Chapter 88

“The mainstream public opinion in the Mandalore sector is pleased to see the Judicial Department’s peacekeeping fleet withdraw.”

“Although a month and a half is indeed far too rushed for a withdrawal of this scale, most people—especially the upper levels of the New Mandalorian political and commercial establishment—generally believe that short pain is better than long pain. They hope to use this opportunity to push the matter along naturally, clear the Republic’s influence out of the Mandalore sector, and thereby normalize the state.”

“It is true that the peacekeeping fleet is leaving too hastily. The police departments will not have enough time to take over security duties properly, and some public security problems may arise. But...” In the holoprojection, Almec paused before continuing. “The longer this drags on, the more likely something unexpected is to happen. If the political winds on Coruscant shift again and the Judicial Department’s peacekeeping fleet suddenly decides not to withdraw after all—that is what everyone is most worried about.”