"Our reports indicate that they are Mon Calamari."
Kal Shora nodded his head.
"Mon Calamari: An aquatic people from the world of the same name. Renowned for their courage, they provided a crucial amount of both technology and manpower to the New Republic. Some said they were critical to the Republic's survival in the years following the battle of Endor.”
Kal Shora nodded.
“But not critical enough to ensure their survival to this day?”
The Priests around him nodded their heads in amusement. The Lesser Judicator nodded his head as well, before he continued.
“Their technology, while generally considered to be more advanced than older Imperial designs such as Star Destroyers, need not concern us as most of their advancements are in the area of defensive emplacements, which are useless against our weaponry.”
Kal Shora nodded again, this time more sincerely.
“I fail to see, Judicator, why then we are discussing this?”
“With due respect, Elder, I believe that revealing ourselves in this battle would be a mistake.”
The other Priests stepped backwards, anticipating an explosion from the High Judicator, but one didn’t immediately come forth. Kal Shora’s face was stone, revealing nothing, and not betraying his true feelings. The Lesser Judicator continued.
“Our reports indicate the Galactic Coalition spans about 8 worlds, many of them with shipyards producing warfleets. We estimate their complete assets to be well over 300 capital-class cruisers, many of which are double or triple the size of even our largest vessels. Although the fleet currently above Dameo would be manageable should we send a decent-sized fleet to intervene, the reinforcements they could bring to bear would be much more than we could handle. Even if they brought none about, we would still lose vessels and if somehow, the Mon Calamari have developed technology similar to ours, and determined our imran, we would be in considerable duress whence they counter-attacked.”
Kal Shora nodded. His hand trembled on the hand rest of his chair. Before he could speak, the Lesser Judicator stepped forward.
“I believe your order would be a grave error.”
The Priests were positively floored. Still, Kal Shora gave no indication of his feelings, with the exception of his hand, which continued to shake. The Judicator continued.
“I have an alternative that would allow us to remain safe from counter-attack, and yet, still ensure the survival of the Black Dragon Empire and their galactic mapping project, whose information we still do desperately need.”
Kal Shora’s hand suddenly gripped the hand rest of his chair, and he stood.
“You dare to question my authority!?”
The Lesser Judicator immediately bowed his head.
“Never, Elder.”
“But yet, you assume to know the correct course of action, a course of action in countenance to one I have proposed?”
“I assume nothing, Elder. If you would allow me an opportunity, I would present my plan to you, and from there, you can make a decision, and if you decide to continue with knowledge of an alternative, then I will support you, and if you decide to execute my proposed alternative, I will support you. No matter what you do, I will support you, for you are the High Judicator and your decision must be respected. But to reject out of hand a suggestion for an alternative without even hearing what that suggestion is would be neglectful of your obligation to Borleas Quayver and while I would respect your position, I would no longer respect you.”
The Priests were prepared for bloodshed. Kal Shora merely nodded, and sat back down.
“Then present your plan, Lesser Judicator.”
***
Several minutes later, the High Judicator and Highest Elder in this galaxy amongst the Dominion was left alone with his cadre of Priests on the bridge of the Sep'Ta'd'Aark. Several of them were still in awe. Finally, one of them stepped forward.
“Shall we execute him?”
The High Judicator was amused.
“I would sooner you execute yourself.”
The Priests were baffled.
“But, High Elder, he questioned your authority! He challenged your orders!”
“And he would be in err if he did not. He is not disloyal but the exact opposite. It takes courage to stand in front of a superior and tell him he is wrong.”
Kal Shora considered.
“No. You will not kill him; you will promote him. Shran Badaar is henceforth a full Judicator. Inform him immediately, and order him to execute his plan at Dameo. He will take the Sep'Ta'd'Porl'a'Mor and the Sep'Ta'd'Dina'a'Dar and whatever other vessels he requires.”
One of the priests immediately left, but the others remained silent, still surprised. One finally stepped forward.
“Do you not value someone who appreciates you, Elder?”
He scoffed.
“Of course. But I do not need another person around me who will agree with everything I say, no matter how incorrect I may be.
I have enough priests.”
