Dawn of the Aphelion Command

Dawn of the Aphelion Command

280 years ago.
Revan’s disappearance in to the unknown would buy the Republic 300 years of peace. Supreme Chancellor Vaner did not know this at the time. He sat in his chambers of the great senate hall on Coruscant, thinking about his father as he always had done from time to time. His mother made sure that he would know and remember what type of man his father was. Was. He had never met the man in his life but his legend transcended greatness in Republic space. Revan was deemed a hero by many except to his own order. The Jedi still considered him to be a radical, a man who didn’t fall in line with their ideologies.

Chancellor Vaner faced the window of the Supreme Chancellor’s chambers, watching the skyline of the city planet. Lightning flashed and the thunder rolled a few moments later. A storm approached from the horizon and would be upon the Galactic Senate Hall at twilight. He sighed as he turned his chair to face the doors to his chamber. He was expecting a meeting with three senators who he may have even considered friends if they were not in the political game. The senators from Corellia, Alderaan and Kuat had come to discuss a security matter.

‘Perhaps it was more of a military issue, ‘ Vaner thought as he watched the senators walk towards his desk and bow respectfully before him.

Chancellor Vaner bowed in return and motioned for the two men and one woman to sit in the chairs on the other side of his desk. Senator Jace Horn was from Corellia. Senator Shinara Kuat hailed from, (you guessed it) Kuat. Senator Organa was of Alderaan and part of the royal line.

“It is good to see you, Supreme Chancellor, “The burly Corellian had spoken, his tone friendly and warm.

Chancellor Vaner smiled slightly as he nodded towards Jace and then shifted his gaze towards the other two senators, “We know why we’re here and what we have to discuss. In two days time, I will stand before the senate and ask for the ratification of the Republic Defense Initiative. As you all know, the Fleet has been scattered, the army has been decimated and this fragile peace can only last so long.”

Shinara waved her hand as if she were bored already, her tone of voice droll, “This is something we’ve already come to acknowledge, Supreme Chancellor. What is the real purpose of this meeting?”

Senator Organa remained silent as he gauged the situation and the gravity of what the Supreme Chancellor may be suggesting in the next few moments.

Senator Horn came to the defense of the Supreme Chancellor, “Perhaps if you let the Supreme Chancellor finish, Shinara, we’ll find out what his proposition is.”

The Supreme Chancellor nodded his thanks towards Jace as Shinara folded her arms over his chest, displeased at seemingly being lectured.

“The three planets you represent all are known for your ship yards and individually, your three planets have fine fleets which defend them. The Republic will be employing the services of your worlds to rebuild the Fleet stronger than before. However, I’m not simply trying to rebuild the fleet… I am trying to construct a Hammer. “

Shinara quirked an eyebrow in curiosity and leaned forward, momentarily losing her regal manner, “What is it that you are suggesting, Supreme Chancellor?”

“I am proposing to..,” He glanced down at his twiddling thumbs, “Create a Command that does what is necessary to defend the Republic. Carte Blanch if you will. “

Shinara scoffed as she sat back, “You want to create a Command that does anything it wishes? Are you out of your mind Supreme Chancellor? I will not participate or promote the construction of anything that can lead to a military dictatorship.”

Senator Organa finally spoke, “I agree with Senator Kuat. This is threading thin waters, Supreme Chancellor. “

Senator Horn crossed one leg over the other and crossed his arms. He wore a brilliant grin and simply said, “I’m all in.”

The other senators looked at him in surprise. Senator Kuat looked as if she had seen a ghost while Senator Organa was able to keep a passive demeanor.

“Blasted Corellian! You think everything is a joke. You don’t understand the gravity of what such actions could do, “Senator Shinara protested against Senator Horn.

“I do understand, Senator Shinara. I think it’s worth the risk,” Senator Horn replied non-chalantly.

“The odds of this proposal panning out are not good, Senator Horn. There are too many things that can happen. Ambitious commanders given Carte Blanch are hardly responsible with such a burden,” Senator Ulgo commented.

Jace grinned, “Never tell a Corellian the odds.”

The bickering between the senators would have continued unless the Supreme Chancellor raised a hand to issue silence amongst them.

“The Command won’t be let loose like a rabid dog, Senators. This fleet will answer to the Supreme Chancellor, “Vaner hesitated before speaking further, “And three senators of his choosing which can veto the actions of the fleet if they agree against the Supreme Chancellor.”

Senator Organa spoke up again in his usual emotionless tone, “That is too much power for a small group of people. Even us.”

Vaner nodded in agreement, “Which is why I have selected you three to be those senators. You understand what power this wields and I feel that you three will serve best to keep me in check.”

The Kuati Senator quirked an eyebrow. She hadn’t expected to receive such an offer. The Kuati people were known for their ingenuity and wealth. This was an opportunity to wield great influence in the Republic. The Kuat home world already was a founder but to be in on such a board would speak volumes amongst the other senators.

“I feel that that would be a wise choice, Supreme Chancellor, “ Senator Kuat bowed her head in agreement, “ The three of us do not always agree on everything but we all represent three worlds which are vital to the Republic’s cause and as our worlds are all founders, it is only fitting that the three of us fill these roles. “

Senator Organa reclined in his chair, fingers steepled as his arms rested on the arm rests, “I disagree with this altogether. If we begin to display military might blatantly, we begin to endorse that might is the answer. Peace has always been the mantra of Alderaan. I will not abandon those values.”

“That is where you misunderstand me, Senator Organa. I don’t plan to display this fleet publicly. It will be a silent protector, an invisible guardian. It will be separate of the main Republic Fleet. It will be the “Hammer of the Republic.” Our Hammer will be used when our backs are against the wall. Nothing but the best of men and the best of commanders to resolve the most horrid of issues,” The Supreme Chancellor countered Senator Organa’s doubts.

“We need to have a wild card in case of the unexpected. The Aphelion Command can be that wild card, “ Vaner continued.

“Aphelion Command?”

“Aphelion means: The point furthest from the sun. I feel it is fitting for this battle group.”

Senator Horn didn’t need to be convinced. He liked the idea from the beginning, “ I’m in and I humbly accept your offer to be a part of this council, Supreme Chancellor.”

Senator Kuat nodded her acceptance.

Senator Organa narrowed his eyes, looking at the two senators and then back to the Supreme Chancellor, “Very well. I do this reluctantly…. I feel it is in the best interest of the Republic if someone served on this council with peace as the foremost priority.”

“Peace will always be the foremost priority, Senator Organa. I give you my word, “ Supreme Chancellor Vaner assured the Alderaanian Senator.

“We have a lot of work to do if we’re going to implement this vanguard immediately, “ Senator Horn commented.

“Then what are you three standing here for? Senator Horn and Senator Kuat: Please begin the process of developing the Fleet. Senator Organa: I trust your judgment of men and women. We need people of character to serve. Jedi and Soldiers alike, we will do what is necessary to make sure the Republic survives another Sith incursion.”

Senator Horn and Senator Kuat bowed their heads respectfully and parted to begin work on the Aphelion Command. Senator Organa stayed.

“I will do this, Supreme Chancellor. I have faith in you. Do not let that faith be misplaced… The Republic is and should always be a beacon of peace and hope for all, “Senator Organa stated.

“Your faith will never be misplaced, Senator Organa. The Aphelion Command will always be used to protect and defend. That will never change, “The Supreme Chancellor said with the fire of determination burning brilliantly in his eyes.

He would defend the Republic his father had fervently tried to protect.

Supreme Chancellor Vaner was true to his word. The Aphelion Command served the Republic as her Hammer, protecting her people as it’s silent guardian. In the present, when the darkness of the Sith Empire threatens to subdue the Republic, The Aphelion Command is called upon once again to serve to stem the tide of darkness… and to bring victory when it seems that failure is imminent and hope is lost.