Kaine chuckled slightly. "Well, I could have told you that."

Then he sighed again. "But whether the New Republic was a wise choice to put your faith in is irrelevant. You are trying to survive as a result of that decision.

But my question was," he paused, "Just what the hell are you doing with yourself?"

Kaine explained. "You've no discernable companion other than your alien guard here. Do you have children? Do you have family elsewhere?

What were you trying to accomplish with your decision to support the Republic? What were you trying to accomplish with your decision to join the Jutraalians?

Survival is not enough. Not nearly enough.

Is 'survival' the sum of all Joren Logan was? Is? Will ever be?


What I am asking, CEO Logan, Admiral Logan, Joren Logan...


Is what meaning is there in your life?

When it is all said and done, will it be everything you've ever wanted?

Has it been?" Simon smiled grimly. Is it ever?


"What about you Mahk? Will you be fulfilling this 'life debt' for eternity or do you plan on starting a 'clan' of your own some day? Will this life debt of yours extend to any progeny Joren Logan has or does it die with him?"


Kaine turned to Logan, "Sometimes aliens with a large respect for 'life debts' are taken advantage of. Or are taken forgranted. I admit that there are people within the Empire who have taken advantage of that respect for the responsibility of life debts. They do take it for granted and do not care a wherefore what happens to the individual alien who feels and acknowledges a life debt.

But you know what?

Say what you want about Thrawn, and believe me I could say plenty. I have faced him in battle and was on the winning side, but Thrawn.." Kaine looked at Mahk, "was trying to accomplish something. Something larger than himself."

Simon's eyes narrowed at Logan, "Do not think I am trying to appeal to a more selfish side to you CEO Logan. While you are not taking advantage of Mahk the same way as Thrawn did, I wonder if you do not take your alien guard for granted at times. His life is intertwined with yours. Live or die, he will be by your side because he repects the life debt.


Take a long look at yourself Joren Logan and tell me, what sort of life is Mahk protecting? One that is simply trying to survive or one that is reaching for something larger than himself?"

Logan listened to Kaine, mulling over every word.

Is it possible to hit so many sore spots in an old man in one short speech?

Mahk, however, stared at Kaine with cold eyes.

"I live to serve the CEO.

"Thrawn never acheived anything." Mahk said. "He merely attempted to create something 'larger than himself'. He never succeeded" Mahk stated this with utter certainty. He said nothing else.

Kaine seemed to know where to poke, and Logan didn't answer at first. Soon, silence fell upon thew conference room. Logan let his gaze shift to the walls, though he was hardly interested in them. He thought for a moment before answering.


"I did have a family. And my life did have meaning. But fate it seems" He looked at Kaine with distant eyes, "Always seems to knock me down.

"Throughout my life, I have always been brought to my knees only to pick myself back up again. The New Alliance was mine, my own creation, something I could devote my life too. But I was knocked down, and it fell. I thought I had found a new hope in The New Republic, but I was again knocked down, and it fell. Finally, I had a realization, The Jutraalian Empire had weathered many storms, and I thought that this was the only remaining fortress in this turbulent galaxy. It was
also, something I could help make better, and help me find new meaning."

His eyes narrowed.

"But again, fate has come into play" He said, suddenly feeling like an old man.

"Mahk serves me out of choice now, I released him of his life debt with the dissolution of the New Alliance" Logan said, glancing at the Noghri.

"My maitrakh once told me, Admiral Logan was the only one who helped us, when we needed it. He deserves the protection of the Noghri people. He is honorable" Mahk said in his mewling voice.


He is honorable Those words summed up his existance. He had never betrayed anyone. He had lived up to the standards and expectations he had set for himself long ago, before the formation of the New Alliance. Those words would echo in Joren Logan's mind for the rest of his life.

Grand Marshall Simon Kaine looked at the alien guard and his eyes suddenly narrowed at this speech.


"He is honorable."


Kaine countered the alien with one word.


"bullshit."



"Think bigger, Noghri. Think larger than yourself. Because Joren was the only one attributed with helping you, he suddenly is put upon the Noghri pedestal of honor?

Get this through your mind Mahk. With the leaders of empires, no one is truly every honorable. Every leader knows that. Every leader has to get their hands dirty.

Tell me, Mahk, how many calls to arms did Logan send out against Chaddwick Fearsons? How many battles, how many wars, how many deaths tallied up once it was all said and done?

Once the New Alliance fell, tell me Mahk, where was Admiral Logan when Gash Jiren bartered away his capital world of Almania to the very people they had fought for so long?

Oh sure, Logan received rank and a standing within the Republic.. hoorah for him! But what about the people of Almania who now existed under their old enemies?

Do you think the hatreds just went out over night?"

Kaine commented dryly, with no little sarcasm.

"When Logan joined the Jutraalians, I am sure all his former citizens, several millions still considered him an honorable man."

Kaine's voice went hard.

"How did these fates destroy his family Mahk? Perhaps enemies of this New Alliance he had started?

Did he not betray his family with his political life if so?


In this galaxy, stop looking for simple black and white. There are no simple answers to the complex running of a faction. It is a curse of every leader.

Shades of gray.

Compromise.



You say that Thrawn never succeeded. Tell me, Mahk, do you judge the honor of a man based on his successes?

If so, then again, your claim of Logan's nobility is false because he fails to find success.


And whether your life debt is canceled or not, you have chosen to remain near him and so, as a leader, he still feels a sense of responsibility to you, even if only as a friend.

But fine!

Let us, for arguements sake paint CEO Logan a Saint with no sins marring his existence. Let us say that he's met his expectations and standards..."


Kaine looked at the older man, "Does that satisfy you? Can you die a happy and fulfilled man?

Or does this 'honor' taste like so many ashes in your mouth?



Again, Joren Logan, what the hell are you doing?"


The Marshall's voice got quiet. "Waiting to die?"


"..Surrendered to fate?"


Kaine leaned forward, "We make our own fate."

Mahk took a step forward. Logan knew exactly what that meant. Part of the Noghri's duty was to protect not only Logan, but his honor as well.

"Hold"

Mahk instantly halted, and just for a moment, the tip of a very sharp blade was visible, but just for half a second.

"Damn you, Simon Kaine." He said coldly.

"How dare you. I have given my life to the service of things bigger than myself. I have given everything, and I have lost everything"

He glared coldly at the Imperial Grand Marshall, angry with himself for being so easily led into this.

"I still have my honor. For a time I was the only one who who even gave a damn about what it means to be honorable!"

He stood.

"There is no fate but what we make. I am trying to make mine"

Kaine watched the older man rise, knowing full well what transpired between the Noghri guard and his charge earlier.

Simon watched with curious eyes the anger that raged within the older man.


How a man's despair at his circumstances burns within.


But how to make him see? How to open his eyes!?


"Damn me, Admiral?" Simon asked. "I am already one of the damned!" He stood as well, giving Logan a measuring stare.

"How many Republic citizens out in the galaxy have villified the name Simon Kaine? How many have villified the name Joren Logan?"

Kaine laughed a bitter laugh.

"We are in the same boat you and I. We both have our own interpretations of honor and damn whatever anyone else inferior might claim!

We have both danced upon the graves of our enemies and we have both watched as those under our charges were sent to certain death. A death we knew we were sending them too.

Every death of my men a slight... a mark against even my own definition of honor.

How many have died under my own command?

How many have I killed to ensure the surivival of the Empire?

Your Noghri would make you out to be as pure as virgin, as would my own men.

Do not tell me the you believe their claims of your innocence?

Tell me you are not plagued by the 'what if's' that make up everything that has happened to you? What if this had been done? What if that had been done?"

The Grand Marshall let out a small sigh. "You feel that I am trying to insult you? You feel that I think your honor worthless?"

He chuckled with little humor, "I wanted to know how much of your guard was blind faith and how much was thinking companion? Who we choose to have around us speaks of our own character.

I want to know how strongly you hold onto your vision of honor.

I want to know how you react against those that would revile you?"

He turned to the Noghri guard. "As many people out there who would speak well of Joren Logan, know that there are an equal number if not more who would see him torn down. Would you silence all of those who would speak so?

Even if they were former citizens or charges of a certain Admiral Logan?"

Kaine shifted to face the alien. "Also, learn to know the difference between a ruse and a threat. Killing me would have done you or your charge no good."

He grinned slightly, as if an afterthought came to mind, "and if you are thinking, 'at least we die with our honor', know this: That even idiots can die with honor so if you wish your charge to die as an honorable idiot, the choice is yours."

The alien tensed again. In anger?

Reactionary alien! Dammit can't the thing learn?

Simon held out his finger and pointed it to the alien.

"Hold." he said firmly.

"Mahk does you credit, Logan. I've seen very rarely that kind of devotion."

Kaine straightened his uniform. "I am not here to insult you Logan but to test you. After so many defeats, after losing... everything.. what kind of person is left?"

He smiled grimly. "Testing your mettle against the fates again are you?

As a CEO of a company this time or in the charge of something else... something perhaps nameless?"

"You say you are trying to make your fate? Then what the hell are you doing?"

Simon grinned making his appearance seem very young. "I sound like a broken recorder don't I?"


"If you know anything about me, Logan, know that I do not do things for no reason. There is always a reason."

Kaine turned his attention to the table and the lights began to dim as he touched some controls. A holographic projection of the galaxy appeared.

"There is always a reason."

Logan glanced at Mahk, but as usual the Noghri's face was completely unreadable. He could imagine what the small bodyguard was thinking. The Noghri hated the Empire, or hated the old Empire under Thrawn and Vader. Perhaps this incarnation under Kaine and Hyfe was different. Perhaps there still was hope.


There is no fate but what we make.


"Indeed, Grand Marshall Kaine. There is always a reason, and there is also always a secret." Logan said.

Logan sighed and walked over to the holographic projection of the Galaxy.

"ComTech is based out of Wayland, but I should warn you not to pay the Emperor's former planet a vist. Something else, other than our trade vessels, lurks there. You would be wise to be cautious around that portion of space." He said, indicating an area around Wayland, specificly the Outer-Rim territories.

"I suppose it will not hurt much now. You are no doubt wondering how I procured such a powerful vessel. But I will let you in on a little secret, it does not belong to ComTech." He said to Kaine.

"After the fall of the Jutraalian Empire, a very old friend of mine offered me a job with his...faction. He needed someone to run his supplier company, someone with my skills. I agreed and here I am. Again, as I said we are based out of Wayland, and the Restoration is on loan from my friend. Something lurks in the Outer-Rim regions, and they are watching, watching you and watching me."

Secrets indeed Joren Logan.


Simon Kaine’s attention was drawn to the holographic map as Logan spoke. His eyes narrowed at the mysterious references to something unknown.

He pushed a few buttons and the planet Wayland briefly flashed and enlarged, technical information appearing around it.

The current alignment of the planet was unknown.

“There was a Sith who has a history regarding Wayland and was on it when the planet was salvaged by the old TNA. A Sith by the name of Perrin Descartes.

Other than TNA presence, he noted nothing much of note which could either indicate that he was lying or that this “lurking” presence is fairly new.

If new, then it is not indigenous to the area and can be dealt with if it becomes a threat.”

Kaine turned to the CEO, “From your words, ComTech is based out of Wayland. Your equipment is on load from a faction friendly to you. However, Wayland is also where this “something” lurks.

My question is, does your friend know what this “something lurking” is?

But you are correct. There IS something out in the Outer Rim territories. Intelligence has picked up on that though there is very little information to go on.

As for them watching us, we are the Empire after all. When you are the largest faction in the galaxy, you cannot help but note you are being watched.”

Kaine’s eyes narrowed, “But you did not say the Empire. You said specifically you and I. So, are you the eyes and ears of this ‘mysterious’ something?”

Turning to the Noghri, “Is Mahk?”

“Are you concerned that a member of your crew aboard the Restoration will report our meeting to this mysterious something? Will the crews of the ships that left?”

Kaine smiled, “If so, then we have until either the Restoration or those other ships make port to report our meeting meaning while ‘we’ may be watched, these ‘mysterious’ people are going to be hours.. perhaps days behind.”

“..but there IS something. Is it a threat?”

The Grand Marshall began entering a series of codes on a flush onyx-like glass panel that lit up when he touched it. The Core and Inner Rim lit up.

“The strongest presence of the Empire is here around Imperial Center. We have been engaged in various operations all designed for one specific goal. To reinforce and control the center.”

“Computer, display operations Center Control summary.”

The computer began to show indications of Imperial movement throughout the Core most notably in the Corellian System.

“You see, Joren, to build the structure we know as the Empire, we need to have a secure and strong foundation. Center Control is designed to bring the entire Core and Inner Rim if not under our direct control, then under our indirect control. It is not an easy task, this reestablishing of our rule. Intelligence has been working feverishly to provide information useful to the Military Command to carry this out.

The rebels and their republic really made a hash of things. All other recognized threats .. the Jutraalians, the Demothesians..these have been brought to heel.

Now we focus on unrecognized threats. Perhaps the most dangerous kind.”


Two planets were highlighted. Planets that Joren Logan would know in greater detail that Simon Kaine.

“Here is the situation Logan. Two planets within our current expansion sphere have been investigated by intelligence and I have a fleet standing by to annex this territory. However,..”

A segment of some digital video feed that was rather grainy showed merchant ships and another that looked like the Restoration though there was no way to be sure.

“We knew there seemed to be some business concern from Wayland going to and fro from these planets. We had a name, yours. But nothing else. There are indications that these planets have some sort of ties with something in the Outer Rim. We know this through signal tracking, if not signal interception and intercepted ship manifests. Of course, most are cleverly forged but it seems all trails end by the time they reach the Outer Rim. Suspicious to say the least.

But that is all we have, Logan. Suspicions.

And yet, with your mysterious something watching us, our suspicions seem confirmed.

That there is a power in the Outer Rim and they have some going concern in the Core. Having a power in the Outer Rim beats having that part of the galaxy in anarchy but the Empire will not tolerate (and really, strategically, it would be foolish) another inferior power in our midst. Especially an unknown inferior power.”

Kaine grinned.

“So how to launch our fleet and annex the planets? Hell, how do we draw this ‘power’ out?”

He paused.

“Sleight of hand.”

Another planet was highlighted and enlarged.

“Bakura is pretty far out there but it’s advantages are 1. It’s a planet we know better than most in the area having garrisoned it and 2. We believe it is currently unaligned with the fall of the Republic.

So we sent an Imperial Agent to stir the pot as it were. To see if regional problems beg the notice of this ‘power’. To see if the planet’s instability, thus the region’s instability draws the notice of any Outer Rim power.

Then we identify it, categorize it and neutralize it.”

The galactic map went back to it’s original state. “By neutralize, I mean we make sure they are no threat to us. All we need is some backwater republic trying to resurrect republican ideology and stirring up trouble.”

He sighed.

“So, Joren, all secrets aside, with what you’ve heard:


What can you tell me?

Do you know who or what this power is that is watching us?”

Logan nodded, somewhat impressed that Kaine even revealed such important information openly to him. He sighed slighty, his short tenure with the Outer-Rim Sovereignty had come to an end. He had a new fate to make.

"There once was a man, an Admiral of your New Order. He was in charge of the construction of the Super Star Destroyer Executor, Darth Vader's personal vessel. Upon the ship's completion, his orders were to take it to Yavin 4 and clean the Rebel Alliance out. However, Imperial forces, led by Vader, had already arrived to carry out that very operation. This man, I speak of, this Admiral is none other than Admiral Griff."

He paused.

"Griff had a nephew, Xander Griff, who started an organization called, 'Outer-Rim Trade Inc.'. However, with the sudden emergence of the Ssi-ruuk, directly after the Emperor's death, gave him cause to arm his trade faction."

Joren smiled slightly.

"And it survives today. Outer-Rim Trade Inc. has long since dissolved, but it has had several incarnations. You may remember an 'Outer-Rim Federation, a 'Duskhan League'. Its newest incarnation is perhaps its most powerful. It is called now 'The Outer-Rim Sovereignty'. It is still run by Xander Griff, who prides himself on secrecy.

"I do not know much about their current affairs, and I actually don't know what planets they control. I have seen Griff only a handful of times. As I said, I know very little of their current affairs, but I do know a great deal of their past"

He sighed slightly.

"My 'friend' as I put it, is none other than Xander Griff. And your mysterious 'something' is the Outer-Rim Sovereignty" He said, casting a glance at Mahk.

"And one thing, Bakura isn't as unaligned as you would think."


No fate...my lot is cast...

Kaine sat in the chair, his eyes staring blankly at the slowly rotating holographic projection of the galaxy.

His mind was on fire.


The die is not yet cast. The operation can still go forward or ... or... is there yet another.. better way?


A way more advantageous to the Empire?


Two possible scenarios could play out. The safe thing to do would be to have Logan and his alien friend shot, destroy the Restoration and begin the operations to occupy Khomm and Esseles, the two core worlds he had shown to Logan.. the two worlds under Intelligence's eye.

Chances were that this Outer Rim Sovereignty would not press to defend areas so far out of their sphere (assuming they wanted the bulk of their power to remain in the Outer Rim Territories).


The safest decision is not always the best decision.


There was another direction. A direction that allowed Kaine to open dialogue with Logan in the first place. The Grand Marshall certainly did not owe this CEO anything especially after fighting on two different sides in conflict.

But there was a certain air about the old Admiral. His manner boasted of old respect. Respect to the old traditions of soldiers.

And yet, while the man's decisions in life cost him everthing, what was it that would make the Empire stand out in his life?

Was the Empire a choice for Joren Logan ...or is it simply just the end of options for him?


Turning his gaze toward Joren Logan, "It might sound callous but the Empire couldn't give a damn if every citizen on Bakura joined the circus, dropped dead, or became a planet of raging hermaphrodites.

If Bakura is not as unaligned as I think then it seems this Outer Rim Sovereignty's interest has been captured."

He stretched a little in his seat, "Now this is where it gets interesting, Logan, for we have all the pieces in play.


We can do several things:

1. Invite confrontation. Meaning go full blown with Intel. Take the collar off and let Isard have Bakura for lunch. With ORS involved with that, we strike at Khomm and Esseles securing our center position. If war comes, they have no planets near us and to funnel assets across the galaxy to fight a faction larger than they are would prove impractical. We get what we want with the knowledge that we have an enemy in the Outer Rim that we will eventually have to deal with when we finally expand in that region.

2. Downplay confrontation. Intel stirs up trouble on Bakura and we pull them out before they are discovered. ORS still is embroiled in whatever local upheavel is going on and the Empire blockades Khomm and Esseles. Eventually, the impracticality of holding onto them will weigh on ORS and they would be abandoned for closer assets. We have what we want with an uneasy, mysterious faction existing in the Outer Rim. Who knows what the hell we'll find when we finally get out there?

Or... " and Kaine grinned,

"3. We take advantage of you. Your knowledge and experience and, most importantly (in this case), your relationship with the leader of ORS.

If you are friends, then perhaps he would not attack you out of hand with an Imperial force at your back?

We reveal Intel on Bakura which stirs up ORS into wondering if the Empire has designs in the Outer Rim.

We convince him of the logistical problems of holding possession of two planets in the core, and in exchange for the Empire "pulling out of Bakura", they relinquish control of Khomm and Esseles. The Empire strengthens it's core and ORS has no Imperial entanglements in their efforts to take Bakura thus strengthening their relative position.

However, this would mean you would be working for the Empire."

His eyes began to take Logan's measure. "So, I have to ask, Joren Logan:

Why the Empire?

Why would you serve the Empire that you have fought against?

What is your opinion of the Empire's soldiers? Of the Empire?

Not all of our policies are popular and Rebellion propaganda being the tit fools suck from you no doubt have heard many things. Both true and untrue.

The Empire has been successful because our soldier's dedication is unquestioned. Unwavering.

Why would you say that your dedication would be unquestionable?

What is your vision of the Empire? Especially given the history with your Noghri guard?"

"Much of what once was, has been lost. The Galaxy has changed since the formation of the New Alliance. Back then, I would have ordered the Restoration to open fire on the Galactus, or would have Mahk kill you."

He looked at the holomap.

"But as I said, things have changed.

"I have seen empires and republics rise and fall. Hell, I have brought about the downfall of such governments. Every faction I have been associated with, have all had one singleminded dream: Domination. The New Alliance sought the destruction of the Rogue Empire, the New Republic sought the destruction of the Empire. Jutraal sought the destruction of the Demosthesian Empire. And the Sovereignty...well I do not know what Griff's motives are. He does not have a clear goal, not that he doesn't have a goal....

"He merely keeps it hidden. And finally we have the Empire."

He laughed darkly.

"The Empire does not seek destruction, as of yet.

"I will be honest with you, Simon Kaine, I admire the Empire. I admire you, and the Regent. Why? Becuase what you are accomplishing, is unity. I truly believe that the Empire of today, was not the Empire of Palpatine. I admire the way that the Empire is governed.

"The whole 'Senate' idea is old. And ineffectual. The Old Republic does not exist today because there was corruption. The Empire is an efficient government, as Mahk stated earler.

"The Empire does not have to be evil, as it once was. It is not evil, but neither was the New Republic wholeheartedly good as well. In my high position within that government, I saw evil within its ranks."

He shruged slightly.

"I have spent my life fighting a war that could not be won. And it has come to my realization that perhaps I was on the wrong side to begin with

"As I stated before, there are ways for old conflicts to be resolved."

He focused his attention on the wall.

"I am tired of losing. I am tired of fighting for the wrong reasons. All three of those 'good' factions never accomplished a lasting order. The Galaxy is dangerous, but I think that the Empire could make it safe again. I think that there is a way for all to be united."

He glanced back at Kaine.

"I am sure you must think that I am spouting 'Republican Sentiments' but I assure you that is not at all true. The Empire has always been believed to be horrilbly evil, mostly because of Alderaan. But perhaps with honorable men such as us, that reputation can be thrown off."