CH: 07 A Look from the Other Side of the Galaxy

{Chapter: 07 A Look from the Other Side of the Galaxy}

The Galactic Republic, a vast and ancient civilization, has reigned over tens of thousands of galaxies within the Terex sector for more than 25,000 years. Since its establishment, it has been jointly governed by the Galactic Senate and the revered Jedi Order, a coalition of lawmakers and warrior-monks who uphold peace and justice across the stars.

In the year 25,018 of the Republic Era, 35 BBY {1}, Coruscant, the beating heart of the Galactic Republic, stood as the most advanced and prosperous planet in the entire galaxy. The planet-wide city, known for its towering skyscrapers and ceaseless activity, was home to the Galactic Senate, where political maneuvering and grand decisions shaped the fate of countless star systems.

Among Coruscant's most magnificent structures stood the Jedi Temple, a colossal edifice that rivaled even the Galactic Senate in grandeur. At its pinnacle, five towering spires adorned the skyline, each symbolizing an aspect of the Jedi Order's core tenets. The massive, trapezoidal main building beneath them stretched over a thousand meters in height and more than 500 meters in width. It was not just a place of worship or training but a beacon of hope and authority for the Jedi, the guardians of the Republic.

Within one of the high towers, an elderly man stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His hair and beard had turned completely gray, yet his sharp eyes and upright posture exuded unwavering dignity. His tone was measured and cold as he reported, "Master Yoda, Senator Palpatine has agreed to lend his support in the Senate. He will push for the judicial fleet to directly intervene and rescue the besieged world of Niele."

By the window stood a diminutive figure garbed in simple green robes. Barely a meter tall, his wrinkled face, long pointed ears, and aged posture made him seem frail. Yet, the wisdom and power he radiated were undeniable. Master Yoda, the highest-ranking leader of the Jedi Order, remained silent for a moment, his deep-set eyes gazing over the endless cityscape beyond the temple walls.

Without turning to face his visitor, Yoda finally nodded. "Grateful for this, we are. Important, Senator Palpatine's assistance is."

His peculiar speech pattern, placing subjects at the end of sentences, often left listeners momentarily puzzled. But none would dare question the wisdom of a Jedi Grand Master who had lived for nearly nine centuries.

The elder Jedi standing behind him, Master Dooku, gave a curt nod but remained unsatisfied. His expression hardened, and as he turned toward the exit, he spoke with cold deliberation: "If securing military aid to save innocent lives requires political favors and endless bureaucracy, tell me, Master Yoda, what future does the Republic truly have? And where does that leave the Jedi?"

Still facing the window, Yoda finally responded after a long pause. "Master, you should call me."

Dooku's cheek twitched, and his lips pressed into a thin line. With an abrupt turn, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

For a long while, Yoda stood motionless. Eventually, he inhaled deeply, his gaze shifting towards a distant point as if sensing something unseen. His brows furrowed slightly before he shook his head, whispering something inaudible.

Outside, Master Dooku strode down the corridor, his footsteps echoing through the temple halls. A duo dressed in humble Jedi robes approached from the opposite direction—a middle-aged man with long, unkempt hair and a young Padawan with a cropped haircut and bright, curious eyes.

Seeing Dooku's approach, the older man respectfully stepped aside, bowing slightly. "Master."

Dooku, still brooding, simply inclined his head in acknowledgment and continued walking without a word.

Once he had disappeared down the hall, the older Jedi straightened, casting a glance at his young apprentice. "Come, Obi-Wan."

The two entered the chamber that Dooku had just left.

"Master Yoda, you requested my presence?" the middle-aged Jedi asked, bowing deeply before the ancient Jedi Grand Master.

Yoda slowly turned to face him. "A disturbance in the Force, I feel."

The Jedi Master frowned. "The dark side, is it? Has it emerged again?"

"Darkness, no. Chaos, yes," Yoda said, his eyes narrowing. "Clouded, the future has become."

The Jedi Master's concern deepened. "Where is this disturbance? What is causing it?"

Yoda sighed. "Impossible to know. Stronger, it grows. With your own eyes, this disturbance, you must see. To the Model Sector, go."

The Jedi hesitated, his gaze steady. "What am I searching for?"

"That, I do not know. May the Force be with you."

The Jedi bowed solemnly. "May the Force be with you, Master Yoda."

Turning, he addressed the young man at his side. "Obi-Wan, we leave at once. We must investigate this matter personally."

"Yes, Master Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan Kenobi replied, falling into step beside him.

---

Meanwhile, Master Dooku returned to his personal quarters. As soon as he entered, he activated his communicator. A small, flickering holographic projection materialized in front of him, depicting a middle-aged man with slightly receding hair, clad in the formal robes of a Galactic Senator.

Dooku bowed his head slightly. "I am deeply grateful for your assistance, Senator Palpatine. Without your intervention, tens of millions of civilians on Niele would have been left at the mercy of the Biscalan pirates."

Senator Palpatine's lips curled into a polite, knowing smile. "Think nothing of it, Master Dooku. It is fortunate that in these troubled times, there are still Jedi like yourself—those who are unafraid to challenge traditions for the sake of true justice."

Dooku's eyes flickered with something unspoken, but he remained silent. The conversation had only just begun, but the wheels of destiny had already begun to turn.

"But this is not what I want." Dooku shook his head, his tone carrying a weight of discontent. "This matter should not be resolved in this way. It sets a dangerous precedent. The Senate is not meant to function on backroom deals and personal favors. The Republic should operate on justice, not political maneuvering."

Palpatine, ever the patient politician, gave a knowing smile. "Master Dooku, I understand your concerns. However, this is the environment we live in. The bureaucratic machine of the Republic is a slow-moving behemoth, and no amount of idealism will change that. One or two of us cannot hope to dismantle centuries of political decay on our own. Instead, we should be grateful that we were able to resolve this issue at all. There are far more pressing matters—ones that lie beyond our current reach, such as the ongoing territorial dispute between Malastare and the Corporate Alliance. That conflict alone is threatening to spiral out of control."

Dooku's expression remained grim as he considered Palpatine's words. "I agree with you, Senator. The rot within the Republic runs deep. This is not a problem that can be solved by individuals acting in isolation. We need allies—comrades who share our vision for a stronger, more decisive future."

Palpatine gave an approving nod, his satisfaction evident. "Precisely. That is exactly what I have been saying. But do not lose hope, my friend. As long as we remain steadfast in our ideals, the opportunity for change will come. And when it does, we must be ready to act."

Dooku's expression hardened, his tone growing cold. "I only hope that day comes sooner rather than later."

Palpatine's smile did not waver. "Rest assured, Master Dooku, it will come eventually."

There was a brief pause before Palpatine shifted the conversation. "By the way, I recently received some troubling reports regarding the Model Sector."

Dooku raised an eyebrow. "The Model Sector? That is a barren region in the Outer Rim's Western reaches, infamous for its treacherous hyperspace anomalies and unpredictable gravitational wells. I've heard there is even a supermassive black hole in the vicinity. It lies far beyond the Republic's control. Are these problems you speak of significant?"

Palpatine's voice remained calm, yet there was a calculated edge to his words. "Not necessarily. But I find the reports... concerning. I believe it would be prudent to investigate, if only to ensure that nothing of consequence is brewing there. Would you be willing to arrange for someone to look into it?"

Dooku folded his arms, contemplating the request. "I could send a few Jedi apprentices..." He hesitated, his disdain for the Senate's politics evident in his furrowed brow. "On second thought, I believe it would be more effective to employ bounty hunters from Serenno instead. They are resourceful and discreet—capable of uncovering things that Jedi might overlook."

Palpatine's eyes gleamed with approval. "An excellent decision. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, Master Dooku."

As the transmission ended, an eerie silence filled the room. Then, from the shadows behind Palpatine, a voice emerged—low, guttural, and brimming with an almost palpable malice. "Why assign Dooku to investigate the disturbances in the Model Sector? Surely, the Jedi Order would be more suited to such matters."

Palpatine did not turn to face the speaker. Instead, he let out a quiet chuckle, his demeanor as composed as ever. "Training a Cyberian war dog requires patience. You must feed it commands, over and over, until it learns to obey without question. With each task, it grows more accustomed to its master's expectations. In time, it will stop asking why and simply follow orders."

The voice in the darkness rumbled with amusement. "Is that truly your only objective, my apprentice?"

Palpatine bowed slightly, his face an unreadable mask. "Of course, my lord."

A satisfied pause followed before the voice continued. "Very good. In that case, the dispute on Malastare is still lacking intensity. This conflict must escalate further. See to it personally. Add fuel to the fire."

Palpatine's smile widened, though it remained as cold and calculated as ever. "As you wish, my lord. It will be done."

With a measured grace, he turned and walked away, exiting the chamber with deliberate steps, his mind already working on the next stage of his grand design. The Republic's days were numbered, and soon, the galaxy would bow to a new order.

　　-

　　{Note 1}: The chronology of the Star Wars world is based on the Battle of Yavin, the first Star Wars movie, the battle in which the Death Star was destroyed in Star Wars: A New Hope. BBY means Before Battle of Yavin, and the year before the Battle of Yavin is 0 BBY.

After the Battle of Yavin, it was a few years ABY, which means After Battle of Yavin. This era will not be covered in this book.

The Galactic Republic was founded in 25053 BBY and was destroyed in 19 BBY, lasting 25034 years. 35 BBY corresponds to the year 25018 when the Galactic Republic was founded, so according to the Galactic Republic's calendar, this year is 25018. This year is also the time point when this book begins.

New fans can understand it this way: BBY is the BC calendar, which is counted backwards; ABY is the AD calendar, which is counted forwards. That's OK, don't worry about anything else.

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