Coruscant planet of light, power, and deception.
Above its shimmering skyline, three customized Jedi interceptors emerged from hyperspace, each one emblazoned with the insignia of the Jedi Order but built with Cassian's technological edge. Sleek curves replaced the old Delta-class bulk, power cores enhanced with slipstream calibration, and shields derived from Forerunner harmonic layering.
Cassian stood aboard the Dawnw right, his personal diplomatic vessel, as it descended toward the Jedi Temple hangar. EVA handled the final approach as Republic traffic control cleared his path with priority.
"Impressions?" he asked her.
"Design optimal. Jedi Order will be pleased. Ethical analysis: deception rating, 8.2 out of 10."
Cassian grinned. "Perfect."
Inside the temple hangar, Master Mace Windu and Master Yoda awaited, robed and silent.
The ships touched down with a smooth hiss of repulsorlifts. Cassian stepped out in his ceremonial Corellian whites—technocrat robes lined with alloy-threaded symbols of house Voss. HK-47 followed in a cloak, weapons disabled, but optics alive with murderlust.
"Master Windu. Master Yoda. Your new ships, as commissioned."
Windu walked up to the first vessel and placed his hand on the hull. "The frame is stronger than durasteel. What alloy is this?"
"Compressed phrik with nanocarbon weave," Cassian answered smoothly. "Lighter than standard phrik, far stronger than durasteel. And resistant to lightsabers."
Yoda's ears twitched. "Weapons, these carry?"
Cassian offered a small smile. "Only for defense, of course. Twin laser cannons, energy scatter bombs, cloaking for recon missions. Fully Jedi-approved… naturally."
Yoda nodded slowly. "Useful, these will be."
Windu gave a curt nod. "You've done well, Cassian. We'll commission five more squadrons."
Cassian bowed. "It will be done."
As the Jedi departed, Cassian's comms blinked an encrypted frequency, bypassing Republic networks.
Transmission origin: Serenno.
Cassian entered his private chamber. A hooded hologram shimmered to life. Count Dooku, cloaked in shadows, regarded him calmly.
"Your work is known even on Serenno, Master Voss. The Confederacy would benefit from your expertise."
Cassian folded his arms. "And the Republic would condemn me."
Dooku's voice was soft, persuasive. "You are not bound by their corruption. Design our fleets, enhance our droids. We will pay you more than the Jedi ever could. You may operate from Zereth Prime, beyond Republic reach."
Cassian tilted his head. "Specifications?"
"I'll send you the first batch of schematics. Droid control networks. Starfighters. And something new… a stealth battleship."
Cassian smirked. "I'll build the framework. Shipyards remain yours to construct."
"A fair deal."
The hologram faded, and EVA pinged a silent alert.
"New Jedi signal detected—origin: Tatooine. Podrace complete. Skywalker boy victorious."
Cassian tapped a key. Footage streamed into view: a dusty human child, arms raised in joy, having piloted a pod far beyond his years.
"Free now, he is," EVA added. "Jedi Master Qui-Gon authorized the release. Watto has conceded."
Cassian stared at the boy Anakin Skywalker. "Keep watching him."
Later, on Coruscant, Queen Amidala stood before the Senate. Chancellor Valorum struggled to answer, and the bureaucrats drowned her voice in procedure.
Cassian, attending the session via holographic projection, watched Palpatine slide up beside her with oily comfort.
"Vote of no confidence," Cassian whispered, as if reading the future. "He's going to win."
That night, under the cover of darkness, Cassian hosted a private meeting aboard the Dawnwright. Senators. Merchants. A few masked representatives from the Hutts. Representatives from the Banking Clans and Techno Union dialed in via encrypted relay.
"The Jedi need ships. The Confederacy needs weapons. The Hutts want better stealth freighters. And the Senate wants tax loopholes. I'll give everyone what they want."
An elderly Muun banker chuckled. "You walk a dangerous path, Voss."
Cassian smiled. "I walk the path of profit."
As the meeting ended, Cassian took a final call in private Padmé Amidala, requesting his presence.
the galaxy spun forward. The Republic stirred under tension. The Trade Federation tightened its grip. The Jedi Council debated war, and Count Dooku began quietly laying his foundation.
Cassian Voss? He designed both sides of the coming storm.
In his vaults were ships never seen before. Droids with neural net cognition. Shadow Spartans in prototype armor. And now, schematics of a stealth battleship codenamed: Reaper-Class Phantom Dreadnought.
He wasn't playing for victory.
He was playing to redefine the galaxy itself.