Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope(My Version)

Forty-One

24 BBY

Albion

Joseph, standing on a balcony in one of the spires of Neo-Pearl Harbor leaning on the stone railing. About a hundred meters below, he could see the manufacturing lines at work, assembling B1 model battle droids in huge numbers. "I had a feeling I'd find you here Hal." said a familiar voice. Joseph turned to find a male Munn named Proddo striding toward him. "Beautiful isn't it? All these machines building the army that will free us from the Galactic Republic." he said. The male Muun nodded in agreement.

"All of these droids, yet you still want to go and fight the Jedi yourself?" he asked. Joseph faced his friend. "Of course, Proddo." he replied. "It will be difficult," the Muun warned, "and I don't need the experience to tell." he added. "How did your lessons go so far?" Joseph asked, changing the subject. "It's only been a day, Hal." Proddo grinned, "We'll probably be sick of this in a month." The two shared a laugh. "Have you seen your brother yet?" Joseph inquired. "Pors? We talked. He's a semester ahead of us, and already attracting the Admirals' interest. Soon enough, he'll become one of them." Proddo answered. Joseph knew all about his friend's family, the illustrious Toniths, who sat in power over the Banking Clan for generations before the Hill family took that position. "You remember how we first met?" Halna asked. "Of course." Proddo replied, "On Coruscant, when we were kids. Our parents had business with the senate.

Wasn't it Palpatine who was hosting the meeting?" he asked back. "Oh yeah." Joseph remembered, "It was, but he wasn't Chancellor then. It's weird that we used to look up to him." The Muun nodded solemnly. "I've always suspected his election, even when I was eleven. His planet becomes blockaded by the Trade Federation; he wins the polls and yet Naboo manages to free itself." he said conspiratorially.

"Well whatever happened, the Naboo incident has proven that the Republic is spineless. But, I'll admit this: the Republic's vehicles, especially those AT-TE's are impressive" Joseph said, "Still, we benefitted from the Republic's tyranny, even though we're loathe to admit it. My own roommates and co-workers resent me for it." Proddo patted Joseph's shoulder consolingly. "Welcome to the club. I have my fair share of resentment because I'm from the Intergalactic Banking Clan. Still, they're backing this movement; without their credits, none of this would be possible." he reminded him, "While rebellions and rebels are noble and legendary, they still need money. We're still better than the Republic elites, for our wealth is going to a cause that's worth it. And, I'm just doing my job for the gaalxy." Joseph then smiled at his friend,

"Sometimes you're too smart for your own good." Proddo chuckled lightly. "I was about to tell you the same." he jested. The two shared another laugh, and continued to watch the factories. Joseph Kirkpatrick planned on making more friends while he was here, yet he was grateful to start with a very good friend like the Munn, Proddo Tonith.

Just a few months ago, Count Dooku called out the Galactic Republic on its hypocrisy, and rallied the poor and downtrodden to break away from an antiquated and elite system that did not care for them. Now, I have officially joined the military arm of the Separatist Movement, and that is merely the beginning. I don't imagine the Republic will let us go without a fight, so I'll fight, and I'll help us all win and soon.... Be free, before the Galacitc Republic can turn into something worse, or evil.