The Grand Convocation Chamber echoed with whispers and murmurs as the full Senate assembled. The center podium extended, and the figure of Cassian Damaris, heir to Corellia's shipwright dynasty and the Republic's most advanced weapons engineer, stood before thousands of eyes. The Chancellor's box loomed above, silent. The Jedi Council representatives, including Master Mace Windu, sat in observation.
Senator Bail Organa stood first.
"Cassian Damaris," Bail began, voice clear and calm, "your company has received more credits in military contracts in the past six months than all Kuat yards combined. Yet a number of warships you were contracted to deliver have vanished. Your schematics are encrypted even from Republic oversight. And reports from the Mid Rim suggest unauthorized vessel types yours have appeared in conflict zones."
Cassian raised a brow, unshaken. "Senator Organa, the security and secrecy of my designs were sanctioned by the Defense Appropriations Committee, of which Alderaan is a member. As for lost ships war is messy. Perhaps the Republic should investigate their own admirals before accusing suppliers."
Gasps scattered through the chamber.
Senator Mon Mothma rose next. "Then let us turn to the matter of your weapons testing. Three moons in the Outer Rim bear the signature radiation traces of your prototype energy systems. Why were weapons tested near civilian settlements without informing planetary governments?"
"I test my weapons where the Republic allows or turns a blind eye. It's always convenient to fault the engineer when results become inconvenient."
Mon Mothma frowned. "That is not an answer."
Padmé Amidala rose slowly, her tone less confrontational. "Cassian, the Naboo delegation supported your industrial reforms. But the scale and secrecy of your operations have become concerning. Are you willing to grant full access to an oversight committee?"
"I'm willing to cooperate," Cassian replied, "with those whose intentions are not poisoned by fear of innovation."
Bail's voice sharpened. "You're playing a dangerous game, Damaris. You act like a private empire. The Senate does not serve you."
Cassian leaned forward, eyes flashing. "No, Senator. But you do rely on me. Your fleets are mine. Your weapons are mine. Your future is, regrettably, tethered to my work. And yet I stand here accused for succeeding where your bureaucracies fail."
The gallery stirred. Whispers spread.
A sharp voice cut in Jedi Knight Cal Dros, flanked by three other robed figures.
"We have uncovered evidence suggesting that Cassian's operations extend beyond Republic space," Cal said, stepping onto the central platform. "Unauthorized military facilities. Alleged use of captured Force-sensitive individuals. This man poses a threat. I motion for his immediate detainment pending further investigation."
Padmé stood. "That's outside the jurisdiction of this assembly "
But the Jedi moved forward.
"You will submit to questioning," Cal said, stepping toward Cassian. "Your status does not place you above the Republic or the Jedi."
Cassian remained still. A beat passed.
Then the floor beneath the platform shimmered, and with a metallic thud, five armored figures in dark green Mjolnir armor dropped into formation. Spartan clones. They raised weapons and pointed them directly at the Jedi.
Gasps. Panic. The room exploded into chaos.
"Stand down!" Windu's voice thundered from the observation tier.
But the Jedi moved. Lightsabers ignited blue and green streaks of light and lunged.
The Spartans reacted first. In a blur of speed, one clone slammed into Cal Dros mid-leap, sending him crashing against a pillar. Another deflected a saber strike with a magnetic shield before grabbing the attacker's wrist and snapping it with a sickening crack.
The remaining Jedi fell back, stunned by the sheer force and ruthlessness.
One screamed in pain as his arm was sliced off not by a saber, but by a monomolecular blade.
In under a minute, the assault ended. The Jedi lay bloodied but alive, surrounded.
Cassian stepped forward, voice calm and bitter. "This is the price of unchecked power. You came to silence me. To make me disappear. And now the Republic will see what happens when it forgets where its strength comes from."
The Spartans retracted.
Silence gripped the chamber.
"I hereby announce the suspension of all contracts between Corellian Advanced Systems and the Republic. Effective immediately, no warships, weapons, or materials will be delivered. Your enemies will not wait. Let's see how well Kuat holds the line."
Bail stood, rage flashing. "You would doom our soldiers to prove a point?"
"No, Senator," Cassian said coldly. "You've already done that by biting the hand that arms you."
He turned and walked away, the Spartans following.
Behind him, the Senate erupted some in outrage, some in terror, others in stunned silence. In the highest seat, Chancellor Palpatine remained still, a quiet smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
Because in the fire Cassian had lit, he saw opportunity.
And in Cassian Damaris… a challenge worth manipulating.