End of a wise Muun

- 35 BBY -

On Akiva, in the Satrap's palace of Satrap Drommuk Beren, a group of Muuns have arrived. They represent the InterGalactic Banking Clan's interests and have been summoned by someone of great power within their organisation. The Muuns are arrogant and consider themselves superior to most people, mainly due to their immense financial wealth. 

Reep Tonith, the current representative, looks at Drommuk Beren, who seems nervous being in the presence of such powerful people. The Tonith family has been active in the InterGalactic Banking Clan for several generations. By 67 BBY, they controlled the Banking Clan. The Toniths are known for their ruthlessness, using force against rivals and conquering worlds as routine business procedures. So the Satrap's nervousness is founded. 

"What have you accomplished, Satrap?" Reep Tonith asks. 

"I-I have been making sure that our situation doesn't decline even further than... than it already has, and I believe that with your help we could-"

The Muun rolls his eyes and interrupts the man. 

"How did you ever gain a position of power? Are all people on this backwards dump, as useless as you are?"

"I-"

"Don't answer that, you'll embarrass yourself. We were called here to solve your situation. Tell me what you have accomplished to acquire the spice the foreigners have in their possession," Reep asks. 

"Well, we have been buying it from them regularly. They sell us a significant number of crates per year until their debt is settled. But other than that, we haven't gotten very far."

"So nothing. You have accomplished nothing."

"I wouldn't say nothing, just-"

"Where is their spice coming from? Where is their home planet? Where do the goods originate from?"

"Well... we don't know."

"What is the name of their planet?"

"We... don't know."

"What do you know?" Reep asks. 

"We know his name. Lord Marshal Varnan Dreir and his planet are destroyed through radiation and war," the Satrap says. 

"Lord Marshall, huh? So their civilisation is a militaristic one. This would make it a bit more complicated, but not impossible. We need to determine where they originate from and what their capabilities are. Their total numbers, their starships and other specifics to understand how to take over," the Muun says and looks at his fellow members, who nod their heads. 

"Also, they have a ship, a yacht, which they use to come and go."

"A yacht? A group of men from a destroyed planet fly around the galaxy in a yacht, and you didn't think that was suspicious? However, this could be good," Reep says and turns to one of the fellow Muuns. 

"Go and have a look. I want to know everything."

"Yes," the Muun says and walks out of the office.

"Will you help us, my Lord? The Pykes have increased their attacks and desperately want the spice," Drommuk Beren asks. 

"Don't worry about the Pykes. If your information proves useful, they will be dealt with. But now, let us pay a visit to this 'Lord Marshal'."

.

The group of Muuns follow Drommuk Beren to the mansion of Lord Marshal Varnan Dreir and his fellow members. The mansion was a grand one, utilising the resources Petyr had created and retaining the funds from the sale of spice and Doonium. Reep Tonith observes everything and is now truly convinced that the so-called Lord Marshal hasn't been honest with the Satrap. From what he has been told, the foreigners have used their own men to build all of this, claiming they have the necessary experience. However, which Death Planet has experience in building nice things? 

His greed rose as he saw the wealth around and knew what he had to do. They arrive at a large hall, and a moment later, a tall human with a stern expression arrives. He looks like a military man; this at least seems to be correct. His steps are measured and always the same length. He stops walking right in front of the Satrap. 

"Satrap, Drommuk Beren, what is it you require? The next payment is not due for several moon cycles."

"Lord Marshal Dreir, I apologise for this sudden, unannounced visit. As you know, the criminal aspect of Myrra, the Pykes, has grown more violent, and I'm afraid we have a war on our hands. It is for this reason that I asked these respected gentlemen, from the InterGalactic Banking Clan, for help in solving our problem," Beren explains.

"Banking Clan? How could a faction which focuses on banking have any experience in solving the criminal problem of Myrra?" Dreir asks.

"We have many ways of getting things done. Nothing is impossible for the InterGalactic Banking Clan." 

"Who are you?" Dreir asks. 

"Reep Tonith, at your service. I am here with a proposition, if you will, Marshal."

"What kind of proposition?"

"We of the Banking Clan have been told by the Satrap about your problem with the Pyke Syndicate and are willing to help out. Naturally, our resources are as limited as they have ever been. The galaxy is a large place after all, and it has gotten harder since the Trade regulations have been altered. So, to relocate and invest extra resources on Akiva, we would have to know that it is worth it for us. Do you understand?" Reep asks. 

"No."

"Ah, you may indeed be a military man then. What I am saying is that we would like some form of reassurance that your reserves of spice are intact and not very limited. We want to know whether you are taking advantage of the Satrapy's generosity and naivety, or whether you indeed have access to mines of the spice."

"The mines are intact," Dreir says. 

"Ahaha, well, that's nice. But as I just stated, we require some proof. Otherwise, we can't help you with the Pyke Syndicate," Reep says, shrugging. 

"So? The Death Krops can handle our defence. We do not require outside assistance from a Banking Clan. If you think that you can extort us, you will find that we are aptly named."

No one says anything for a moment. The Muuns and the Satrap understand that the Marshal is telling the truth; he would kill them if they were to continue trying to extort him. Therefore, another tactic must be employed. 

"Well, then that's that. I apologise for this, Marshal. I wish you all the luck in dealing with the Pyke Syndicate. They are larger than you believe, and the measly number on Akiva is in no way comparable to what they can unleash," Reep says and motions for his fellow Muuns to walk out. 

The Satrap looks at them and then turns to Dreir. He knows what he has to do, but he is worried. 

"Lord Marshal, I..."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry to inform you, but the charge has been raised. The war with the Pykes has begun to cost us a significant amount of resources and credits. We need to purchase weapons and may consider hiring bounty hunters to defend ourselves. It has gotten out of hand, so I regret to tell you this."

"I understand your concern, Satrap Drommuk Beren. And while I may not like it, there's nothing I can do about it. I expect the price will drop again, and maybe we will be granted certain assurances?" Dreir asks. 

"Of course, Marshal. It is only right after all. I will inform the rest of the Satrapy right away. Also, another request. Would it be possible to get the required sum earlier than we agreed? I will have to get started with acquiring the necessary help, now that the Banking Clan won't help us."

"I don't have it here now, Satrap. I would have to see how soon I can get the required amount. It will take some time," the Marshal says. 

"That's all I can ask. I thank you, Lord Marshal. Truly, I am grateful. Should we get through this conflict, I will always remember this," Beren says. 

"Should you not, I will definitely remember it. So make sure to do what you promised."

"Of course. I bid you farewell for now, Lord Marshal."

Drommuk Beren leaves Varnan Dreir's and the Death Korps' mansion and makes his way back to the Satrap's Palace. He enters his office, where the Muuns are waiting. Reep Tonith has taken the Satrap's seat and looks at him. 

"Well? How did it go? Has the good Marshal agreed to the rise in payment?" he asks. 

"He has agreed to pay more in turn for privileges. I am not sure, I can keep him contained much longer if I don't give him something soon," Beren says. 

"That won't be necessary. Dakom, were you successful?" Reep asks one of his men. 

"Yes, Lord Tonith. We have placed the tracking device, and we will know where they go."

"Good. See, Satrap? It was that easy. I find it insulting to believe that you never thought of this method. Now, let me inform someone."

.

On the moon Sojourn, in an ancient-fortress home and personal retreat of Hugo Damask II, the Muun receives a transmission. He walks to the holoprojector and sees the hologram of Reep Tonith appear there. 

"Reep, how is your little expedition to Akiva going? Have you acquired what you have been looking for?" Damask asks.

[Yes, Lord Damask. We have placed a tracker on their ship and then followed them to their planet.]

"Impressive. And what have you discovered?" Damask asks. 

[We found the spice mines. There is quite a bit of it still available. It will significantly increase revenue.]

"That's it? What of the foreigners who didn't want to tell you anything? This seems to have been a bit too easy, wouldn't you agree?"

[Indeed, it was, but we made sure to wait for them to leave again. The planet is truly destroyed and filled with radiation. We will establish the mine, and I'll inform you of our progress, Lord Damask.]

"Very well then."

The holoprojector turns off, and Damask looks forward. He shakes his head and smiles. 

"Heh! Reep Tonith, how quaint to see you lie like this."

Hugo Damask walks through his fortress and to the spaceport, where his starship is waiting. He knows that Reep Tonith lied to him. However, it was to be expected, as power plays were a regular part of Muun culture. The InterGalactic Banking Clan and Damask Holdings were such an influential and enormous complex that everyone wanted a piece of glory and power. Damask starts the engine and leaves Sojourn. The moon was discovered, and its ancient fort was founded generations earlier by members of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, who created it as a retreat for the clan's wealthiest clientele. Now, it was a bit different. Oath-bound ceremonial activities of hunting and debauchery were a rite of passage and prerequisite for intergalactic money-magnates of exalted privilege, which took place there. 

Hugo Damask jumps to hyperspace and makes his way to the system from which Reep Tonith's holoprojector came. If the young man wanted to lie and betray him, he would have to work harder. The sleek and fast starship exits hyperspace shortly after and looks at the planet below. 

"Heh, destroyed planet," Damask says, amused at seeing the lush planet in front of him. 

He lands his ship next to the other Muun vessels. He steps out and looks around. They are all empty. They must have been in a hurry. He looks around and walks to the right, where he senses the different presences. He moves into a cave and follows the paths until he reaches a large hall. In the centre of the hall stands a man, dressed in a peculiar get-up, with a sabre at his side, an expensive coat and a respirator covering his face. 

[Picture]

Damask feels something strange. Next to the man, kneels Reep Tonith, bloody and beaten, and very close to death. 

"Who are you?" Damask asks with narrowed eyes. 

"Lord Marshal Varnan Dreir. Welcome to your tomb."

The deep and raspy voice of Varnan Dreir unnerves Damask. However, his words make him chuckle. 

"Tomb? This day has been nothing but amusing. It is not often, nowadays, that I get to be amused. Everything has become so predictable."

Dreir doesn't answer and instead takes out a bolter and points it at Reep Tonith's head. Without saying anything, he pulls the trigger. 

*BBOOOM*

The Muun's head and upper part of his body exploded into bloody mist, sending it throughout the hall. Damask looks surprised at this. He doesn't feel any emotions from the man in front of him, except pure conviction. 

"Say, how did you get Reep to send that transmission? I am now most certain that you did, because it seems very unlikely that he would have left so many things out. You made it obvious, and at the same time, you got me to come here. Very clever," Damask says. 

"I asked him to."

"Haha, hilarious. Oh, well, I suppose he deserved this outcome. Weakness shall be punished, but why did you not kill him sooner? Just for a show? If so, then I have to tell you that I am unimpressed. As for the tomb, you will find it to be yours rather than mine."

"How arrogant. Fitting for Xenos scum. You will die here, Sith, and there is nothing you can do about it." 

"What did you say? Sith? I am-"

Before he can finish his sentence, Death Korps Grenadiers emerge from the paths leading to the hall. From all sides, they walk into the dim light, holding their Type XIV Lasguns ready for carnage. 

[Picture]

"You are Darth Plagueis, the current Sith Lord who orchestrates the events in the galaxy from behind the curtains. You have tickled the sleeping Death Korps and now, you will die." 

Carnage begins. Absolute carnage is all that can describe the scene that follows this declaration. The Death Korps Grenadiers charge forward, firing their lasguns and attacking the Sith Lord before he can say anything. The man uses the Force and breaks necks, hurls men through the air, and sends out Force Lightning, frying them left and right. The corpses start to pile up more and more, but as the mountain of corpses increases, so does the fatigue and damage Plagueis sustains. 

...

After one hour of fighting, the Sith Lord is gasping for breath and holding his side, where large wounds are seen. He has used all he could, but he wasn't ready for the Death Korps' willingness to sacrifice themselves. They threw themselves at him, like cannon fodder. 

"What... are you...?" he gasps as Varnan Dreir stands before him. 

"We're the Death Korps of Krieg, Xenos scum. Did you think that was just a pretty name? We never retreat. We fight and we die, that's the Krieg way."

"Heh... truly amus-"

*SWING*

The Lord Marshal swings his power sword and cuts off the Muun's head. Ending the life of Darth Plagueis the Wise, well before his time. 

.

All the corpses disappear with a thought. And from the side, Arla appears walking towards Petyr and looks at the dead Sith Lord. 

"So he was the reason you went through all of this?" she asks. 

"Yes. And now, he will serve us well," Petyr says. 

"In what way?" she asks. 

"He will allow us to leave here for the moment."

"Leave? You mean leave Akiva or Mandalore?"

"Leave this reality, love. I think it is time for you to know where I come from, finally."

"Really? Are you sure? I don't need to know that, if it is strange for you."

"No, I think it is a good moment," Petyr says. 

With a thought, a duplicate of Darth Plagueis appears in front of them, having been created by Petyr. 

"You will return to your duty and make sure that Akiva will fall into the Death Korps' hands. A duplicate of me will take care of rebuilding Mandalore and the business. Make sure there are enough funds available, but keep the apprentice in the dark."

"Yes, my Lord," Plagueis says. 

__________________________

So the stage is more or less set for the Clone Wars to begin. I will skip over all the preparation Petyr does in the 10 years leading up to that, and we will come back by the time the CIS forms. 

I have a lot of things planned, and I hope they are interesting for you to read.