Project Ares Gold Edition

Chapter 26 - Breaking new ground

Senate Building - Coruscant

Following the conclusion of the agricultural talks, the Duchess of Mandalore requested an audience with the Chancellor, something which Palpatine was personally surprised by but welcomed nonetheless. Sitting across his desk, the Chancellor watched the blonde Mandalorian walked into his office and ask to sit down. Asking what this was about, Palpatine was told that after what she witnessed from the Master Chief on Renkaar, Satine was rethinking the idea of having a Republic outpost established on Mandalore.

She had talked it through with her representatives and advisors back on Mandalore and they had mostly come the the agreement that a Republic outpost would be a good idea to scare off pirates and other criminals. However, Satine stressed that it was not a sign that Mandalore was supporting the Republic in the war, nor was this outpost to intrude on Mandalorian politics or way of life. "But what does the Republic have to gain from this? We'll be diverting critical resources to your world, but we don't receive anything in return."

"That may be Chancellor and I will confer with my staff about what we can offer the Republic in return, you have my word." Satine answered, secretly Palpatine didn't really care if the Republic got anything from this deal. By simply having boots on the ground on Mandalore, he was already making strides to bring Mandalore closer to joining the Republic in fighting the war. "Very well then Duchess, I'll have my office organise a military planner to come out to Mandalore to design and build a new base."

"If I may have one last request Chancellor, I would like Master Chief and Jedi Master Kenobi to take care of this. From what I understand, Master Kenobi has a lot of resources at his disposal and I want someone I trust to handle this matter."

"Well of course, I'll contact the Jedi Council and ask for Master Kenobi to be assigned to this matter. After all, what good are friends if they don't handle each others business with the highest amount of care and respect."

The Negotiator - Mandalore

To say that Obi-wan was surprised to hear the news that Satine wanted clones on Mandalore would be an understatement. So he was more than happy to go on this mission to establish a modest and respectful GAR settlement on Mandalore, taking with him Commander Cody and the 212th Attack Battalion. However, to maintain their peaceful approach, the Council ordered that only one ship be sent to Mandalore.

Upon their arrival, a small delegation of Republic personnel were sent down to the planet while The Negotiator orbited around one of Mandalore's moons. Apparently there was a Separatist delegation already on the planet and were there to just sort out the finer details about why a Republic settlement was being constructed on a neutral world. When they initially found out about this, the CIS wanted to glass the very soil that the Capitol city was build on, but after thinking about it, they dispatched a few dignitaries to help clear matters up.

As the Republic shuttle's landing gears kissed the concrete surface of the landing platform, the door opened up to reveal the notorious Negotiator, Spartan, and Marshal Commander. Being greeted by Duchess Satine and her new detachment of Royal Guards, Kenobi initiated his charm by kissing the Duchess's hand like a gentleman before acknowledging her detail. Satine also acknowledged the clone commander before saying her greetings to the Spartan. "Master Chief, it is nice to see you once more."

"Ma'am." Chief nodded in response, he didn't really know why he was on this assignment but it was definitely better than whatever Palpatine had in store for him when he got back. Escorting the congregation to a small meeting room, Satine asked that Cody wait outside along with Chief while she sorted things out with Kenobi and the Separatist representative. Agreeing to her wishes, the two soldiers waited outside when they heard the all too familiar sound of battle droids stomping around the corner. Peaking around, the two counted 16 standard B1's standing guard outside another door leading into the building.