THE RISE OF THE GALACTIC EMPIRE
THE NEIMOIDIAN CRISIS vol. I
Issue #1
Losing even a single system to a potential invasion could be catastrophic for their profits, but the looming possibility of the entire Neimoidian homeworlds being seized by the dark hand of the Galactic Emperor instilled fear even in the most resolute Trade Barons as they evaluated their choices.
They had been steadfast allies of the Galactic Alliance during various conflicts, from the wars against the Imperials to the Mandalorian Host of the enclave of Kestri.
However, murmurs among certain Trade Barons and Regional Commanders suggested that the most prudent course of action might be to capitulate to the government, thereby safeguarding the planet from invasion and preserving the conglomerate while averting a galactic financial panic.
Others within the inner circle proposed that they mobilize their droid armies and naval fleets to deliver a preemptive strike against the emerging power in the core before the Imperial Armada could gather its own fleet.
Trade Monarch Lodd Grimmin had carefully considered each of these alternatives in the Great Palace on Cato Neimoidia, concluding that they posed too great a risk to the security and safety of the Neimoidians as a whole. However, he lacked even a hint of strategy as his allies were stretched thin throughout the galaxy and his resources were too dispersed to mount a significant resistance against Imperial demands.
THE ARREST OF THE TRADE MONARCH
THE NEIMOIDIAN CRISIS vol. I
Issue #2
While deliberations were happening within the Trade Federation Inner Circle and the Cato Neimoidia civilian Government on the potential idea of surrendering to the Imperial Government explosions rocked the Great Palace as great concussive blasts shattered the ornate viewports sending shards raining down on panicked Neimoidian officials who scrambled for cover beneath their podiums.
Acrid smoke billowed from breached corridors as the unmistakable clanking trend of battle droids echoed through the grand chamber. Loyalist Neimoidian Gunnery Battalion barely had time to raise their weapons before crismon blaster bolts pierced their armor.
Through the swirling haze and smoke of their corpses, Custom Vizier Moy Haako strode forward flanked by a phalanx of B2 super battle droids as their wrist blasters seemed to hum with lethal charge.
His usually impassive face was contorted with fierce determination. He pointed a long boney finger at the cowering Trade Monarch Lodd Grimmin .
"While you simper and plan your surrender to this Galactic Emperor, Darth Solipsis. I will act for the Trade Federation does not kneel to outsiders and we will not yield our wealth, our worlds, or our power to Imperial thugs who see us only as a treasury to loot."
"The Trade Monarch's inaction and cowardice ends today, by the authority of those loyal to our true interests in the galaxy. I place him under arrest for treason against the Federation's sovereignty and proclaim myself Vicelord of Cato Neimoidia and the Purse-Worlds."
The assembly sat in silence, for who could contest the notion that the Trade Monarch had been too preoccupied with meetings with foreign nations to care about enhancing the security of the Neimoidians against possible threats.
They remained silent...utterly silent...as the Minister turned Ruler was dragged away by battle droids to languish in a dungeon.
