San Hill remained expressionless as he said calmly, "Unfortunately, this is the decision of The Core Five of the InterGalactic Banking Clan."
"The DS-1 project is the key to defeating the Republic! With this superweapon, we can directly threaten Coruscant and force the Galactic Republic to submit!" Count Dooku's face turned livid.
"However, after assessment, our Engineering Corps believes that DS-1 will require at least another ten years before it can become operational. The war we currently face will not last that long. In other words, investing in DS-1 is very likely to cost us the war," San Hill said.
"Lord Sidious will never permit anything that undermines his plans!" Count Dooku snapped.
"Lord Sidious will certainly understand our decision, because it is for the sake of victory in the war." The corner of San Hill's mouth lifted slightly as he said slyly, "Lord Sidious also wants us to defeat the Galactic Republic, doesn't he?"
"I have to say, this is a tremendous betrayal, Chairman," Count Dooku said coldly, having regained his composure.
San Hill continued, "To make up for the delays in the DS-1 project, The Core Five has unanimously agreed to implement a non-exclusive agreement in the Outer Rim Territories and invest 500 billion credits, secured by equity pledges, to develop heavy industry there. The first beneficiary of this agreement will be the Trade Federation. We have already begun constructing a new super shipyard in the Outer Rim Territories."
Now, even Count Dooku had no grounds to continue his outburst. He said slowly, "I am naturally deeply grateful for the InterGalactic Banking Clan's generosity, but this still represents an extremely important strategic shift. I believe we need to deliberate carefully."
"And that is precisely why I have come." Though San Hill said so, his tone left no room