(3rd Person POV)
We write the year 10'648 after the arrival of Tho Yor. 10 millennia of peace have passed on Tython and has finally come to an end. A great change was taking place on one of the Tython system's planets called Shikaakwa. For the longest time, the planet had been under the control of gangster clans known as the Nine Houses. These clans had the entire planet under control and were sharing profits as well as influence despite being rivals. Neither of them should ever grow too powerful; they made sure of that. If this ever occurred, the other clans would gather and show the odd one out his or her place until the balance was restored. This way a balance of power was maintained for millennia on Shikaakwa.
This delicate balance has now been destroyed as the female Twi'lek, known as Hadiya, took control and united the Nine Houses and most of the aristocracy under her. The remaining aristocrats of Shikaakwa were understandably unhappy and started to go against the self-proclaimed 'Despot Queen' Hadiya. But it wasn't working for them.
Hadiya is a cunning and ruthless Queen. She is capable of keeping a cool head and knows how to fight bloody well. These are the qualities which granted her such powerful control over her forces and success on her campaign. Her followers believe in her cause, as she has a commanding presence that demands respect. Almost the entire Tython system was under her control and Hadiya was looking towards the planet Tython itself, the grand prize in her arsenal.
To add to her success, a new member had arrived amidst her ranks at the very beginning of the year. Volnos Ryon, the new head of House Ryon, had introduced a Je'daii Ranger to her, who claimed that he wanted to defect and join her cause. Daegon Lok was his name, and he was an interesting man in the young Queen's eyes. Being the intelligent woman that she is, Hadiya knew that if something seemed too good to be true ... it was. So she didn't trust Daegon Lok and observed him. He could be her greatest tool or a thorn in her side, and she wouldn't suffer such an embarrassing mistake.
Her closest advisors and generals wanted to get rid of him. None of them trusted him. He was part of the enemy, after all, and if they knew one thing, then that such tactics may just be how the Je'daii fought a war. Agreeing with her people's distrust, former Je'daii Daegon Lok was to be tested using a method that would tell them if his story was true or fabricated. Her Leftenant, Ka'un Damm, suggested it to her, and she agreed, but in the last moment, troubling news arrived. Shikaakwa's remaining aristocrats were revolting.
At first, it wasn't taken as seriously as it should have, but after hearing about a particular detail, the mood quickly derailed, and Hadiya became as serious as she could. The Shikaakwan aristocrats were being supported by Je'daii. This was new and demanded Hadiya's undivided attention, pulling her focus away from the planet Tython ... for now.
.
And so, the Phony War had started, as historians will know it. Very soon, it became apparent that this was a new type of war, a new type of fighting, which the followers of the Despot Queen weren't used to. Unlike what Hadiya expected from a famous and ancient order such as the Je'daii, the aristocracy proved to be smarter and fight cleverly, but not in direct confrontation. The new threat that were the Je'daii also proved to be a new challenge, to which Hadiya's forces needed to adapt. The Queen had expected frontal assaults and shows of power from these wizards, but no.
This new tone of war was attributed to the Je'daii. But the truth was known only to those in their inner circle. The Supreme Grandmaster told them what to do and organised their war effort. He had met with the Shikaakwan aristocracy and presented them with an ultimatum. The Je'daii would support them in their war efforts, and in turn, they would cease all their illegal activities. Added to that, they would gift some specific pieces of their businesses to the Order. Naturally, the aristocrats refused such an outrageous demand and sent the Supreme Grandmaster away. But shortly after, they realised that it was hopeless and that by taking his offer, they would at least survive and have some things. So, eventually, they agreed. No one, not even among the Je'daii, understood why this was done, but it was all within Primus' plan. The Supreme Grandmaster was playing 4D chess while everyone else was eating sand in the sandbox.
.
Unlike what would follow later, the Phony War only featured tactical skirmishes with precise strikes and small-scale engagements in space and on moons. It was, as the name suggests, phoney. Space battles saw starfighters and cruisers not clash but use hit-and-run tactics. Lord Primus had his side confront Hadiya's forces with guerilla tactics and sabotage. It was not well received on either side. The Despot Queen and her forces were expecting a frontal assault, and the Je'daii were, too. They viewed guerilla tactics as weak and as if it made them look scared and spineless. But none dared question Primus. What they didn't understand was that while this tactic was working in keeping the enemy busy, it was not meant as a winning tactic.
Both sides used strategic manoeuvring and were constantly ready for larger confrontations. This was a mental challenge and demanding for both sides. But it was also impressive as it showed that the Supreme Grandmaster created a bothersome and long-lasting defence simply using the few resources the aristocrats had access to. However, Hadiya adapted to the strategies rather quickly and understood that the Je'daii weren't truly trying to win the war this way. So, after a few months of fighting, Hadiya gathers her generals to discuss the situation.
The two lieutenants, Bakko and Ka'un Damm enter the war tent Hadiya uses and see their Queen sitting on the throne, talking to her Left Fist, Shri-Lan, and Right Fist, Gav Vannar. Standing next to her throne is the newest but by no means the weakest member of Hadiya's council, Daegen Lok. The four fighters knew that the 'Je'daii' was more than just a footsoldier. He was more in more ways than one. On the one hand, he was a powerful and skilled fighter who had killed their enemies, and on the other, there was a strong attraction between the young Queen and him. They could see the gazes they sent one another, speaking volumes. It was Hadiya's choice, and as long as Daegon Lok was loyal, the Leftenants had nothing against it.
"Bakko, Ka'un, good that you're here. We have much to discuss," Hadiya says.
"Of course, my Queen. What is the topic?"
"The war, of course. It has gotten out of hand, and neither side is making progress or achieving anything."
"I agree, my Queen. The aristocracy and the Je'daii appear to be waiting for something. It is strange," Chief Advisor Bakko says.
"This is ridiculous! They are stalling! It is as clear as day. We should attack and strike at the heart, now!" General Ka'un Damm snarls.
Ka'un Damm, nicknamed 'the Butcher' has a rather hot temper and prefers to spill blood, than plan ahead and shuffle troops around. Understandibly, he is the most frustrated out of everyone.
"As much as it pains to admit it, the Iktotchi is right, my Queen. Perhaps our newest member and your admirer could give us insight into this peculiar strategy employed by the Je'daii?" Left Fist, Shri-Lan says and turns to Daegon Lok.
"I second this notion. What do you, Daegon Lok, know about this? Is there a way we can move around this problem? Surely, as a defect, you are willing to help our cause, are you not?" Bakko asks.
The people present look at Lok, who has a pensive look. After a moment, he turns to them.
"I'm afraid I don't know what is going on either. We weren't taught to interfere with other planets of the Tython system. Je'daii are allowed to have families but not actively interfere with many things other than that. There is a distinction, even if it is rather hard to find. I agree that this is clearly stalling, and if it is, it confuses me all the more. While caution is taught, stagnation is heavily frowned upon. When I try to look into the problem and find patterns which could help us, I see nothing. Just an infinite amount of nothing. I can only assume this to be the work of the Supreme Grandmaster ..."
"Huh?"
"Supreme Grandmaster?"
"What kind of title is that?"
Hadiya looks at Daegon intently. The two of them had already gone beyond mere Subordinate-Qeen in their relationship, even if they used it as foreplay. She knew him well and was aware that he wasn't lying.
"Explain Daegon. Why do you say that?"
"It is the only logical conclusion. The Je'daii live isolated from the rest of the Tython system. At least, mostly. They are allowed to move around, fall in love, have families and see them, providing for them. And yet most remain on Tythong, preferring isolation compared to mixing with non-Force-sensitives. If there was a situation where someone needed help and they could, it was normally expected for a Je'daii to do so," Daegon Lok mused.
"What is all that supposed to mean?"
"It means that someone else is at work this time. This stalling is not strategically sound for them, and it costs lives. Something none of the council would allow to be sacrificed this way. Therefore, it has to be the Supreme Grandmaster, as he is the only one. I can't say that he wouldn't do this."
"Who is he then? He has to be a Je'daii if he holds such a title, right? But why would he act this way?" Gav Vannar asks.
"Sadly, I have never met him in person. So I can't say what he's like. I can tell you, though, that he holds the highest authority in the Je'daii Order. There are unhappy members among them, but ..."
"But none who would defect and join my side, like you?"
Daegon Lok looks at Hadiya and smiles. He nods his head.
"Very well. We are faced with a problem. How shall we deal with it?" Hadiya asks and looks at Bakko, her Chief Advisor. Bakko seems in thought and muses aloud.
"If this Supreme Grandmaster truly is the one pulling the strings, then we must ask ourselves what his end goal might be. There is some plan to his actions and the only possible idea, in my mind at least, is for him to use this time to gather the Je'daii and prepare for an assault."
"An assault on us? Of from us?"
"I think both," Bakko says.
"So, what do you suggest?" Hadiya asks him.
"We have to disrupt their plans and use our new knowledge against them."
All of them looked at Hadiya. The Queen thought about it and after a moment ...
"Shri-Lan, Gav Vannar, gather all our forces ... We attack Tython by the next cycle! If it's a confrontation he waits for, we shall give him one."
"Yes, my Queen!"
.
"They left! We won!! I can't belive we won this round and pushedthem back!" a Shikaakwan aristocrat yells. Hadiya's troops have pulled back and left, leaving only a very small cell behind. Believing to have won, the aristocrats celebrate in joy.
"This is no victory," a voice cuts through the yelling.
A Je'daii who has been supporting the war effort on the planet looks thoughtful.
"They are merely relocating and aiming for a bigger target. They want to attack Tython."
The men and women around murmur amongst themselves.
"What?! Why would they do such a thing and attack the Je'daii homeworld?"
"Hadiya believes that she can cut the problem's head off and win the war quicker this way. By attacking the Je'daii home, she is sending a strong signal. She's not afraid of us, and her followers will see it as a show of strength.?
The Je'daii takes out a communicator and dials the saved number. A second later, someone's voice is heard.
[Ah, Sir'van. It's good to hear from you. How are things on Shikaakwa?]
"Greetings, Master. Things will not look peaceful any time soon. It has come, as the Supreme Grandmaster said. Hadiya and her forces are on their way. I can only assume towards Tython."
[So our time has run out then. Very well, I'll inform the council and the Supreme Grandmaster. I believe it's best if you all gather as well and then return. We'll need all hands available."
"Understood. I'll call the others. Good luck, Master. May the Force be with you."
"Luck has nothing to do with it. May the Force be with you as well."
___________________________________________
Greetings. I am back writing this story. I was regretful that I couldn't continue. I have very little time. But if there are still people who would like to see more, I am planning on writing this roughly once a week.
We will see some fights in the next chapter.