Coruscant shimmered with artificial grandeur. Towers scraped the sky like monuments to ambition, while speeders wove between them in orchestrated chaos. Below the surface, however, shadows gathered plans being written in whispers and long-term manipulations.
In one of the countless high-rise towers nestled within the Senate District, Senator Palpatine of Naboo clasped his hands behind his back, looking out over the city-planet. His eyes reflected more than skyline. They reflected intent.
Before him, a hologram flickered to life Nute Gunray, Trade Federation Viceroy, flanked by his Neimoidian aides.
"Our blockade of Dorvalla proved… profitable," Gunray said, oily. "But the Senate continues to pressure us over shipping security."
Palpatine's voice was smooth, silken. "Which is why I've arranged for a vote on increased defense autonomy for member corporations. In return, I want you to support my proposed Trade Security Initiative."
The Viceroy's eyes narrowed. "Portable shields for freighters? Expensive. Inefficient."
"Not when backed by Cassian Voss's research division," Palpatine said, turning. "His prototype shield generators reduce power consumption by 73% while offering capital-class strength. Small enough to outfit bulk freighters, agile enough for privateers."
He let that sink in.
Gunray frowned. "And the contract?"
"Goes to the Trade Federation. Exclusivity… for a time."
The transmission ended. Palpatine turned as another guest entered the room.
Padmé Amidala, newly instated Queen of Naboo, walked in with quiet confidence. She was young, but politically astute. And skeptical.
"You asked for a private audience, Senator. Why?"
Palpatine's expression softened, fatherly. "To congratulate you, Your Majesty. And to caution. The Trade Federation grows bold. I believe they may test Naboo's neutrality soon."
Padmé's expression sharpened. "And what would you have me do?"
"Trust in the Republic. Let me represent your interests in the Senate. You will need allies in the days ahead."
Their conversation shifted to pleasantries, but the undercurrent was clear. Palpatine was laying foundation stones—power through crisis, loyalty through manipulation.
Elsewhere, aboard the Starforge, Cassian Voss reviewed a new schematic—a modular star dreadnought, six kilometers in length, with fractal armor, halo-based pulse cannons, and gravity-lensing drive cores. It was unlike anything in either universe.
His father's hologram crackled to life, projecting into the Forge's design deck.
"Cassian," said Damon Voss, founder and CEO of Corellian Dawn Shipwrights, "do you really think this new yard of yours is necessary?"
Cassian smirked. "If you want to keep selling blockade runners while the rest of the galaxy builds fleets the size of moons, be my guest. But if we want to be the future, we need something more."
Damon sighed. "You already have the research base, the forge world. What's next, your own navy?"
"Eventually," Cassian said. "But first: Cassian Spaceyards. Separate from your company. Independent jurisdiction, Zereth Prime orbit. We'll handle warships, mobile fortresses, defense stations anything the Republic won't publicly fund but secretly needs."
His father was silent for a moment, then nodded. "You always were three steps ahead. Very well. I'll authorize the capital and formal split. But be careful, son. The more noise you make, the more eyes will turn your way."
Cassian's eyes narrowed. "Good. Let them watch."
A few weeks later, the Cassian Spaceyards were announced galaxy-wide: a new engineering powerhouse with designs already rumored to rival Kuat Drive Yards. Senators, bounty guilds, and even Hutts sent emissaries. The galaxy wanted weapons, ships, security.
Cassian gave them innovation wrapped in power.
And the portable shield technology? It became a sensation. Freighters across the Core Worlds began lining up for installation. The Techno Union requested licensing. Even whispers of Jedi interest reached the Forge.
In the Senate, Palpatine quietly backed the expansion, presenting it as a leap forward in galactic security. Meanwhile, he nudged the Trade Federation toward militarization, sowing chaos he could later harvest.
Two minds. Two visions. One galaxy, inching closer to the brink.
And in the void between stars, EVA watched it all.
"They're maneuvering like old predators," she told Cassian. "You, Palpatine, the Federation… it's a chessboard of ideologies."
Cassian folded his arms, gazing down at a simulation of the galactic map. "Then let's change the rules."