It wasn't a declaration of war.
It wasn't even a formal broadcast.
But it was enough.
The leaked trade agreement between Serenno and a previously unregistered Outer Rim world began circulating quietly through diplomatic and corporate channels. A new trade corridor—"Elysiar Corridor, Path Beta"—had been established. The name Elysiar was unknown. The details were sparse. But the implications?
They spread like wildfire.
Coruscant – Jedi Temple, High Council Chamber
"It's not a threat," Master Windu said plainly, eyes scanning the decrypted copy of the agreement.
"No… but it is unexpected," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied, arms folded. "A sovereign pact with Serenno. Resource access. Cultural protections. Nothing aggressive."
"Hidden, it is," Yoda murmured, his ears twitching. "But not cloaked in darkness."
"They haven't made themselves known to us," Depa Billaba noted. "No request for Republic recognition. No contact with the Order."
"The fact that Dooku is involved is enough to raise questions," Windu added. "But the Force doesn't speak of danger. Only… possibility."
The Works – Beneath Coruscant
Palpatine stood in his private sanctum, reading the same report—though his had a few more layers of intelligence appended.
He smiled faintly.
"A neutral planet... unknown, but rich in trade potential," he whispered.
His aide remained silent as the Chancellor's eyes traced the digital signature of Count Dooku.
"They think they've found something new," he continued. "A world off the charts. A pocket of resources. Perhaps even sanctuary."
He leaned forward.
"Let them build their alliances. When the time comes, we'll simply acquire them. Quietly."
Neimoidia – Trade Federation Headquarters
Nute Gunray shifted uncomfortably as the holoscreen looped the leaked report again.
"A single planet... positioned outside the Republic's reach... and with direct trade access to Serenno's outer holdings?"
His advisor Rune Haako glanced at him. "Shall we investigate?"
Gunray grumbled. "We must. If they're moving raw materials without going through Federation shipping lanes, it's lost revenue. And if they have anything of value, we'll offer them... incentives."
"Trade incentives?" Haako asked.
Gunray sneered. "Our kind."
Scipio – Banking Clan Tribunal
Chairman San Hill traced his fingers over a regional map.
"Elysiar," he said, the name tasting strange in his mouth. "No debt. No record. No Republic affiliation."
A silence fell among the Banking Clan board.
"That makes them... perfect."
One of his colleagues raised a brow. "To loan money to a ghost?"
"To loan money to an ambitious ghost," Hill corrected. "There's always interest in the unknown. Especially when it grows."
He smiled.
"We'll make them an offer soon enough."
Naboo – Royal Palace, Theed
Senator Padmé Amidala reviewed the treaty with quiet interest.
"There's no aggression. No political alignment. Just trade."
Her advisor nodded. "And yet they chose not to inform the Republic."
"That's what makes them worth watching," she murmured. "They're not loud. They're intentional. That's rare."
She closed the datapad.
"They haven't asked for permission. And that means we may need to ask them something soon."
Kamino – Tipoca City
Prime Minister Lama Su observed the fleet silhouettes logged from Serenno's trade escort channel. The designs were unfamiliar.
But disciplined.
Efficient.
"I wonder what they require to protect their corridors," he mused.
His aide tilted their head. "Clones, perhaps?"
"Or something more refined."
Lama Su gave a slight smile.
"We'll prepare a neutral proposal. Let's see if they are... pragmatic."
Tatooine – Outskirts of Mos Espa
Word even trickled into the Outer Rim's forgotten places.
In a dusty cantina, a Rodian smuggler passed a datapad to a Corellian.
"New world. Trade deal. No oversight."
The Corellian grinned. "That means it's ripe for a visit."
"I heard they've got something powerful protecting them."
"Or they're just pretending."
He tossed the datapad down.
"Either way, we'll find out soon."
Across the Stars – Ripples
Some saw opportunity.
Others saw profit.
A few, like the Jedi, saw only mystery.
But no one feared Elysiar.
Not yet.
It was, to most, a curiosity—an unclaimed apple hanging low on the tree.
Ripe.
And waiting.
But as more began planning to pluck it…
None realized just how deep the roots of Elysiar already ran.