Chapter 149

A/N: Sorry for the late chapters, I have been trying to come out with quality chapters and to start showing characters who don't get shown that much and their development.

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Yrena and Yona had travelled to planet Saleucami which was established as a neutral meeting grounds for the delegates of the CIS to meet with Princess Leia and Princess Allae.

As the two arrived in the system, the amount of Terran forces which were present in the system were only a small amount but they were some of the Elite forces of the Terran Ascendency.

Their mission was to ensure the safety of the two Princesses alongside the two Empresses who would attend the meeting.

The meeting was scheduled to be held inside one of the remaining Republic bases, which had yet to be demolished. The location was thoroughly cleaned and arranged to meet the standards of a Royal Princess before their arrival.

The delegates were the first to arrive with their own escort of B2 Battle droids which they were allowed to bring for their own security.

They sat down in a small meeting room which was already set up by the Terran forces and served food while they waited for the arrival of the Terran Princesses.

After a short while, Yrena and Yona joined Princess Leia and Princess Allae with their accompanying Royal Guards. Because the princesses did not have their own personal Royal Guard yet, they were being escorted by Guardian Knights. Meanwhile, the empresses were accompanied by their own Royal Guard.

Both empresses were dressed in opulent robes and moved with a grace that spoke of power and authority. Their faces remained impassive, eyes focused ahead as they passed rows of saluting soldiers.

The Princesses, on the other hand, were donning their own regal robes that reflected their prestigious title and showcased the immense authority they held as royalty.

Upon reaching the entrance of the meeting room, they paused to let their escorts announce their arrival. The doors slid open revealing the delegates already seated around a large holographic table displaying a map of the galaxy.

As they stepped inside, the chatter stopped abruptly and all eyes turned towards them. The delegates rose from their seats in respect and bowed slightly. A moment's silence followed before one of the delegates greeted them.

"Greeting's your imperial highness, we the delegates thank the Terran Ascendency for a chance at rekindling our relationship" Stated one of the delegates.

With measured grace, Yrena nodded towards the delegates. "The Terran Ascendency appreciates your willingness to engage in discussion." She spoke with a warm yet authoritative voice that echoed through the room.

"But I am simply here to observe and the one who will be speaking will be Princess Leia" said Yrena as she went to take her seat alongside Yona leaving the rest to the Princess.

Princess Leia, maintaining a composed and stately demeanor, stepped forward. Clad in her iconic white robes with her hair braided in an elaborate crown around her head, she embodied the image of a determined leader. Her eyes sparkled with the resolution to seek a just conclusion to the meeting.

Princess Leia began as she addressed the room. Her voice, steady and firm, commanded immediate attention from all those present. "I am here today on behalf of my father who understands the need to end the war and unite the Galaxy and is willing to pardon the conflict between the Terran Ascendency and the CIS corporations."

The room fell into hushed silence as her words echoed around the vast space, their meaning sinking in. The delegates exchanged glances with each other glad to see that what the Emperor said was true.

She continued, "The time for conflict is past us. It is time to start rebuilding our galaxy, piece by piece. We do not need another war; we need peace, prosperity, and unity."

Princess Allae then stepped forward, she had been silent until now, observing the conversations and reactions of everyone present.

"In our pursuit of peace," she began, captivating the room with her eloquence and majestic presence. "We must remember that it was not started with malice but out of necessity. Our alliance doesn't mean forgetting our differences but rather embracing them and working together towards a common goal."

A delegate from one of the CIS corporations stood up. He was an elderly Neimoidian with wise eyes and a hardened demeanor forged from decades of corporate battles. "How can we trust promises made today won't be broken tomorrow?" he asked, his voice echoing skepticism but also genuine concern.

Empress Yrena rose from her seat calmly. A wave of silence swept over the room as all eyes were drawn towards her. "Your concerns are fair," she began with a soothing tone that belied her fierce reputation, "However, you must understand that the future we envision is not one of betrayal, but rather one of mutual trust and cooperation. The Emperor himself holds steadfast in the belief that a unified galaxy will be our strength in the face of chaos and uncertainty."

The Neimoidian studied her face for a moment, his gaze penetrating, before he nodded slowly. "We will need assurances," he said, sitting back down.

"Of course," responded Yrena, her voice steady but soft. "We are prepared to offer guarantees to ensure the security and autonomy of each corporation." Though Yrena was just saying what they wanted to hear since once they agree to to whatever deal they propose then those corporation will be under constant monitoring.

Leia continued, "We could envisage a council made up of representatives from each corporation. It will have mainly an economical role and would be created to maintain and create new economic laws that benefit the Galaxy" the reasoning behind this was because of how big these corporations were. Some of them had control over numerous planets of economical value which would be essential to the recovery of the Galaxy post war.

"Additionally, we propose regular audits of all operations in order to ensure ethical standards and transparency in the dealings."

The meeting room was filled with a tense silence as the delegates mulled over the proposals. A sense of anticipation hung heavily in the air, from a business prospective this was a good deal with little to no negatives which was also a slight worry for them since sometimes things can seem too good to be great.

Finally, one of the delegates, a grizzled Geonosian with hardened carapace stood up. His voice rumbled as he broke the silence - a guttural sound that caused the table to vibrate slightly. "I believe I speak for all when I say that we are... intrigued by your proposals. We will need time to discuss amongst ourselves."

Leia nodded with appreciation, understanding their need for deliberation. "Of course, take all the time you need. We are here to facilitate peaceful negotiations. But due note that time wasted is less money that you could be making" Stated Leia attempting to play the business game with the delegates.

With that, the delegates started to leave the room one by one until only Leia, Yrena and Yona were left standing alongside Allae in the large conference room.

Yrena turned to Leia, a soft smile curving her lips as she spoke, "You showed great leadership today, Leia. Your father would be proud."

Leia returned the compliment with a slight nod of acknowledgement, the corners of her mouth turning up in a half-smile, "Thank you, Aunt Yrena. We can only hope that our words have had the desired impact."

The room was then filled with an uncomfortable silence as they pondered their next steps. The silence was broken by the sound of Allae's soft voice, "What now?" she asked, looking from Leia to Yrena.

"We wait," replied Yona, her eyes scanning the now empty room. "Those delegates will follow where they can make the most profits and only by cooperating with us will they be able to do that"

While they waited, Yrena turned her attention back to Leia. "I must admit, I was impressed by how well you held your own in there. You showed that you are more than just a princess; you are a natural-born leader."

"Thank you, Aunt Yrena," replied Leia, a faint blush of pleasure highlighting her cheeks at the compliment. "I've learned from the best." She was referring to her Mother Empress Padme who was a well known peace-maker and believer in diplomacy despite her being an Empress.

Just as she finished speaking, a soft beeping echoed through the room. One of the Royal Guards moved swiftly to a panel on the wall and activated a screen.

"It's the delegates. They're ready to reconvene, your highness" she announced.

With that announcement, the women quickly resumed their seats around the large conference table. The room once again filled with delegates, everyone exchanging brief nods of acknowledgment as they reclaimed their spots. They had spent hours debating amongst themselves, evaluating the Terran Ascendency's proposal in every possible angle.

Now it was time for them to make their decision.

The elderly Neimoidian delegate who had questioned them earlier was the first to speak. "The corporations have reached a consensus," he started, his eyes focused on Leia and Yrena. "We have decided to tread on this path of unity and prosperity you have offered."

Yona Nodded hoping that they would see reason and not try to stand against the Terran Ascendency once more.

"I'm glad to hear that," Leia responded, her expression reflecting sincerity and gratitude. "We understand your reservations, but we promise you that our intentions are honorable. The Terran Ascendency will uphold its end of the agreement."

Yrena added, "And in return, we expect all corporations to uphold theirs as well."

"We will," answered the Neimoidian firmly. "After all, peace and prosperity are what we desire too."

The delegates signed the agreement, marking what could be the beginning of a new era for their respective corporations and for the galaxy as well.