Hey guys, it's been awhile. Just a quick heads up this is chapter is a prequel to the previous update after a few requests from readers. As always I like to thank Mandalore the Freedom for the beta and to CMac54 for helping to iron out a couple dialogue problems.

And here is the next instalment for you lovely people :)

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The contents of the halls before Major General Wallace were nothing short of marvellous. The architecture design of the superstructure these Republic officials refer to as their Executive Building was seemingly built with a foreign metal akin to that of darkened, decorative steel that gave it the look of a seamless and spotlessly clean walls made texture. Strange and exotic alien ornaments were placed on the walls predominantly above busts of figures that ranged from human looking figures to extraterrestrials. He thought on the effort it must've taken for those responsible to keep this construct in top condition on what he presumed was a daily basis check up.

The goings on around him and the delegation would've been nothing out of the ordinary had this been back on Earth. The big difference being of course the people Wallace saw milling around in specific spots or passing by were humans and aliens. It was a sight that both fascinated and unnerved him a little at how humans conversed with the extraterrestrials like it was the norm of everyday life. That particular thought drew him over to the delegates in front chatting away with the Galactic Republic officials.

The distinction of the contrasting parties was another amazing sight to witness. Never in a million years did Wallace ever think in his lifetime he'd live to see the day the humans of Earth would come into contact with an alien government. He half expected to see aliens with large bulbous heads and big charcoal, black eyes but with the supposed untold number of races making up this Republic, he wouldn't be too surprised if such beings were wandering around this place or roamed about this part of the galaxy.

He saw Ambassador Dana Rimando ahead engaging with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, appearing every bit like a pair of standard politicians conversing back home probing to get an understanding of each other through small talk. However, when he switched his eyes over to the other two delegates nattering away with the Chancellor's entourage, that same normal image shattered. Zhirkov appeared to be in an awkward conversation with the tall alien holding a heavy resemblance to a dinosaur, compared to that of Shenchao speaking politely and warmly with the alien humanoid woman with royal blue skin and an odd styled headdress. Some of the patterns in her attire he thought looked almost identical in some ways to the Chinese representative's homeland old wears.

Taking up the role as security detail escorting their flanks was the men of his old unit, the 42 commando and the so called 'Senate Commandos' bringing up the right side, showing another example of the differentiation each side had to the other. Wallace found it somewhat strange but interesting the Republic guards were adorned in an armour design echoing the once fabled warriors of ancient Greece. His own men walked mostly alongside the Diplomatic Coalition dignitaries, who he suspected would've preferred to of taken a tour around the building than the duty of protecting babbling politicians.

Despite the grandeur of being the first officials to meet and greet with off worldly beings, Wallace first order of business he wished to possess further knowledge of was the well being of Corporal Matthews. The men he took along on this trip he was certain also shared those concerns of the 'lost marine' as those eggheads back at the fancy, top secret and highly protected facility had named him.

"Interesting." Wallace said aloud in a low tone, taking in more of the Executive Building's interior and of those strolling within its walls.

"What is, General?" The piqued voice of the young lady who'd had been walking alongside him since the introductions asked.

"Oh, well everything really if I am honest. I've been through my share of walkthroughs of political establishments back in the UK and the like, and it goes without saying that despite the alien differences, there is an odd sense of familiarity about this place." He said glancing over at a humanoid alien being passing by with two long tentacle like appendages coming out the back of her head. Hope those things don't start hissing, He pondered to himself over the bizarre alternative to hair.

"How so?" The man walking with her intriguingly asked. Wallace couldn't recount his full name but believed the gentleman's first name was Bail.

"Well I don't mean any disrespect, especially as we've only just met and all but as extravagantly well designed this place is, you can still feel the works of this building's purpose if catch my drift?"

"No offence taken, General. I know what you mean. Politics does leave that kind of effect wherever it takes shape. But what happens here is of vital importance of the Republic's stability and keeping our members unified through peaceful co-operation and against credible threats to galactic civilisations, within and outward."

"I can imagine. It must leave you all drained at the end of each day dealing with so many people and so many problems of the galaxy, and not enough hours in the day to fix them all." Wallace said thinking of the responsibilities these Senators had to an untold number of people their government held precedence over and acted on their behalf.

"Believe me you're not far off. But that's the life of a Senator, General. It's our duty to serve and represent the citizens of the Republic from all walks of life." Padme stated.

Wallace personally never truly cared for politics. Or for that matter politicians in general. The behind closed doors deals, backstabbing of allies at a whim if it meant further feathering their own nests and the self absorbed environment was not his liking. Being with his marines and those he trusted on the battlefield was where he favoured to be kept busy. The political theatre lacked the strong kinship and brotherhood that came with being in the military. Plus, he didn't want the ghost of his father scowling him on a potential career path in Westminster.

Then there was the peculiarly odd choice of his government picking him to represent the realm. Wallace wouldn't say diplomacy was his forte. He had inquired over what foolish devil thought it a grand idea to have him act on Britain's behalf with an ambassadorial role, rather instead left to someone more qualified in founding foreign relations with a new nation. Unfortunately as to be expected the answers weren't straightforward, leaving him to contemplate on his recommendation.

Just under two months ago he had been unexpectedly out of the blue called to a summons by Prime Minister Jillian Carney to Downing Street, upon which he quickly discovered the meeting he was attending was of the tight lipped nature. Wallace didn't like the secrecy surrounding the gathering, only recognising a couple of people who'd been present. The topic of the meeting was brought up almost straight away in regards to the alien orb thing, beginning the quick falling into place of his summons. They were careful not to reveal too much but it seemed the giant, mystical sphere that was pulled out from the harbour down in Plymouth had caught the eyes of their allies across the pond, thanks to a leak from somebody thought to be working at the same place the Orb was being held.

The events described vaguely to him, Wallace found to be humorous and an annoyance at the same time. The Americans had discovered their holding of the mysterious sphere and wanting joint access into the research of the unknown device. One of the smartly uniformed men sitting beside the Prime Minister explained not long after the Americans found out about the Orb, the Russians too had been informed of the blasted thing. Wallace made a dry remark about the lax security who were supposed to keep it secret and locked up away from public and foreign eyes, to which a man seated near him responded back in a less than pleased tone. The man who did so he guessed was apart of one of the intelligence agencies, MI6 most likely. It bother him little either way. The sneaky bastards were always reserved on revealing their true intentions.

As a compromise he was told all three nations had agreed a deal to pool resources together in researching and getting a better understanding the Orb, its functions and establishing a dialogue with it. Wallace told them after it was great things are working out well with this 'pact', however, he wasn't fond of seeing it again, not after what it had done to his men. Right there and then he was expecting the Prime Minister to say she was disappointed with his answer and have him sign some paper stating he would never utter anything that was said in the meeting or the subject it was centred around. Unexpectedly instead, she told him they knew the whereabouts of the Corporal which many, including himself, believed the alien thing had zapped out of existence.

This immediately had his interest pipped. The Prime Minister went on to explain if he agreed to act as their chosen representative he'll be given the possible opportunity in the future to retrieve him once a stable 'link' was created wherever the Orb had sent the marine. An agreement was struck but Wallace again queried why he'd been picked to do this. The answer given was a simple one. There were a few terms in the Treaty they had signed with the Americans and Russians she subtly hinted they intended to strongly keep enforced. One included the Orb was to remain in British hands and with it wanted a trustworthy military presence in charge of security. Since he was there at the beginning of its discovery and had experience with it, he was considered the best candidate for the job.

The following weeks that came after were hectic, tiresomely busy and even, Wallace had to admit, a tad exciting. The facility housing the alien object he was taken to met his expectations of a closed off and heavily guarded base with high walls and fences and an assortment of buildings shrouded in mystery and secrecy. The name dropped for the fortified science centre was called was the Olympus Index. He didn't know where exactly they were, only getting the clipped response of 'the countryside'. Inside the main building was a labyrinth of sterile white and grey laboratories and R&D sections with their own specific designations for areas of required expertise. The staff were a mix of British, American and Russian scientists, technicians, engineers and other required personnel needed to run the giant complex. It amazed him how such a place stood out without so much of a whisper to its purpose, or that it even existed. It bugged him he wasn't to be privy to all the goings on of the facility but that wasn't going to be extend to meeting the Orb he was lead away to meet with.

He was first introduced to Doctor Anita Singh, the woman in charge of the Orb project. Part of him was pleased another one of his countrymen was chosen to lead the efforts in what without doubt was the most valuable and advanced device in human hands. Afterwards he was brought before the Orb like he was meeting an old acquaintance. The big difference he found staring at the giant glass ball this time was it had an entire research wing to itself, sat dead centre of the vast room with dozens of generators and lab coating wearing students of the sciences inspecting readings he hadn't a clue of their meanings. Nearby situated next to the Orb had been a large flat screen HD monitor with a flurry of words traversing across the screen. One of researchers informed him this was how the Orb was able to communicate with them.

Dozens of questions formulated in his mind over how such a thing was possible. However, those questions were stalled for he was lead away by the facility's apparent 'tour guides' to meet with the team he was to join along with on the first attempt at creating a future relations with the first extraterrestrial race they meet through the link. He was escorted to a conference room where waiting patiently inside was Rimando and Zhirkov. Once the greetings and formalities were set aside they immediately went to work.

Through this he learned more of the selected choice of representative from the United States of America and the Russian Federation. Dana Rimando had formerly been the United States ambassador to the United Nations, with the former part she implied was resigning on her own accord than being dismissed by President Terrence Rowe. Rimando mentioned she had planned on running for Senator in her home state of Florida before she was offered a more exclusive role never conjured, or ever imagined would presented to anyone. Wallace could hardly fault her for choosing to focus on the domestic affairs of her country, considering the faffing and largely ineffective body the UN was becoming.

Still, from the little info he did know about her from the papers and the odd television appearance on the news when he could be bothered to pay attention to it, Rimando was a woman whose physical appearance was a deception to her personality. She made her mark amongst the UN dignitaries by fronting her persona of strength, unwavering confidence and bouts of energy into putting her nation's interests at the forefront of numerous committees. Wallace worked out for himself she was not someone to be trifled with when it came to debating on the podium. Not like he ever wanted that nuisance.

Roman Zhirkov on the other hand, Wallace had never heard of. His claimed credentials were he was originally the ambassador of the Russian embassy in Berlin, and before that he headed their mission in their consulate in Astana. Zhirkov was man Wallace had trouble reading. He'd be lying if he was suspicious of the man. Partially it was down to his old grudges of the high tensed relations between the West and East back in his early days as a young, upcoming officer when the Cold War was still in swing. The iron curtain had long fallen but he remained reserved when dealing with the Russians. That and his instincts were telling him President Irina Fedorova's appointed diplomat had other hidden credentials on his biography he hadn't, or wouldn't, reveal. Yet.

Wallace at the time remained uncertain if he was the right choice for representation. He had the assisted help from a pair of government officials sent by the Prime Minister to act as a mediator to national interests and to support his role in the pact. Things for a time were working to an extend. They were in the middle of creating the first draft on what to do and what was to be said to an intergalactic, space faring government when word reached him that the Chinese had somehow found out about the Orb too. It was beginning to turn into an absolute joke about the leaks. He wondered if it was down to creditably good espionage, or cracks were showing in the effectiveness of one of the intelligence services of one of the countries of the pact.

It was a setback and the sensitive work they had only just started working on hit a stumbling block before it could get properly off of the ground. A large scale investigation had been launched internally at the facility to the belief a member of staff may of been the culprit. Wallace expected his government, and to the latter extend the American and Russians ones too, to iron out any potential issues with the communist powerhouse and invite them to join in the project. Instead, the heads of all three nations thought it best to bring more of their fellow allies into the loop as a safeguard against possible future breaches.

The pact soon found an expansion from its original three to the double digits figure of twelve. The pact reformed to adapt and slight prosaically named, Interstellar Treaty. Wallace witnessed then on the elite units of the SAS, the American 'Delta Force' and Spetsnaz share security duties with their German, Chinese and South Korean counterparts. French, Israeli, Indian and Japanese scientists worked alongside those researchers who'd been studying the Orb since its arrival at the Index. The talks resumed with the new additions, as well as dignitaries from Canada and Sweden.

Unsurprisingly the added support of personnel and funds helped exponentially. The downturn was with the extra diplomats, Wallace found himself in a politicians seemingly favourite sport of ire testing bickering. This became even worse when it was confirmed the Orb was able to successfully teleport a probe through the link to a planet it claimed to be supposed whereabouts it sent Corporal Matthews to, in its words, by 'accident'. The questions and arguing came over who was there if, or when it came into contact with intelligent life on the other end of the link.

Rimando reminded the newcomers of the Treaty terms, and that of the amount of funding and resources they had already put into the project meant they had leading precedence. To counter the claims the operation was western dominated, the heads of all three founding members passed on their agreement to allow China's inclusion into being integrated as part of the first diplomatic team to open negotiations with any extraterrestrial beings. Wallace remembered the disgruntled expressions of the rest of the dignitaries. He knew there were compromises to be made with the other nations but he didn't care for their complaints, only for things to properly pick up again.

Less than three days ago they eventually came up with a fitting name for the diplomacy arm of the Orb project. The United Nations Diplomatic Coalition. Wallace found it humorous to snatch the name from the large intergovernmental body, and see about doing a better job than its namesake counterpart. They were in the midst of sorting out the drafts of speeches, appropriate subjects they could exchange with alien officials and other dribble that came with establishing relations when the meeting was interrupted by Doctor Singh accompanied by an assistant to inform them all the exploration probe had made contact.

Silent shock descended upon the room. Wallace had been the first to stand and with a calm, professional demeanour and asked if they could be brought to the main wing to bare witness to the historical event. Unbeknownst to them all, he hoped more for the probe to of found Corporal Matthews than an alien. They had been escorted to the research section the Orb was being studied in, finding computer monitors and electronic gizmos had been hooked up next to the Orb's translation screen as it transmitted footage back from the probe to the monitor.

His hopes were dashed but his interest spiked when he saw the live camera feed of three white armoured humanoids hovering about the probe. Concern gripped them at their alarmed response to the rover probe offering the armoured and armed aliens a two way radio. Rimando was ushered forward to speak into the microphone. It was evident she was feeling some level of trepidation to be the first of their species to speak to off worldly being, apart from the giant glass ball staring down at them with no way to identify if it expressed emotion.

It came to great surprise to everyone within the wing of the clear English spoken worded response that came after her friendly challenge to the trio. After the brief introductions the leading humanoid, who Wallace quickly deducted was the leading figure of the group which became obvious then they were military, relayed his was going to contact his superior about the situation before any more could be discussed. The air around him was thick with astonishment and bewilderment. Scientist, soldier and diplomat alike present was stunned and muttered amongst themselves over what they saw.

All this was fed back to their leaders, all of whom shared the feelings they first experienced. Things were then ordered to press forward. Wallace had been ordered to see about security arrangements and selecting a detail for transportation with the representatives. He wasn't pleased to be excluded from the next round of talks with the humanoids, as well as the sudden persistence from Rimando's colleagues to pick a detachment of the Yank's special forces already taking up the shared duty guarding the Index facility.

Whilst the agreement did have Rimando acting as the leader of the four selected representatives, Wallace had full control on their protection so he ignored their advise and picked those he knew, trusted and could rely on without question. He agreed the Delta force units would've been an excellent choice for a protection detail of VIPs, it was just he rather have his own forces overseeing the operation. By his command and granted permission off the Prime Minister, he sent for Captain Phillips and a drawn on list of marines he wanted along for the trip.

A day later a Chinook arrived with the small squad sized team he personally chose, to find their confused and curious faces gazing all around the facility. Once he explained what was going on in a secure conference room alongside Zhirkov and Shenchao, he gave the marines an opt out option with the clause they could not disclose what they saw. To his joy, more from loyalty to their friend than fear of repercussions, they all agreed to his request without question with Palmer speaking on their behalf.

In all his years in service of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, from his early years as mere Lieutenant to reach the rank of Major General, Commandant General of the his branch to fighting in the Falklands, Iraq, Bosnia and on smaller fronts across the globe, standing before the Orb as Doctor Singh explained the procedure the Orb told of its mode of transporting them to another part of the galaxy was the most nerve tangling and exciting thing he'd ever had done. Teleportation was something he only heard of in the old sci fi flicks and stories. The screen the glass eyeball used to speak to them explained it was advanced form of instant travel its creators were not able to fully master due to unfortunate circumstances. It didn't elaborate as to what those were, which according to Singh was a common occurrence when talking about subjects unrelated to their work, except the planet they were going to used to possess a research outpost built by its creators and found itself surprised how it remained operational after such a long absence.

The room was ordered to be cleared of all non essential personnel as Wallace stood anxiously and, admittedly to himself, nervously with the marine escort and his fellow representatives who found themselves to be on the forefront as ambassadors of not only their respective nations but their people, their species and Earth itself. This was a monumental opportunity to set the first stepping stones of bringing the human race on to a larger stage of the universe.

And yet here he was now, walking and talking and breathing the same air as these beings from far off planets and societies.

"So tell me Senators, how long have you held office?" Wallace asked, drifting away from the events of the past couple months.

"I was elected four years ago after finishing my two terms as Queen of Naboo. My people tried to amend our constitution to have me kept for a third term, however, popular rule doesn't mean stepping over the foundations of democracy. Once my terms were up I had been planning to retire from the political scene but I was urged by the new Queen and the advisory council to campaign to succeed our previous Senator who was stepping down that same year. I took up their advice and I won a seat to represent not only Naboo, but the Chommell Sector." Padme recounted her career.

"By a considerably high margin if I recall." Bail added in.

"Oh, so you're quite popular back on your homeworld then?" Wallace asked with curiosity.

"I suppose you could say that." She said sounding modest.

"Nothing wrong with that, Miss Amidala. To have that kind of backing from your people must mean you're excelling at your role." Wallace gave her friendly grin then turned to Bail. "And you, sir?"

"It must be nearly ten years now. I was elected as Senator of Alderaan shortly after his Excellency was appointed as Supreme Chancellor. Doing so I had to rescind my title as Viceroy of my homeworld but I later regained that mantle once again a few years back."

"Ah, so you are the ruler of your planet also?"

"No, my wife is Queen and she shares the rulership with a High Council governed by the noble houses." The Senator went on to explain.

"Fascinating." Wallace said.

"And of you, General? Do you hold any political holding from your nation state?" Padme inquired switching the question back to him.

"Heavens no. I'm the head of Her Majesty Royal Marines Corps. My job is to advise the First Sea Lord, amongst other roles with the high command of the British Armed Forces. I can assure you dealing with Generals and Colonels isn't too far off with those of your profession, though it is far more entertaining." He half joked, earning an amused scoff off the pair.

"You said your presence here is because your governments needed a non-political mind involved in the discussions. Why would that be?" Bail questioned.

"Actually I said a less political head in other business." Wallace politely corrected him. "Business that, I don't wish to be churlish to you nice people, I do not wish to disclose for the time being until authorised to do so."

"I see. Then what of your government's choice to select you as acting on their behalf?" The Naboo Senator pressed.

"Our respective governments all agreed it was necessary for security detail to be attached to the delegation, and with me being Corporal Matthews' commanding officer of the branch he serves, doubled with my record they bestowed me to take the mantle of being the face of Britain in these talks. So you'll have to put up with my scary old face until an agreement can be reached for a permanent ambassador." Wallace informed the duo.

They appeared to accept his explanation without pushing on, to his personal content. Wallace went back to checking out the interior of the Executive Building. Rows of images were situated on the scarlet coated walls of people who must've held some significance in the Republic's past or of landscapes he guessed belonged to various worlds under their jurisdiction. It really showed the similarities it had to the residence of the governing bodies back on Earth, bar of course none he had seen possessed portraits of alien species proudly standing out.

Their journey came to a slow pace as they neared a wide entranceway to a room guarded by four other armoured soldiers with the same colour pattern and style to the Chancellor's security escort. They snapped swiftly to attention as the Republic leader opened the metallic, squoval shaped door. Wallace hung back for a moment as he turned to his marines.

"I think it's probably best if you gentlemen wait outside for the time being. I don't think it'll be a good image for us to have armed guards standing in on a friendly conversation with these Republic reps." He said to the marines as they circled around him.

"Of course, General. Good luck in there." Captain Phillips nodded.

"Here's hoping that luck keeps the delegates from descending into a squabbling bunch of jackals over whoever wields the biggest stick back home." Wallace muttered, earning low toned laughter from his men.

Leaving the marines behind he was the last to enter as he scrutinised the Chancellor's spacious office. The decor had a combination of a look of extravagance and basic appearance at the same time with the continuous theme of red being the favoured colour plastered on the walls and floors. He walked passed a pair of sofas facing opposite each other with burgundy leather upholstery and two oversized lamps on each of their arms. The carpet that engulfed the entire broad floor matched the walls tone with a slight brighter tint.

This lead up to an elegantly designed small set of steps that stretch from one side of the back of the room to the other, leading up to a silver collection of chairs and desk Wallace didn't need thinking time to know it belonged to the Chancellor. What amazed him the most, however, was the panoramic view the large, long stretched window offered to the planet's cities itself. It was nice but it brought up security concerns of such an exposed viewing.

"As you see, Ambassador, the Republic is very welcoming to all newcomers to the galactic stage. It will be a pleasure to help guide your people on their first steps venturing out into so many unknowns for your people." Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said as he extended his hand for him and his colleagues to take a seat on the offered chairs.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Chancellor. However, the purpose of these meetings is merely to lay the first template of establishing relations with your government, and of any others we may encounter. Any notions of gaining status as a member planet of your Republic though a prodigious offer, it would have to be run by the president, as well as each of our respective heads of state." Rimando replied as they all sat down, whilst the Senate and Jedi entourage stood in a semi circle behind their leader.

Wallace realised for the first time he hadn't paid too much attention to the conversations of the rest of the Diplomatic Coalition representatives. Seeing as this was their speciality he didn't see the need for his interventions and added opinions unless they asked for it. Then again, he started thinking he should've paid heed to what Rimando and Palpatine were chin wagging.

"I understand. It is welcoming to see the nature of your politics and democracy is not so different to our own."

"Some of us do conduct our internal affairs in a different manner to other countries." Shenchao spoke up.

"Meaning?" The alien woman the Chinese delegate had been talking with inquired with a raised brow.

"You'll have to forgive our colleague, Senator. Of the four who represent our world before you, Mister Shenchao's country's policies of governing its people are vastly different to our own." Zhirkov said with each word pronounced with a thick, heavy accent of his mother tongue.

"How so?" One of the yellow skinned, tattoo faced Jedi quizzed curiously next.

"Perhaps this is a conversation we can have at a later time. There are more pressing matters we should discuss first." Rimando stated turning to the pair. Wallace couldn't see her face as she had her head back to him but he got the sense they each were receiving a small glare for going off topic. The only response she got was an amused, light shrug of the shoulders from the Russian diplomat. "We find ourselves living in interesting times, both back home on Earth and those you are experiencing across the galaxy. If I may, what kind of protocols does your government have in place for a situation like First Contact?"

"Not all that complicated really." The Chancellor said leaning forward crossing his hands together resting them upon the desk. "If the new civilisation we come across is on par with our advancement technological wise, we send dignitaries to go about establishing an embassy and go on to create deals of commerce beneficiary for them and the Republic. After a standard set time we set up a commission to evaluate the current state of how our relations are going, and then if the offer of membership meets approval from either side they are then integrated and become a full acting member of our Republic."

"I should inform you, your Excellency, our planet is comprised of over two hundred nation states, and each and every one possesses a fiercely independent people." Zhirkov said. Wallace heard the subtle hint at the testing of sovereignty in his words.

"Any potential decisions our leaders and those of the numerous other countries we represent today will have massive ramifications, politically and historically. We will all need to be ready for any potential fallouts that will ensue." Rimando clarified after.

"Of course. We've seen events like that countless times over throughout our history of worlds and many a species joining us. It is of great amazement how so many nations have formed on just one world, as if it was a planet sized version of our own state. I must ask do all nations have equally footing to each other? Or do some have more holdings and stature?" There was something Palpatine's tone that Wallace could detect as a challenge that entwined with his curious edged inquiry.

"Well, Chancellor, simply put some nations are more powerful and hold considerably higher influence than others. As to any questions you have on how that came to be, requires a much more complex and detailed answer." Rimando responded carefully.

"So am I right in understanding yourselves and your coalition is made up of these stronger nation states?" Padme asked.

"You presume correctly, Senator." The American Ambassador confirmed with a small nod in her direction. "As the head of the delegation, I represent the strongest nation on our planet, followed by Representative Shenchao, then Representative Zhirkov. And of course, Major General Wallace also belongs to another such country."

It was after her statement Wallace was expecting some disgruntled comment or mumble at the current status of global power each their nations held on the world stage. Thankfully none uttered a word, although he could bet a few quid they privately didn't overly take a liking to that status.

"I can see the sense of having the most powerful of your states leading the way on your world."

"We do attempt setting about encouraging fairness with the other powers as best we can. Ironically, for most of my nations history, we were mostly isolationist. We've only been a global superpower for the past sixty or so years. The only superpower for the past thirty. Our world has experienced a . . .colourful history, as I'm sure you will discover in the not too distant future." Rimando said with throwing the offer that was agreed in the often tiresome meetings they had over trivial matters involving what was seen as minor issues to more important subjects.

"We very much look forward to it." Bail spoke up. "I'm sure the offering of learning more about our Republic's history and the many cultures of its members is something you and your people would indulge into in an exchange of knowledge of our two people?"

"A most generous offer that would be more than welcomed by our coalition." Shenchao accept on their behalf graciously.

"I do not wish to be discourteous, Ambassador, over the changing of topics we are all find ourselves engrossed with at a timing of your choice, however, there is something I like to touch upon that has drawn quite a bit of attention toward yourselves." Palpatine said straightening himself up with a grin.

"Oh?"

"How was it you were able to travel Bakura in such a short span of time and distance?"

"Forgive me, Chancellor, but that information is highly classified." Wallace said, speaking for the first time in the talks. He saw the glinting spark of curiosity and staunch interest flicker away to one of annoyance and displeasure at the reaction. He also found that everyone who wasn't of Earth were all staring in his general direction, alien and human alike.

One thing that was a definite set by all dignitaries back at the Olympus Index, and curiously said to be at the advise of the Orb also, was to withhold all information and knowledge in regards to their 'guest' and anything relating to it until further notice. Besides, the Index was a classified facility and its ins and outs were not going to be revealed to anyone, whether they were the inhabitants of Earth or aliens thousands of light years away.

"Oh? So there will be no exchange of your method of interstellar travel?" The tall, pointed headed alien holding a staff asked with irritation laced into his disappointment. Wallace forgot his name but recalled he was supposed to be a vice spokesman of some kind.

"I'm afraid not, sir, at least for the time being. As you can imagine our leaders back home wouldn't want us to freely hand over such sensitive information like that to anyone without a strong sense of trust is forged. I'm sure if things go smoothly between our world and the Republic and firm relations are indeed made for that kind of trust to be created, authorisation will be provided for you eyes to see. For now however, this is a topic I'm afraid you will not receive any information on until a later date with the permission of our leaders." It was clearly not the answer any of them on the opposite side wanted to hear but Wallace wasn't going to spill everything about the Orb just because they had fancy starships and advance tech.

"Understandable, it is. Revealing secrets to someone you have just met, is very much unwise." The small green alien stated accurately in his odd speech pattern.

"Very well. Let's us hope then that we can create a sphere of good relations and a partnership that will form a trust filled bond between our two peoples." The Chancellor relented, twisted his mouth into a smile at the purpose they all hoped to do on the trip to this part of the galaxy for the future of Earth and Mankind itself.

"A goal that we share very much in common, your Excellency." Rimando said

Wallace caught in the corner of his eye Kenobi walk away from the congregation talking into his wrist device he learned on their starship ride to the capital word was multi role gadget that included a two way communication link. With the way technology was rapidly improving back home, he wouldn't be too surprise their own lesser advanced version would be available soon. The Jedi's sudden split also seemed to catch the attention of the yellow human alien and the old goblin with a speech impediment.

Wallace kept half his focus on the talks but with it said of Corporal Matthews whereabouts at these Jedi's Temple base, he hoped the news the cheerful Jedi was getting was relating to the marine. Kenobi pressed a button on his wrist communicator then walked back over to the deeply conversing Ambassador and Chancellor.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Chancellor, but I come bearing good news for the General."

"Ah, has the Corporal fully recovered?" Palpatine asked. The question seemed to of caught Kenobi and his fellow Jedi off guard.

"What do you mean by recovered?" Wallace quizzed narrowing his eyes at the Jedi.

"There was a small incident involving Corporal Matthews which lead him to unfortunately suffer some minor injuries." The yellow alien explained with a regretful expression plastering her face.

"You didn't mention anything about this earlier, Mister Kenobi." Rimando added sounding none too pleased herself at the lack of forthcoming from his part.

"It was a recent development I can assure you was resolved without further incident or harm to your soldier. If it is alright, Chancellor, and with you, Ambassador we would be happy to take the General over to the Temple to check on Matthews' condition himself?"

"I see no reason why the good General should be prevented from checking on those he commands." Palpatine agreed, gazing over at Rimando for her backing on the decision.

"Indeed. You can recover your marine, General. I will brief you on everything we discuss when you come back."

"Thank you. With hope this shouldn't take long to extract him back under our care and we can pick up where we left off." Wallace said with gratitude as he stood up and used his hands to iron out any creases in his uniform.

"Send my regards to the Corporal, won't you Master Yoda?" Palpatine asked the elder Jedi.

"Appreciate the gesture, I'm sure Matthews will." Yoda said hobbling over to join them.

Bidding the rest of the company present a farewell, Wallace followed in step with the Jedi as they headed out of the office. Once the voices of their respective parties resumed talking as they distance themselves away further and further toward the door, he heard Kenobi speak up in a low voice intended only for their ears.

"Forgive us for not fully explaining what Corporal Matthews had got himself into, General, however, the circumstances behind what has happened to him is of a sensitive subject to us which we wish to not divulge the Senate over."

"I see. I hope it isn't too serious." Wallace said aiming the commenting toward Matthews more than the Jedi's internal business.

"He's received good medical care and from I gathered his injuries are on the most part fully healed." The other Jedi relayed.

"I should bloody hope so. Having one of our own banged up wouldn't bode well with myself and the coalition delegation." He emphasised the last part with some exaggeration.

As they stepped out the Chancellor's office he was met by Captain Phillips talking with Sergeant Campbell. They both stopped when they saw him emerge out with the Jedi in tow.

"Have the talks ended already, sir?" Phillips asked him.

"Oh no, they're still yapping away in there." Wallace waved off the talks for the new matter that had his full attention. "Captain I need you to remain here with Sergeant Campbell and marine Ward and keep to overseeing their safety. I must borrow marines Palmer, Cameron and Ighalo in the meantime."

"Very good, sir." Phillips saluted him then turned to the three marines in question. "You heard the General, off you go."

"It is not necessary to split your security detail, General." Kenobi said in response to his order. "Our Temple is pretty well protected."

"It isn't for my protection these marines are coming along for, Mister Kenobi." Wallace said giving the Jedi Master a humoured pursed grin. "They're coming to bring their Corporal home."

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