9 Chapter 9

So the war between the CIS and the Republic has begun and for Moka, this would be a perfect time for a new faction to pop up, while they're both distracted with each other. And if he wanted a real faction, he'd need more planets under his control besides just Kahlua. If he ended the Mandalorian Clan Wars and became Mandalor, he'd have an even better footing and the entire Mandalore space sector would be under his control.

This will be the starting point to his own empire, but there's no reason he couldn't go ahead and start trying to branch out. "Hmm, that is definitely a lot to take in, but I have bad news for you, Padmé. The Senate won't help you. They're just a bunch of corrupt old dudes who only move for the highest dollar. And unfortunately, the only other people in the galaxy who could compete for the top dollar besides House Kahl, is the Trade Federation. And I know you love talking about peace and friendship, but that stuff doesn't fly in the real world, sweetie. The real world is all about give and take, balancing the scales if you would. Nobody gets anything for free. So, that question is, are you willing to pay the price for my help in freeing your world from oppression?" Moka asked, turning into business mode, giving Padmé a charming smile with a twinkle in his eyes.

Hearing this, Padmé and her group were shocked. They couldn't believe someone would try to take advantage of them and try to profit from freeing them. "Prince Moka! Here I am pleading for your help to free my people, and you sit here and try to joke about asking for compensation?!" Padmé asked, incredulously.

Moka tilted his head in confusion at Padmé. "No, I think the real question is, are you serious? You think anyone, even the damn Republic does anything free from compensation? No, they don't. The Republic is helping because this is a wealthy planet in the mid-rim that gives them lots of tax money. If they don't help, not only would they look bad, they'd lose out on money that could go in their pockets. Hell, even you don't do your job for free. You sit there in your fancy clothes, giant palace, endless soldiers and servants that wait on your beck and call, and all you have to do is sit on your big seat and look pretty. And you don't even do that yourself! You dress like a handmaiden while the real handmaiden has to sit there and do your job and take the risk!" Said Moka as he pointed out she was still disguised as a Handmaiden.

Hearing this, Padmé began to feel terrible. Padmé wanted to refute his words, but found no fault in them besides the fact that she does not like them. Had she really been so spoiled and blind? No one had ever spoken to her like this, as most other nobles were even more spoiled than she was. Seeing her reaction, Moka decided to strike while she was dazed by her confusion.

"Now that you see what I mean, I think you finally understand the situation a little more. You come to me and asked that I help a planet that has done nothing but ridicule me and my people, then you expect me to do so for free, when if I do, I'd be hurting relationships with the Trade Federation and their allies, use an unknown amount of resources, put my people in danger, and also risk my life in the process? No matter how you flip it, I'd be taking on a major loss in this situation. As since Naboo has no defensive or offensive capabilities, House Kahl will have to take charge on all fronts. All for a Planet that is not our home and has mocked us. Does that sound right to you, Queen Amidala?" Moka asked, putting the final nail in the coffin.

Everyone could see the look of conflict on Padmé's face as she thought more on Moka's words and realized just how dire her situation truly is. She asked herself over and over again what she would do if she were in Moka's shoes, and the same she got every time frightened her. She was worried that if push came to shove, Moka could risk flying through the blockade and leave them to their fates. With that horrifying thought I mind, Padmé hoped even harder that the negotiations went well, but then her holocom began ringing.

Answering the call, a projection of Sabe disguised as the queen appeared. "Queen Padmé, I have troubling news. I just finished talking to the Viceroy, and he claims to never have received the Chancellor's ambassadors, even though they should already be there. Now I'm receiving reports that the Trade Federation ships are entering orbit, and all communications off-world have been blocked. We fear the worst." Said Sabe.

Hearing this, Moka felt sick. Everything went to shit so fast, and he doesn't remember enough of the original plot to make the best move. But he knows one thing, before he does anything, he'll get some assurances from Padmé first. "So, I see the peace talks have gone well. Look, we don't have much time, so I'll be frank. The Republic is weak and full of corruption, so they won't be of any help. I am willing to help, but I intend to be fully compensated. I'll be honest and say I would like Naboo to leave the Republic and come under the wing of House Kahl and Kahlua. We won't interfere with your government and will be much like your time under the republic, except we will actually care for and protect you. We can have a base in orbit that will protect not just Naboo, but the whole sector. Naboo will also experience amazing trade deals with House Kahl that only those that are our ally can have. With this, your people can be free and prosper as they like, all with the peace of mind that they will remain safe from all threats." Moka said in a clear tone. He was adamant on this. Naboo is a great first step to his plans and he WILL control this planet whether Padmé liked it or not.

Everyone, including Dragon Squad was surprised by this. Padmé hearing this, was upset, but she saw now that she may still be too naive, so she wanted to be more cautious. "Though I'd wish you would just help us out of pure kindness, I see now the world does not run that way. I cannot just absolve Naboo's allegiance to the Republic that has been in place for generations, especially if there is still a chance they can help us. So how about we discuss your deal at a later time, and form an alliance for now. That will be a good first step towards the future that you proposed would it not? We get help, and you would still gain a lifelong ally that would forever be in your debt. Will this allow you to help us now?" Asked Padmé, trying hard to keep the desperation from her voice.

Moka pondered on Padmé's words, and thought that a temporary alliance first wasn't a bad move. Making up his mind, a broad smile came across Moka's face as he stood and reached out his hand to Padmé. "I know you may think differently of Mandalorians, but House Kahl are True Mandalorians. We believe in honor, loyalty and strength. Once we give our word, we'd rather die than break it. The same goes for those we make promises with." Moka said in a serious tone as he looked deep into Padmé's eyes, sending a chill down her spine.

Determination filled Padmé's eyes as she shook Moka's hand, prepared to do anything to protect her people. As soon as the deal was set, Moka went into Commander mode. "Jona, take a few droids and ships and begin guiding every citizens you see to safety here. We have plenty of room for all of Naboo and them some. SK-8, check on the status of our ships and make sure they are filled with supplies and ready to take off at any second. We'll be leaving the planet pretty soon. Rain, I want you to head to the control room and make sure all of the forts systems and defenses are working properly. We'll be going to war soon. And finally Rust, I want you to stay here and become the commander of this war until I return. I don't want to lose a single person, not even a Gungan, you hear me? You all got your orders. Dismissed!" Moka said in an authoritative voice. 'This is going to be a long ass day Moka thought to himself.