Deep in the northeastern sector of the galaxy, Mandalore.
Mandalore was now caught in a delicate and dangerous balance, one that could be shattered at any moment with catastrophic consequences.
Ever since Mandalore had suddenly and without warning announced a referendum and joined the Confederacy of Independent Systems, this region of space had been destined to know no peace.
That farcical referendum had quickly ended with the disappearance of Grand Duchess Satine Kryze. Prime Minister Almec, who had then stepped forward and proclaimed himself Grand Duke of Mandalore to rule the planet, had not overturned the results of Satine Kryze's referendum.
He was still mindful of Satine Kryze's political prestige and hoped to use it to consolidate his own rule.
But that had never been possible. The Galactic Republic did not care about the facts; all they wanted was a pretext to send in troops.
Thus, under Master Windu's personal command, the Second Systems Army of the Republic immediately departed its defensive sector for Mandalore. They issued the planet an ultimatum, demanding that it dissolve its current government, establish a new government according to the Republic's list, and immediately join the war by declaring war on the Separatists.
Prime Minister Almec refused the ultimatum. He knew perfectly well that if he accepted it, he would never again have any chance of claiming the position of Grand Duke of Mandalore.
He repeatedly sent communications to Count Dooku, hoping that the referendum's results would secure support from the Confederacy of Independent Systems. This was also why he had stubbornly refused to abandon the inexplicable referendum conducted by Satine Kryze. If Count Dooku was willing to support him, it would amount to indirect recognition of his otherwise illegitimate status as Grand Duke of Mandalore.
With a guarantee from what could be called the