The bridge was equipped with advanced communication and sensor equipment, ensuring effective command and control during battles.
As the Reaper's silhouette loomed in space, it projected an aura of strength and power. Its presence was a testament to the formidable technology and capabilities of Nathema, ready to support the Republic in the upcoming battle on Geonosis. The ship's arrival left a lasting impression on the Jedi and Republic forces assembled for the mission.
"Wow," Anakin finally managed to say, his eyes still fixed on the Reaper. "That's one impressive ship."
"I must admit, it was more than I would have ever imagined, yet alone expected." Obi-Wan added.
"There's an incoming transmission from the Reaper General Kenobi." a clone trooper informed the Jedi.
"Put it through." he responded simply.
The blue figure of Admiral Rayse appeared in front of everyone as he greeted them.
"This is the Reaper, we've arrived and are ready for further instructions."
"Welcome Reaper, be on standby. You will be handling the rearguard along with the 41st elite corps for now. Your task will be to secure the supply routes, for now." Anakin explained to Admiral Rayse.
"Understood, we'll be here on standby." the Admiral confirmed, and the transmission ended.
"An impressive, ship indeed." Luminara said as all of you once again looked out of the great windows on the bridge of the Venator class destroyer.
"Let us not waste any more time," Master Mundi said, breaking the silence, "We have a planet to take over."
Obi-Wan and Anakin, along with his Padawan agreed and they followed him out of the bridge to their respective ships, preparing one last time for the battle laying ahead.
~Writer's note
I just realised, that I've never included a picture or a describtion of how Admiral Rayse looks, so I'll include one down below, let me know what you think about him. As always feel free to comment as you'd like ;) See ya'll next chapter.