24 79's

"Is that-" Before Silas could finish speaking, Palpatine expression adjourned a prideful smile as he resumed his words.

"This is the Imperial I-Class Star Destroyer, it's a one of a kind, and it will be under the command of your legion, with the appropriate Admiral of course."

Palpatine's tone then turned in to admiration, "It's over 1,600 meters long, crewed by 9,235 officers, can hold over 27,350 enlisted personnel, and has over 275 gunners. Adding to the fact that the ship itself has over 60 turbolasers, 60 ion cannons, and 10 projector beams, it's one fearsome ship that'll make the enemies think twice before attacking..."

...

Silas absorbed the information with interest, he knew this ship would later be created but he never knew some sort of prototype was already made, regardless he now looked curious, "How come these aren't being produced in the masses?"

Palpatine shook his head disappointedly, "We only had the opportunity to create one, reason being this is only a prototype version, and unfortunately the costs to make these are quite immense. Not to mention the Jedi and many senators were adamantly against it, as it was seen as too aggressive or dangerous."

Silas could only shake his head inwardly, 'This is the Jedi's weakness, to not be able use such a necessary evil which is completely under our control simply because of their morals is ridiculous... But I can see why some would be worried if maybe the enemy could copy such a ship.'

The Chancellor then looked toward Silas inquisitively, "I remember you checking to see if their was a ship greater than even the Venator in terms of space combat, and this ship is exactly that. The only issue is that since it's the first prototype, you will have issues with maintenance that could be fatal during battle."

"So after further discussion you can add this ship to your legion, but you'll have to decide on either trading it in for 1 Venator, or you can stick with the 3 Venators that are already in your legion. "

Silas nodded, he understood that he couldn't be afforded extra personnel, when the Imperial Star Destroyer already takes over 9,000 people, while the Venator takes 7,000 to fly. Along with taking into account the weaknesses of the ship, like the exposed bridge, he'd have to personally see the engineers in order to fix it.

And finally he also had to consider that the ship could very well break down amidst battle, and cost many lives, but even so, Silas believed the reward outweighed the risks.

Nevertheless it wasn't a hard decision to pick.

"Thank you sir, I think taking in the Imperial Star Destroyer would be the most efficient choice, I'll be sure to take care of the ship and make the best out of it." Silas thanked.

Palpatine had a warm expression as he said, "Of course General, just be careful of Jedi scrutiny, this might create conflict because you fly such a ship against their wishes."

Silas just smirked, "Of course sir, and by the way, can this also come in a shade of black?"

Before Palpatine could reply, his large blue assistant approached from behind, "Sir, if I may speak with you."

[Image]

Silas could have swore he saw the assistant look at him in a suspicious glint, but it promptly disappeared as his eyes were focused on Palpatine.

Palpatine glanced behind him before nodding, "My apologies Silas it seems I have business to attend to... But regarding your paint job, I'll see if it's possible."

"I understand sir."

Silas did a curt nod as Palpatine walked away with his assistant following from behind.

Humming quietly he noticed it was getting dark, "Time to start working..." And as he was walking away, an idea popped into his head, "Now that I think about it, I should ask Shaak Ti to come by, that'll be fun to say the least..."

....

...

[Shaak Ti POV]

A few hours had passed since Silas's conversation with Palpatine, and it was now dark in Coruscant.

In the bustling skies of the city, hundreds to thousands of flying cars could be seen passing overhead, and in one of the taxies flying, was Shaak Ti in her usual Jedi Garments.

Her eyes traced across the landscape from the window.

A few hours ago Silas had called her to meet him down at a bar called 79's, which seemed to be a place where clones could gather and get certain free amenities.

So that was her current destination, as she abruptly felt the Taxi come to a slow stop, prompting a smile to appear on her, "Thank you." Before paying and exiting the Taxi.

'What an intriguing place...' She looked around with oddness in her eyes.

Clones were leisurely standing outside with drinks in their hand as they smiled and happily talked.

'They seem so different as compared to when they work, I assumed they lacked emotion, but their just like us.'

Continuing to walk, her presence brought weird gazes from the clones, but she ignored it as she entered the establishment under the large eminent sign on the front which said, [79's].

The troopers seemed perplexed at the appearance of a Jedi in a place like this, but nevertheless, they just continued on with their business, giving Shaak Ti her respectful space.

She entered the bar and looked around curiously, clones could be seen drinking and relaxing at all the tables, loud music, laughter, and joy could be heard.

It had a dark ambient lighting as their were also platforms up top for more space.

[Image]

'They truly are different as compared to when they work...' Shaak Ti mused inwardly, before noticing a familiar figure behind the main bar at the center.

But she couldn't help but raise a brow as Silas was in a waiter's outfit with his hair in a single braid behind his back.

And rather then being served a drink, he himself was preparing drinks and sending them out quickly from behind the counter while calmly conversing with fellow clones at the table.

[Image]

Silas instantly sensed her presence as he looked toward her way, "Well if it isn't the Jedi Master Shaak Ti!"

She had a small smile as she sat down in front of the bar beside other clones who paid no mind to her.

Although before she could even say anything to him, he suddenly stood atop the counter, and clicked a cup and spoon together multiple times, while simultaneously magnifying the sound with the force.

Cling!

Just like that, the music turned down as all the clones looked toward him.

"Listen up men! Master Shaak Ti who's sitting right in front of me, will be the Jedi who is going to be taking care of the younger ones at Kamino! So make her feel welcome!"

And in a matter of a few seconds, the room was filled with cheers.

"To Master Shaak Ti!"

"For the younger ones!"

"Take care of them for us!"

Shaak Ti couldn't but chuckle at the rather lax atmosphere around here.

SIlas swiftly dropped back down as he leaned over the counter toward Shaak Ti, "What drink would you like?"

"I would like water."

He could only scoff at her order, however he still quickly filled a water for her, and softly put it down.

Her eyes couldn't help but look at his waiter outfit.

"How come your working here? I assumed a General such as yourself would get paid." She questions curiously.

Silas just shrugged, "I do get paid tons, but I work here to make sure the troops don't feel estranged from me, and it's pretty fun."

"Anything else?" He then asked curiously since she only ordered one water.

Shaak Ti seemed rather hesitant, but continued nevertheless, "I actually wanted to ask you a question."

Silas raised a curious brow, but was all of a sudden interrupted by a shout from across the room.

"General sir! I'm kicking Five's ass in this game! Check it out!" Cody yelled from the corner of the room as he and a few dozen clones were crowded around a blue holographic screen, sitting on crates.

At the loud remark, Silas smiled with a wink toward Shaak Ti, "Be right back."

Calmly walking over, he stood with the rest of the group of clones as they watched Cody and Fives intensely press their console controller buttons.

Rex, Fox, Wolffe, and many other familiar figures could be seen entertainingly spectating.

"It's 23-21, Cody's winning." Rex explained as he kept his eyes on the screen.

The screen showed something akin to black ops, a first person shooter game, that Silas himself installed into 79's in order to keep the clones occupied, as their were multiple all around the building.

And not even a few minutes later, the game ended.

"Haha! You almost beat me Fives!" Cody exclaimed, as the whole group laughed at Fives disappointede expression.

"I'll be sure to beat you next time Commander." Fives dryly remarked with an obviously annoyed expression.

Silas stepped up from behind and put a hand on Five's shoulder, "You know the punishment."

Fives sighed, before abruptly chugging down a large glass of alcohol.

"Chug!"

They all chanted, including Silas himself, before he had to slip away and appear back at the bar counter where Shaak Ti was.

"What can I do for you Master Shaak Ti?" He asked with an amused look, sensing her inquisitiveness.

She seemed serious as she spoke, "I saw your Midi-Chlorian count, and the reports that it increased over time. I'm sure Master Yoda will call you to a Jedi Council Meeting to talk about it, but I wanted to personally ask you."

Pausing shortly, she continued.

"How is such a thing possible? How can your Midi-Chlorian count change?"

Silas's amused expression didn't falter as he silently stood their for a few seconds with his usual smile.

Until finally replying, "Hmmm...

Nahh, I don't feel like telling you."

_________________________

Let me know your thoughts!

And after the next chapter, it will only be war, and where the actual fun part of the plot starts!

So stay tuned!

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