The galaxy would have gone up in flames sooner or later anyway. And when it did, it would have burned so fiercely that everyone would have felt the heat. Felt it keenly. And the current Republic would hardly have managed to contain such a blaze. Not with the Senate as it is now, nor with the Order in its present state. There's no point even speaking of a Senate mired in its own squabbles, and as for the Jedi… what about the Jedi? There are too few of us for such a war. For a great war. We simply would not be able to keep the situation under control—the galaxy would splinter apart.
And then Palpatine appeared on the horizon, venting steam through a conflict he himself controlled. He identified, grouped, organized, positioned—like chess pieces—placed them under a leader he had found and groomed himself, ensured he had the means to counter from his own side—and played the war like a chess match.
Or rather, is playing it. When reflecting on reality and my memories, it is dangerously easy to lose one's bearings. Undeniably, not everything unfolded as it had in canon, partly because of me—Jabiim, for instance—but Palpatine skillfully smoothed out nearly every irregularity. Nearly.
All the battles are fought either in space or on sparsely populated worlds by an army of clones against an army of droids. Palpatine had foreseen even this — the losses among the civilian population. The thinly populated Outer Rim, where the Confederacy of Independent Systems has entrenched itself, has no need to recruit organics into its army—the Separatists simply churn out droids instead. The cost of assembling one such droid is far lower than equipping and training a single good soldier. And the psychological factor is beyond comparison.
The Republic is defended by clones who, in essence, are needed by no one; no one will weep for them. After all, citizens are not dying in droves in this war—and who would count the inhabitants of Jabiim who perished during the fighting? A drop in the ocean… while the overwhelming majority of the population will remain intact and unharmed.
Palpatine wants to rule a populated galaxy, not one ravaged by war and drained with enormous losses of living beings.
And as for humans… ah, if one considers Jabba's words as a kind of anchor point, Palpatine's wager on humanity becomes clear. There are simply more of them. He knows how to manipulate sentient beings, and humans are no exception.
He gave humans… hope. A chance at a new future—and they seized it eagerly. They enthusiastically fill the ranks of the state apparatus; they enlist in the military—in the same auxiliary forces you won't find any Caamasi or Gran—the vast majority there are human. Everyone I know or have met—Rinaun, Terbon, Trachta, my officers—Mirro, Sumeragi, Lichtendal, O'Connor… Yes, some have different skin or hair colors, but they are all humans or near-human species. Such a rise had not been seen for fifteen centuries. Palpatine harnessed the ambitions of the human race to serve his own designs. All that remains is… to feel a measure of sympathy for him, for it is truly a titanic labor… Labor that was… no, not in vain, but still… Yes, precisely—"a Sisyphean task" is the most fitting description. Yes, Palpatine became Emperor, wielding unlimited power, he destroyed the Jedi, built an immense army and fleet, and…
And then one cannot help but marvel at how he managed to lose it all... Involuntarily, you begin to agree with Qui-Gon Jinn and his Living Force, which prefers balance. At first, it played along with the Sith—hence Yoda's "blindness" becomes understandable; and then, when the pendulum swung to the opposite extreme, it began favoring the Jedi instead. But such oscillations take a toll on the entire galaxy, for the vibrations subside only after a long while.
***
I must have been silent for ten minutes, no less, and when I looked back at Jabba, he asked:
"Tell me, Vikt. Will the Republic win this war?"
"That I cannot tell you. But I am certain the Separatists will lose. It is only a matter of time."
"But does not the defeat of the Confederacy of Independent Systems mean victory for the Republic? Your victory?"
"By no means."
"Is that so?" Jabba looked at me with mild surprise… but only for a few seconds before nodding in understanding.
"Exactly so."
Gathering my thoughts, I continued:
"Well then… Let us get down to business. As I understand it, your clan sits on your Grand Council. But can you truly speak on its behalf? The other clans may not agree with your decision."
"They will agree. Other sentients cast words and promises to the wind without considering the consequences—but not us. For Hutts, a Word is no empty sound. When you deliver Ziro, he will stand before the Council and be judged and punished for his crimes. We are guided by reason, Jedi. I gave my Word that we would conclude a treaty, and we shall conclude it. However, several worlds—such as Toydaria or Rodia—over which our influence is limited, will remain outside this agreement. I speak for Hutt Space, not for our broader sphere of influence."
"I understand that. And I also understand that the terms of this treaty must be drafted with the utmost care, so that no misunderstandings arise in the future," I said, getting to the heart of the matter.
"What can the Republic offer us?" Jabba inquired lazily.
"I believe the following: Republic ships will receive the right of passage through Hutt territories and may freely use the hyperlanes that run within your domain. However, planetary operations will be permitted only with the approval of the Hutt Council. In addition, Hutt Space will maintain neutrality in the war, and should the Confederacy of Independent Systems attack you, the Republic pledges to provide protection. At the same time, Hutt Space will remain closed to Separatist vessels. To prevent attempts by them to infiltrate your territory, we will establish patrols along the borders of Hutt Space."
"That could deal a serious blow to trade. The Republic would begin detaining our ships—after all, they would be at the borders, though not within our Space. I cannot agree to such a proposal."
"I understand your concern, Jabba. But I have a suggestion that will satisfy you."
"Go on."
"The Hutt clans will issue special permits to ships, complete with proper registration numbers. If a vessel possesses such a permit, the Republic will be obligated to let it pass without any inspection whatsoever. The permit will be valid within your territory and, say, within a hundred light-years beyond it. Naturally, such permits will not be issued free of charge: ship captains will pay you for them. Violators and those who attempt to forge permits may be punished harshly. Meanwhile, your competitors in other parts of the galaxy will be deprived of such a privilege, and the Republic will continue its pursuit of criminals."
Jabba fell into a long silence. I did not rush him, fully aware that we were not playing some trivial game here. In essence, within this small room on a remote, backwater world, great politics was unfolding. I would even say—history.
At last, the Hutt let out a genial chuckle.
"I like your proposal. It promises a fine profit, for the war will not end in a month or two… What is your interest in this? The Republic gains nothing by turning a blind eye to 'pirates' and 'smugglers.'"
"There is profit in it for me personally. Five percent to the account I designate."
Jabba gave an astonished flick of the mouthpiece clutched in his hand.
"I never cease to marvel at how humans combine the traits of different species. You can be more enterprising than Toydarians, more vicious than Gamorreans. At times, you even surpass the Hutts themselves in your passion for credits. Two."
"Perhaps it is because we live shorter lives, yet must accomplish more? Four."
"I thought the Jedi renounced material possessions."
"Do not judge all Jedi by a single representative. After all, you are an unusual Hutt yourself," I said, theatrically attempting to blow a smoke ring—and nearly succeeding. "It is no secret that the other Hutts disapprove of your fondness for dancers, nor of the considerable sums you spend on them. Though… perhaps they simply fail to appreciate beauty?"
"And what will you spend this money on?"
"I need not tell you that war is an exceedingly costly affair. And the Republic is in no hurry to open its purse. So one must make do as one can."
Jabba smirked.
"Hm… two and a half percent, Jedi. That is my final word. The war will last long enough, and the profits will be substantial."
"Agreed. Though I have no doubt you can recoup your losses from the other Hutt clans by demanding the same percentage from them," I said, pausing briefly. "Next… there is another proposal. The Republic will undertake to purchase a certain quantity of foodstuffs from the Hutts each month, to be delivered as humanitarian aid to planets affected by the war. However, in light of the fact that these purchases will be made regardless of the current situation, and that the Republic is prepared to make advance payments, a reciprocal gesture of goodwill on your part might be the sale of said foodstuffs at prewar prices—which, as you know, have now risen sharply."
"Your Senate is willing to spend such vast sums on charity, yet does not wish to finance the war? Truly, strange things occur within your Republic."
I could only spread my hands.
"That is our Senate."
"Such a Senate is advantageous for us. We are prepared to supply the Republic… seven hundred and fifty million tons of food per month. And not merely at prewar prices, but at a discount. As a 'gesture of goodwill,' we shall reduce the price by… two and a half percent."
I burst out laughing, appreciating Jabba's joke