---3rd Person POV, Five Days Later, Galactic Republic---
Dropping out of warp on the fringes of the Terminus System, the Deviluke fleet notified the Republic's defense forces of their arrival. Promptly requesting King Gid's presence on Terminus, Anakin and Obi-Wan wanted his input on the defense strategy they had settled on. Agreeing to meet with them, Gid's flagship descended onto the planet while his fleet moved into position with the Republic ships. As the helmsman guided the ship in on final approach, several soldiers marched onto the bridge with the trio of mischievous sisters in tow.
"My liege, forgive our interruption. We found the princesses stowed away in the cargo hold.", one of the soldiers announced, saluting the king and queen.
"What was that!?", Gid howled as both Sophie and he looked behind them. "Was I unclear when I forbade you from coming with us? This is a bloody warzone, not a casual trip to the grocery store. I did not want you here because I cannot guarantee your safety and well-being. Some of those mindless killing machines are far stronger than me…"
"Father, Mother, we know you mean well, but we are not children anymore. From a young age, you have consistently taught us that those in power have a duty and obligation to help those in need. The people of the Republic are in dire need of help, and we refuse to sit idly by on the sidelines.", Momo spoke, meeting both of her parents' gazes. "We have invented something that will help improve morale among the…"
Stopping her response mid-sentence, Momo's eyes went wide as they broke through the clouds. Discovering the spaceport was still packed with civilians, a knot suddenly formed in her stomach. Watching transport ships begin to depart, families tried to get their children aboard before the bay doors shut completely. Getting the feeling people were preparing for death to take them, she covered her mouth and began to tremble. Turning back to see why their daughter was so worked up, Gid's jaw clenched up while Sephie's face went pale.
"What is the Galactic Republic doing?!", Sephie screeched, leaping to her feet and rushing over to the viewing window. "They have had ample time to evacuate Terminus' population, but there are still so many people here. Are they intending to sacrifice these poor people to buy the military time elsewhere!?"
"Sephie, please calm down. Before jumping to any conclusions, we need to speak with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.", Gid spoke, joining his wife by the window. "There may be another reason Terminus has not been completely evacuated yet. I do agree with you though; this is unacceptable."
Having the helmsman expedite the docking process, Gid, Sephie, and their daughters headed to the airlock to join up with their armed escort. Stepping off the ship once it was tethered, a crowd of civilians quickly formed at the end of their pier to meet them. Telling his men to use minimal force to clear a path forward, Gid advised his daughters to stay close as this could get ugly. Complying with their father's request, as soon as they drew near, people began trying to thrust children into Lala, Momo, Nana, and Sephie's arms. Doing their best to tune out the numerous cries for help, they kept their eyes forward and kept moving.
---Twenty Minutes Later---
Reaching the Republic's makeshift base, Gid ordered their guards to wait for their return. Acknowledging their king's orders, the soldiers took up sentry positions outside the main door. Stepping inside with his family, a clone trooper rose from his seat and warmly greeted them. Taking the foreign dignitaries straight to the war room, he promptly announced their arrival to everyone inside.
"General Kenobi, your guests have arrived.", a clone trooper announced. "King Gid, Queen Sephie, and their daughters are here to see you."
"Thank you, please send them- ", Obi-Wan started to say as Sephie barged into the room.
Sticking his hand out to greet her, instead of accepting his gesture, Sephie delivered a strong slap to his face.
"Why are there still civilians here on Terminus!?", Sephie seethed, grabbing him by the collar. "Those monsters are hours away, and they have nowhere to run or hide. Are you intending to sacrifice all those poor souls?! How dare you Jedi call yourselves defenders of the peace!"
"Sephie, please calm down.", Gid gasped, running over to pull his wife away. "General Kenobi, please forgive- "
Raising his hand, Obi-Wan acknowledged she had every right to strike him. The evacuation situation had him distraught as well, but his hands had been tied by the Senate. Quickly calming down, Sephie demanded to know what he meant.
"Every transport vessel the Republic possesses is currently tied up ferrying refugees to planets far from the frontline. The remaining civilians were supposed to be picked up by chartered vessels, but less than half showed up to fulfill their obligation. We were forced to abandon hundreds of millions on the last three worlds we made a stand on because of those fuckers.", Anakin spoke, slamming his fist into the table. "I have repeatedly requested further assistance from the Senate, but they are gridlocked on how to best proceed."
"Queen Sephie, we are just as angry and upset as you are.", Obi-Wan asserted, barely able to contain his emotions. "Neither Anakin nor I have been able to eat or sleep much because of this…"
Seeing the pain painted on their faces, Sephie realized she had been too hasty in passing judgement on them. Apologizing to both men, she stepped back and hung her head in shame.
"Have you asked Victor for assistance? Knowing him, he will offer his full support if you ask him.", Lala spoke, confident in her assessment of the Primarch.
"Yes, like my daughter says, what about asking Lord Stark for assistance? With his technology, evacuating Terminus could have been done in hours.", Gid agreed, having read many detailed reports on his potential son-in-law.
"When his vessels dropped off our arms and munitions, they readily offered to help us out.", Obi-Wan stated, wearing a bitter expression. "We took the proposal to the Senate, and they… they…"
"Those cowardly leaders overwhelmingly voted against allowing Victor's people to render any further assistance! Just under two-thirds of the Senate made it abundantly clear they are against allowing him to continue helping with Republic matters anymore.", Anakin hissed, enraged they choose their political image over helping those in need.
Unable to fathom why they were rejecting his help when they clearly needed it, Obi-Wan informed them it came down to fear and optics. Victor's continued interventions in the Republic's affairs had started negatively impacting public opinion of the Senate. The Hutt and Orion Syndicates were allowed to operate unhindered for decades, but now Victor is systematically dismantling their criminal empires. Border worlds overflowing with refugees were left to fend for themselves; Victor stepped up to create a safe passage for supply vessels to reach them again. While the Senate was doing the bare minimum to quash the slave trade, Victor's forces were actively hunting them down and freeing slaves.
"As if that were not enough, word has begun to spread about the Imperium of Man's rebirth. Rogue Traders have been telling anyone who will listen that the Imperium has entered a second golden age. Corruption is being violently rooted out, food and water are abundant, the standard of living is on the rise, and their people are more united than ever.", Anakin said, trying not to laugh. "The Imperials are calling him the Imperium's Light, the Prodigal Grandson, and the Second Coming of the Emperor. Poor guy cannot catch a break, haha!"
"Needless to say, all his actions have shown the public just how ineffective the Senate is. The masses are beginning to call for radical changes, and many senators are afraid their authority and power are at risk. Instead of trying to right their wrongs, most doubled down and are trying to sweep this under the rug. By shunning Victor and relying on our own strength, they believe things will return to the way they were.", Obi-Wan sighed, disappointed in how things turned out.
Understanding the situation, King Gid was furious so many senators chose their livelihood over serving the public's best interest. Taking matters into his own hands, Gid decided to make the call and request Victor's immediate assistance. Telling the foreign ruler it would not be necessary, Commander Lawson of Helldiver Division stepped into the room with a curt nod. Looking at Obi-Wan for a moment, the royals turned to Lawson with a confused look.
"This is not widely known, but Lord Stark is a member of the Jedi Order. The Jedi High Council requested his assistance shortly after the Galactic Senate rebuked our help.", Lawson spoke. "We have been actively working not only to evacuate Terminus but also the entire sector itself. My men are going from building to building, ensuring that no one is left behind. We will begin evacuating the spaceport within the hour."
"That is wonderful news!", Sephie said, relief washing over her face. "If I may, where are you taking the refugees too?"
"We are utilizing a quantum tunnel to move civilians to the planet Kalevala in the Mandalore System.", Lawson explained, wearing a warm smile. "Senator Kryze has chartered vessels onsite that will take them to various worlds in the Outer Rim Territory. The senators from the Outer Rim Territory are working with her to ensure they will have proper food, housing, and water upon arrival."
Apologizing to Gid and his family for not saying this from the get-go, Obi-Wan wanted them to have a full picture of the difficult situation they found themselves in. The Order was risking a lot by disobeying the Senate, but they refused to allow more lives to be lost. If this arrangement were to be discovered, the ramifications would be severe for the High Council.
"I would not worry about that, General Kenobi. Lord Stark has already decided to take full responsibility for our deployment here should the Senate learn of this.", Lawson assured him. "If the Galactic Senate makes a fuss about it, we will take this matter public and let them deal with the fallout. Let them explain to their constituents why the best option was to abandon these people to be devoured. It is political suicide, pure and simple."
"Haha, that it is.", Gid laughed, happy to see his potential son-in-law had a pair of balls.
"Now then, I suggest we start reviewing our battle plans. We have unmanned drone ships tailing the Hive Fleet from the rear. They are providing us with real-time data on their movements and position.", Lawson spoke, walking up to the table and refreshing the digital map. "Our first line of defense will be the automated defense grid at the edge of the star system. My colleague, Commander Eagleson of the Naval Division, relocated all weapon batteries to the portion where the Tyranids will enter from. To their limited power supply, it should only be brought online once the bugs begin entering the system…"
Giving Gid a full overview of their defenses, the Devilukean King provided a few suggestions based on his prior knowledge of the beasts. Standing back and letting Gid do his thing, an unfamiliar robot popped their head into the room. Asking the four women if they were willing to help with the evacuation at the spaceport, Lala inquired how they could possibly help.
"Father… May we go and help?", Momo questioned.
"Of course, in fact, I implore you to go and help.", Gid said, wearing a proud smile. "Tell Zastin to join me in the war room and take the rest of the contingent of guards with you."
Acknowledging his request, the four women hurried out of the room, eager to get to work.