Senator Lodd Grimmin remained composed and motionless in the board room, his gaze fixed on the view beyond the window of the Trade Federation Flagship "The Sothth'a". The vast expanse of space stretched out before him, a reminder of the endless possibilities and opportunities that awaited the Federation should they make it out of this intact. As he watched the twinkling stars and the coming and going of large freighters, a sense of calm and determination washed over him.
Meanwhile, the other members of the Trade Federation took their places around the table, each one exuding an air of authority and expertise in their respective fields. They collectively constituted the foundation of a decision-making entity, albeit their influence was overshadowed by the Commanding Viceroy who had convened them on Skako for a significant discussion, namely the Blockade of Alderaan. Such a move had unsettled some of the Executive Board, knowing that they could not take risks given their membership within both the Galactic Alliance and the Dark Empire.
"Is the Viceroy attempting to secure our expulsion from the Alliance? With our two seats in the Federal Assembly, we simply cannot afford to jeopardize our position." Senator Monaray Dod s voice resonated across the table, as he acknowledged the potential consequences of their daring move. Aware that their actions could jeopardize all the progress they had achieved within the Federal Assembly. "AWEROROROR...I agree with Senator Dod's evaluation that the Blockade of Alderaan would be perceived as an encroachment upon a member-world of the Alliance. This would result in our classification as traitors and the subsequent loss of access to crucial markets needed to maintain our influence," Assistant Viceroy Bymb Hemborr elucidated the situation as he made adjustments to the pressure suit modules in order to enhance voice clarity. He was aware that the Alliance might interpret their blockade as an act of aggression, ultimately resulting in the loss of access to lucrative markets.
<< Perhaps your influence, Senator Dod and Viceroy Hemborr. My industrial sectors on Geonosis are poised for continuous growth, despite a temporary setback in market influence. Any losses can be easily recovered through investments from the Sith Order, a nation with great potential for corporate expansion due to our agreement with Lord Carnifex. >> The Archduke of Geonosis Brachtor the Glorified issued a rebuttal, fully aware that his territories would remain unscathed amidst the shifting currents of interstellar trade. Alderaan was indebted to them, and they were committed to settling the debt just like they would with any other system involved with the Trade Federation. "Gentlemen, please calm yourselves. Our blockade of Alderaan is completely justified under the law, as they are amassing a significant military force that could potentially be used for aggressive purposes, targeting other neutral systems and even threatening independent merchant fleets passing through the system." Lodd attempted to calm the anxious individuals, as the debate oscillated regarding whether this endeavor would result in the Trade Federation's demise, reminiscent of the invasion of Naboo that occurred several decades ago.
"AWWROROROR....We acknowledge the apprehensions expressed by this intimate assembly, yet they hold no significance in relation to our objective. The Blockade of Alderaan serves as a mere benchmark, rather than a pivotal moment of irreversible consequences. Our actions solely revolve around executing a targeted mission to reclaim the debts owed to us as per the Alliance's Commission on Finance and Commerce. We shall ensure the collection of these debts, even if it is solely to maintain our reputation and deter other debtors from following suit." The Board Room fell into a hushed stillness as the Commanding Viceroy entered, acknowledging every person present. He was aware that the Trade Federation was embarking on a risky venture, one that could potentially result in their downfall. However, this strategic move was crafted to portray them as vigilant against military escalation, rather than solely driven by avarice and greed as some critics might insinuate.
Laborr shifted his gaze towards the holographic projector situated in the room, where the Tactical Droid designated as TFD- Typhaon materialized before them. Tasked with overseeing the blockade, Typhaon would be responsible for ensuring that all transmissions were intercepted before reaching the outside world, and that no hostile forces could interfere with their strategic objectives. "My Lord, we are loading up the last transport now into the hanger bays. My fleet will begin entering hyperspace within the next two hours" The monotonous voice of the Tactical Droid resonated as the final systems check concluded, and the last battle droid was loaded into the hangar bays, ready for deployment if the need arose.
"Gentlemen, you may witness our finest hour. Admiral, proceed." Laborr mentioned as the transmissions stopped and the ion-enhanced engines roared to life around the planet, the Trade Federation had never assembled such a massive show of force but the blockade was deemed significant enough to justify the extravagant fuel costs.
Outside was a force numbering 35 starships of various classes and models.
