Vengeance: A Sith's Story (Male Sith OC x Star Wars)

Chapter 16: Corruption

Mandalore:

Two ships landed on the hangar that led to the capital city of Sundari. One Republic, and one Sith. Padme exited the Republic ship and approached the Duchess, "Senator," Satine smiled. "Duchess, it's good to see you," Padme smiled back. "Thank you for coming Padme. I know our decision to stay neutral has caused distress in the senate," Satine continued. "If your government has trade concerns, we can talk," Padme responded. "Yes, well, that is something I wanted to discuss with you, and our other guests," Satine said. "Other guests?" Padme asked. Turning around, the Sith ship lowered its ramp, and out came, Sith Apprentice Lord Maul, Templar Warrior Hopper, and Grand Emperor Malidictus, who all walked over to the pair. "Duchess, it was kind of you to invite me here. Padme, so good to see you again," he smiled as she and Satine smiled back. "Good to see you're in good health. How is Dathomir?" Padme asked. "The capital planet is surviving. The Empire is stronger than ever now," he smiled back. "I invited the Grand Emperor due to the fact that we could use both opinions from representatives of both entities. Of course you being my friend Padme, I asked you to come here, and as for Grand Emperor Malidictus, there is talk of his legendary diplomatic skills," Satine said as they all made their way to a speeder. "Thank you for your kind words Duchess, but when one is the apprentice of Vitiate, you must learn the ins and outs of diplomacy, even the more, aggressive side, which I try to avoid," Malidictus said as both Hopper and Maul sat on either side of him as they sped away.

"I assure you, not everyone in the Republic has neglected Mandalore, and there are those of us who would still vote to give you any help you require," Padme commented as they sped along the roads. "The same can be said for the Sith Empire duchess. We are happy to assist our friends should they request it," Malidictus grinned. "The help we need now is opening trade routes, so we may get supplies more freely," Satine told them. "Not the typical Mandalorian welcome," Padme smiled, "Senator Organa teased you'd have a royal court waiting." Malidictus grinned, "Talzin wasn't much better," he added as the three smiled, whilst Maul and Hopper looked around them, with Maul still hiding his face and Hopper showing his scar. "I just wanted to greet you myself, before the others," Satine smiled.

The tunnel then opened up to reveal, the entirety of Mandalore cheering and celebrating the arrival of the senator, and the Grand Emperor. "Now this is a Mandalorian welcome," Malidictus and Padme smiled. "We are a people of tradition," Satine replied, before they took off to the throne room.

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"Esteemed colleagues, leaders of Mandalore, friends, I'm afraid our neutrality has caused our people to suffer. The war between the Separatists, the Republic, and the New Sith Empire rages across our galaxy. It has caused trade routes to be closed to Mandalore and has forced us to turn to a black market filled with corruption," Prime minister Almec spoke out. "We know what is happening Almec. What will be done about it?" the first leader said. "Mandalore should not need to pay smugglers to feed its people," a Trade Federation representative added. "It's not that we want to deal with smugglers. We have no alternative. I'm sure you and the trade federation, make a profit whether our business is legitimate or not. "I resent that!" the TFR shouted, pointing at the other member. "Ladies and gentlemen please, order. please," Almec said, attempting to calm the situation.

"Prime Minister Almec seems a bit overwhelmed," Padme said to Satine and Malidictus. "His mind is stressed and his thoughts are messy. Maybe they would listen to two, new voices," he suggested as Padme nodded and they both stepped forward. Satine watched as they stepped forward, "Ruling council, may we speak?" Padme asked. "Senator Amidala, Grand Emperor. The floor is yours," Almec said as he stepped back. Malidictus took the lead, "We hear your worries, your frustrations, but if you continue to bicker, then the more your people will argue," he said as the TFR asked, "Why should we trust the words of a Sith? A Sith who brings two of his kind here no less?" Malidictus eyed her with calmness, "An apprentice rarely leaves their masters side, and Hopper is here due to his experience with assisting me on vital missions," he countered. "Shouldn't their weapons be taken?" she asked. "I find your lack of faith disturbing. But, it would not matter. For a Sith is always armed, whether through our lightsabres, or through the dark side. But that does not matter now, what matters is cooperating for the sake of people's lives, innocent people who are suffering," he said as Padme chimed in, "I agree with the Grand Emperor. The black market is no substitute for legitimate and legal trade," Padme added. "Why should we trust the word of a Sith? They have been conquering and targeting weakened, vulnerable planets since their sudden rise," the TFR exclaimed. However this time, it seemed barely anyone agreed with them.