A month had passed since the tumult at Baltimn and Mercutio's conference with Ulyanov. The peacekeepers that had been assembled from throughout the New Republic had been permitted to land in Murmamn City and distribute the supplies they had come to deliver. They also set up temporary tent housing for those displaced by the conflict which, Mercutio promised, would eventually be turned over to Ulyanov's interim government. That government, too, had proven to be reasonably successful. Mercutio had spent tireless hours in shuttle diplomacy with the leaders of Baltimn's chamber of commerce, banks, unions, and other interest groups, and ultimately persuaded them to support the interim government. Or, at least, not to oppose it. The conditions were that Ulyanov's government was, indeed, an interim government, and it was premised on a specific date for a new election.

In the meantime, Ulyanov had wide latitude to pursue the electoral reforms that he wished, with the notional participation of the people. Also, Mercutio brokered the allegiance of the civil service on Baltimn, so that water, electricity, trash, police and fire, and other essential services would resume. The planet seemed to be returning very much to normal—a new government, yes, and widespread talk of a new constitution, but otherwise normal. The exception to this, of course, were the isolated Baltimn military bases who, it seemed, were the only ones on the planet that still resisted Ulyanov. Even many of these had surrendered, however, when Mercutio had bypassed General Preston and spoke with the base commanders and their subordinates personally, having brokered a guarantee from Ulyanov that they would not be prosecuted or discharged for the events of the recent revolution.

As of now, General Preston had two bases under his command, isolated from one another. The interim government had placed strict prohibitions on troop movements, leaving the bases confined with forces from the interim government assembled around them. It was more tense than Mercutio would like, and even now he continued to speak with as many of the base officers as he could, including Preston, to prevail upon them to lay down arms. Baltimn, after all, was now in peace and there was a democratic political process to participate in.

Most of the New Republic forces had long ago departed. Senator Crion and his supply ships had returned to the Tapani Sector, as had the bulk cruiser from Mowgle. The Neimoidian ships had hurried away also, stating that they had an urgent matter to attend to back home. Darby Willers had gone home also, having made a point to be seen on the holonet with the poor and homeless on Baltimn and draw attention to their plight and the good work that the Republic was doing there. Despite this, however, the galaxy had largely forgotten Baltimn.

Now, only the medical cruiser Epicurus and its starfighters from Handooine and Naboo remained to assist in traffic control and ward off pirates and plunderers. It was more than adequate for the task. For now, Baltimn was stable, albeit with occasional, small scuffles as the campaign for the upcoming election was passionatedly waged. Throughout it, Mercutio found time to leave the planet and tend to his other duties, on Naboo as well as on Coruscant. But he always returned to Baltimn to check on its progress, and keep an eye on Ulyanov and Preston. The Republic was scheduled to leave the planet entirely in one week, pending negotiations in the Senate regarding its possible "protected" status. Mercutio wanted to see the planet hold itself together until then. So far, so good.