Chapter 1816: Chapter 1231: Messenger
"Ugh... why am I so unlucky..."
When returning to the warship, only Mugeng looked dejected—after all, she was the most disheveled after the whole ordeal. All the aliens on Tatooine had been wiped out by Duanmu Huai, while the others had more experience, staying far away. Only Mugeng was unfamiliar, like a newcomer, and didn’t react as quickly as Homura Akemi, ending up fully soaked.
It can be said she was down on her luck.
"Just take a shower and change your clothes, and you’ll be fine."
Duanmu Huai didn’t mind, and Mugeng merely glared at him resentfully before walking off. Seeing this, the others could only smile helplessly... after all, nothing they could say would be appropriate in this situation.
"Hey, Uncle."
At this moment, Aikute came over, excitedly waving to Duanmu Huai.
"We’ve received a communication, claiming to be an envoy from the Galactic Republic, wanting to talk to us!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai paused for a moment, then glanced at Ann.
"Your plan really worked."
"I didn’t expect it to be so quick."
Ann, although appearing calm, was somewhat surprised too. The Tribunal chose to stay on Tatooine actually because of Ann’s suggestion. According to Ann, these conservatives usually don’t appear openly; places like slums or black markets have their informants. New to the Galactic Republic, and unfamiliar with the region, Duanmu Huai and the others could only rely on the Galactic Republic’s network, choosing Tatooine as a temporary foothold.
After all, this place is a haven for felons, unreachable by the Galactic Republic, so if conservatives have informants in hiding, they’ll generally be in such places... it seems Ann got it right?
"Let him in."
"Sure, Uncle."
Returning to the bridge, very soon, Duanmu Huai saw a middle-aged man cloaked, with white hair and a beard, entering. Upon seeing Duanmu Huai sitting on the throne, the elderly man paused before respectfully bowing his head.
"Hello, I’m Dooku, here on behalf of my teacher, to convey his message to you."
As he spoke, Dooku extended his hand, producing a small round disc like a hand mirror, from which a 3D projection of an even older, cloaked man emerged.
"Forgive me for meeting you in this manner."
The elder gazed at Duanmu Huai. Though his face was hidden under the hood, his chin and mouth were clearly visible.
"Let me introduce myself, I am Darth Sidious."
"Duanmu Huai, Big Judge of the Tribunal."
Staring at the projection, Duanmu Huai spoke calmly.
"Your Honor, the Judge."
The elder chuckled.
"I greatly admire what you did on Naboo, eliminating the Trade Federation that attempted to blockade Naboo, and upholding peace and justice in this universe..."
"The Tribunal doesn’t care about peace and justice."
Duanmu Huai waved, interrupting Darth Sidious.
"The Tribunal only cares about humans; any existence threatening humans must be eliminated—that is the creed of our Tribunal. It’s also why we destroyed those miserable Alien Rascals’ fleet. I don’t care who is right or wrong, but any race daring to attack humans is an enemy of the Tribunal."
At this, Duanmu Huai snorted coldly, looking at the elder.
"Enough with the pleasantries. What did you come to me for? Just get to the point."
"...Hahahaha."
Upon hearing Duanmu Huai, the elder was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.
"So, I see, I see, it turns out, you are indeed descendants of the Goddess’s Royal Guard."
"...? What on earth is the Goddess’s Royal Guard?"
Duanmu Huai looked at the others in confusion, and they returned the same puzzled look, while Lumiaire gestured that she would investigate later.
Yes, it’s up to her.
The elder didn’t dwell on the topic but quickly explained his intention to Duanmu Huai. Simply put, setting aside the rhetoric about the Galactic Senate being corrupt and incompetent, the core issue was that he hoped Duanmu Huai would cooperate with him to seize control of the Galactic Senate, transforming the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire!
Darth Sidious’s straightforwardness was pleasing to Duanmu Huai; indeed, what’s the use of endless talk? It’s better to pinpoint the main idea. As for seizing power, Duanmu Huai wasn’t bothered about such trivial matters because his purpose here was solely to eliminate Alien Species as much as possible and accelerate the Catastrophe. From this perspective, this ambitious person was indeed somewhat useful to Duanmu Huai.
"So what you mean is, you hope the Tribunal will assist you in seizing control of the Galactic Republic?"
After listening to the elder’s explanation, Duanmu Huai pondered for a moment.
"Then, will you ensure the establishment of a country focused on humans?"
"Certainly, Your Honor, the Judge."
The elder nodded slightly.
"If that’s the case, then there’s indeed a basis for our cooperation."
Duanmu Huai considered briefly before making a decision, and hearing Duanmu Huai’s decision, the elder also revealed a smile.