The Life and Legend of Admiral Trench

Chapter 11

Just as Vreesha had predicted, Ando's secession had a strong political effect on the Mid Rim and Colonies. Days after Nudo's address, the factory world Sy Myrth joined the Confederacy, with its Senator, Toonbuck Tora, not even bothering to present a formal statement in person, leaving the task to a protocol droid. More drama swirled around the controversy when the simple declaration was accompanied by a strong expletive directed at Chancellor Palpatine.

Within weeks, several hundred more systems had taken the initiative to follow suit, aided in part by an incident on Blutopia, where Republic Judicials had opened fire on a crowd of protestors sympathetic to the Separatist movement. 

As the months began to pass by, tensions continued to escalate between the two sides, with radicals gaining ascendancy over moderate and neutral elements of the Senate. Additionally, a number of terrorist attacks on key leaders, including an assassination attempt on Count Dooku, began to sweep away any hope of reconciliation. Meanwhile, fewer and fewer Loyalist senators continued to speak in favour of continued dialogue with the burgeoning Confederacy.

The HoloNet was awash with constant news on the developing crisis, as even the most reputable columnists and anchors began to give in to the constant cycle of inflated rumour, hearsay and speculation in an effort to stay on top of the ratings. Among the many developments quietly passed over due to the concurrent galactic upheaval was the fourth acquittal of Viceroy Nute Gunray by the Supreme Court.

Trench paid little attention to most of the overwhelming wave of gossip, other than to keep track of the ever-growing list of planets to have joined the Separatist Alliance.

Anzat.

Troxar. 

Viidaav. 

Chalacta.

And now Secundus Ando, he was quite pleased to see: the ten thousandth odd member of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

Despite not being particularly savvy when it came to politics, Trench could appreciate the nature of combat involved, as well as the genius required to effectively engage in such fighting. While he would never admit it publicly, he was impressed by how accurately Vreesha had anticipated the now-unfolding chain of galactica events. Then again, she was the zhatak for a reason.

Within days of the assassination of Ainlee Teem, one of the most vehemently anti-Separatist Senators, Vreesha had arranged for Trench to meet with the enigmatic founder of the Confederacy: Count Dooku.

The man was certainly the stuff wild tales are made of. A former Jedi Master, he had forsaken the Order to return to his homeworld of Serenno. After taking up his title, Dooku had remained out of the public eye for a number of years before delivering the famous Raxus Address, calling for the formation of a new galactic government, citing the rampant corruption within the Republic Senate.

Despite being a patrician who had recently entered his eighth decade of life, Dooku inspired support from the poorest and most desperate corners of the galaxy. His charisma, oratorical prowess and planet of origin made him a force to contend with as his popularity among the common people had resulted in the steadily growing Confederacy.

The man's ability in negotiation was also quite evident as he had managed to bring together one of the most diverse coalitions of beings ever assembled. A human no less!

Despite his widespread acclaim, the man led a closely guarded private life, one without scandal or blemish. Indeed, he had put his wealth to good use, in the establishment of charities and relief efforts to aid those in crisis throughout the Outer Rim.

He also never tired of criticizing the Republic and their akks, the Jedi Order. He himself was only too aware of the unprincipled nature of the Core's politicians and the nepotism they extended while the Jedi followed their every beck and call.

Trench was certainly not a fool though. 

Everyone has their secrets and for good reason. 

While intrigued by Dooku's mystique, the Harch had no intention of following the human blindly. As the Admiral boarded the transport vessel for Eriadu, he told himself that he would keep an open but skeptical mind about whatever Dooku had to say to him.