The Seeds of Destruction

2000 short story by Jonathan Hicks

Thirty years after Episode IV – A New Hope

My name is Yullm.

I’ve been an aide and information gatherer for the Governor, Ocern Gabe, for about three years, now. Oh, you probably remember me from several other jobs I had for those ‘not-so-honest’ types but those days are far behind me. It’s common knowledge that I did jobs for the underworld in my profession so I’m not going to deny anything. Ocern knows me and he knows I have the pulse of the Setnin Sector. That’s why he employed me. That’s why I charge such an exorbitant fee.

Now that I’m getting on in years I like the quiet life. I enjoy simply gathering information and dissecting data and not having to worry about someone blowing my head off or knocking me about. Life in the Chambers on the moon of Benesk is good.

Benesk is the moon of Zelon where the head of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances government resides. The Setnin Council meets here to discuss and adjudicate matters of importance. In the old days it was ‘we’re doing this’ but these days it’s more like ‘we would like to do this, what do the rest of you think?’ That’s the influence of the Galactic Alliance, I suppose. They’re the government of the galaxy, now, and it’s a hell of a lot better than having the Imperials crawling over everything.

The Setnin Sector had been part of the Galactic Alliance for fourteen years now, and even though there had been several false starts everything seemed to be going smoothly. The underworld had been all but crushed, much to the delight of the Republic (I won’t say what the reaction of the Setnin Sector was – this document is for personal use and I don’t want anyone using it as a piece of evidence should I stand accused of anything). Trade had increased. Profits were up in the central core of the sector but down on the rim. The Council was still trying to smooth things out, with the Republics help. Hey, we were re-integrating with the rest of the galaxy after forty-eight years of autonomy. The Setnin Sector had always been a place ‘out of the way’, that much is true, but this was the first time we had actually been drawn in and had a large piece of the galactic pie.

I suppose it stands to reason that things wouldn’t go as smoothly as everyone had hoped. It’s clear to me now that it’s hard to build but very easy to destroy. Ask Glann Cipple.

Anyway, we had started the day’s proceedings in the huge Chamber of Systems, where all the planets, affiliated and non-affiliated, get together to discuss issues. We’d gone over the passing of a bill to fund an out-of-sector expedition and given the go-ahead to the CPF mining project when one of the non-affiliated members at the back managed to get Ocern’s attention...

The moon of Benesk was airless and barren except for several huge domes that took up a tiny portion of its surface. The domes, thick transparisteel held in place by powerful magnetic grapplers, rose from long-dormant volcanoes and were connected by air-tubes and conveyance tunnels.

In one such dome was the Chamber of Systems, a huge amphitheatre split in half – one half rising tiers of seats and the other a gigantic three-dimensional holographic display of the Setnin Sector. At the base of the display were Governor Ocern Gabe and his aides, and Galactic Alliance representative Letitia Arkensaw, politician and Jedi Knight.

Ocern was an aged Ishi Tibb, a man of years as a free trader and now a man of prestige as he sat in control of the meeting. Letitia was a young woman, plain in appearance with long dark hair, who sat quietly with her own aids and listened to the proceedings. She hardly had to speak at these meetings as Ocern Gabe knew Galactic Alliance policy and imposed it well. Although the Setnin Sector had been part of what had been renamed the Galactic Federation for the last decade and a half there were still a few teething problems, and not only the issues raised by the five year long Yuuzhan Vong invasion of the galaxy. Certain planets who had initially joined with promises of increased trade and the free market had still tried to do things in the time-honoured fashion of the sector, namely the Setnin Way. Which meant, in effect, that they would do things their way or not at all. It took many hours of talk and cajoling to get the planets back into line.

Those planets that had decided to stay out of the way and still run their own affairs within Setnin borders were here, also, but hardly had anything to add. It was with growing interest, then, that Letitia watched the representative of the non-affiliated worlds, Mando Kerreet, stand and take the Speakers Honour.

   “Members of the Council,” Mando said in a rich booming voice which the acoustics of the chamber carried well. He was a large man with what most species would regard as an ugly appearance. “Before we head into adjournment for the morning, may I bring the situation over the Histai System to the fore?”

There was a smattering of low voices in several languages, mainly from disgruntled members who were eager for lunch, but most people nodded.

Ocern Gabe pressed a switch on his desk and the holographic display zoomed into a planet on the periphery of the Setnin Sector, a lush green world which the imager labelled as ‘Histai’, and underneath identified it as a ‘non-affiliated world’.

   “The Chamber recognises the Speaker for the non-affiliated worlds,” Ocern said to his small hovering microphone.

   “Governor, Honourable Members, attendant Speakers, I would like to draw attention to what you may regard as a relatively minor situation in the Histai System. Several weeks ago the Histai Authorities signed a Trade Agreement with the Setnin Council to export rare ditrinium ore from the planet’s surface to shipyards throughout the sector. Perhaps the Honourable Governor is aware of the agreement.”

Ocern nodded consent.

   “I am well aware of the agreement, Speaker, we were both present when the agreement was signed.”

   “And is the Governor aware of the stipulation of article three, paragraph four, where it states that both the Histai Authorities and the Setnin Council will be responsible for the safety of the transport of this cargo to orbital freighters?”

   “I am,” Ocern appeared a little annoyed at the lengthy introduction to Mando’s point. “What of it?”

   “May I ask the Governor, and the Galactic Alliance Representative, why two Galactic Alliance warships have taken orbit over Histai?”

There was a confused murmur throughout the chamber and several members took to talking between themselves. Ocern leaned forward to make himself more comfortable in his high-backed chair.

   “As stipulated in the agreement, Speaker, protection for the cargo runs has been provided.”

   “But the vessels are Galactic Alliance, Governor. Two Nebulon-S fast attack warships, I might add for clarification, the Moz’a’ti and the Divine.”

   “I’m sorry, Speaker, but I fail to see the significance.” Ocern interlocked his fingers.

Mando appeared consternated.

   “Governor, the agreement was between the Histai Authorities and the Setnin Council. The ore was supposed to be used at Setnin shipyards. Third party sales were not permitted to keep the value of the ore constant.”

   “There have been no third party sales, Speaker,” Ocern said clearly.

   “Then why the presence of the Galactic Alliance warships? Are they there to protect your investment? Or their own?”

Ocern started to see the Speakers angle and shook his head.

   “Honourable Speaker, to deal with the Setnin Sector is to deal with the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. We are part of the galactic community, now, and the warships are there to represent us. Their reason for orbit is to protect the Setnin investment, for the profit made from the ore extraction will fund many Setnin and community ventures alike.”

Mando nodded.

   “I accept the explanation,” he said. Ocern was about to reach for his buzzer and call for an adjournment but Mando interrupted.

   “One more thing, Governor,” he said. “Did the Setnin Council realise that, within the galactic community, the value of ditrinium ore is about to fall far below its original value?”

The Chamber of Systems fell quiet.

   “And does the Council realise that, under article five paragraph two of the Trade Agreement, that the current standing value of the ore will be transferred to Histai accounts for no less than three months?”

Ocern frowned. Yullm pursed his lips and immediately started tapping at his datapad keys. Letitia looked upon the proceedings with an expressionless face, her dark brown and grey robes covering her totally.

   “If the value falls, and the Setnin Council is now part of the economy of the galactic community, how do you expect to pay for the ore and still adhere to the terms of the Trade Agreement?”

Ocern started to talk.

   “I will have to confer...”

   “And not only that,” Mando continued, “the supply of the ore to shipyards across the Setnin Sector is now limited to Histai until trade route agreements are ratified by the Senate, which have not even been looked into yet, making Histai, at this time, the only supplier of ditrinium in this sector. To keep the shipyards afloat and producing vessels, how does the Setnin Council intend to import the ore if they cannot afford it when the value is lower and they are bound by contract to pay a standing amount for the next two months?”

Still no answer came from the Governor’s bench. Ocern was waiting for Yullm to hand him information to slow the rising problem of this unforeseen incident.

   “Is that why the warships are there? To make sure the flow of ditrinium doesn’t stop?” Mando asked in an ominous tone.

   “Objection,” came a voice from a Speaker who was a well-known supporter of the Galactic Alliance. “The Speaker of the non-affiliated worlds is using conjecture to make his point.”

   “Sustained,” Ocern nodded. “Speaker Mando, stick to the facts. Supposition is not a factor within these chambers.”

Mando nodded with a smile.

   “But I am still awaiting an answer, Governor.”

   “And one will be forthcoming, Mando, as soon as this chamber has had a chance to review the facts.”

   “Speaker Mando is using economic pressure to keep unwanteds out of the Histai System,” came a voice from the tiers.

   “Objection!” shouted another voice from the front seats, “Speaker Mando has made several valid points and should be answered.”

   “Overruled,” Ocern said in a low voice, “Speaker Mando is expecting an answer to a matter which has not yet been given the full attention it deserves by this chamber...”

Mando threw his arms wide and appeared exasperated.

   “The chamber does not realise the magnitude of the situation?” he said loudly. “The mineral and ore value index was posted galaxy-wide a standard week ago, with the price rate due to fluctuate within that time.”

   “Then why, may I ask, did the Honourable Speaker wait until now to make his point?” said a voice from the mid-seats.

Mando turned and, with a smug smile, addressed the man.

   “Because, as stipulated in the Trade Agreement, transaction and balance details were to be monitored by the purchaser, namely the Setnin Council.” He swept his hand towards the Governor’s bench.

Ocern leaned back in his chair towards Yullm.

   “Get me the hell out of this, Yullm,” he whispered.

   “I’m an information clerk, not an accountant,” Yullm said in a low voice, “the markets aren’t on my pad. I’ll have to get back to the office.”

   “Go,” Ocern hissed, then leaned forward towards Letitia. “I wasn’t informed of any warship escort over Histai,” he said.

   “Neither was I,” she answered, “but I do know it is Galactic Alliance policy to safeguard any potential profit sources. If what he says is true, and the ore is limited to his system, then the Galactic Alliance seat here in the Setnin Sector would have automatically dispatched the vessels.”

   “Dammit, Letitia, I’m supposed to be notified of any military movement.”

   “This isn’t military, its civilian escort.”

   “That doesn’t make a damn bit of difference!” he said sharply but still low in voice. He leaned back when he received a nod of deference and looked up to see Mando still standing, waiting for an answer.

   “My aid will furnish me with the neccessary details,” Ocern said, “if we may adjourn so that we can prepare? I suggest that all the members of this chamber do the same.”

There was a rumble of affirmation, with eyes of distrust on Ocern, Mando and Letitia. With no reply to indicate otherwise Ocern pressed his buzzer and said, “Chambers are adjourned.”

The office was large and filled with items from all over the galaxy. Ocern had tried to make the room as inter-culturally appealing as possible in consideration of the myriad of beings he had as guests in the room. The wide window behind him looked out over Benesk’s surface – and right over to the Chamber of Systems.

Ocern leaned forward and stared at Yullm.

   “Are you telling me that the rates are about to drop anytime within the next three hours?” he exclaimed.

   “I’m afraid so, sir,” Yullm shrugged and waved a hand over the collection of datapads he had laid on the Governor’s desk. “Mando’s timing was incredible. He certainly knows how to make a point.”

   “What kind of impact will it have on the sector?” Ocern asked with concern.

   “Well,” Yullm sighed and rubbed his eyes, “first of all we’ll be out of pocket due to the Trade Agreement with Histai. We have to pay the currently standing ore price for the next two months. Now, from what I gather, the revised trade route bill through the Mid-Rim will be passed through the Galactic Alliance Senate within two weeks. This means any shipyard in the Setnin Sector will be able to get ditrinium ore for two-thirds the price we’re paying Histai at the moment. Which means we’ll be lumbered with eight million tons of ore we won’t shift, unless we sell it on the market at a loss, but we can’t do that because, according to the Trade Agreement, the ore is for Setnin use only and we can’t sell to a third party. Now, we can sell to the Setnin shipyards but we’ll have to match the galactic economy or it’s not worth their while. Either way we look at it, we make a loss.”

Ocern groaned and leaned back in his seat, both his bones and the leather creaking loudly.

   “I don’t believe it. I don’t. And the Galactic Alliance warships?”

   “Oh, you’ll love this,” Yullm said, sighing again and putting his elbows on the table. “The warships are there to guard the shipping, but they are also, and I quote, ‘at the Setnin Sector’s disposal should they consider making amendments to the Trade Agreement with Histai and there is a possibility of cargo sabotage in retaliation’. How do you like them eggs?”

   “My butt,” Ocern snapped. “They know that shipping the ore from the core will cost, and why do that when it’s sitting on your doorstep? If the Trade Agreement collapses the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances is on hand to offer Histai a better deal. I don’t believe this is happening...”

   “Believe it. And that’s not all...”

   “Oh, please.”

   “Well, since this little problem surfaced I decided to do a little digging to see if there have been any more problems the Galactic Alliance hasn’t made us ‘aware’ of. Did you know that an ex-Zobian strike ship, now flying Galactic Alliance colours and with a ‘re-conditioned’ Zobian crew on board has been used to patrol the Janos quarantine zone?”

   “What!” Ocern almost shouted. “The Janites and the Zobians almost went to war! They must be doing backflips!”

   “Well, you can expect the Janite rep to bring it up at the next Chamber meeting. The Galactic Alliance says that it was agreed with the Setnin Council that a vessel was going to be dispatched to patrol the Janos borders.”

Ocern slapped a hand to the desk in consternation.

   “I know, but not a Zobian craft! I wasn’t told about that!”

   “And the Galactic Alliance has stationed scan satellites over major population areas to monitor traffic."

   “That’s right. They need to judge the flow to see if any new routes need creating.”

   “Did you also know that the one over Cawbate has also been mapping the world and monitoring transmissions from the planet’s surface? The others are the same, I’ll bet. You know how the Cawbate people favour privacy...”

   “A monitor sat over Cawbate? Do they even know what trouble that’ll cause?”

Yullm could only shrug.

   “The Galactic Alliance just doesn’t understand how things work in the Setnin Sector, Governor. They took things easy for the first few years, but now they just regard us as anther link in their big galactic chain and are just treating us like the rest of the galaxy.”

   “It amazes me the rest of the galaxy puts up with it. I don’t know, Yullm. I just don’t know about any of this anymore. Did you see the faces of some of the members out there today? The ones who like the Republic death-staring Mando. The others giving me the eye but the majority just stared at Letitia like she was scum. I think they know there’s problems but were just waiting for someone to say it out loud. The idea of the galactic community was so appealing. The Galactic Alliance way.”

There was a long pause until Yullm spoke.

   “Maybe so, but it’s not the Setnin way, is it?”

That’s how all disasters start. You can see them coming but you don’t fully believe it could happen. What starts out as a simple problem just grows.

But don’t think that was the end of it. Don’t think that at all.

The Seeds of Destruction

2000 short story by Jonathan Hicks

Thirty years after Episode IV – A New Hope

Histories – The second of the Ki-Ki invasion stories, which shows the tensions brewing between the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, formerly the New Republic, and the Setnin Sector Council.  In true Setnin style the elected politicians show their displeasure for outside interference, despite the reintegration into the wider galaxy fourteen years before.

Cast of Characters

Yullm

Governor Ocern Gabe

Letitia Arkensaw

Mando Kerreet