The transmission was playing over and over...
"Admiral, is there anything you have to say for the Imperial and Coalition viewers?"
The leader on the screen leaned forward slightly, "Yes. To all the former citizens of the Azgaurdian Galactic Military, the New Rebellion, and the Mon Calamari Republic, you have my personal assurance as Supreme Commander of the Coalition Navy, that I will do everything in my power to keep you homes, lands, and lives safe.
Be afraid no longer.
To all the Imperial viewers, and the leaders of the Empire, know this: We will no longer stand by idily why you, your Star Destroyers, and your Stormtroopers muscle us around. You will no longer take our homes, or our lives at your will. We are no longer weak, fractured, or insignificant. You will know that we are no longer the prey. We are the hunters."
He paused, and a smile formed on his face.
"We are coming."
The transmission ended and the lights came back on as the audience stirred.
There could not have been a greater declaration of intent.
The room opened in pandemonium as Grand Marshall Simon Kaine, recently returned from Jutraal, stepped up to the podium in a rare public appearance.
Cameras captured his calm exterior and his near expressionless face, a stark contrast to the tension in the audience as reporters scrambled to ask the first questions.
He was dressed in the black and gray of his station, his black gloved hands rested on the sides of the podium he stood behind as calls shouted out.
"Marshall! Marshall! What is the reaction from the Imperial High Command regarding the Coalition's transmission?"
The Grand Marshall glanced down at the reporter before answering, a slight irritation crept into his bearing. He gave the impression that appearing before the INS was an annoyance to a man who was very busy. "A memo from Imperial Intelligence was dispatched to appropriate members of the High Command informing them of the
existence of yet another belligerent and aggressive faction that seems bent on making an enemy of the Empire."
The reporter seemed speechless. Another asked, "So the High Command does not constitute the transmission as important?"
"The transmission from this...this Coalition is everything it was designed to be and some things it wasn't."
"Could you elaborate, Marshall?"
"It is an elementary psychology that seems to cross species. When an animal feels threatened, what is the first thing it does?"
He paused for a second before answering. "It lashes out at what it considers a threat. It also moves to establish some type of dominance over it's own. It's own! This transmission does just that and seems to be directed more for population it governs than the Empire at large. However, it is still inflamatory in the extreme and threatening by design. What, though, also came across in their speech was their inferiority."
"How so, Marshall?"
The Grand Marshall's eyes narrowed. "Well, by their own admission, their motivations do not stem from any advanced culture their propaganda offices may have espoused. Their motivations do not stem from any nobility on their part nor indignation against what
they feel is right.
And why is that?"
His lips formed a small smile, "Because, quite frankly, they can't.
This fellowship of smaller governments, this.. coalition merely parades nobility around to suit their needs mirroring much of what was once done by the failed Rebellion. An advanced culture, or rather, people of advanced principles do not need to stoop to threats (veiled or otherwise) to cover their fear."
Simon's gloved hand shot out to the audience.
"And there! There is their motivation!
Fear!
They fear what we have! They fear the security each and every Imperial Citizen experiences and they fear our way of life!
And this fear drives an entire race of beings to form a complex..an inferiority complex! Any psychologist will tell you that the standard response from those with inferiority complexes is unrestrained aggression!"
A loud buzzing erupted in the room as Imperial Center's regional news reporters began talking about the implications of that last statement.
A hand shot out and was recognized.
"They claim to have justifications for their fears, Marshall. Would you care to comment on those?"
The Grand Marshall shrugged slightly. "Everyone makes claims. That does not make them true."
"There have been claims that the Empire is evil."
Grand Marshall Kaine actually smiled at that. "So there have," he agreed.
"Mon Mothma, General Madine and scores of rebels all claimed that the Empire was evil. And they used this as an excuse for violent revolution rather than legally working with the established system of government!
The Empire does not condone armed and violent revolution in any way. It considers such acts of sedition tantamount to acts of terrorism!"
"So, Marshall, you claim that the Empire is good?"
Grand Marshall Simon Kaine stared at the person who asked that before slowly phrasing his thoughts.
"No. I don't."
A surprised murmur spread throughout the room. Kaine's hands tightened on the podium slightly and his voice became more intense.
"Listen to me carefully because I do not want there to be any confusion to my response. I do not consider the Empire good.. nor do I consider the Empire evil.
Those are religous distinctions that have no place on a government level.
The Empire acts in the best interests of the Empire. That means weighing hundreds of thousands of problems in a single day and prioritizing them. Sometimes those priorities are feeding the hungry on Kuat and sometimes those priorities could be education for the younger generations of the Empire. It means that, at times, the Empire must prioritize an armed revolution aimed at
tearing everything that we have built apart and sometimes, the Empire must experience the ills of war.
These are not easy decisions in the act of governing worlds boasting populations of the billions."
Kaine stared at the person who had asked the last question again.
"So no. The Empire will not be stapled with religious distinctions for the Empire does not consider itself a 'religious' or 'theocratic' body.
We are not the 'Holy' Galactic Empire. Simply, the Galactic Empire."
There was some stirring for fresh on the minds of the reporters and INS employees alike were the articles regarding Religion and Lupercus Darksword.
"Marshall, in John Snid's article about the Corelian Governor's association with a... a.." the woman searched her notes, "..a religious cult and Theren Gevel's report linking Chadwick Fearsons with condoning insane religious cults.. would you care to comment on the Empire's stand as to religion?"
Grand Marshall Kaine laughed slightly and put out a hand to forestall any further additional questions.
"First, I have glanced briefly at John Snid's comments and I do note that he confused the New Order with the New Empire."
There were sharp intakes of breath at that. The citizens of Imperial Center were loath to have anyone bring up memories of the Wrath Virus, a pathogen originally designed to cripple the Empire yet crippled a galaxy. A virus designed by another revolutionary
faction styling themselves the New Empire.
New Empire.. New Republic.. it was all the same to the Empire.
"The Empire is for religious freedom for everyone. Human and alien alike. However, what happens with these other factions such as the 'Holy' Demosthesian Empire or even with the Jutraalian Empire is that their religion and beliefs begin to creep up in their government policy. In effect, they become a theocracy yet they give no devotion to any higher, supreme being. So because they follow a man, their theocracy resembles more a cult than anything else.
Again, following a cult is a personal decision though not one I would make.
What makes these 'cults' insane is that they were attaching themselves to a particular religious sect that is bent on the overthrow of the Empire."
"What religious sect is that, Marshall?"
"I refer to the current incarnation of the Jedi. What started as a noble tradition in the Old Republic soon became degenerate as is noted by historians when they study the Fall of the Old Republic.
In studying that, it is seen how far they strayed from their original purpose of Keeping the Peace.
The Secessionists, before the Clone Wars, were allowed to gain strength which ultimately severed the head of the Old Republic.
When order was brought back to the galaxy, it was Jedi who stood in defiance."
Kaine shrugged. "I can only guess that perhaps they were jealous that the Empire succeeded where they had failed.
In any event, the Jedi degenerated from their original noble roles to anarchists...sowing dissent and resolute in their determination to destroy us."
Kaine's hand stabbed out at the air.
"It was these degenerate Jedi who lead the attack on Dantooine! It was these degenerate Jedi who attempted to kill the Ebony Vigilance! It was these degenerate Jedi who were the leaders of the failed New Republic! Who lead the revolution to split the Empire!
Both the Demosthesians and Fearsons were negotiating with these degenerates! These people who's entire reason for being revolves around our destruction!
If that is not insane, I do not know what is."
The Marshall's eyes narrowed. "The article also spoke of Lupercus Darksword being one of the most wanted man in the galaxy!
My response to this is: The Anthos Republic or where ever this man springs from is hardly the 'galaxy'?
That the Hapans have charged the man, I at least can understand.
The man is, after all, family and there is no feud like a family feud.
But the Empire represents the largest stable population in the galaxy so if anyone has a right to lay claim to galactic opinions and standards, it would be the us."
Kaine's voice became ironic. "The Empire also has warrants out for any number of insurgents that have hurt our citizens: Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Xylon Hexyra, Gash Jiren, Lando Calrissian. I dare say that these people are wanted on more worlds
than Darksword is. I see no editorial comment about these seditionists and traitors."
Simon Kaine smiled slightly, softening his expression. "I believe Commodore Gevel's words were..'I'm pretty sure there's a price on my head in the Coalition, but that doesn't make me a @#%$ criminal'."
There were chuckles at that.
Yet a sobering hand went up. "Sir, what about the claim Snid makes of terrorist action on Naboo?"
Some reporters responded harshly to the questioner for interupting the rather good mood that had been present yet Kaine held out a patient hand.
"Let me ask you this? If a group of Coalition civilians decided to claim that the Mon Calamarians were evil and violently took a city or two on their planet, how do you think their government would act?"
The reporter scratched his head. "They would stamp it out.."
"Exactly! And so when the Empire does the same thing, WE get blamed for it, being called 'evil'?"
If Mr. Snid believes that the goal of whatever action on Naboo that took place was the genocidal destruction of.. these.. Gungans, he called them? (I assume these are the indiginous creatures of the planet), then, due to Military Classification and Confidentiality, I cannot refute him.
I only offer this hypothetical.."
Kaine became serious, "If an Imperator Star Destroyer attacked a Mon Calamari Cruiser, all the 'independent investigative agencies' and testimonies from the Mon Calamarian Captain and crew prove is that the Mon Calamari Cruiser was attacked!
Nothing more!
Mr. Snid is trying to determine motive and intent from facts and he cannot do that correctly by only hearing one side of the story."
Kaine grinned. "There is no money in objectivity unfortunately, only sensation. That is why we do not see editorialized condemnation of Han Solo or Luke Skywalker or any of those mentioned before. There is no news or money in editorializing failed revolutionaries and failed Jedi degenerates."
Kaine started chuckling, "So while I will disagree with John Snid's comments and I mean no disrespect to the Governor of Corellia, I do not fault Mr. Snid for attempting to make a buck."
The audience followed suit chuckling and Kaine allowed it for a while before bringing the discussion back to the original topic.
"Those outside the Imperial shield live in fear!
So much so that they are banding together and attempting to justify their threats."
Another question, "Marshall, this Coalition's leader's speech seems to refer to the Imperial attack on Kamino as motivation.."
Kaine interrupted. "Ahh, Kamino. The Empire remembers Kamino well. They supplied the Empire with it's very first Grand Army of the Republic and with it, we defended everything the Republic and it's transcendental incarnation into the Empire.
The planet is held dear to us in our histories."
The Marshall's eyes then blazed, "The Mon Calamarians decided to control the planet and their conquest of Kamino was both bloody and tragic. Naturally, they slaughtered any who opposed their conquest and soon began to make the Kamino people into servants! Servants on their own planet! Whole sections of the planet were carved out for the Mon Calamarians and their allies. They built a city in the fashion of Mon Calamari but what is even more insidious is that
slowly they were making Kamino over in their image. Already they were transporting their wildlife to the planet disrupting the planet's delicately balanced ecosystem.
All in all, genocide of an indirect sort."
The silence was deafening and Simon let loose.
"SO, OF COURSE, WE BLOODY WELL STEPPED IN! Commodore Gevel was given the directive to liberate the planet and he faithfully carried out the charge! The Man even rooted out the Calamarian treachery after control of the planet shifted to the Empire. Unfortunately, the infrastructure of Kamino was so damaged that the
world could not self govern. The Imperial Reclamation Act provides for aid to being sent to worlds under Imperial control for the rebuilding and reconstruction of Kamino."
Kaine's eyes lost their fury and he sighed.
"The destruction this decades long Civil War has wrought is beyond calculation.
What people do not understand though is just because the Empire lost Coruscant and then recaptured it, the Civil War is NOT somehow over!
A common fallacy out there is that the Imperial Civil War has finished!
The Empire was one solid entity and was laid low by a Civil War brought about by terrorists and seditionists. These revolutionaries sowed corruption and rebellion on many Imperial worlds and in the end their ideology could not bind them. Anarchy and tiny planetary warlords sprang up.
The Empire was not destroyed and through the hard work of it's citizens it has reclaimed much.
We have finally, after many years, broken the back of the revolutionaries with our recapture of Imperial Center!
But what of the planets that the rebels corrupted and coerced to break from the Empire but could not hold?
The Empire holds a responsibility to them.
A responsibility that it does not take lightly!"
Simon Kaine looked out over the audience.
"We will rebuild this galaxy to its former glory.
With that goal, we will not issue a threat of our own in response.
Representing a culture advanced as we are, there is no need too."
Kaine smiled one last time.
"You see, one teaching found in nearly all religions of this galaxy is that good will conquer the evil. That 'right' and 'justice' will always win.
And therein lies my arguement and our greatest justification.
WE ARE STILL HERE!
WE HAVE WON!
By extension then, the Empire is just!
And, by extension, the Empire...
...above all,
...is RIGHT!"
The Grand Marshall left the podium amid much applause.
"Admiral, is there anything you have to say for the Imperial and Coalition viewers?"
The leader on the screen leaned forward slightly, "Yes. To all the former citizens of the Azgaurdian Galactic Military, the New Rebellion, and the Mon Calamari Republic, you have my personal assurance as Supreme Commander of the Coalition Navy, that I will do everything in my power to keep you homes, lands, and lives safe.
Be afraid no longer.
To all the Imperial viewers, and the leaders of the Empire, know this: We will no longer stand by idily why you, your Star Destroyers, and your Stormtroopers muscle us around. You will no longer take our homes, or our lives at your will. We are no longer weak, fractured, or insignificant. You will know that we are no longer the prey. We are the hunters."
He paused, and a smile formed on his face.
"We are coming."
The transmission ended and the lights came back on as the audience stirred.
There could not have been a greater declaration of intent.
The room opened in pandemonium as Grand Marshall Simon Kaine, recently returned from Jutraal, stepped up to the podium in a rare public appearance.
Cameras captured his calm exterior and his near expressionless face, a stark contrast to the tension in the audience as reporters scrambled to ask the first questions.
He was dressed in the black and gray of his station, his black gloved hands rested on the sides of the podium he stood behind as calls shouted out.
"Marshall! Marshall! What is the reaction from the Imperial High Command regarding the Coalition's transmission?"
The Grand Marshall glanced down at the reporter before answering, a slight irritation crept into his bearing. He gave the impression that appearing before the INS was an annoyance to a man who was very busy. "A memo from Imperial Intelligence was dispatched to appropriate members of the High Command informing them of the
existence of yet another belligerent and aggressive faction that seems bent on making an enemy of the Empire."
The reporter seemed speechless. Another asked, "So the High Command does not constitute the transmission as important?"
"The transmission from this...this Coalition is everything it was designed to be and some things it wasn't."
"Could you elaborate, Marshall?"
"It is an elementary psychology that seems to cross species. When an animal feels threatened, what is the first thing it does?"
He paused for a second before answering. "It lashes out at what it considers a threat. It also moves to establish some type of dominance over it's own. It's own! This transmission does just that and seems to be directed more for population it governs than the Empire at large. However, it is still inflamatory in the extreme and threatening by design. What, though, also came across in their speech was their inferiority."
"How so, Marshall?"
The Grand Marshall's eyes narrowed. "Well, by their own admission, their motivations do not stem from any advanced culture their propaganda offices may have espoused. Their motivations do not stem from any nobility on their part nor indignation against what
they feel is right.
And why is that?"
His lips formed a small smile, "Because, quite frankly, they can't.
This fellowship of smaller governments, this.. coalition merely parades nobility around to suit their needs mirroring much of what was once done by the failed Rebellion. An advanced culture, or rather, people of advanced principles do not need to stoop to threats (veiled or otherwise) to cover their fear."
Simon's gloved hand shot out to the audience.
"And there! There is their motivation!
Fear!
They fear what we have! They fear the security each and every Imperial Citizen experiences and they fear our way of life!
And this fear drives an entire race of beings to form a complex..an inferiority complex! Any psychologist will tell you that the standard response from those with inferiority complexes is unrestrained aggression!"
A loud buzzing erupted in the room as Imperial Center's regional news reporters began talking about the implications of that last statement.
A hand shot out and was recognized.
"They claim to have justifications for their fears, Marshall. Would you care to comment on those?"
The Grand Marshall shrugged slightly. "Everyone makes claims. That does not make them true."
"There have been claims that the Empire is evil."
Grand Marshall Kaine actually smiled at that. "So there have," he agreed.
"Mon Mothma, General Madine and scores of rebels all claimed that the Empire was evil. And they used this as an excuse for violent revolution rather than legally working with the established system of government!
The Empire does not condone armed and violent revolution in any way. It considers such acts of sedition tantamount to acts of terrorism!"
"So, Marshall, you claim that the Empire is good?"
Grand Marshall Simon Kaine stared at the person who asked that before slowly phrasing his thoughts.
"No. I don't."
A surprised murmur spread throughout the room. Kaine's hands tightened on the podium slightly and his voice became more intense.
"Listen to me carefully because I do not want there to be any confusion to my response. I do not consider the Empire good.. nor do I consider the Empire evil.
Those are religous distinctions that have no place on a government level.
The Empire acts in the best interests of the Empire. That means weighing hundreds of thousands of problems in a single day and prioritizing them. Sometimes those priorities are feeding the hungry on Kuat and sometimes those priorities could be education for the younger generations of the Empire. It means that, at times, the Empire must prioritize an armed revolution aimed at
tearing everything that we have built apart and sometimes, the Empire must experience the ills of war.
These are not easy decisions in the act of governing worlds boasting populations of the billions."
Kaine stared at the person who had asked the last question again.
"So no. The Empire will not be stapled with religious distinctions for the Empire does not consider itself a 'religious' or 'theocratic' body.
We are not the 'Holy' Galactic Empire. Simply, the Galactic Empire."
There was some stirring for fresh on the minds of the reporters and INS employees alike were the articles regarding Religion and Lupercus Darksword.
"Marshall, in John Snid's article about the Corelian Governor's association with a... a.." the woman searched her notes, "..a religious cult and Theren Gevel's report linking Chadwick Fearsons with condoning insane religious cults.. would you care to comment on the Empire's stand as to religion?"
Grand Marshall Kaine laughed slightly and put out a hand to forestall any further additional questions.
"First, I have glanced briefly at John Snid's comments and I do note that he confused the New Order with the New Empire."
There were sharp intakes of breath at that. The citizens of Imperial Center were loath to have anyone bring up memories of the Wrath Virus, a pathogen originally designed to cripple the Empire yet crippled a galaxy. A virus designed by another revolutionary
faction styling themselves the New Empire.
New Empire.. New Republic.. it was all the same to the Empire.
"The Empire is for religious freedom for everyone. Human and alien alike. However, what happens with these other factions such as the 'Holy' Demosthesian Empire or even with the Jutraalian Empire is that their religion and beliefs begin to creep up in their government policy. In effect, they become a theocracy yet they give no devotion to any higher, supreme being. So because they follow a man, their theocracy resembles more a cult than anything else.
Again, following a cult is a personal decision though not one I would make.
What makes these 'cults' insane is that they were attaching themselves to a particular religious sect that is bent on the overthrow of the Empire."
"What religious sect is that, Marshall?"
"I refer to the current incarnation of the Jedi. What started as a noble tradition in the Old Republic soon became degenerate as is noted by historians when they study the Fall of the Old Republic.
In studying that, it is seen how far they strayed from their original purpose of Keeping the Peace.
The Secessionists, before the Clone Wars, were allowed to gain strength which ultimately severed the head of the Old Republic.
When order was brought back to the galaxy, it was Jedi who stood in defiance."
Kaine shrugged. "I can only guess that perhaps they were jealous that the Empire succeeded where they had failed.
In any event, the Jedi degenerated from their original noble roles to anarchists...sowing dissent and resolute in their determination to destroy us."
Kaine's hand stabbed out at the air.
"It was these degenerate Jedi who lead the attack on Dantooine! It was these degenerate Jedi who attempted to kill the Ebony Vigilance! It was these degenerate Jedi who were the leaders of the failed New Republic! Who lead the revolution to split the Empire!
Both the Demosthesians and Fearsons were negotiating with these degenerates! These people who's entire reason for being revolves around our destruction!
If that is not insane, I do not know what is."
The Marshall's eyes narrowed. "The article also spoke of Lupercus Darksword being one of the most wanted man in the galaxy!
My response to this is: The Anthos Republic or where ever this man springs from is hardly the 'galaxy'?
That the Hapans have charged the man, I at least can understand.
The man is, after all, family and there is no feud like a family feud.
But the Empire represents the largest stable population in the galaxy so if anyone has a right to lay claim to galactic opinions and standards, it would be the us."
Kaine's voice became ironic. "The Empire also has warrants out for any number of insurgents that have hurt our citizens: Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Xylon Hexyra, Gash Jiren, Lando Calrissian. I dare say that these people are wanted on more worlds
than Darksword is. I see no editorial comment about these seditionists and traitors."
Simon Kaine smiled slightly, softening his expression. "I believe Commodore Gevel's words were..'I'm pretty sure there's a price on my head in the Coalition, but that doesn't make me a @#%$ criminal'."
There were chuckles at that.
Yet a sobering hand went up. "Sir, what about the claim Snid makes of terrorist action on Naboo?"
Some reporters responded harshly to the questioner for interupting the rather good mood that had been present yet Kaine held out a patient hand.
"Let me ask you this? If a group of Coalition civilians decided to claim that the Mon Calamarians were evil and violently took a city or two on their planet, how do you think their government would act?"
The reporter scratched his head. "They would stamp it out.."
"Exactly! And so when the Empire does the same thing, WE get blamed for it, being called 'evil'?"
If Mr. Snid believes that the goal of whatever action on Naboo that took place was the genocidal destruction of.. these.. Gungans, he called them? (I assume these are the indiginous creatures of the planet), then, due to Military Classification and Confidentiality, I cannot refute him.
I only offer this hypothetical.."
Kaine became serious, "If an Imperator Star Destroyer attacked a Mon Calamari Cruiser, all the 'independent investigative agencies' and testimonies from the Mon Calamarian Captain and crew prove is that the Mon Calamari Cruiser was attacked!
Nothing more!
Mr. Snid is trying to determine motive and intent from facts and he cannot do that correctly by only hearing one side of the story."
Kaine grinned. "There is no money in objectivity unfortunately, only sensation. That is why we do not see editorialized condemnation of Han Solo or Luke Skywalker or any of those mentioned before. There is no news or money in editorializing failed revolutionaries and failed Jedi degenerates."
Kaine started chuckling, "So while I will disagree with John Snid's comments and I mean no disrespect to the Governor of Corellia, I do not fault Mr. Snid for attempting to make a buck."
The audience followed suit chuckling and Kaine allowed it for a while before bringing the discussion back to the original topic.
"Those outside the Imperial shield live in fear!
So much so that they are banding together and attempting to justify their threats."
Another question, "Marshall, this Coalition's leader's speech seems to refer to the Imperial attack on Kamino as motivation.."
Kaine interrupted. "Ahh, Kamino. The Empire remembers Kamino well. They supplied the Empire with it's very first Grand Army of the Republic and with it, we defended everything the Republic and it's transcendental incarnation into the Empire.
The planet is held dear to us in our histories."
The Marshall's eyes then blazed, "The Mon Calamarians decided to control the planet and their conquest of Kamino was both bloody and tragic. Naturally, they slaughtered any who opposed their conquest and soon began to make the Kamino people into servants! Servants on their own planet! Whole sections of the planet were carved out for the Mon Calamarians and their allies. They built a city in the fashion of Mon Calamari but what is even more insidious is that
slowly they were making Kamino over in their image. Already they were transporting their wildlife to the planet disrupting the planet's delicately balanced ecosystem.
All in all, genocide of an indirect sort."
The silence was deafening and Simon let loose.
"SO, OF COURSE, WE BLOODY WELL STEPPED IN! Commodore Gevel was given the directive to liberate the planet and he faithfully carried out the charge! The Man even rooted out the Calamarian treachery after control of the planet shifted to the Empire. Unfortunately, the infrastructure of Kamino was so damaged that the
world could not self govern. The Imperial Reclamation Act provides for aid to being sent to worlds under Imperial control for the rebuilding and reconstruction of Kamino."
Kaine's eyes lost their fury and he sighed.
"The destruction this decades long Civil War has wrought is beyond calculation.
What people do not understand though is just because the Empire lost Coruscant and then recaptured it, the Civil War is NOT somehow over!
A common fallacy out there is that the Imperial Civil War has finished!
The Empire was one solid entity and was laid low by a Civil War brought about by terrorists and seditionists. These revolutionaries sowed corruption and rebellion on many Imperial worlds and in the end their ideology could not bind them. Anarchy and tiny planetary warlords sprang up.
The Empire was not destroyed and through the hard work of it's citizens it has reclaimed much.
We have finally, after many years, broken the back of the revolutionaries with our recapture of Imperial Center!
But what of the planets that the rebels corrupted and coerced to break from the Empire but could not hold?
The Empire holds a responsibility to them.
A responsibility that it does not take lightly!"
Simon Kaine looked out over the audience.
"We will rebuild this galaxy to its former glory.
With that goal, we will not issue a threat of our own in response.
Representing a culture advanced as we are, there is no need too."
Kaine smiled one last time.
"You see, one teaching found in nearly all religions of this galaxy is that good will conquer the evil. That 'right' and 'justice' will always win.
And therein lies my arguement and our greatest justification.
WE ARE STILL HERE!
WE HAVE WON!
By extension then, the Empire is just!
And, by extension, the Empire...
...above all,
...is RIGHT!"
The Grand Marshall left the podium amid much applause.
