The Chommel Sector
09-04-2007, 00:37
Victory-Class Star Destroyer Saat's Will, Flagship of the Chommell Sector Defense Fleet, Location Unknown
The almost skeletal black-robed form of Jedi General Saat sat on a throne-like chair at the head of a great conference table. At his side was his Rutian Twi'Lek Padawan, and in front of him sat the 36 Republican Governors of the Chommell Sector. His clawed hand held the controller to a holoprojector that would very soon mark everyone in the room as traitors to the Republic, though only two of them would know it.
Saat stood up, activated the projector, and spoke.
"Gentlemen, I am aware that your worlds have given much to the Republic. Very recently you paid the bill for a force of new Victory-class Star Destroyers, and I thank you for that. But what I am about to show is well worth the cost."
As soon as he spoke that last word, an image on a battlestation sprang to life. A fifteen kilometer cylinder bristling with masts and parabolic antennae.
"I give you the Wall of Fire. This battlestation will give this sector a weapon of great power."
With a gesture, the image zoomed in on one of the masts.
"This battlestation is capable of projecting a planetary-scale shield like no other. Similar in function, but with important differences. When activated, a vast bubble capable of engulfing worlds is created. Within this bubble is a place of perfect safety for any ships or stations. Outside, there could be an enemy fleet pounding away for days, to no good end. The station itself has a Class 1 Hyperdrive and a number of quad-turbolaser emplacements equivalent to the armament of several of the new Victory-class Star Destroyers."
A governor stood up.
"Master Jedi, you mentioned this is a powerful weapon. So far all I see is a perfect coward's hideout."
"I was waiting for that.The shield consists of two interwoven layers: the first is very much a conventional planetary ray-shield, capable of withstanding incredibly heavy energy and physical bombardment. The second is ingenious. Through extensive experimentation, scientists at Rendili StarDrive have altered gravwell generators and tractor-beam projectors to produce focussed spots of intense gravity, capable of crushing most starships. Through further experimentation, prototypes of shield spheres have been able to achieve the effect. The combination makes for an impressive weapon... Of course, that would be a horrible misuse of a defensive technology..."
Murmuring broke out amongst the assembled guests. The governor stood and spoke again. Apparently he was something of a spokesman for the rest.
"Has this been approved by your superiors, Master Jedi?"
"You need not worry about that. All the proper permissions are... Pending. It is a formality, all you must worry about is the funding."
"I suppose if we foot the bill we retain control?"
"Of course, governor. The station will remain tied to this sector. Naturally."
There was some limited clapping, more murmuring. Saat sensed enthusiasm amongst the gathered governors.
"Oh, there's no need to bother your esteemed Senator on this matter. This is... Not his concern, as great a leader as he is."
These last words were tinted with an element of authority taken from the Force, taking on almost hypnotic quality. After an hour's conference, the representative of the gathered potentates approached the Jedi.
"Master Jedi, we have decided to fund your scheme, with the greatest of discression, of course. If you can find someone to build it, and a place for it to be built, we will provide the credits."
"Thank you, governor. This station will provide unparalelled security for your great people."
The almost skeletal black-robed form of Jedi General Saat sat on a throne-like chair at the head of a great conference table. At his side was his Rutian Twi'Lek Padawan, and in front of him sat the 36 Republican Governors of the Chommell Sector. His clawed hand held the controller to a holoprojector that would very soon mark everyone in the room as traitors to the Republic, though only two of them would know it.
Saat stood up, activated the projector, and spoke.
"Gentlemen, I am aware that your worlds have given much to the Republic. Very recently you paid the bill for a force of new Victory-class Star Destroyers, and I thank you for that. But what I am about to show is well worth the cost."
As soon as he spoke that last word, an image on a battlestation sprang to life. A fifteen kilometer cylinder bristling with masts and parabolic antennae.
"I give you the Wall of Fire. This battlestation will give this sector a weapon of great power."
With a gesture, the image zoomed in on one of the masts.
"This battlestation is capable of projecting a planetary-scale shield like no other. Similar in function, but with important differences. When activated, a vast bubble capable of engulfing worlds is created. Within this bubble is a place of perfect safety for any ships or stations. Outside, there could be an enemy fleet pounding away for days, to no good end. The station itself has a Class 1 Hyperdrive and a number of quad-turbolaser emplacements equivalent to the armament of several of the new Victory-class Star Destroyers."
A governor stood up.
"Master Jedi, you mentioned this is a powerful weapon. So far all I see is a perfect coward's hideout."
"I was waiting for that.The shield consists of two interwoven layers: the first is very much a conventional planetary ray-shield, capable of withstanding incredibly heavy energy and physical bombardment. The second is ingenious. Through extensive experimentation, scientists at Rendili StarDrive have altered gravwell generators and tractor-beam projectors to produce focussed spots of intense gravity, capable of crushing most starships. Through further experimentation, prototypes of shield spheres have been able to achieve the effect. The combination makes for an impressive weapon... Of course, that would be a horrible misuse of a defensive technology..."
Murmuring broke out amongst the assembled guests. The governor stood and spoke again. Apparently he was something of a spokesman for the rest.
"Has this been approved by your superiors, Master Jedi?"
"You need not worry about that. All the proper permissions are... Pending. It is a formality, all you must worry about is the funding."
"I suppose if we foot the bill we retain control?"
"Of course, governor. The station will remain tied to this sector. Naturally."
There was some limited clapping, more murmuring. Saat sensed enthusiasm amongst the gathered governors.
"Oh, there's no need to bother your esteemed Senator on this matter. This is... Not his concern, as great a leader as he is."
These last words were tinted with an element of authority taken from the Force, taking on almost hypnotic quality. After an hour's conference, the representative of the gathered potentates approached the Jedi.
"Master Jedi, we have decided to fund your scheme, with the greatest of discression, of course. If you can find someone to build it, and a place for it to be built, we will provide the credits."
"Thank you, governor. This station will provide unparalelled security for your great people."