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Queen Naboo's reception was remarkably... dull. That was the word that fit best. To the locals it may be a celebration, but to me such receptions are dreary and depressing.
First of all, we were led into a large, huge hall that was bigger than a hangar. The hall was crowded with people, tables piled with food, servant-waiters and so on. Along the walls were sofas and tables with wine and snacks, interest groups were concentrated there. The hall filled quickly, but most of the invitees were concentrated around certain individuals, the main entertainment being... conversation. The whole reception is a feast of demagogues and liberal talkers, who are very confident in making speeches but are unable to actually do anything. At least during the crisis their voices were not heard - they were packing their bags to escape. The crisis subsided, they let go, now they wanted to take a bite out of the victory, that's why they were making speeches. I listened to a couple of them as I walked past, that was enough for me. Walking with me under my arm was Faye, followed by the kids. Shiai and Ahsoka were also walking along holding hands and looking around at everything and everyone.
- I guess we'd better sit somewhere out of the way," Faye looked around for a seat. I had to scan the hall forcefully to find one in the most inconspicuous corner.
- Reasonable," I led the family in the direction of the empty seat.
Mama wasn't with us-she hadn't been invited, and serving at a reception... it didn't seem right, given my position in society. We made our way to a corner that was unoccupied, and settled there. Fay felt a little self-conscious about being with me, openly. Still, Jedi for the most part are pretty innocent, like children, even Faye, who was older than the vast majority of Jedi. But I don't think any older than Yoda. The kids were seated next to each other, huddled together, and the two muzzled guards, dressed in ceremonial armour for the occasion, stood nearby to protect our peace. They had to leave their weapons behind, though.
A few minutes later, none other than Sio Beeble rode up to us.
- Your Majesty," he bowed courteously, "may I join you?
- Of course, Mr Beeble, it would be my pleasure.
Sio landed heavily next to Shiai and Ahsoka, forcing the children to squeeze in. There was no displeasure from them, though.
- Would you introduce me to your companions? - He smiled into his beard.
- 'Of course,' I smiled, 'Next to you are Shiai and Ahsoka Skywalker, my son and his young wife. And... Faye.
I didn't know how to introduce the girl, so I left it up to her to charm Beeble. Faye understood correctly and smiled charmingly and said:
- Sio Beeble. I have heard it said that you have done much for her majesty.
- Not as much as I wish I had," Sio sighed, "I am very pleased to meet you and the Skywalkers. Your Majesty?
- Yes?
- I still haven't figured out how we can thank you. Seriously, the terms of the loan you've given us are extremely easy on us, and you've started the creation of a real Naboo army. Encouraged many of our fellow citizens to become militant.
- You think so?
- Her Majesty pays little attention to the galaxy's information operations, unlike me. For example, our little war has not been mentioned anywhere, but yesterday some resources posted evidence of Farsteen's aggression that was extremely favourable to Naboo. Enark was not in the press at all, despite the fact that we started the war with him... admit it, it was no accident.
- Admittedly," I shrugged, "the events on Naboo were covered the way I wanted them covered.
- And you spent money on that," Beeble sighed, "how much do we owe you?
- Don't be, Sio, the media are long-term assets. Just because they've worked in your favour now doesn't mean I won't need them for anything else.
- Understood," he held up his hands, "I'm sorry I got into this. What I wanted to talk to you about most of all was the future negotiations.
- Can you tell me how you're going to organise them? - I looked into Bybl's eyes with interest," he said, "it's not just an offer to buy a cake.
- After the awards are announced, there will be my speech, I will propose to honour her majesty accordingly. And since I have the support of most of the aristocracy, it's unlikely to be ticked off.
- I don't agree with you, - I had to get into their friction a little bit, - if you want to succeed, it is better to recall the Queen and discuss everything in a narrow circle of representatives of the highest nobility. And already after the results of negotiations in a small circle to act, or to announce the agreement, or to return with nothing. Padme would refuse in front of the people.
Shio thought for a moment, then nodded briefly:
- I suppose you are right. But I don't have the power to recall the queen so easily, it could be taken very... unconventionally.
- In that case, I will help you. Is there a room near the hall where we can negotiate?
- There is," Beeble looked at me intently, "how do you envisage it?
- Very simple. After the awards are announced I'll call Padme away to talk, by then gather your main supporters. No more than three people. Are any of them friends or relatives of Padmé's?
- 'Her mother,' Beeble nodded, 'her too.
- Here. Take her mum, two others, only those Padme trusts, escort them to the negotiating room, then get ready. I'll get Padmé as soon as I can and we'll get started. There are to be no unnecessary faces, just you, your three allies, me and Padmé.
- In a small circle, so..." Beeble thought, "well, I'll have a room prepared," he stood up, "you'll be told where it will be.
- I'll be waiting," I nodded.
Beeble left, but Faye pounced with questions:
- Anakin, what were you talking about?
- About a case. I'd tell you," I smiled, "but then there'd be no intrigue. You'll find out for yourself.
Faye's curiosity flared, but I was saved from further questioning by Erdva.
- A summons from Finis Valorum.
I looked around for prying ears and nodded to the droid:
- Connect.
In the same instant, a hologram of the Chancellor appeared above Erdva. Finis looked tired, but was still holding up quite well.
- 'Afternoon, Anakin,' he smiled weakly, 'good to see you are alive and well.
- Likewise, Finis.
- News has reached me..." he was silent for a moment, "that the Empire has been involved in a small conflict.
- That's true," I nodded, "or rather, it was very slightly involved. Indirectly.
- How so? - Finis was surprised, or feigned surprise.
I looked around once more to see if there were any suspicious faces. Fortunately, our corner was quiet. What really interested me now was why Finis was suddenly interested in a little war with Farstin.
- It's very simple. My expertise and money, and everything else is local, Nabooan. I found it unnecessary to send a fleet against two small planets that had almost no military forces. Or rather, they did, but only token ones.
- Strange... your ships were sighted in the Rindelian sector. Now belonging to Naboo, I understand.
- That's correct. They cut off the smuggling traffic on the Trielus route.
Finis nodded, then continued with a sigh:
- You've made quite a mess of things, I'll tell you that.
- Why? - I was genuinely surprised.
- "What's the matter?" The secondary route was blocked... did you know how many people your thugs sent to the grave?
- 'I have no idea,' I hummed, 'they had orders to shoot drug and slave traders. Without trial. Especially since they were operating in a military zone, they had the right to do so.
- Are you sure?
- A hundred per cent. Although I understand when things got hectic, some scum like pirates decided to get rich and got caught by my guys. Given the proximity of the Hutt sector... I'll bet there wasn't a single honest citizen among them.
- Yeah," Valorum sighed again, "I had to cover your actions after all.
- Speaking of which. There's a lot of illegal goods travelling through the Trielousse, and I'd be happy for Justice to set up a strong customs base on Farstin. You wouldn't refuse such a gift, would you?
- No, of course not," Finis smiled, "we wouldn't refuse it. However, it might cause problems with some of the Hutts who drive their traffic through this route....
- Finis..." I smiled bloodthirstily, "you know, a few days ago we got a flagship in the fleet. It's a ship, fifteen kilometres long, with an axial superlaser that can pierce through a planet and shields that even a fleet of dreadnoughts can't penetrate... get it?
- Well, well, well, you're getting a little too excited, my friend, it's too cruel... - the Chancellor fell off his face, seeing my satisfied smile.
- I agree. However, if any Hutt shows off, you know I'll negotiate with them quickly. I'll negotiate with them quickly and, if necessary, brutally.
- It's up to you," the Chancellor raised his hands, "I have no way of getting involved in this yet. By the way, when you come back, we need to talk about something. Will you visit the old man?
- I'd love to," I grinned, "but before I do, I'll visit another old man and get some advice. If you don't mind.
- Sure, there's no rush. All right, when you're on Coruscant, come and visit.
The chancellor's gone. I sat back in my chair, wondering what he wanted. Finis was definitely up to something, or he wouldn't have just messed around. And it correlated with what I was doing now. But it's no good guessing, we have to get some concrete information first.
- Erdwa, get our brothel lover on the phone. No voice comms.
- Yes, sir!" the droid responded.
While the astrodroid sent a call to Cinna, I had time to go deep into myself, wondering what was going on on a republic-wide scale. Something was clearly not as we had planned. But what? I was called out of my musings by Cinna's voice:
- Your Majesty. What can I do for you?
- Finis Valorum. What has happened lately?
- Do you have the chancellor personally or his job?
- The Republic, of course. What's going on there, in general terms, can you tell me?
- Sure. So, judging by the recent actions -- your actions, some within the Justice were extremely concerned about the involvement of such a strong navy in the war. They took the first squadron for a fleet. And then they complained to the Chancellor. They could not prevent you, so they complained about the lack of funds and large class warships. Valorum supported their initiative, but they were opposed by some senators who were concerned about the Republic's military buildup.
- Who was the instigator?
- Bale Organa and his backers. After deliberations, they gathered in Bale's apartment and discussed creating a law to limit the Republic's military forces...
- "Idiots," I said, "can't they see that the Hutts have justice like their concubines?
- Whoa, chief, take it easy, - the nerd calmed me down, - they see a threat to the peace of the Republic in front of them. The main thesis, which was voiced in private - the republic should not arm itself and increase the number of weapons.
- Okay, - I suppressed a flash of irritation, - you realise that it depends on the balance of power between the side of law and the side of crime. And the way it works here is, whoever has the coolest gun gets to dictate the rules. And the same Hutts have Justice with their weak corvettes and patrol ships on their tails.
- I understand, but in light of past and upcoming events, I've decided to do nothing. Their activity won't last long, they'll burn out, I'll bet.
- What decision has the chancellor made?
- He has stayed on the side of justice, although he has not made a decision. There is strongly unconfirmed information that he is preparing an alternative, but that's only from analysing his holonet enquiries and consultations with various experts. It's our opinion, chief, that he'll use us as his main lobby.
- That is, he will use us as a battering ram to push through the necessary laws, - I thought, - in general, the solution is sensible, but I don't like it. The problem should be solved comprehensively, but piece by piece, not all at once.
- Should I do something?
- No, not at the moment. Keep watching, as for our news outlets... keep them neutral.
- Will do, Chief," the nerd switched off.
While talking to Cinna, I missed the start of the celebration. Amidala had come out in front of the people, and was already reading her speech at the podium. I remained unnoticed by her, but I didn't need the queen's attention just yet. The children were listening to Amidala, and Faye was listening intently to my talks. Apparently she'd decided not to pester me now, but she'd interrogate me later. I asked in a whisper:
- By the way, Faye, what are we going to do when Sabina Josis and Henia are being honoured?
- I suppose we'd better not go out. There'll be questions, and we don't need them.
Padme finished her speech and the room applauded. She read out the names of those who had distinguished themselves one by one, and the rest received their awards from the commanders and Sina and Hortad. Naboo's honour system had been developed in just a couple of days, on the spot. It was based on the Republic's system from the time of the Sith Wars - several awards, each with one to three levels. The levelling was envisaged in the presence of especially important cases. Gradually, the line of the honourees began - Amidala personally pinned Sina and Hortad with a large order on a ribbon, the men remained unperturbed, followed by the officers... in total, about three dozen people received awards. Padme personally pinned them on those who took part in the mopping up of the cities and distinguished themselves in combat, though it was hard to call those skirmishes combat. The captains of the dead ships received their orders posthumously, and the survivors - for life. After the awarding ceremony, the maids, who were more than fifty pieces, gathered, dispersed around the room, attaching the hangings ranked lower. As soon as the process was complete, it was time for me to leave. I didn't see Beeble, but there was a maid who came to our table and introduced herself as the escort. I asked Faye to stay here and be with the children and went to the queen. The maid followed in the lead, and the guards started to follow me, but I stopped them. After the speech, Padmé stood surrounded by her family and friends. Her mum wasn't there, though.
- Padmé? - I walked up behind her, taking her majesty by the shoulders," Beautiful speech.
- Anakin," she turned around quickly, but I kept her from showing her feelings, because the guards were already starting to look at me funny. Not to mention her family.
- Padme, not now. I see you're with your family, I'll meet them later, now let me steal you away for a while.
- What? What do you think you're doing? - suddenly angrily questioned someone from her entourage. A young guy with an aristocratic face.
- I'll see you later," I grinned, taking Padme's hand and pulling her towards the exit. The maid slipped out from behind me and stealthily took her place at the front of the procession. I had to use my strength to force her friends to stay where they were rather than rush to the young queen's rescue.
- Ani," she released her hand, "what's going on?
- Um..." I stepped closer, taking her by the waist, "Padme, I'm sorry, I had to kidnap you. There's another important matter someone wants to discuss with you.
- What other matter? - She calmed down in my arms, "Is it important?
- Very. Just come with me, we'll be back to the guests soon.
- Okay..." she smiled and, intrigued, followed me. The maid was a little surprised by our cooing, but not too much, apparently she had already heard.
We walked down the corridor, just a few dozen metres, and then the maid stopped silently at the first door.
We went inside. It began.
At the table sat - a woman, about forty years old, similar to Padmé in some features, Sio Beeble, another man, also with a beard, but without the baldness of Sio, and the last, a woman, about twenty-five to thirty years old, remotely similar to Padmé. In fact, some of her facial features indicated that she belonged to the Naberri family. Padmé looked round at everyone, Beeble invited her majesty to be seated.....
And then he showed all his diplomatic skills. He started from afar, with the instability of the established system of power in the face of crises and many problems. He spoke for about five minutes, without stopping. Padme listened to him with interest.
While Beeble was talking, I looked round the room. It was a small technical room, apparently intended for the servants to rest. It was quite dark compared to the rest of the palace - there were only a few wall lamps, not enough for the whole room, so the atmosphere was comfortable - a slight twilight, but the people present could be easily distinguished. Beeble had just finished proposing the monarchy.....
Padme's reaction was very sharp - she jumped up, but sat back down under the gaze of what appeared to be her mother. Pausing in thought, she looked at me. I sat apart from the rest of the group.
- And you? - she looked at me questioningly.
- Me?" I acted surprised, "No, I'm not with them. This is your planet and your life.
- But if I agree to it...
- Shio and I have already discussed the terms," I chuckled, and Padme sensed that it was all behind her back, which made me resent her.
The exchange with my mother and, as it turned out, my sister, didn't take long. The family only voiced their "we think it's best for everyone" opinions.
Padme got upset and turned to me again:
- But is it possible to change the political order? We've always been in favour of democracy!
- Democracy is a myth," I hummed, getting comfortable in my chair, "it doesn't exist. It doesn't exist. Senators only care about the people who fund them, and that's fine with everyone.
- Anakin..." she looked at me disapprovingly.
- I know. However, if you ask me, my opinion is this.
- And you think it's best? - she asked me hopefully.
- It depends on who," I shrugged, "it depends on whom. There are two sides to every decision, so whatever choice you make, someone will be worse off and someone will be better off. If you continue the democratic course, it will be better for you personally, but not for the citizens. With money, even I can push the candidate I want on the royal throne, let alone the oligarchs. Let's say the Hutts want revenge for Farstin. Your political weight will be wasted when you finish your term. It'll be nothing more than a shadow of its former influence.
- And if I accept?
- There are downsides, too. For the citizens, I can't predict anything bad. The monarchy is already well established, but you'll have to face a lot of problems personally. The only upside is that over the years you'll get used to it, and the experience of running a sector won't be lost with the change of monarch. Plus personal responsibility - a monarch, whose power is derived from tradition and the will of the highest circles, must fulfil his status, observe traditions and be limited in many ways.
- It's a bit one-sided," Padme sighed once more and thought, "Beeble, are you sure this is the best way to go?
- Stability, your majesty. That's the most important thing. You have ruled Naboo well for six years, but that's only six years. Who can replace you? And does it make sense to give up such a successful ruler just because of democratic tradition?
- But the people...
I interrupted her:
- Padme, you're making one big mistake.
With everyone's attention focused on me, I continued for everyone:
- You're judging yourself. Believe me, some technician in a workshop or a waitress doesn't care who rules there. People who are really interested in politics are barely more than ten per cent, the rest don't give a damn. They care about the life that surrounds them. They do not need elections, will or participation in the electoral system of power, they need stability and justice. And as practice shows, endless change of political courses from ruler to ruler and the whole system is extremely unstable. And justice is hard to find. "Democracy" implies elections, while ten per cent of voters make a real choice, the other ninety are easily bought by a good election campaign and bribes. This is how "democratic" elections happen. If the choice was for that tenth part of the people, we could talk about a balanced choice of the best, but at the moment it is just buying positions by the highest bidder, like at an auction. Do you want your maid, Korde, to be the next "queen"? Or someone else I support?
- I understand that, but..." Padme hung her head, "but what will happen to you? And me?
- And that's probably the reason why Beeble's been going to such lengths," I smiled, "You see, my empire isn't in the papers, it's quite large and has a lot of clout in the galactic arena. Both politically, financially and militarily. An alliance with the empire can give you a lot of things, specifically for Naboo - an army that can defend your little empire from encroachment, technology, much of which is created for the empire, political weight, as well as financial resources that the empire can transfer to Naboo in some form to develop your little empire.
- Hey," she wondered, "what empire?
- Empires are sectors created by annexing other sectors through military methods," I grinned, "you just enlarged your empire yesterday.
I remembered Sin's report. After all, besides the two main, capital planets, there are smaller ones suitable for colonisation. I did not take them into account, as they were not of strategic importance, had no troops of their own, and did not pose a threat. Cities on such planets are purely symbolic, as on Tatooine, and the main population lives on farms and small agrarian and commercial settlements. The superiority in land resources over industrial resources means this kind of modernised galactic medievalism.
- If I remember the names correctly, the Empire of Naboo included Enark, Farstin, Ninzam, Sholas, Alui, Trigalis, Rugosa, plus a chunk of the Trielusian route connecting the southern mainline of the Haidan Way to Nal-Hatta and Neimodia. But there's something else just as important. You may not have noticed, but in the mid-ring area between the Corellian and Haidan routes, all hyperspace paths now converge in your sector. This is crucial, because this is where ships will be coming out of the hyper, which means that eight more sectors will be cleared of illegal traffic if ironclad order and rigid inspection are in place. If that happens, do you think Naboo's credibility will be enhanced? I think so, very much so. So if you agree, you'll have to build your empire.
Beeble gave me an interested look. He didn't care that much, but Padme gave in to his feelings and pouted like a little girl. Well, okay, not like that, but very much like a little girl.
- In that case... I agree," she looked at me intently.
- Shouldn't you take the title of empress? - I wondered, "It would be a good idea.
- I think it's unnecessary," Padme shrugged her shoulders, but Beeble answered her:
- 'No, your majesty! It's a big political advantage over the neighbouring sectors. And at the same time it's a serious step forward in the quality of Naboo's development. And if we don't declare the neighbouring sectors as ours, there will be problems, and with the current constitution it's problematic. We need an empire, absolutely.
Padme felt uncomfortable, trapped. Not good, not good at all.
- Hey," I walked over and sat down next to her, pushing the girl back, "why are you jumping on Padme like Hutts on a naive yunling? Padme will decide if she needs this. Padme," I put my arm around her waist, "I told you, I am NOT in favour of this decision. It would be better for me if you finished your term and we were together on Koros. If you want to pursue a political career... I'm short on personalities, you could say every man counts. That's why I'd love to have you, so you can choose a position of your choice. But the fate of Naboo and all the planets under your control is at stake here. If we leave," I hugged her harder, "it means that Naboo will remain as it is, with all its current problems and advantages, and it will be up to the next queen to sort it out. I won't take money from your planet, of course, but I'm not going to interfere in the form of a big brother who will solve all your problems in one fell swoop, because that would automatically equate Naboo to a part of my Dominion.
- I understand," Padme sighed, leaning closer to me, "it's just... unfamiliar to me.
- I had to get used to the Imperial throne, too," I tried to calm her down so she could make the right decision, "but that's not the point. Whether you agree or refuse, the changes in society have already taken place, and drastically. The neighbouring sectors alone are worth it. The choice is not between "leave it as it is" or "change it", the choice is what path of change will the planet take? Will it be an empire, or a "democratic" republic, a scaled-down copy of the galactic one?
Padme agreed though. Her choice, it really wasn't better or worse for me that way. From the point of view of personal relations with Padme, it was worse, but I understood her, it was not for a "good girl" to leave the process on its own and, thinking only about herself, fly to a far, far away empire. People like her are always responsible, a little shy, believe that everything must be done strictly right. A type familiar to me from university - there was one such girl in our group, an excellent student, responsible, held a couple of student positions, participated in some student organisations, told off the losers, even if it was not in her interests... In general, she led the life of an exemplary student. Padmé was one of them, if not exactly like that. From the point of view of politics it was definitely better - I could count on a military base near the Hutt sector if I developed relations with Padme, plus Padme had already accumulated enough political weight in the galaxy, becoming almost a political banner for many sectors of the middle ring. Such an ally would be useful to me, from a purely political point of view. But then it would be a political investment in Naboo, and I would have to spend some of my finances and energy to turn it into a strong and powerful ally of mine.
- In that case, your majesty," Beeble rejoiced, "we already have the amendments to the constitution for the return of the monarchy. We'll have to work on the details a little more, it's not quick, but I assure you there will be no difficulties. Your Imperial Highness? - he addressed me with his full title, ''I thank you sincerely...''
- Don't mention it, Shio. I was only expressing my attitude towards your proposal. Personally, it would really be better for me if Padme finished her term and flew away with me... would she?" I asked the girl. - I asked the girl. Padme turned a little pink and nodded, under the disapproving stares of her female relatives.
- 'So, Padme, it's your choice. I promised you some support, and it will be given. First of all, if the process is to go smoothly, you must organise a crime spree on the routes you control.
- What do you mean?
- You'll see," I turned to my eternal companion, "Erdva, get Finis Valorum on the line.
The others present rounded their eyes as the droid emerged from the semi-darkness of the room and switched on the holoprojector. You bet, not everyone could address the Chancellor just like that, only the heads of the central worlds. But, in fact, I was the head of the central world itself, the Koros Empire, so their surprise was more from the rarity of seeing such a spectacle than from the fact itself.... Although, hardly anyone but Byblos was seriously interested in what the Koros Empire was. Let them feel it. A bright projection of the Chancellor appeared in the semi-darkness of the room, and he answered instantly:
- Anakin? Anything else?
- Yes, Finis, it's about the Trielusian route. Can you organise a justice base on Farstin?
- In a couple of months,' he nodded, 'a regular base. If you want something bigger, you know the terms, money up front. I don't have a bottomless budget.
- All right. There are militia units organised there, I've allocated them funds and a part of imperial orders for construction and patrol droids, as well as separately ordered the development of ammunition and weapons, scanners. Your boys will be able to work with them?
- So they'll be helping us, I take it? - The chancellor thought, - yes, they can. However, if there are any disputes....
- The local government has the right to do that. All right, I will allocate funds for the organisation of a large base, you can inform the Justice Department. Just call off those who were unhappy with my actions in the region, they should be kept out of the outer ring. I need the most militant, ready to terrorise crime, and cut off the illegal traffic. Like my squadron did the other day.
- I see your point," Valorum smiled, "I've got work to do. If you need anything, come in for a drink, we'll talk about some of our mutual affairs..." he switched off.
After the conversation, I looked up at the quiet Nabuans and told them the good news:
- That's it. The matter is settled. Now you don't have to fear war or crime.
- Quickly," Beeble shook off his surprise and took a deep breath, "do you and the Chancellor know each other?
- Yes, we work well together on some security issues.
I stood up and headed for the exit, turning around at the door:
- 'Padme, I think you've been searched for by now. As is everyone here. Is it time to announce a new policy to the people?
* * *
The announcement of the change in constitutional order was a great success. Most of the attendees were military and militant local oligarchs, so as soon as Beeble, on behalf of the Naboo government, announced his proposal and Padme agreed, the room erupted in applause. In the aftermath, the crowd seemed to go off the rails in an endless gaggle about it. Padme took a moment to focus on her aristocracy, and I returned to Faye.
- Where have you been?
- Negotiating with Padmé. You can see for yourself," I chuckled.
- Successfully?
- No, I wasn't trying for anything. It just worked out the way it did. By the way, it's time I introduced you to your... ahem... rival. I gave Faye my hand, and we walked away from the crowd and towards the queen. As she was really surrounded by a big crowd, we had to save the girl - both Faye and I pressed the square a little with mental technique, so that people began to disperse, and after the crowd "magically" dispersed, we approached Padme. She looked tired.
- Ani! - she cheered, "Did you do this?
- We're together," I nodded at Faye, who was holding onto my hand, "by the way, meet Faye. Faye, this is Padme Naberry.
Padme didn't seem to have much warmth for Faye, but the latter's centuries of experience in socialising quickly won the young queen over - I didn't listen, but five minutes later they were laughing about something together as I stood beside her. Faye and Padme returned to our table, where they continued their chatter, allowing me to take a little break from their girlish chatter....
As the ladies chatted, I was already thinking about what I was going to do next. I would definitely have to go to the empire first, work as a ferryman, and go to the Old Man to show him Faye. I don't have any information myself about forsusers like her-perhaps even the Old Man doesn't know. But beyond that... beyond that, the future becomes blurry because of the uncertainty with Faye. For now, the incoming problems can be taken care of.
The appointment lasted another three hours. In that time, I've already made a schedule of things to do in my mind. I'm leaving tonight. Faye is coming with me, but Padmé... Padmé will have to take care of governmental issues for a while, so no relationships are possible, she'll have to spend the next few months developing Naboo and bringing order to the annexed planets.
* * *
My plans were not to be.
The party was over by midnight, many of the people who had come to it single had left with a couple, the people disappeared quickly. I left the hall too, but halfway to the hangar I was caught up with Faye and Padme.
- Where are you going? - Padme asked unhappily.
- Exactly," Faye said.
- I'm going to take care of my empire now," I waited until the girls were on the same level with me, "and then we'll go to the old man for some advice, me and Faye.
Faye nodded, but Padmé was indignant:
- You mean you're leaving?
- Of course," I shrugged, stopping in the corridor, "Padme... you're going to have a lot to do in the near future, thanks to the huge changes on Naboo. I've had a lot on my plate, too, and I've taken some time off, but now it's time to get back to work. Plus I've got Faye's issues to deal with, plus my own empire issues that have been piling up lately... I'll be back in at least two or three months, when I've dealt with all the issues that have been piling up. Plus... plus there are the Jedi left. If they didn't notice me before because I didn't run into them much, and they weren't that attentive, now that Ben Kenobi and his apprentice, Ahsoka, have left the Order, now that Faye... I think Faye will have to leave the Order too, they'll definitely start to take an interest.
- I understand," Padme lowered her head, "but will you come back?
- I will...
- You know what, guys? - I'm going to go check that our guardsmen are ready to go," she turned and walked away. I was left wondering why, but my thoughts were interrupted by Padme, who looked at Faye in surprise and grabbed my hand and pulled me into her bedroom.
* * *
- Anakin, however, we have some unresolved problems with this specimen. - Lin Riekan looked up, "You know, it wasn't that easy. I didn't realise how many small details affect the result.
- Suppose we solve them. What's the salt at the moment?
- Computers. All of our projects require computers of all kinds. I've already placed several orders for them, but it takes time to develop. I'm getting on my nerves with this problem.
- That's right. I'll make a personal remark about the computer. We need to develop some computer so that if we produce it, there will be no claims from other companies.
- You mean the rights to it. What kind of computer?
- I've already thought about it. Theoretically, I'd need all sorts of computers. For example, for a fighter jet, as a replacement for an existing one, for use in the army, as an analyst and manager, as well as computing modules for droids. In fact, solve this problem with Naboo. They're going to need a lot of droids to raise and maintain the economy and order. To recolonise conquered territories.
Lin sighed heavily, looking behind him:
- See, that's in our interest too. During the construction of Cinnagar, I came up with the idea of creating an elite construction droid of roughly human size, with advanced manipulators and a power system that could be used for a variety of jobs. First of all in finishing of dwellings and keeping them in good condition, as well as highly professional repair. After that we started talking about creating a new EVS, considering the scale of our work, but the builders came up with a rather interesting idea - a droid based on DT-16, a combat droid, to be converted into a builder. It's really quite a powerful and strong machine, about two and a half metres tall, humanoid. Once professionally remodelled, they'd be quite suitable for the role.
- Oh," I was pleasantly surprised, "what about EVS? Are these giant bugs still up for modernisation?
- Yes, they are! - Shin smiled, "but I had to pay about two hundred million to develop the perfect EVS.
EVS droids were the backbone of our construction capacity. These giants could replace cranes, building material factories, labourers, and many, many other construction equipment. Thanks to them the speed of construction of new city buildings was phenomenal, what to speak about the construction of ordinary, simple buildings - they assembled them like a lego constructor in a few hours, including digging the foundation, driving piles, pouring the foundation, conducting communications and erecting the whole building. However, after them they had to work with an army of finishers who turned boxes of ferrocrete, duracrete and permocrete into comfortable dwellings. It's almost impossible to list all the functions of the EBCs.
- So what did they do?
- Well, for starters, they refined the chassis. Now it has a tail support, which makes it more stable. Then they increased the speed of movement, improved the programmes and most importantly - they took an analytical droid and, by networking all the EVSs and analytical droids, droid-operators, they made the process of work much more efficient. They also added external equipment - a universal shunt was attached to the manipulators, and a set of tools for this shunt was attached to the back. Now it works faster and can also do a lot of other things, like drills, a mining laser, and other tools.
-- That's great. That's just great. I see we're not going to have any problems with the construction," I finished that topic, "Okay, I'll talk about something else. Recently, we've run into some problems with the droid part. First and foremost is the lack of a good droid technician. I mean a really good, capable droid technician capable of doing ship maintenance, better than the R2 series. The R2s are certainly pretty versatile, and their software is great, but they're not much use for large scale work on warships. We need droids of a different scale, and more equipped for technical work, without universalisation, purely masters of maintenance.
- Accepted, I also raised this question, - nodded Lin, - it's not a matter of two minutes.
- I see. One last thing... I'm going to do something myself, personally. On the droid part.
- Oh," Lin was surprised, "I'm already looking forward to something special. It's a droid?
- Exactly. A guardsman battle droid. Tentatively... its price will be exorbitant, so we won't be able to create a real army of them, but about a hundred of them will be useful for... especially complex operations behind enemy lines. Well, I won't get your hopes up.
- All right, Anakin, I'll be waiting.
I said goodbye to Lyn, and he passed out. Erdva hid the holoprojector and moved aside.
I've settled the matter with Lyn. The vector of development of his farm, in general, suited me, so he does not have to really sit over my head and drip on the brain, correcting in every little thing. But there was one thing that neither Lin nor anyone else could know - my plans.
Analysing the operation revealed significant flaws in the existing system. For example, we didn't have enough people to work with personnel, simple work as supplies, maintenance staff, bureaucrats, and so on. Which means we need warrant droids. Semi-military army and navy labourers capable of working with personnel as instructors. There was a shortage of maintenance personnel. But that's beside the point - I needed guard droids. First and foremost a countermeasure to fight a serious, very dangerous flesh and blood enemy. Possibly Vongs if they showed up, possibly high-end professional military, possibly for heavy operations like taking over enemy bases. The droids needed to be extremely powerful, the likes of which the galaxy had never known before. However, it was too early to make a final project. If the Vongs existed, they would be announced much later, when the galaxy's industry would produce new projects, so the droids created now would be superfluous. Leaving the Iron Guardian project for the future, I went to work on other technical tasks.
My temporary yacht, the corvette Marauder, went into hyperdrive to Coruscant.
But before I could get to my favourite hardware, Faye came into the hangar and watched me work in silence. I decided to make myself a speeder, having found a few kits on Naboo before shipping out. Shin and Hortad stayed on Naboo, I asked them to work on establishing a permanent fleet and military base there due to the change in the planet's status. We've brought in some construction droids, so they've probably already started picking out a site for the base. Keeping forces in the Empire is problematic, as I am needed to enter and exit the core, and I may not be around. Hence the need for a base outside. Farstin is just the right place for a military base - the potential enemy is close by, and the local population will need to be terrorised.
- Faye? - I couldn't concentrate on my work under her gaze.
- Anakin. What are you doing?
- Making a speeder.
- Can I watch?
- I can't concentrate when you're watching," I sighed, "By the way, what do you think of Padme?
- She's an interesting girl," Faye smiled, "but she's young. She's still stupid.
- That passes with time. Especially now that she's not the queen of a peaceful planet, but the Empress of a not-so-peaceful sector.
- Anyway, I expected the worst. Padme pleasantly surprised me, quite intelligent for her age, she'll be a good politician by the time she's a hundred. There's something I'm interested in.
- Yeah?
- How did she get a lightsaber? Judging by the fact that you weren't surprised, you probably know about it.
- I gave it to her a few years ago. It's the first thing I ever forged with power forging. And force forging is my main talent among all the force arts.
Faye was surprised but didn't comment. Together, we were silent for a while longer. I tried to concentrate on the speeder, but I couldn't do it. I was trying to concentrate on the speeder, but I couldn't. Outside thoughts popped into my head, and it wasn't a good idea to create in that state. I'm distracted, and there are many, many things to keep in mind when forging.