Federation Beyond The Galaxy (Trial Version)

Chapter 3

The holo-image of Acworth appeared, leaning casually with an almost infuriating smile on his face. "Well, well, well. What do we have here? The head of a neutral planetary alliances, floating helplessly in space, being shot at by the Separatists... inside neutral territory, no less. How... ironic." His words tingling with mocking amusement.

"Commissar," Satine replied coldly, "this is hardly the time for—"

"Oh, on the contrary, Duchess," Acworth interrupted, his tone growing sharper, "this is exactly the time for a reality check. You, the proud pacifist leader of Mandalore, caught in the crossfire of a galactic war. And let’s not forget you’ve been harboring a Republic senator on your neutral ship. I wonder why the Separatists have taken an interest. It's almost as if your little ideals of neutrality were bound to catch every annoying pest, eventually." His eyes glinted with a cold amusement, fully aware of the bind Satine had found herself in.

Satine clenched her fists, her jaw tight. "I did what was necessary to protect Mandalore's interests. I did not 'harbor' anyone. Senator Amidala is a guest—"

"Yes, yes, a 'guest' who just so happens to draw the attention of an entire Separatist fleet," Acworth interrupted again, waving his hand dismissively. "Duchess, this is plain stupidity. Neutral space, neutral leaders—yet you're getting shot at. You see the irony here, don't you?" He leaned closer to the camera, his voice dropping. "You're still playing at politics while your ship is about to be blasted to bits."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised. "I must admit, Commissar, your timing is nothing short of surprise," he said dryly.

Acworth shot him a quick look. "Ah, Master Kenobi, always the wise Jedi with a quip. But tell me, has your wisdom managed to pull you out of this mess yet? Or are you still waiting for the Force to provide an exit?"

Before Obi-Wan could reply, Acworth turned back to Satine, his expression hardening. "Duchess, I warned you once before—your pacifism, your neutrality, your naïve view of the galaxy—it was always going to end like this. Caught between annoying forces far stronger and influential than you, relying on fragile ideals in a galaxy that doesn't care. And now, here you are, trapped, out of options, and bargaining with your 'guest' to sacrifice herself." His tone was now sharp, biting. "Do you realize how foolish this is?"

Satine felt her anger rise, but she maintained her composure. "And what would you have me do, Commissar? Fight? Become just another warmonger like the rest of the galaxy?"

Acworth leaned back, his smile returning. "No, Duchess. I'd suggest you stop pretending that neutrality is a shield. It's a target. The sooner you accept that, the better your chances of survival will be."

Anakin, his frustration boiling over, spoke up. "If you're just here to gloat, maybe you'd like to actually help us out of this mess?"

Acworth chuckled. "Oh, hotshot, I never pass up the chance to teach a lesson in reality. But as much as I enjoy watching the high and mighty realize the galaxy doesn’t play by their rules..." He paused for effect, his expression softening slightly. "I suppose I could be convinced to lend a hand. After all, I wouldn't want to see Mandalore fall before it learned the truth of its own naivety."

Satine crossed her arms, glaring at the hologram. "You made your point, Commissar. What do you suggest?"

Acworth smirked, clearly enjoying the position of power. "First, admit that you need help. Then, I might just save you."

As the pressure from the Separatists mounted and the situation grew increasingly desperate, Satine stood in silence, her mind contemplating. Every instinct told her to resist, but with no other options, she took a deep breath, swallowing her pride.