The shuttle descended through thick, ochre clouds, the metal hull rattling under the strain of Kenari's unpredictable atmosphere. From the viewport, the planet stretched below in fractured plains and ash-black forests, the scars of ancient bombardment still visible like burns across the land. The Republic called it
a symbol of renewal. To those who had walked through too many ruins, it was another graveyard they hoped to build on.
Cassian Abrantes stood near the ramp as it lowered, the wind immediately whipping his coat as dust and static filled the air. A Republic detachment awaited him engineers, GAHR personnel, soldiers, eager to prove the Republic could still plant its banner somewhere. The new
Forward Operating Base Kenari-One was little more than prefabricated structures and defensive pylons at this stage. But it was meant to become a lifeline, a foothold for the Mid Rim's reclamation.
The air on Kenari tasted of metal and memory.
Cassian Abrantes stood at the edge of the newly marked perimeter, boots sinking into the soft ash-streaked soil that passed for ground here. All around him, the sound of labor filled the air drills, engines, the deep hum of atmospheric processors booting up for the first time in years. Prefab walls went up in rigid lines, Republic banners already flapping where there was little yet to defend.
It was the beginning. It always started like this noise, dust, and the illusion of progress.
He drew in a slow breath, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the construction teams at work. The GAHR engineers were doing what they could with materials but the morale was high. Despite the losses plaguing them, the kidnapped Chancellor, yet
Aurelian Veruna
had stepped in and began working diligently, from what he could see. He promised her, he would do his best to make this work, to put aside their differences for the Republic. If that mean taking lectures and pushing past all the unnecessary tattle, that's what he would do.
For her, for Naboo and for the Republic.
To the north, the ridge broke into jagged cliffs that shimmered faintly with the residue of old bombardments. Even now, Kenari bled radiation in certain pockets, the air sensors flickering red intermittently as the wind shifted. It was a reminder that this planet hadn't forgiven them. Maybe it never would.
"General Abrantes." A young officer called out, approaching with a datapad.
"Further foundations for sector three are delayed. The terrain's too unstable to anchor the support pylons. We'll have to shift the grid for the medical space another twenty meters south."
Cassian nodded, eyes still on the horizon.
"Do it. Don't argue with the land it's older and meaner than any of us."
Beyond the sound of hammers and repulsorlifts, he caught sight of Aurelian Veruna's shuttle touching down. Even from a distance, the polished hull stood out like a jewel in the dust a symbol of the man himself. The High Chancellor would want an update, a status report, perhaps a few jabs at him. The General couldn't help but chuckle at the last thought.
Cassian exhaled through his nose, his jaw tightening slightly.. He brushed a layer of dust from his sleeve and straightened. His gaze swept the construction zone one last time the flicker of blue shields coming online, the silhouettes of workers moving like ants under the vast orange sky.
There was promise here. There always was, in the beginning. he was determined to make sure it was kept
Still, as the wind carried the sound of metal against metal, Cassian couldn't help but think of how fragile it all was how one good storm, one well-placed strike, or one bad decision in the Royal Assembly could undo it all. He didn't envy Sibylla or Aurelian as they dealt with such things, in fact it only made him appreciate the fact they they were willing to keep things together.
Cassian strode with a small detachment of Republic Soldiers, as they would provide security and safety for the Chancellor, even though he was sure that he had his own. Still, one could never be too careful.
He caught glimpse of Aurelian moving down the landing ramp as the small Detachment formed on either side of him and turned to give Aurelian a solid and respectable salute, Cassian did as well.
"Chancellor."