~
The path of a Shadow Jedi is not as well defined as that of the Jedi or Sith. The Shadow Jedi walk on a thin line between the two sides, delicate and fragile. The call of the dark side is constant, much more so than to a Jedi. It is not an easy path, however it has it's advantages. The Shadow Jedi are not as restricted by the Jedi Code. They don't have to help the defenseless, but they don't allow the dark side to control them. In many cases, a Shadow Jedi will help others, but use the dark side to do it.
However, the Jedi Code should be followed, just not as strict as it is with the Jedi. The Shadow Jedi must be sure to avoid the call of the dark side, because its always watching. It is ever-present, and can be extremely tempting at times. The Code keeps them from falling into darkness, so therefore should be followed.
Author Unknown
PART ONE
THE FALL OF JUTRAAL
Excerpts for this section taken from: Sins of the Fathers
[FONT=Verdana]Aboard the Reign Class Star Destroyer Galactus...
The holographic projection of the galactic map rotated slowly to Kaine's right as he sat in the conference chair staring absently at a spot on a nearby wall.
The room was nominally lit so as to not cast a glare onto the large plexiglass windows showing a part of space that he knew well.
The Galactus floated at stationkeeping somewhere near the Muunillist Corridor, the largest commercial hyperspace route into "Moneyland".
Occasionally, the active sensors of the ship reached out to scan vessels exiting the threshold of hyperspace as they prepared to enter the system.
The crew was training to get the most from the quick scans made of vessels crossing the hyperspacial threshold mark.
Drills were mercilessly placed upon them by the master of the warship as his standards were firmly impressed upon as many soldiers as he could reach.
His eyes looked down at the intelligence reports that lay on the table, the holographic projection of the galaxy slowly moving over them.
He found himself not so much interested in what they said as much as what they did not say.
The Grand Marshall had an intense curiousity about the things he did not know for "a man who realizes what he doesn't know is a man a step ahead of the rest."
Or so his old friend on Dantooine had once said before dying in that tragic attack by the New Republic.
Already the embers were dying, though there were a few sparks left here and there. With the backbone of their military no more, Kaine turned to the destruction of their ideology.
In a way it was a process made frustrating by the fact that most of the actions remained behind the scenes and subtle. But Kaine was a patient man.
Opportunities always presented themselves.
The trick was remaining ready.
Actually, Simon, the trick is recognizing the opportunity, he thought with no small smirk as he again glanced at the wall.
The doors to the conference room opened and in came a group of Lieutenants with Captain Sveli bringing up the rear.
"Gentlemen... and women," the Grand Marshall started, standing, granting the young a measure of respect due an Imperial Officer.
He saw that the reactions on each person hinted to their personality and began making mental notes as they took their seats.
There were some who's eyes became distracted by the turning holographic projection. There were some who's eyes widened in surprise... as if they didn't actually believe they would meet the Supreme Commander of Imperial Armed Forces. There were those who wouldn't meet his eyes nervous at being in his presence. And there were those who not only met his eyes but actually initiated aquaintanceship with a nod.
Simon smiled on the inside. Or so they think.
When a person makes a position known, there are those that will agree... there are those that will disagree.. and there are those that will remain undecided.
This time his smile did reveal itself.
"What we are discussing today is: Intelligence," he started. "I have before me several reports that I would like for you to read, digest and extrapolate a course of action."
That caught them off guard but their eyes snapped greedily as the reports were passed around.
The door hissed closed to the conference room.
As they took their time reading, Kaine stood and walked over to the windows looking out. Captain Sveli, having already known about the intelligence, stood to join him.
"We have received a signal from the Victory, Sir."
"The Governor?"
"Border world."
The Grand Marshall merely nodded and then turned to the group.
"Well?" he demanded startling the others.
"You?" he pointed to one of them "What course of action do you suggest?"
The young man, who was seated directly on the opposite side of the conference table, answered confidently. "Nothing."
"Why?"
The man now shrugged. "The report is minor and while it may affect minor popularity with another government, it hold's nothing worthy of our attention."
"I see. And you?" he pointed to a woman.
"I think we should send an envoy to these Demosthesians."
"Why?"
"Because they are somewhat powerful. An alliance between them and the Jutraalians could shift the balance of power in many areas." She pointed to a memo about the possibility of Jutraalian-Demosthesian peace talks after the fighting that had taken place.
"And you?" Kaine continued on to a rather portly fellow.
"I think we should attack now!"
Captain Sveli's eyes went up at this. "Why?"
"Because," and he drew out an economic report, "their trade has diminished which indicates to me instability. Wiping them off the map would wrap up any speculation or worry of a Jutraalian-Demosthesian alliance."
Kaine nodded at that. "It would."
He turned to yet another young woman. "And you?"
She shook her head. "There is not enough information to make an informed decision."
"So you're action would be..?"
"To get more intel."
"Prudent." Kaine answered. "And you?" Turning to a yet one more woman.
"I do not care for religionists. Personally, I would have already sent a task force into the middle of their petty war and finished both the Demosthesians and the Jutraalians off."
"Based on?"
She picked up a partial bio report. "Have you seen this little girl leading their fleets?"
"Which leads you to believe?"
"That these Demosthesians are fools! They will surely crumble."
"Surely." Captain Sveli murmured behind the Grand Marshall. Kaine mulled over each response and then walked over to the wall and increased the lighting revealing an exquisite piece of art.
"This is a piece of art from Commenor." and the others instantly knew where Kaine was driving at. Or at the very least, they were familiar with this for they knew the stories.
"If I may ask, Sir. Where did you get this piece?" the portly young man asked.
"This was part of the original collection of artwork found aboard the Star Destroyer Chimera. Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship."
And everyone sat a little bit straighter.
"We all know that Grand Admiral Thrawn planned his overall strategies based on perceived enemy acts and responses. Perceptions derived from a culture's art."
"But, Sir." a young woman said slightly confused, "Didn't you defeat Thrawn?"
"It was a culmination of several factors nor was the victory totally mine." Kaine answered quickly.
He stared at the younger generation for a minute. "Do you see whether or not your course of action is found within this piece?"
He turned to the first young man he had started with earlier.
He shrugged. "I see nothing there to change my analysis. We do nothing. I dislike art and I do not like that piece. If it is not worthy of my notice then how can they be worthy of the Empire's?"
"The art is sort of ugly isn't it?" Kaine mused.
"And you?" going back down the line he had started earlier.
"I do find it somewhat appealing." she commented. "And though it's not my taste, I do like their blending of colors which leads me to believe that they do have the capacity to blend their culture with another.
An envoy would make them aware of our interest in their capacity."
Kaine nodded at that. "Interesting. And you?"
The portly man grinned. "I think their blood would go well with the hues on the upper corner."
And Captain Sveli chuckled at that.
"They probably would." admitted Kaine. "And you?"
"I would want to know about the artist. The painting tells me nothing except I have no idea what it's called."
"Nothing like knowing that you are ignorant." Kaine mused, almost to himself, causing one to snicker.
"And you?" he asked, turning to the final young lady.
"It looks like a little girl painted it with her fingers. We should cut them off and save our eyes."
"Capital thinking, Lieutenant." Simon responded. "Captain Sveli, come over here and let me know what you think."
Captain Sveli walked over to the wall, a small click being heard. His motion was deliberate. He paused, raised his hand.. and began to speak.
"I think that..."
His voice was drowned out by the sudden discharge of automatic blaster fire behind him.
Kaine's eyes betrayed no emotion as the single Spartan, remaining stationed at the door, moved his weapon too and fro at the young former Lieutenants.
They were so engrossed in what the Grand Marshalll's friend would say that they did not have time to scream out.
The Grand Marshall let out a sigh.
Simon Kaine, ignoring the gore, walked back to the table.
"You can get up now." he said softly and a shakey hand came up from under the table and a very nervous young woman pulled herself up.
She was uncontrollably shaking as she stood, not knowing whether to sit or what to do as her eyes tried not to look at her former shipmates glassy eyes staring out at nothingness.
"Look at me." Kaine said, the crisp command of his voice cutting through her fear.
"You would wait for more intelligence would you?"
She looked at him as if he was crazy for a second before nodding, her mind trying to find some sanity in this.
Kaine allowed her to continue to grasp for a bit.
"Here is your new intelligence: A former governor residing on Commenor, known for his support of an Imperial-Demosthesian alliance has been reassigned to a border planet."
He stared at her. "What do you do?"
Her eyes shifted from side to side, the very real presence of the Spartan behind her nearly blinding her mind.
Her eyes lowered in defeat and suddenly the fear drained out of her for there was nothing left...
She'd drawn a blank.
"I.... I don't know, Sir."
Simon Kaine smiled a geniune smile for the first time since the Lieutenants entered and, since then, soiled his conference room.
"That is not a bad thing, Lieutenant." He remarked, her exhale being heard. "There are many things in this galaxy that we do not know... but the moment we start acting as if we do, then the whole foundation of planning becomes flawed and the chance of failure grows exponentially."
He picked up a bloody report. "The economic report from Muunillist. What does this tell you?"
The woman's mind began to fire as she began to realize that she passed some sort of test. "That active trading with the Empire and the Demosthesian Empire has been in decline."
"So, is the Demosthesian Empire in decline as our former friend thought?" he asked gesturing to the dead Lieutenant.
"The report says nothing of Demosthesian trade with other factions so a conclusion cannot be reached about the totality of Demosthesian trade. Only their trade with the Empire."
"Very good."
"The first report is indicating a leader in the Demosthesian Hierarchy was transferred off their capital to a distant world in their empire. What do you make of this?"
"That a powerful supporter of the Empire is no longer a voice in their leadership."
"But no action is warranted?"
"No. Relaxing trade and a supporter of the Empire banished are causes of minor concern but there are too many other reasons for that sort of expulsion."
"Very good." Simon commended. "So the news of the Governor..?"
"Then denotes a trend. An outline of a threat is becoming evident."
"Evident how?"
"The trend indicates that the Demosthesians are withdrawing from Imperial contact. Slowly... but it is happening. One is a concern but another is too much of a coincidence."
"The fact that the Demosthesian is a religious organization.."
"..only goes to show that if they think they are in the right, they will fight the pull of a blackhole to achieve what they want. They will more than likely act in an unpredicable manner.."
"..or irresponsibly. Whichever comes first." Captain Sveli added.
"But make no mistake.." Kaine prompted.
"That the Demosthesians are well equipped."
"So the question becomes then, are the Demosthesians acting alone or is the purpose deeper?"
"I do not know, Sir."
"Point one: The Imperial supporters were not executed outright. They were transferred."
"Which suggests..?" the woman asked.
"That either the Demosthesians may have need of their supporters in the future.. a fear of the Empire perhaps... or that they are being prevented from simply executing them."
Simon smiled. "And the only faction that is that squeemish about executing people who take stands unpopular with current leadership is the .."
"Lightsiders?"
"More pointedly, the New Republic."
"But the New Republic is smashed!"
"Which tends to go against that idea, I agree... but then again religionists are not necessarily known for their rationality."
"So, then.."
Kaine grinned. "We don't know."
And the young woman smiled for the first time.
"But whether the Demosthesians are working on their own or not, the fact remains that they are withdrawing... quietly distancing themselves from the Empire."
"So we have to act.." she said.
"Yes."
"But how? where?"
Simon stared at the young woman and nodded for the Spartan to leave.
"Here." he said, when the soldier was gone, picking up the bio of the Demosthesian Admiral named Drayson. Kaine's eyes went to the young Lieutenant's.
"The fact that this Admiral is young suggests..?"
"She is able."
"For one so young, yes. She is able. But that also works against her. And since we must act, especially before the Demosthesians totally distance themselves from the Empire, our course of action must be to confront her."
"She is the focus point." Captain Sveli commented.
"What do you mean?"
"This woman commands a good part of the Demosthesian military. Confronting her draws her out and if there is a plot agains the Empire she is one that will know. If we do identify a threat then we will destroy her and the Demosthesian Fleet. Her being young then works to our advantage because while she may be willful, even talented, she may not be experienced."
"Their destruction would shatter the backbone of their empire." Captain Sveli said.
"And if she doesn't know?" the Lieutenant asked.
"Then perhaps her government is working outside her knowledge. And if so, then look at who her father is.." Kaine commented, pointing to the report.
The Lieutenant scanned the report once more and breathed out slowly. "Oh my.."
"That would be a very strong reason for keeping her out of the loop."
"And if that is what is happening?"
The Grand Marshall hit some commands and the holographic map changed slightly.
"Then we are in a very good position to do this..."
The Lieutenant stood in awe, mouth agape.
"Lieutenant, the Empire cannot suffer fools." Kaine gestured to the dead. "I will not suffer fools. If you are going to lead you will do so for the benefit of the Empire.
Assuming others are no threats without actual firm data only undermines the Empire. If you are to assume the mantle of Imperial superiority then the least you can do is display action that demonstrates this superiority. As you correctly noted, to perceive fact in something, you must think as the enemy would. Just don't guess based on your own preferences.
Interpret based on knowledge."
The woman breathed in and took a chance. "Then permit me one question sir. How does the artwork support your action?"
Captain Sveli grinned and turned to Kaine. "This one is good."
The Grand Marshall looked like he appreciated the question. "It doesn't."
"Then how can you act on your ..theories? Thrawn acted with what he knew extrapolated from the artwork! That knowledge he put to work for him! He never went against it!
How can you be so sure of success when you are going against it? Against artwork from Thrawn's own flagship?!"
Kaine's eyes glinted with humor. "Simple, Lieutenant. I know something you and Thrawn don't."
"What is that?"
Kaine signalled for a cleanup crew to come to the conference room.
"Well, quite simply...
...the piece is a forgery."
He turned to Sveli as the Lieutenant stared at them.
"Signal the Victory and then get in contact with Arliss Industries. It is time."
*[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]"So it's confirmed." Admiral Chandler of the Victory commented from the holographic communication.
"It appears so." Simon agreed from his recently cleaned conference table, the Lieutenant sent to her quarters before the real testing begins.
"Damn, this Theren Gevel is the man of the hour it seems." Captain Quinn of the Tarra Kasar said.
"I've read some of his exploits and the man seems very capable."
"He was a history teacher.."
"Which means if he was any good he's nobody's fool."
"He crushed the New Empire..." commented Captain Sveli, also sitting in.
"Then he can more than handle himself in front of this girl of an Admiral. I swear, they are getting younger and younger. How old was she?"
"Some reports say 24ish?" shrugged Captain Quinn.
"Therefore with Theren taking care of what is going on at Duro, we need to put into action several options. Here.."
Kaine tapped on some buttons and a tactical layout of the space making up the Demosthesian Empire came into view.
"Objective 1 is to isolate the Demosthesian Fleet. Theren Gevel will be able to gauge the waters of the military as opposed to the Demosthesian political party."
Admiral Chandler sat straighter, "If a separation cannot be made?"
An area near Centerpoint was identified on the holographic map simply as "Staging Area 1".
"This is a list of assets we are committing for that eventuality." Simon said. "Should a separation not be possible, Theren will destroy Admiral Drayson and her flag at Duro."
"With the head of the Fleet removed, the dissemination of the Demosthesian Fleet will take place here, here and here."
"Protracted fighting." Captain Sveli commented. "The military units alone to hold the objectives.."
"..will not concern us as much as the destruction of the enemy fleet. Once we've destroyed their military infrastructure, operations on the planets themselves can take place at our leisure."
"Ideally, though, Commodore Gevel can effect a separation."
"Civil war."
"Exactly. If so, Admiral Drayson should swing a good portion of the fleet her way, reinforcing whatever Theren has at his disposal."
"If that happens, Staging Area 1 then shoots for the heart of the Demosthesian Military Complex."
The map changed.
"Sort of a quick strike isn't it? Admiral Drayson might be able to swing some planets to her... our .. cause."
"Too long. The war with the Jutraalians just ended but I wouldn't bet they will sit by while the Empire overthrows the only buffer between us and them."
"Jutraalian interference can be expected."
"Which is why Staging Area 2," another area lit up listing several ships, "is being set up."
"Defending the Demosthesian flank might allow Ashar's people to outflank us."
"Defend nothing... The fleet moves here, here...and there."
Captain Quinn laughed out loud. "Holy @#%$."
"That is what I am hoping they all say. We strike fast, leave as much devestation as possible, and allow Theren to work unencumbered by ..irritations."
"And the New Republic? Will they stand by while we take their ally apart?"
"They are welcome to show themselves.." Kaine commented. "So, to summarize..
Objective #1 is the separation of Demosthesian armed forces with their politically naive leadership.
Objective #2 is the destruction of the Demosthesian Military Complex.
Objective #3 is the routing of any who would interfere.
Objective #4 is the assimilation of Bhindi Drayson or death if she is untrustworthy."
"Assimilation?"
"Of course. She is an asset. A misguided one but one that can be brought back to the correct coarse."
"Her father was killed by the Republic so she's got no love of them."
"That does not necessarily mean she loves us."
"True. There is a report that her father was rebelling against the New Republic but that doesn't mean he was embracing the New Order. He may have resented the loss of Republican ideals and apathy that was present as we were defeating them."
"But she is young. She can be molded. She can be reasoned with... She can be handled, encouraged and used to work for not only her benefit but the Empire's as well."
"She may want respect."
"It's earned, Captain. Not handed out with a silver spoon."
"I've met Commodore Gevel at a function years ago. To be honest, I don't think he will care much." Captain Quinn commented.
"You've met him?"
"Well, in passing only. I think his words in this instance would be, "What the @#%$ do I care?""
"Good." Kaine nodded approvingly. "Less distraction to achieve his goals."
He stood. "Let's get to work, gentlemen."[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma]Commodore Theren Gevel, Cmdr Bastion Protectorate:
Your message is the confirmation of reports Imperial Intelligence has presented showing breakdown in Imperial/Demosthesian relations. Therefore, it falls upon us to motive them to see the light.
To that effect, you are directed to use any and all resources at your command to effect the separation of Bhindi Drayson from her government. Your report suggests a civil war is developing behind the scenes so her separation may be a given (especially in light of the fact of her relationship with this person in your custody).
Exploitation of father's death may be advantageous though it is advised to confirm reason Republic put him to death and whether his goals agreed with the Empire's.
Should your attempt fail, Centerpoint Station is the site of Staging Area 1, vessels appropriated for this action to either aid in combat against the Demosthesians or to destroy a certain Bhindi Drayson should she prove problematic. If this becomes a reality, I leave disposition of the Demosthesian Officer to your discretion.
I have left Muunillist and will not arrive in time to be of any assitance. Therefore, my destination is Staging Area 2 (coordinates given). Commodore, I have no doubt that you can handle a young, ambitious, independent girl. However, given that she is young, ambitious, independant and a woman, I am sure history provides certain examples of successful manipulations and/or assimilations that you may wish to take advantage of.
I do not want her broken. She is to be considered an asset.
Program her if necessary but her potential is too great to not take advantage of.
This girl is the fulcrum of war between the Empire and the Demosthesians. Either she will lead us to the backbone of Demosthesian Military Complex or her death will mark our invasion.
Either way, operations are to remain strong and mobile. Destruction of military organization to be prime objective.
Do not commit to taking planetary objectives until Demosthesian military is considered neutralized.
I leave targets to your descretion.
Staging Area 2 will be primed to prevent third party interference.
Command of Staging Area 1 will fall to you unless you feel you have necessary resources for intended goals. The fleet has standing orders to strike at Commenor if you do not avail yourself of them. I have not been notified of the ships/assets accompanying you to Duro and while I believe you will have sufficient forces for your needs, I try not to leave such things to chance.
Attached is the relay coordinates if you need to reach me on the Galactus.
Gloria Imperium
Grand Marshall Simon Kaine
Supreme Commander Imperial Armed Forces[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]
*
The Past….
“Celeste, they executed them! The people were starving and WE executed them!”
“Honey, calm down. You’ll wake, Simon.” The gray eyes of the blonde woman flashed in anger at the outburst of her husband, a Commander whose ship was the Imperial Dreadnaught Radiant.
“We all need to wake up!” Tiren Kaine whispered harshly. “First, the Grand Army of the Republic’s command was taken from the Jedi, some incident or other. Then, the Jedi become enemies of the state! An assassination of Emperor Palpatine .. but I wonder if the Jedi attempted anything of the sort! What is real and what is propaganda?
I wonder if the rumor about the massacre on Tralus was true after all?”
“Of course, it’s not true!” snapped Celeste Kaine. “It’s all Rebel propaganda.”
“I wonder..”
“How was Captain Needa?” the man’s wife suddenly asked, changing the subject.
“The @#%$ got his hands on an Imperator Class ship.” Tiren said, in admiration. “He took me on a tour of the thing and I must say, THAT is the pinnacle of starship engineering.”
“You should have had your own command of one by now!” Celeste murmured, her anger directed those unseen individuals who decides who gets command and who doesn’t. “In fact, your rank as Captain should have come through by now!”
“It doesn’t bother me, dear. I am too much of a sore thumb on the military’s hand.” Tiren said dryly.
“You deserve an Imperator Command.” His wife simply stated, as if it was a universal fact to be acknowledged by even the Emperor.
Tiren looked over at his wife in wonder. She may disagree with him, she may even disagree strongly with his views at times but she put their family first. She held a mother’s ambition for her son as well as a wife’s ambition for her husband. Greater rank meant greater financial security. A financially secure home .. the practical things his wife reigned supreme over.
But does ambition guarantee happiness?
How much of what his wife thought and did reflect her unconscious competition with her mother. Celeste’s father was an influential politician who had made his fortune amid the turmoil of the Clone Wars. He could have made a bid for Chancellor if Palpatine had not dissolved the position, elevating himself to Emperor.
The Empire was supposed to breathe back life into the Republic infusing it’s people with a new sense of purpose.
He shook his head.
“What did Captain Needa say about it?” his wife asked softly, seeing his turmoil.
“There was a plague going around. Very hush hush so as to not alarm the population. Those taken down were a very real threat to the population and the people refused to remain in isolation.”
“An epidemic could have killed millions.”
“True. And I would feel for the poor boys that had to carry out that sad duty to preserve what we have.. but I cannot get over the look on the Captain’s face who shot the ‘infected’. He had the look of a man who enjoyed the order. I swear, I am going to put in a report to his commanding officer. This Captain Zell should be drummed out of the military!”
He turned to his wife, “What is it with this younger generation, Celeste? What is happening to them? It’s like the Republic has gone mad and that madness has manifested itself in the form of the Empire.”
“This is just one incident, Tiren.” she started.
“I know.. and then this damned Rebellion. What is happening to us? There are inconsistencies, there are questions but everyone is afraid to ask. There is a growing fear in the older generation and a growing coldness in the younger.”
As if the comment sparked a memory, his lips smiled a little bit, “You should meet Captain Needa’s new Exec. Officer. You’d see what I mean.”
“Commander Hyfe? You mentioned he was the quiet type.”
“More like, cold fish type. And he’s just a kid… holding a commander’s rank.”
“He must be gifted.” Celeste commented.
Always finding a silver lining.
“The kid stared right through me, Celeste.”
“Well you were Captain Needa’s former Exec before taking command of the Radiant. That’s just boys being boys.”
And then Tiren laughed.. “All right… honey. I get your point.” He relented, slipping his arm around her.
She sniffed dramatically as they walked to their bedroom. Stopping by the showering room, she said,“You, Commander, need a shower..”
“Officer thinking..” was her husband’s only reply as he pulled her in causing her to yelp out in undignified surprise.
But they didn’t care.
Ambition was no substitute for love.
Later, when Tiren had fallen asleep, his wife put her arm around him, her eyes worried. Keeping her family safe was only going to get harder.
Designation: Staging Area 2 Present Day…
“Victory has already arrived sir. As has the Jaeder, Viscera, Tarra Kasar, and Invincible.”
“Very well… open an active communications channel, encrypted.” Kaine ordered as he stood on the bridge watching the officers and crewmen carry out their assigned tasks.
The Imperial Star Destroyers were flanked by other strange types of vessels. Large vessels.
Very large vessels.
Simon Kaine grinned at the sight of them, old memories pouring in. The tactical planning from the first Dark Alliance ran through his head.
Tactical Planning Room of the Dark Alliance, Code Name: SOG, 2 years ago..
The meeting place taking place at an undisclosed location. Grand Admiral Zell had called them together, all factions in the old Dark Alliance: The New Order, The Naboo Sith Order and The Rogue Empire.
Zell was speaking, “OK the initial phase will be the brainstorming phase...
Simon and I have come up with a very vague plan... nothing definite has transpired although the basis for our invasion has been set.
First off... and this is where there's room for modification, mainly in exactly what goes on here... what methods will be employed in order to distract the NR's attention from Coruscant which will be our main focus. My initial inspiration was that of a surprise attack on Corellia which will indeed be the spot of our first attack. Now some other form of distraction may occur, Simon indicated a seizure of their water district.
We're going to take the NR's focus off of Coruscant, and when they do we're going to strike and we're going to strike hard.
Now when the enemy ships that will undoubtedly arrive at Corellia do indeed arrive, we're going to have just enough of a force to KEEP THEM THERE. We will have to have tons of Interdiction Pickets, we'll set up a ton of grav wells so that they can't escape, or divert forces back to Coruscant.
These are the very elementary ideas that we've come up with, what we have to figure out is how are we going to divert their attention. How are we going to keep their forces there and at bay with minimal losses on our side?
And lastly, what will we do to Coruscant when we get the chance?”
Admiral Hyfe mused over the question, “Mmm...
Well what the hell do we really need a distraction for if we're just going to send in a shiz load of pickets to hold forces at Corellia? Wouldn't we just need a feint attack (with a good-sized attack force) to show up at Corellia (with tons of IPs), and then when NR backup is sent there, the attack force jumps out, leaving the IPs to hold TRE ships at Corellia, and then joins up with the rest of the TNO fleet, as well as NR and TNSO forces, and skidaddles on over to Coruscant?
Or am I missing something there?”
Then Darth Poreon asked a question that was running through Simon’s mind at the time, “We have plenty of ships at our disposal, why not conquer Corellia also?”
Something then sparks Zell’s enthusiasm, “I know EXACTLY what you mean Poreon, which is why I had to think hard about Simon's albeit good idea about seizing their water district. Which if I know Simon half as well as I think I do he's probably already got the thing planned out.
Hyfe... this is what I'm wondering about... do we actually need a distraction and a... well a distraction? We could actually do this so that we have a distraction and an attack... it would work out brilliantly...
We pull some kind of small distraction on say Tralus or Tatooine one of their damned planets... then we hit Corellia... by this time they're thinking oh @#%$ they distracted us at Tralus to hit Corellia! And now we smoothly roll into Imperial Center and decimate anything that bows down at our feet... err... ECLIPSE STAR DESTROYER!!!!!!!!!
This coordinated assault is going to make their mere mission failure seem like tossing straws into the wind. We could even leak false info just like the Emperor did to the Rebels.
We are going to have more resources at our disposal than the NR can shake a 'saber at. We'll have Intel royally @#%$ up one planet like Simon said taking over their water district or something.. have two factions joined... TNO and say.. IS and TRE hitting Corellia... and then when that begins, a few select TNSO personnel will help Maximus, Simon, and Yang on the ground. This is going to have so many fallback positions that we won't be ABLE to fail!”
He slammed his hand down on the table as an exclamation mark to his driven will to conquer.
And it was then that the pseudo Emperor brought forth his plan, “I have agreed full well to assist TNO in any plan to conquer the Rebellion, under the definite promise that I would never be betrayed provided I never betrayed myself. I personally have several plans for taking Corellia, as well as Coruscant. Coruscant would probably be the key to everything of course...so we have to decide...do we want minimal civilian casualties or do we want minimal military casualties or do we want zero casualties in general?
I will not alot my forces to Corellia so they can be ripped to shreds by enemy fire within a matter of seconds...but I do have a certain few Interdictors, whom if they could be escorted, could hold off the Republic long enough for an important invasion to take place. Of course, Coruscant is highly dependant on a few things that we know for certain:
1) Water. They cannot get a whole lot of water onto the platforms of the planet due to lack of ability to go below and the pollution down there.
2) Tibanna Gas: I control Bespin, and they need this stuff for their vehicles
3) Transportation: Take out transportation and they're screwed
Finally in conclusion if we are not too worried about civilian lives being lost, we could always just tear down the repulsors and pillars holding up the great city. On a lighter note...I don't even think we need to siege Corellia...I have a better idea if anyone is interested.
My other idea...?
We want to freeze them eh? I will begin construction of shield ships. If we can wait a little bit, we will attack Corellia, full force...I would prefer a mixture of your forces and mine. Few Star Destroyers, probably my Vengeance Fleet...make it look like an all out invasion. Draw them back to Despayre where they have no hope of winning, even with their super laser. Or leave 'em at Corellia...but I think that is imprudent, what with their allies, and with the fact that they have the support of that system.
When all this is done...we escort the shield ships into Corsucant. Now if you think about it, they are more than large enough to hold cloaking devices, so slap those on there, and block the sun.”
Simon could see that the idea did intrigue his comrade but the Grand Admiral merely stated, “Now Fearsons... my main problem with this is... we're not attempting to kill tons of people.
Perhaps it'll work very well... we don't know yet. But keep in mind that this planet is going to be the new home of the Empire... we're not simply going to trash the planet and "force" the people of the planet to accept our rule, at least after an attack like this, the survivors.
What WE are going to do is completely obliterate any NR forces that stand in our way and take Coruscant as OUR capital.”
The idea though had stuck into Zell’s mind and construction was started. Simon could see Admiral Hyfe roll his eyes. He didn’t trust the Rogue any more than Simon did but there was nothing they could do. If the attack was to move forward, they would all need to act as one.
Unfortunately, the plan did not come to fruition.
The sheer logistics of an operation of this magnitude was almost enough to derail it. But a staging area was set up and material was moved into position.
..only to end up forgotten.
*
Present Day..
Shield Ships.
Using the Rogue Empire’s own ideas and resources against them seemed appropriate. Staging Area two had been the gathering point for Grand Admiral Zell’s Coruscant Operation, long forgotten when Fearsons broke from the alliance during the Empire’s Shadows Campaign.
But Kaine remembered the planning. He remembered the acquisitions. He remembered the betrayal.
Substitute Despayre or Jutraal for Coruscant and you have a workable plan in place with allocated resources, albeit considered discarded.
The key would be Gevel’s handling of the situation. If Kaine moved without Gevel backing him then he might be caught between the Jutraalian and the Demosthesians. If Gevel acted and Kaine didn’t then the Commodore might find himself between Demosthesian forces and Republic or Jutraalian forces.
Both situations would not be good.
Timing would be everything.
“Report conditions of all assets. Once word comes in from Duro or Centerpoint, we will have very little time with which to act.” Kaine ordered the encryption station. He then switched on the monitor keyed into the active communications channel.
“Gentlemen, your orders are being sent to you via encryption. This is not going to be clean. Maximum damage in minimal time. Execute and achieve. We are sending the encryption keys for the emergency channel for this operation over to you now.”
His gloved hand brushed against the necklace hanging from the armrest of his command chair. A necklace made up of the skulls of some small snake-like creature.
Always anticipate emergencies…
The thought causing Simon to feel strange awakening something hidden in the recesses of his mind… …
…something old.
He’d heard the phrase before…
He just couldn’t remember where..
The Past..
“You wouldn’t believe how organized these Rebels are, Needa.” Tiren Kaine commented, as the Captain of the Imperial Star Destroyer took his seat in the kitchen of his former Executive Officer.
“I’ve seen evidence of this as well,” Needa replied, taking a drink that Tiren’s wife had prepared for him. “In the Bellacose System, their early warning detection systems rivals even ours.”
A recently promoted Captain Kaine’s eyes furrowed at this. “Reports indicate that the Rebels are using second hand, second rate materials.”
“That is true in some instances. In some instances,” Needa stressed, “The supplies captured at Bellacose were very new.”
“So either the Rebels are very well funded or …”
“.. or a weapons manufacturing company has turned traitor.”
“I don’t like either of those options. If the Rebels are well funded then that means the quality of their traitors is getting higher. Government Officials perhaps? If they are getting new weapons from a manufacturing company gone traitor then future conflicts will only end in more Imperial losses given the improved quality of their weapons.”
“And they are getting familiar with the weapons through practice. Practice on us.”
“Can’t Darth Vader locate them? Isn’t he a Sith Lord? Supposedly they are stronger than the Jedi yes?”
Needa shook his head. “I don’t think it works like that.”
Kaine sighed. “Something big is coming, Needa. I can feel it. What we’ve been stopping is merely the tip of the avalanche.”
Needa sighed and looked up when Celeste Kaine walked into the kitchen and sat next to her husband. Even though married himself, he felt a twinge of envy for the two. His wife would not fight for him to command one of the Imperators. Celeste? Celeste harassed the Military Command Brass every chance she got.
Especially seeing that their were about 20,000 – 25,000 warships out there now.
But her husband still commanded the Radiant, the old Imperial Dreadnaught.
She frowned slightly every time Needa’s ship was mentioned. Evidently a sore subject with her still.
“Our military strength is optimum right now, Tiren. The ‘trouble’ planets are not close to being the irritant that secessionists of the Clone Wars were during the Republic days. We’ve tightened our grip on policies since then. A fact my new Exec. keeps reminding me of every chance he gets.”
“How is Lieutenant Commander Hyfe?”
“He’s…” Needa searched for the appropriate description, “young.”
Tiren grinned slightly at that and Needa continued, “I envy your command sometimes, Tiren.”
“Whatever for? Big ship like an Imperator ..”
“It’s not the same.” Needa interrupted, “Commanding thousands of people makes command such a sterile, distant thing. Commanding a smaller vessel allows you to know the strengths and weaknesses of your crew. You know!”
Needa sat up a bit straighter. “I would feel more comfortable with trusting your crew than mine.”
Tiren Kaine was going to chuckle the observation off but he saw the dead seriousness in Needa’s eyes. Celeste gave Captain Needa a look of sympathy.
“A crew you can trust.” Tiren said, “A necessity. You always have to anticipate emergencies.”
“Mommy?” came a tired voice, as a little boy, rubbing the sleepies from his eyes, walked into the kitchen area.
“Simon, what are you doing up?” Celeste started.
“Hey, how’s my little General?” Tiren asked, picking the boy up. “Here, this is Daddy’s friend, Captain Needa.”
“Hello, Neeeedah. I’m a General.” Simon said, pointing sleepily to himself.
Captain Needa grinned and gave the little boy a salute that would have drawn pride from a Grand Admiral.
“Herr General.”
Tiren and Needa laughed while Celeste took Simon from her husband.
“You’ve a fine boy, Mrs. Kaine.” Captain Needa said.
“What about me?” Tiren said in mock indignation. “He’s my boy too, you know?”
“A good looking kid like that?” Needa commented with a bit of an aristocratic tone in his voice. “He’s the spitting image of your Midshipman, Third Level.”
“Third Level!?” Celeste said, nonplussed, and not without a little bit of heat. “I would settle for no less than.. than.. a Grand Admiral!”
Both men laughed.
“See? She has very particular tastes.”
“Then why is she with your ugly mug?”
And the friends stayed up till the late hours talking over more memories, more jokes and more mulling over the future.
“Always anticipate emergencies…” Simon Kaine repeated in his little bed not knowing what the words meant.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Taken from Endgame: Moving into Play....
Despayre
Clearance was given and the shuttle exited Galactus without incident. Upon entering the atmosphere of Despayre, Kaine’s eyes narrowed at the landscape of a planet he’d only seen before in holographic fasion.
The shuttle landed at the specified coordinates and Kaine left two soldiers standing at attention on each side of the ramp.
The wind was growing cold for the planet was preparing to enter it’s winter season in a week or two. The black overcoat that Kaine wore flapped in the wind, the stone walkways clicking beneath his boots.
Holding a gloved hand up to halt the Imperials behind him, Kaine glanced approvingly as the Jutraalian guards ran scans over them before admitting him into the rather large building.
The landing platform seemed to extend over a cliff causing the building to seem rather imposing as one walked to it.
As soon as the Imperials entered, Jutraalian custom dictated that only Kaine enter the inner sanctum, his officers offered quarters to wait in.
Kaine walked alone inside knowing that cameras and security devices of all sorts were tracking his progress.
He felt no overpowering need to test the measures.
Now... Approaching Zero Hour..
Staging Area #2
Messages, status reports, planning strategies and periodical updates burned off the monitors as soldiers ran to and fro readying the final preparations.
"How the hell do we break through their defense lines?" Admiral Chandler of the ISD Victory asked.
The Marshall smiled grimly. "he shield ships will be taking care of that."
"And the inner defense?"
"A small present left on Despayre some time ago. Contingency plan that can be taken advantage of..." Kaine elaborated. Sort of.
"See here, the hyperspace route through the Togorian System is still open though after the Wrath Virus, its reinforcement has .. diminished greatly."
"Fearsons no longer controls the system does he?"
"No. And as a result he has been force to create new routes to his empire."
"His fleet is formidable."
"Yet not so much as it was before the Wrath Virus. Jutraal's infrastructure was hit hard."
"He was a fool to align himself with the Republic. Open ports allowed the virus to spread."
"Do not count them out. Intelligence shows that.." Kaine punched in more codes and a holographic overlay of a topical layout of the planet of Despayre appeared, "the Jutraalians have been very busy with rebuilding."
Stats and figures scrolled across the screens as captains and squadron leaders took a look at what they would be facing.
"The Jutraalian military machine is in full production." Captain Quinn smiled wolfishly as spy shots of building vessels sat in their construction berths.
"Shroud 394 captured this shot last week."
"Military transports.."
"Enroute to where?"
"Thyferra."
"So you are suggesting we hit Despayre, Jutraal AND Thyferra? The resources needed for such an undertaking..."
"We have enough." Simon interrupted.
"The approach to Despayre is fairly simple enough. Using the Togoria Corridor we bypass their new hyperspace routes security measures. In fact, since the new routes are no longer forced through one major strand," Kaine looked up and grinned, "he does learn from his mistakes."
"I am sorry.. I don't understand." a woman's voice broke in. A tactical support wing from the Victory.
"I am making reference to the attack on Jutraalian Death Star led by Regent Hyfe and the late Vice Admiral Drakiss."
"I know the operation sir. The Carida Academy has a required study into the particulars of it."
"And if you took the class, you would know then.. Lieutenant Commander, that a major part of that victory was the failure of the Jutraalian government to provide enough reinforcements in time to save the station."
"A major reason for the lack of reinforcements," Admiral Chandler broke in, "was because at the time, the Jutraalian Empire channeled most of it's warships through a singular, massive hyperspace route.
The manufacturing centers on Despayre were cut off from the station when the Grand Marshall and Admiral Jaiprenl attacked the seemingly nondescript world of Togoria..."
"..a planet," Kaine continued, "that had the relative good fortune of being smack dab in the middle of this grand hyperspace route."
"..cutting the strand.." the woman remarked excitedly as the strategy played out in her mind.
"..left the Jutraalian Empire without resources from it's most heavily armed and defended planets." Kaine finished.
"So why do you think they would leave that strand unguarded now?"
"Because, Lieutenant Commander, after Wrath did it's damage, Jutraalian focus shifted away from the Despayre-Togoria-Averam hyperspace lane.
Jutraal became the greater capital world leaving Despayre a shadow of it's former self. Their empire's focus on 'other' routes would leave our 'strand' alone and unused."
Admiral Chandler smiled. "Until now."
"The Jutraalian Defenses will be primed to intercept intruders from their more heavy traffic areas."
Captain Sveli looked at the fighter corps leaders, "In effect their guns are pointing in the wrong direction. We shall flank them and be on top of them before they know what is happening."
Another Captain of an Imperator asked, "What about Jutraal itself? Attacking the capital will be harder than Despayre."
The Grand Marshall allowed a slow smile to spread across his lips. "Not as much trouble as you might think."
Isard, you outdid yourself with this one.
Kaine pulled up another series of holographic images. "Here is what you are to do with Jutraal."
After a few minutes some murmuring broke out between some captains and commanders.
"That is stupid! Why would the Jutraalians do that?"
"You are banking our fleets on one act so... so... inept. Even the Jutraalians are not that self destructive!"
"Ordinarily, I would admit to you being correct. But it took me quite a while to find out about this operation.. an Intelligence operation. Perhaps even a bigger coup than Endgame just due to the sheer audacity of it in it's scope."
Grand Marshall Kaine paused. "You see, gentlemen and women, there is a secret that you do not know about this attack on Jutraal."
The others looked intently at him.
And so he told them...
"Ready your ships, we leave within the hour. Detailed information will be uploaded into your mainframes for final review before you enter your respective systems."
As they left, Chandler went up to Kaine. "I wonder who Isard chose to carry it out."
"The conditioning and training the person underwent would have had to be intense and enormous."
"It was the reason why you were able to pull off Endgame behind Intelligence's back. She was too focused on this operation."
Kaine turned to the Admiral. "It makes you think, Admiral, of what Intelligence is truly capable of."
**
Staging Area 2 was empty as garbage and small parts drifted aimlessly throughout. The ionization of the area under scans would show two groups departing.
And in their wake, the remains of a much viewed encrypted message echoing through space.
Though unreadable to all but those with the keys, it's meaning was unmistakeable.
Mobilization of the highest order.
[FONT=Tahoma]Grand Marshall Kaine:
The primary objective that was discussed in earlier correspondence has come to fruition. The child has been severed from the parent.
I will mobilize whether or not I receive a reply. I suggest you do so immediately, also. Timing is of the essence.
This is what we’ve been waiting for. Best of luck.
Gloria Imperium
Commodore Theren Gevel
Bastion Conclave Governor[/FONT]
Zero hour approached...[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]
*
Enroute to Despayre through old Rogue Empire shipping lane via Togoria.
Aboard the Galactus.
The link between the Victory and Galactus was strong. In the planning room, Simon Kaine watched the fleet’s status minute by minute.
“The shield ships are holding.”
“Barely” came back the response from Admiral Chandler.
“But holding.” Kaine finished, grinning. He stared out at the swirling lights of hyperspace outside the viewports.
“You know, Ibren, the more I think about it, the more that Tilrac Birel’s stupidity of the ‘New Empire’ was perhaps the best thing that could ever happen to us. That the Wrath Virus was the best thing that could have happened to the Empire.”
“Because of what we can take advantage of now?”
“Exactly!”
“The audacity of Imperial Intelligence .. of Isard.. was great indeed but I do not see how she could hope to sway the entirety of the Rogue Empire quickly.”
“There was no need for her to act quickly, Simon. At least not before Endgame which was when this plan was put into effect. She effectively controlled the Empire through Exercon almost as thoroughly as she controlled the High Command before Coruscant fell to the New Republic shortly after Palpatine’s death. Before ERO and the Sith took it over, however, briefly.”
“So she moved at the Empire’s largest competitor for control. I have to admit it Ibren. I am impressed. It was the tightest operation carried out by Intelligence by far. Isard earns her reputation well it seems.
Living under her father’s shadow… under her father’s curse.. under his taint, she strikes out to erase his memory.”
Simon sighed. “Just like me..”
“We are the pawns of the earlier generation, eh Simon?
Draysons father’s dead hand is forcing her action splitting the Demosthesians in half. Your father’s dead hand gives you the position and power to bring into being actions to take advantage of the situation. Isards father’s demons drive her to excel in ways that even we dared hoped for giving us the tools to take advantage of the situation.”
Simon grunted. “Makes you wonder about Theren Gevel’s father doesn’t it?”
Chandler grinned, “perhaps the man died in his sleep. Happy and satisfied with his days.”
“Now there’s irony for you.”
“So you think Jutraal will go ahead and do that?” Chandler suddenly asked bringing the conversation back to the topic at hand.
“The Jutraalian Empire was created by the Empire, though telling that to it’s citizens and generals would be useless. Chaddwick Fearsons created the Rogue Empire. It was the Rogue Empire that interfered with Fondor and the Freedom Guard Corps destruction. It was the Rogue Empire that entered the Dark Alliance only to betray us at Dantooine.
Was there ever a doubt that the Empire would strike back?”
“Except while the Military Command destroyed the symbol of Rogue Empire’s power, their version of the Death Star, Imperial Intelligence struck at it’s head.
We may have taken the heart out of the Rogues but it was Isard that chopped off it’s head.”
Kaine sighed, “You know, it’s funny, Ibren. No one, not even I stopped to question the change in Rogue Policies, hell the change of their Empire as a whole. Jutraalian Empire? Where the frell did THAT spring from?”
The past…. Just before the Empire Strikes Back Campaign ..
Krake’s Planet..
Ciscero walked behind the commanding figure of Ysane Isard. She was talking, “The Military Command is committed to the destruction of the Rogue Death Star. Even as we speak, Grand Admiral Hyfe, Admiral Drakiss are plotting to strike directly at Hoth.”
“So we are certain it is being built in the Hoth System?”
“Of course. The Shrouds were very effective in their task. But what worries me is General Kaine’s operation.”
“You think he will guess your plans?”
Isard laughed again. “Simon Kaine? Oh no. The man is too timid to be sure, content to follow the lead of someone else. He is a man easily manipulated though he does have good tactical planning when it comes to matters of war and conquest. It is not the man I worry about but his plan.”
“Why is that?”
“Because it will directly affect ours. We cannot sneak into Despayre if their hyperspace route is blockaded by Imperial warships now can we?” Isard’s cold eyes bored into her agent.
“So we have to move fast.”
“Yes, he has yet to finalize his operation. There are reports of growing collaboration with the New Republic..”
“Gash Jiren?”
“Yes, No doubt he will also take a hand in ridding the galaxy of Fearson’s hidden ambitions.”
“Has it ever occurred to anyone that Fearson’s might be telling the truth?”
Isard laughed. It was not a pretty sound. “Has it ever occurred to you Ciscero that it does not matter what Fearson’s real intentions are? What he faces is the direct result of the image he has painted for himself.
The galaxy will not trust him nor his intentions with a weapon as powerful as a Death Star. And really, that propaganda bit about the Death Star being a station for peace.
Imagine that. The most powerful weapon in the galaxy the seat of peace? I swear Ciscero, the man should have executed his public relations people. Amateurs, all of them!”
Isard turned a corner and descended steps dimly lit.
“This is the climax of all Intelligence coups, Ciscero. You will NOT fail at this or I will personally have your head.”
“Maam, all I know is that I am to operate on Despayre during the war only to be extracted after peace is achieved.
So you think that the Empire will not bring down the Rogue Empire at this time?”
“No. I do not. Other factions are being brought into this attack but if you think those factions will stand by and allow the downfall of a power strong enough to check us, you are blind. Gash Jiren sees an opportunity in removing from Fearsons a powerful weapon but he’d be damned if he is going to allow the Empire to absorb the Rogue Empire and grow stronger eclipsing his own New Republic.
The Jedi are an annoyance but do not doubt that they too possess shrewdness. They are not fools. At least, some of them aren’t.”
“Then how will my actions on Despayre hold any lasting value Director? If the Empire will not control the Rogue Empire?”
“The Empire will not directly control the Rogue Empire, Ciscero. But we will reshape it. Reshape it to our own ends.”
They stopped before a large door simply marked “X”. Isard entered in an encryption sequence and the door slid open easily.
The room was dark but what little light that entered reflected off two small glowing red orbs.
“Your Majesty.” Isard said, bowing slightly taking Ciscero aback.
“Well…well. It is about time you recognized me for who I am!” a voice in the darkness snapped, irritably. The small red orbs turned in Ciscero’s direction and the agent felt his mind begin to prickle.
But only slightly.
“Ahh… you still have those.. those creatures around to block me. A shame. I am anxious to return now that I have satisfied all your fears. Release me now!” the voice was firm and commanding.
Ciscero’s ears detected a hint of familiarity.
The voice walked out into the light and the agent gasped.
“Emperor Fearsons!”
Isard’s eyes narrowed approvingly as the Director’s intent suddenly became clear.
“We call him ‘x’.”
But we will reshape it. Reshape it to our own ends!
.. The Empire Strikes Back…
“How do we get onto Despayre? It is not like they will accept an Imperial Transport?”
Ciscero grinned. “GDI Tranpsort. The GDI will be meeting with the Emperor on Despayre. We shall be a part of their entourage. You see, any hostilities that break out or if anything goes wrong, GDI will be the scapegoat.”
The red eyes narrowed. “So the groundwork for GDI destruction is being laid. Excellent!”
“We must hurry. The CIPs of the 256th left Muunilist already. We need to be past Togoria if we are to succeed!”
*
The Rogue Empire was in turmoil. Panic lined the streets as news of war broke out everywhere. Massive attacks reported on Jileeak Station! Hundreds or perhaps thousands of ships seeing action! A blockade at Togoria and at Yaga Minor!
The Galactic Defense Initiative thought to control matters by meeting with Fearsons himself.
Their hidden animosity for each other though was reaching new heights.
A spark is going to ignite! All it takes is one spark! thought Ciscero as he patted the rather long container that contained “Fearsons”.
*
The explosion tore through the wall rendering half of the GDI guards as well as the Emperor’s guards either dead or dying.
There was confusion and fighting, both sides not knowing what hit them or why.
The limp form of Fearsons lay before Ciscero and he paused. For a second but he paused for Isard’s instructions had been clear.
Out the new came and into the container the injured Fearson’s went. Mercenaries sporting medical uniforms threw a bloody GDI soldier’s body on top of the container and moved it like a stretch of sorts to the nearby shuttles.
Soldiers quickly entered and went to “Fearsons”, some pointing weapons at Ciscero.
“Leave me! Secure the outside ! Quickly!” was all the Emperor shouted as the words had been droned over and over in his head spilled out, before the man could think straight.
Even trained to obey at a moment’s notice they still hesitated but only for a second.
More explosions rocked outside as they left to do their leader’s bidding.
The glowing red orbs narrowed as he took in the reality of what he had spent a year learning.
He turned, his eyes flashing as the force began to surge through him the farther away the container went.
Ciscero knew the need for revenge was hungering inside of “Fearsons” but there would be time soon enough for that. He pulled out a weapon of GDI manufacture, his mask firmly in place. The mask that Isard always instructed him to wear even on the meeting of ‘X’.
By the time the Emperor regained his bearings Ciscero had shot him several times in the back, careful not to kill.
He went over and kicked the body over making sure it would be protected from one last explosion.
He threw a charge down some steps and gave him a few seconds to vacate.
He walked past the guards standing on duty so quickly that they reached out to stop him. An explosion inside threw debris at their backs knocking them over.
Ciscero ran to the GDI shuttles as they were leaving. . To one in particular.
If not for the confusion of the war they would have been caught. But for the civilian confusion all shuttles could have been identified quickly.
But explosions on the capital equated with an Imperial attack, especially with the war, that the civilian population, strung out on nerves as it was came unglued.
They knew they fought the galaxy and though they knew their Emperor would fight for them to his death only when explosions occurred on Despayre did their confidence in his ability to protect fade.
One against the galaxy!
They were Rogues and the Empire was coming for them!
So the Imperial Propaganda machine churned out and so they believed!
*
The smoke cleared, assessments made.
The Rogue Empire’s Military began to assert itself to control the growing tide of confusion.
Taken from the Propaganda Forum
Fleet Admiral Dakkon Blackblade stands aboard the flagship of an unknown ship in the Rogue Imperial Fleet. He looks distressed, but seems to be coping quite well. His dress and bearing, although academy perfect, shows signs of fatigue and wear as a cost of the war. He clears his throat slightly before stepping onto a makeshift podium to announce the future of the Rogue Empire.
"It is with much sadness that i announce that the great Emperor Chadd Fearsons is missing, believed dead. The circumstances regarding his disappearance are unknown, but the Forcelink binding myself and my Master has been severed. And such a severing can only occur through death, or something close to that.
Initially reports, although sketchy, indicate the benevolent Emperor was struck down by his adopted daughter Arai Heishi at the Royal Palace in Despayre.”
The people gasped at the news and began talking at once, each in their respective homes or businesses.
“Civil War?” someone, in some faraway district asked.
“I always hated that girl of a bitch!!” another grumbled
“What about the @#%$ war!!” someone shouted on Averam.
[COLOR=ORANGE]