Suvin-Sal felt the heat of the sun beating down on him as he pushed the hoversled. Fresh construction supplies were being delivered to Voss-ka all the time, he was one of the many Voss who volunteered to help the work force. He was proud to be part of something like this. A discovery had been made: a portal to a whole new universe had appeared on the surface of Voss. The natives, "ponies" or "Equestrians" as they were called, were friendly despite having been involved with the greater galactic conflict between the Republic and the Sith Empire recently. Their home, Ponyville, had been heavily damaged by the fighting and so as part of an agreement, the ponies had been allowed to rebuild on Voss in exchange for allowing Voss refugees passage to their universe. Suvin-sal found the entire situation nothing short of inspiring.
He began to sweat a bit but that only made him push faster. The cart was heavy, laden with durasteel containers full of material for constructing new buildings for the new pony citizens. Suvin-sal imagined what this other universe full of colorful ponies might be like. A world of peace recently touched by war, it had been said. Voss was supposed to be a neutral planet in the conflict between the Republic and the Empire but when the portal opened, that changed everything rather quickly. The Empire invaded this other universe and Voss in the process, ignoring the Voss' neutrality in order to wage war with a newly discovered world and enslave its inhabitants. Many Voss had been killed in the process, something that had made the Voss less than neutral in the conflict now. The Republic came to the aid of both the Voss and Equestria, thereby cementing both planets in an alliance that maybe one day would change the galaxy. Suvin-sal felt privelaged just to be a part of it all. He ignored the heat as he pushed the hoversled into the construction site of the new town.
Several buildings had already been completed. The ponies worked fast and effecient, some even sang as they built things. He looked up overhead. Some flew amongst the clouds, dancing and kicking them away. They had shown not a single instance of aggression or violence, they had demonstrated only kindness. While many were still wary of the aliens, Suvin believed their kindness was genuine. Many of his own people had volunteered to help along side them and together, New Ponyville, as the city would be called, would soon be a shining example of the new friendship between the Voss, Equestria and the Republic. It made his heart swell with pride.
Suvin finally pushed the cart into the building that would serve as the town hall. A cool breeze welcomed him as he passed the doorway. The roof still wasn't finished but a pair of pegasi had positioned a couple clouds above the opening to provide shade and comfort. A remarkable two-story building, it was already nearing completion despite having only been started two solar-cycles ago. He watched as fellow Voss and ponies worked together to move supplies, work on various fixtures and build new parts of the building. And he was a part of it all. He stopped the cart in the center of the main foyer and wiped the sweat from his brow.
One of the ponies, a purple one descended from the cieling carrying a tray on one hoof. The creature offered a mug brimming full of amber liquid to Suvin with a friendly smile. Suvin returned the smile and happily accepted the offering. He lifted the mug to his lips and was about to take a sip when the bomb he just unknowingly delivered exploded.
The blast rocked the surface for a kilometer in all directions, the town hall and several buildings around it were destroyed in an instant. Duracrete burned and turned to ash, the ground was scorched and buildings around it were pulverized by the explosion. The inhabitants, laborers, Voss and pony alike were vaporized. A rising coloumn of smoke pierced the skies above the town, several pegasi flew away in panic from the eruption. Others plummeted to the ground, knocked out by the explosion.
The shockwaves finally subsided and the surface of Voss became silent. The site of a new town had just become the location of a new cemetery.
Bruschelle didn't turn around as the cloud blocked out the sun behind her. She'd done her job, that was all that mattered. Hadn't fired a single shot, especially not at any of the new aliens and that was disappointing but her mission parameters were clear: no trace of involvement was to be left behind. Finding new species was rare; she hoped that she'd be able to hunt them soon enough. For now, she would take the hefty sum the Imperial contractors were paying her and wait until they contacted her again for another job.
The destruction of the town sent ripples throughout the galaxy. Both Equestria and the Republic demanded an answer for the crime that had occoured, they did not have to look far. A broadcast over the holonet by the attackers soon followed:
"Citizens of the galaxy, the Sith Empire does not acknowledge the Treaty of Canterlot." The words were being spoken by a thin man in dark robes, twin silver spikes adorning his shoulders. The cloak on his robe was pulled back to reveal a pale, balding head, cybernetic attatchements on both sides of his lower jaw.
He looked more like a beauracrat than a Sith Lord but his voice, almost dripping with venomous hate, gave hint to an underlying corrupt nature. "The actions taken by renegade Dark Council member Darth Karux and those under his command were not sanctioned by the Emperor. As per the Treaty of Coruscant, the Republic and their newest 'member's choice not to surrender them to our custody is an act of war. The Republic's intent is clear in these events that they are willing to harbor fugitives and savages in direct opposition to the justice of the Emperor.
The man raised a hand, as if to write the next words into the stars themselves: "There can be no peace without justice and so to ensure greater galactic security, the Empire disavowes the Treaty of Coruscant and declares open war against the Republic anarchists and their allies." The holomessage finished. Transmitted to all corners of space, the Empire had made their intentions clear.
The Republic sought immediate conference with the Equestrian government but Princess Celestia had prepared her own response already. Amidst a crowd of gathering reporters, representatives and onlookers both from Equestria and the Republic, she made her own intentions clear:
"I believe in our alliance with the Republic. This unprovoked attack on Equestrian citizens violates the Treaty of Canterlot and rather the Empire disavows it or not, Equestria will not tolerate this unmidigated act of violence. We stand by our pledge to support the Republic as they support us in our time of need." the Princess declared. Her own tone was calm and resolute, it conveyed both concern and empathy, an urging voice that motivated the audience both in front of her and those watching as it was broadcast throughout the galaxy.
"It is in this regard that I have announced the formation of a new defense force to bolster the Republic's own armies, one composed entirely of pony volunteers." the announcement shocked many. A collective gasp echoed from different parts of the crowd followed by loud deliberations.
The Princess didn't need to try talking over them. Her mouth opened again and immediately all eyes were on her and all other mouths were silent. "The Wonder Gaurd will answer directly to Equestrian rule and will be overseen by members of the Republic. Equestria WILL defend its boarders and those of the Republic from ruthless acts of aggression from all sources. We are here in this galaxy and we are here to stay!" Applause erupted from the audience amongst questions and camera flashes. The Princess turned and walked off the stage and back into Canterlot Castle. Her citizens, her kingdom had been attacked. These new enemies wanted war. It was time to demonstrate to the galaxy how ponies did things. Once again, there was only one pony she could turn to.
Author's Note
Not to be confused with Cold Warriors, War Games, Smuggler's Dash or 12 Parsecs Flat.
Twilight learned about the attack an hour after Princess Celestia made the announcement. She and her friends had been in Voss-ka, the capital of Voss at the time and were called back to Canterlot immediately after news spread. Twilight had seen the destruction firsthoof, all those ponies and Voss vaporized. How could any creature do such a thing, she wondered.
Twilight was lost in thought as she and her friends quietly waited for the Princess. Finally, the doors to the throne room opened and broke the silence.
"Twilight Sparkle, all of you, thank goodness you're all safe." the Princess said as she strode in. Acompanying her were several of her royal gaurds, two closed the doors as the party entered. Among the royal gaurds, Twilight spotted her brother Shining Armor, his expression was one of a grim determination. He smiled at her though as the two caught each others' gaze, a good sign.
"Your majesty, we came as soon as we could. What are we going to do?" Twilight asked her teacher blatantly. She was still young, like many, she looked to Celestia for guidance.
"I stand by my decision. Equestria has become part of a larger galaxy... and a larger conflict. We will not retreat from this challenge, we will show this galaxy the path to peace and harmony. We must remain resolute." the Princess told them all as she walked to the center of the group. Twilight and her friends surrounded the Princess along with the ring of guards. Twilight could now tell that these were no ordinary royal guards: they were Celestia's top Officers, the leaders of Canterlot's defense force, her generals. Shining Armor was just a captain among them but he stepped forward in the circle to offer suggestion.
"Our defenses were penetrated. It's only a matter of time before they attack again. The Republic has provided us aid, I suggest we seek additional assistance from them." Twilight's brother advised. He'd been part of the initial fighting that lead to Equestria being discovered by the rest of the galaxy, he had seen first hand what the enemy was capable of.
"We cannot rely on the Republic for everything. We must demonstrate to this galaxy what we are capable of." Celestia said. The room became quiet as everypony pondered the implications of Celestia's notion.
A female guard spoke up. "What kind of demonstration, your majesty?" she asked.
Celestia lowered her head in thought for just a moment. "I will use my power to move one of their stars." A collective gasp escaped from the ponies surrounding her.
Twilight broke the silence. "Princess, are you sure that's wise? We know so little about this new galaxy, how will people react?"
Celestia closed her eyes but continued speaking. "There are many planets that have been claimed by niether the Republic nor the Empire, there are many stars in this galaxy. I have already chosen the site of this demonstration. It will be all of your jobs to build a new colony on this planet, recruit an army and workforce and build it quickly."
Twilight and her friends looked at each other in confusion. Everything was happening so fast. "What planet is this your majesty?"
Celestia opened her eyes. "Tatooine." was her reply.
Tatooine
Anchorhead, Shining Sands Cantina
"This is good. This is good. Very good." Harker explained, looking at the items on the datapad. "Unfortunately, it's all worthless."
Talak Dell shook his head for a moment in disbelief. Did he just hear that? 'Worthless'? The cantina was crowded but he heard Harker's words clearly from across the table they sat at in the middle of the cantina.
"What do you mean 'worthless'? This is Exotech, Tionese, Columi! This is the best stuff!" he asked his black market contact from across the table.
Harker, Talak's Rodian contact in the Exchange didn't look up from the datapad. "Best a month and a half ago maybe. Now it's worthless. None of my contacts will buy it." His 'contacts'. Talak gritted his teeth. He knew what that meant. He leaned back in his chair, thought things out as his anger level rose.
Talak didn't have to look back to know that the Rodian was no longer looking at the datapad. His gaze had risen upward, he was trying to get a reaction from Talak. The Smuggler was content not to provide one... for the moment.
"Of course, I could probably find a buyer... if I looked in the right places."
"No." Talak answered quickly.
"Your refusal to deal with them is most perplexing." the Rodian remarked.
Talak turned back to him and leaned in. "Have you dealt with them?"
The Rodian performed his species' equivalent to a scoff, a sort of throaty twitch. "Captain, you should know I am a businessman. I don't have the luxury of showing favoritism and that includes with dealing with the Hutts, the Republic and the Empire."
Talak knew Harker and the Exchange had dealings with the Empire. It was no secret, both the black market flourished and provided for both sides. But the only thing Talak had provided for the Sith Empire was firepower directed at their ships. The only thing he wanted to see was the Empire burn. Now, he had but one question for his soon-to-be former contact.
"Have you sold any of MY cargo to the Empire?
The Rodian folded his hands. "A few of your shipments I have had some nice offers from our known Imperial sympathizers. If they're willing to offer cash up front, I accept them. It's just business Talak."
Talak chuckled at the Rodian's words. His last words. Talak picked up his drink, a small glass in front of him and tossed it over his shoulder. The contents evaporated before they hit the ground and he sat the glass on the table.
"Of course... just business." Talak drew his blaster and put a hole in the Rodians stomach. The Rodian slumped forward onto his arms. Talak than stood and held the blaster over his former contact. He put another round in his head and then a finally blast in his back. Smoke rose from the corpse, patrons around him stood and started making their way out of the cantina. Talak did the same.
Reaching intos his coat pocket, he pulled out a commlink and thumbed it on.
"HK, prep the ship for takeoff, I'm on my way back to the hangar." he said as he walked out of the cantina and entered the sandy streets of Anchorhead.
The voice of HK-64, his companion, came back almost immediately. "Double Query: Expecting trouble master? Or is trouble following you?"
"If 'trouble' had cash on him, he'd be welcome to follow me. No, deal went sour meaning we're sitting on a cargo bay full of hot garbage that's going to attract attention if we stay here too long. Warm up the engines, I'll be back soon." Talak said.
"Suggestion: If it's that kind of attention, we may want to consider contacting your friends in the Republic."
"Have you been going through my comm logs again?"
"Guiltless Admission: Master, I'm programmed to protect you. Analyzing the holorecordings is an important part of-"
"Great, great, just don't put too much stock into anything I say on those things." Talak said, knowing all too well the droid might mistake his silver tounge for genuine motive. He switched off the commlink and pocketed it again. The hangar was only a short walk away from the cantina, built that way so pilots like Talak didn't have to look far for a place to get wasted on ale. Being on Tatooine, the drinks were never watered down because the desert planet was so dry, water was more valuable than alcohol. Talak entered the spaceport, walked quickly through the lobby doing his best not to be noticed and took a turbolift to the hangar his ship was docked at.
The gangplank on the Traitor's Luck lowered as he approached. He stepped onboard his ship without missing a beat and made his way to the cockpit where HK was waiting for him.
"Open a frequency to General Tethra, HK." he said. The droid complied without comment, something Talak was thankful for. After a moment, the shimmering blue image of the Republic general appeared on the display in between the pilot and co-pilot's seats.
"Captain Dell, how nice to see you again." Tethra said, her voice betraying the slightest amount of smug confidence even though he knew that wasn't in her nature. She just had him right where she wanted him, him coming to her for help. He turned away and scowled; dealing with the Republic was a last resort... and also right now, his only resort.
He forced a smile. "It's good to see you too Ceila." he casually used her first name.
She folded her arms. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"About our agreement, my schedule's recently freed up."
The general raised an eyebrow. "You're willing to consider our contract?"
Talak thought for a moment and then looked to HK for a response. The gold droid performed the mechanical equivalent of a shrug. There was no way out of this.
"Yes... yes I am." So ended the 'private' part of the word 'privateer'. "I'm willing to join the SIS as a freelance agent."
Tethra smiled. "I'm happy you've finally accepted our offer. I'll transmit the proper clearance agreements to you later but if you're interested, I happen to have a little work that needs some immediate attention."
That was what he was interested in. "For immediate pay?"
"The Republic's newest members have come under attack. The Empire struck a colony, reduced it to ashes before it was even constructed." Tethra said, her voice conveying sorrow, frustration and anger. Talak was reminded of Taris in that instant.
"The ponies have allied with us in our time of crisis and support us in our war against the Empire. As a consequence, the Sith are threatened by them. Equestria is determined to make their own show of force it seems through a demonstration that's going to take place soon. I want you to find out who was responsible for the attack on their colony on Voss."
"Didn't you just say it was the Empire? What, did they hire a mercenary?"
"That's what I want you to find out. I want you to uncover the details of this attack, who directly was responsible."
Talak was confused. "If the Empire's already claimed responsibility, how is finding out who did it exactly going to change anything? What's done is done and we know who and why. What's more to uncover?"
The general practically ignored his protests. "Consider this an official Republic investigation and yourself a member of the SIS, captain. Proceed to Voss-ka where you'll be briefed further... and the illegal cargo you picked up from Ilum will be removed upon your arrival."
How did she know about that? "General," Talak began bashfully. "I have no idea what you're talking about-"
"HK, I'll be sending you the official clearance agreement and SIS contract. Make sure the captain gets them." The general smiled again. Talak just turned to HK, his eyes wide.
"Statement: But of course master. I'll continue to monitor the transmissions as well, as instructed."
"Very good, HK. Keep the captain safe. It's been a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Dell." the general said with the same gleeful almost-smugness.
Talak felt like he was being pulled down to the floor. He turned away from the holoterminal but still addressed the general.
"Of course... just business."
