Early the next morning I woke up. This would be a conflicting day.
I could easily be killed by Bossk, Aurra, or any of them. If I messed up only the slightest.
I didn't have a big black-haired wookie to help me this time. And Jon, me, and Robb couldn't hold off the 4 of them.
I called Jon and Robb into my office a few hours before we left,
"You called for us, Your Grace?" Robb asked.
"Yes, you know we're visiting the bounty hunters today, correct?" I asked
"Aye, sir. We do. " Jon answered.
"Well, bounty hunters are an extremely unpredictable workforce. You cannot ever fully control them. Therefore, I want you to contact Davis, and ensure that he prepares about 10 Senate Guards for my escort. They won't enter but will be in our ship to support us if it goes south." I said and he nodded, it was the correct decision to make, you could never fully trust a bounty hunter. Especially when they don't work for you quite yet.
"Robb, how is Santo's recovery?" I asked.
"He's been making remarkable improvements. If we're lucky he might be able to participate. Albeit not at full strength." He said and I nodded.
"Well, Bossk has a reputation for hunting down wookies. So keep him here until he's at full strength. They're likely to battle it out. And if Santo wins, Bossk will probably let him be. But who knows." I said and he nodded, agreeing with my decision.
"Alright, well prepare the vehicle. We're leaving in 2 hours." I said and they saluted me before running off.
Honestly, this bounty hunter project would be quite time-consuming. But I believe it'll be worth it.
They are bounty hunters, and unless the 13-year-old contract is leaked they can basically be going around doing my dirty work without any being able to connect them back to us. They will basically complete projects too dirty for me to get involved in, stuff I wanna do but held back politically.
Like helping another planet against the Trade Federation.
There are multiple things I can use this for that wouldn't be associated with me in any way. Of course, there are risks in doing these missions. If they are leaked or discovered, it would create immense problems and setbacks.
But I believe it will be worth it. They can also be called in during times of crisis. The potential fighting power and destruction of that one team would make it all worth it.
A smaller team set together by Boba could fight off hundreds of ninjas, and it would be easier for them to fight off lightly trained soldiers.
I took out a few documents reading over my medical corporation.
The Corporation application had been sent to the International Bureau. Controlled by the Republic. The regulated international corporation, or more so intergalactic corporations.
They almost always accepted unless it was about certain industries such as BioWarfare, toxic gas, and illegal deals.
Weapons and stuff were allowed, but not to build big ships.
I had also bought out a few of the Corporations. The small ones. We were still in talks with the big ones, but we had an infinite budget.
However, I also had a new idea. To buy out or contract GeneSculpt and TheraGene for a project. Engineering humans.
I wanted the potential to build a loyal army like the clones, but the clones were also inefficient for some purposes. Mainly their cost and their inability to do anything except fight.
I also took some potential armies like the Death Troopers. They were genetically modified soldiers to become stronger, and faster, have better reflexes, and learn better. If I could do that then I could create an elite unit. Not to serve as my guards but as an attack unit.
And if I managed to reproduce the inhibitor chip then I could create an army with equal loyalty to that of the clones.
I should probably contact the Arkanian Dominion and maybe Zeta Magnus. But that would all come eventually.
I could also contact Kamino to create body doubles for me. If I did that then I could take one out of Padme's book but mine will be impossible to differentiate. Never understood why Palpatine didn't do that if he was so scared of dying.
Like, imagine if the Palpatine Darth Vader almost killed was a body double. The Empire wouldn't fall and fight between itself.
I could also attempt to find other species that can clone. However sadly, I do not have anyone in mind, I would need to get someone to research that for me.
Now then, I need to consider the battle of Naboo.
If the reports are correct then there are currently 6 Lucrehulks remaining, a total disaster compared to the original 1.
Currently, my fleet consists of a strong task force. The flagship being the large type Valiant-Class Star Destroyer, it was then supported by 2 Gladiator-Class Star Destroyers and 5 Munificent-Class Frigates, 3 CR90s 25 DP20s, and 15 Carrack-Class Light Cruiser.
Our main advantage is: Fighters. The Valiant alone has 300 fighters, 240 Alpha-V wings, and 60 H6 Bomers.
( I made a mistake in my calculation, so according to the size of the ship and the hangar, I'll change it to 70 with pure starfighter focus )
The 2 Gladiator-Class Star Destroyers have a total of 140 Alpha-V Starfighters. The 5 Munificents have a total of 200 V-wings and the support ships won't have starfighters.
That comes out to an unimaginable 580 Alpha V-wings.
But when you think about it, it doesn't seem like that much and it gets scary.
Each Lucrehulk carried 1500 Vulture Droids. 6 of them then carried 9000 Vulture Droids. That means we're outnumbered 15-1.
But the entire Clone Wars was like that so I still believe we can make it. Or the clones were outnumbered closer to 50-100 to one. But again they were almost entirely on the defensive and only responded once something got taken over. They didn't defend it, usually.
They did defend stuff like Christophsis and other important planets. But the Separatists defended almost every single planet, which was required to keep the war going.
However, we would outbomb the Lucrehulks. The Lucrehulks were never meant to be a naval fighting craft. It was originally designed to be a transportation ship. But some were changed to combat pirates, although they did overdo it. But again, they also attacked worlds and subjected them.
And truly they were only meant to be a show of power. Therefore they have a total of 42 Quad Turbolasers, however, they are in the light-medium strength, while your Valiant has 22 of the heaviest turbolasers that currently exist.
Now, I can depend on Anakin taking out one of them. Although I don't want to, it's probably the smarter choice to keep one for the end. So if Anakin takes it out then it's a win-win.
I want to capture at least one of them. And my fleet can take out about 3 maybe 4 of them. Meaning that I do have a good chance.
Due to my improvements of the Munificent, essentially making it a lot heavier and more expensive it has the firepower above that of a Venator. Which it shockingly didn't have during the Clone Wars, it now had 13 DBY-327 Heavy Turbolasers, and the Venator only had 8.
However, the Munificent still had a gigantic weakness in terms of hull. They could barely take 2 to 3 hits from a DBY without shields before they explode.
This is also likely the reason why the Trade Federation or the Banking Clan didn't equip their ships with it. As the cost of creating a new Munificent is gigantic, and with the hundreds, perhaps thousands of Munificent getting destroyed.
Another reason could be the fact that the Trade Federation was responsible for mass-producing many of the guns used on their Munificents, like the Quad Turbolaser on their Lucrehulks is not used anywhere else, signaling that they might own it.
Suddenly I heard a knock on my door.
"Your Grace, It's Jon." The man at the door, now identified as Jon said.
"Come in." I simply said.
"My Lord, the escort and the senate guards are ready." He said and I realized what time it was. In my trance of fussing over the upcoming battle I had completely forgotten the time and It was now time to leave.
"Jon, would you suggest meeting the Bounty Hunters in my battle gear or formal?" I asked and he began thinking. I often asked Robb and Jon about these matters, wanting to hear the opinion of someone else.
"By appearing in battle gear you would show the bounty hunters that you are a fighter, whereas you might gain respect. But they could see you as a sparring partner, which would be troublesome. And by appearing in formal clothes you signal your position and that you lead them." He said.
"A perfect opinion as always. Well, I'll go with the formal gear. Why not act like a pompous heir while I can." I said and Jon chuckled.
"As you wish, Your Grace." He said and he left.
I quickly put on some clothes and a hidden bulletproof vest under, before following him.
Once I got out 10 Senate Guards met me. They stood in a double-column formation, similar to how I met them yesterday.
However, these were a bit different than the ones from yesterday.
Immediately upon seeing them, my mind entered a shocked state. These were Senate Commandos. How the fuck the Davis manage that. These are the most skilled fighters in the Senate Guard.
Someone from the Senate Guard approached me, I realized he was a Lieutenant by the white markings on his shoulder.
"Greetings, Count Veridian. I am Lieutenant Argyus of the 3rd Senate Commando Squad." He said.
"Greetings, Argyus. The mission today is fairly simple, just guard my vehicle and help me if combat ensures. I am talking with a client and he is known for employing bounty hunters in his security detail. And you can never trust a bounty hunter." I said and he nodded. I suppose Argyus has had his fair share of such missions. Most Senators brought Senate Guard when dealing with anything related to Bounty Hunters due to their unpredictability.
"Very good, Your Grace." He said, he then turned to his men.
"Let's get a move on boys!" He shouted and they replied with a salute. Before beginning to bord.
However, they were gentlemen enough to allow me and my 2 guards to get on first.
Once everyone was on the Senate Guard pilot began flying us to the hotel.
It was barely 12 minutes away from traffic, and I passed the time by talking with Argyus about how it is to be a senate guard.
Soon enough the pilot stopped the armored vehicle. Jon and Robb followed me as we headed back.
The hotel had a small dock able to take 2 speeders at once, and it was situated at the top.
"We'll be right back, Argyus," I said as we headed into the dual automatic door.
Meanwhile, the Senate Commandos formed up outside, ready to fight if necessary.
Once we entered I spotted Embo waiting for us.
"Hello Embo, where is the rest?" I asked
"G-mom, d'a grug ( They are waiting in the common area )" He said.
"Alright, lead the way," I said and he nodded, he stopped leaning off the wall and began walking through the corridors.
The top floor had a common area beside the elevator.
When I arrived all eyes turned to me. In different chairs or sofas sat Bossk, Dengar, and Aurra Sing.
"Ssssooo, these are the onesssssss I'm working with ssssss?" Bossk asked.
"Aye, alongside 3 other bounty hunters," I said and Bossk nodded.
"Ssooo long theressss no wookiesssss" He said and a slight sweat began rolling down my forehead.
"I don't have any problems with these guys. As long as I get to work independently." Aurra said.
"Your task is a sniper, so you won't be joining the rest in combat, but sit alone on a rooftop or sniper position." I said and she nodded, happy with her position.
"Who's the 3 else ya got planned for the gang?`" Dengar asked.
"Sugi's crew. Including Sugi herself, Rumi Paramita, and Seripas." I said and he nodded, they were a renowned team. Even Embo joined them on a lot of missions.
"Whatssss our mission?" Bossk asked.
"So, I got a mission for you. I suppose you've heard of the Blockade of Naboo?" I asked and they all silently nodded.
"Well, I'll be attacking them in a few days. You'll join me as apart of the boarding party." I told them and they thought about it.
Boarding scenarios were perfect for Bossk, Dengar and Embo. As they could fight better in enclosed spaces where they couldn't get surrounded. Meanwhile, Aurra would have it harder as a sniper.
"Ok." Embo simply said, the only word that meant the same in both languages.
"Ass long as I get to kill sssss" Bossk said.
"Sound fun, ye." Dengar said.
"What will I be doing? Don't see how a sniper can perform well in boarding situations." Aurra said.
"Good to hear you all agree. And Aurra, you won't be on the frontlines. Your mission is to sneak onboard and get to the bridge, I suggest the air vents. And then shutdown the droids within the ship. I doubt even my entire army can fight all those thousands of droids onboard." I said and she nodded. It made sense as the Trade Federation was known for its numbers.
"Well, now since that is confirmed and you all agreed, you have free time until I call you. You can also use this hotel as I rented it for a week." I said as I turned around and left.
Seems I didn't need the Senate Guards after all. But eh, can never be too sure.
_______________________________________
i = e on (patrion)
8 advance chapters at Patrion.
patrion.com/pondsfyre
It really helps me stay motivated by getting a few donation. And maybe if we all are lucky i get grammarly premium and we get some better grammar :)