From On War, Grand Moff Bhindi Drayson<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

War. War is the great divider, and the great unifier. No singular issue in the existence of humanity, indeed the existence of the galaxy, has been a source of so much discontent as that of War. War has been analyzed by many people. Great warriors who sought to increased the support for their crusades. Pacifists who desired an end to war and a galaxy living in perfect harmony with one another. But the Empire has long remained silent on the issue of War. For the Empire, War is merely a tool. A means to an end. If order can be attained, restored, or created through War, then War is the Empire’s tool for attaining those ends.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There are those who would tell you that War is never justified, that it is an evil that we must strive to eliminate. I will tell you in short order what is wrong with this school of thought. Imagine a galaxy where the Separatists had been allowed free reign, where the Republic had splintered and fallen, and the galaxy plunged into a new Dark Age the despondency of which we can only begin to imagine. The Clone Wars, while a devastating conflict, where necessary for the greater good. For the security of the state. Indeed, for the security of the galaxy itself.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There are those who would tell you that War is a necessary evil, required at times but generally something one wishes to avoid. This idea of a justifiable War is ludicrous. What justifies War? Certainly the actions of the Empire are justified in the name of the greater good, but given the vast difference in the thoughts, ideals, etc. of different species, and even different groups of humans, who is to say that War is justified? The Almanians may have fought a war for independence, but freedom is an ideal of the Almanians, not necessarily of their masters. Who then is to say that War is justified?<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There are those who would tell you that War is necessary for the maintenance of security. That, pardon the cliché, the best defence is a good offence. War is necessary to maintain the status quo, to defend the state, to maintain peace, stability, and order. In short order, War is what allows the galaxy to maintain its integrity. War and Peace are not mutually exclusive. While there is a time for Peace, there is too a time for War. War is the penultimate balance for Peace: without War, there would be no Peace. And without Peace as the guiding principle, the final result, of War, there would be no Peace.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Irregardless of these arguments, there remain those who are ardently opposed to War. War, they say, is evil. It is immoral. It is unjust. And on and on. To convince these people otherwise would take a great deal of logical argument, and even then, when confronted with something that is in direct contradiction of their own thoughts and ideals, people seem to have the special ability to ignore logic. To ignore cold, hard facts.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Key, then, to making even the most ardent anti-War activist support the idea of War, then, is to appeal to their most basic primitive instincts. There is no species I have encountered that do not feel fear. Even the Jedi Knights of Old, perverted as they were, who had claimed to “master their emotions”, would succumb at times to fear. Nor is there any species I know of that has no word for anger. To get an unwilling populace to support a war, then, the key is to appeal to these instincts. Fear of an enemy will trigger a reaction of self-preservation, which will lead to support of that which preserves their self, that is, War. Anger, too, has a similar effect. Anger will lead to a desire to see revenge taken, and revenge is served by War. War appeals to these most basic instincts because War is as old as life itself. Since the dawn of time there has been War. Be it between tribes, or clans, worlds or intergalactic governments, War has been an ever-present part of life in this galaxy and any other. When foreign races meet for the first time, the first thing they recognize of one another is the ability, indeed the desire, to make War. And then they realize “we are not so different after all”.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

War is, as stated, the great unifier.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

To get a populace to stand behind War, the populace must be made to sympathize with the goals of the War. The goals of War, any War, follow the basic tenants of War. To subdue the proud, and spare the vanquished.<o:p></o:p>

Yaga Minor<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The conference room was, as per usual, dimly lit. The first thing Trinity noticed upon entry was that they would soon need a larger conference room. The Ubiqtorate was easily the largest Protectorate in the Empire, and such was noticed on Imperial Centre. The recent promotion of Bhindi Drayson to the rank of Grand Moff, and the presentation of the Super Star Destroyer Executor III (since rechristened) was proof enough of that. Unfortunately, her appointment to the High Command also left the Ubiqtorate short of a day-to-day leader, and the Conference had been getting rowdy under Trinity since the change in leadership. This was to their first full assembly with the now-Grand Moff present.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

One chair stood empty at the end of the table, leaving no doubt as to what the meeting would be about. On cue, Bhindi Drayson swept into the room, decadent in her uniform of Grand Moff, and took her place at the head of the table.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Gentlemen.” She said, glancing around the table at each of the nearly two dozen men. “Before I begin, is there any business to come before the Council?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Such was the format of these meetings. Any of the members could raise an issue, a request, a thought, and have the Council deliberate it. These ranged from requests for increased funding to calls for action against rebels, terrorists, and pirates. Most where denied by the Grand Moff, and the Council had become hesitant to suggest anything in these ‘open table’ sessions.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Today, however, was different.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“With all due respect, Grand Moff. I believe that the Ubiqtorate lacks leadership. The Council meets regularly and attempts to control the local systems, but the populace looks up to Yaga Minor. You’re absence is being noticed, especially outside the Capital. Dissidents are calling for an outright attack on the Empire, and we dare not leave our borders undefended or invade another world without your authorization.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Drayson took all this in without blinking. There was little new information in the man’s statements, the dissidents had long existed and long been put up with by the Empire. But he was right: the absence of proper leadership from Yaga Minor was beginning to take its toll on the planets, and the Council.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Perhaps an example should be made of these… dissidents.” She said deliberately. “As it so happens, Governor, I believe I have the perfect target in mind for a demonstration of our power.” She gestured to Trinity, and the Line-Captain activated the holographic projector. The image of a world appeared in the centre of the table. A world that looked startling like…<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Imperial Centre?” One of the men said in surprise. “You mean to see a demonstration on the capital itself?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Bhindi laughed, her eyes alight with knowledge only she (and Trinity) knew. The power of knowing something others did not was intoxicating, and the Grand Moff relished every moment of it.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Not Imperial Centre, no. This is Contruum. Located in the Mid-Rim, between Obroa-skai and Belderone. It is, as you can see, an industrialized world. The most industrialized world outside the Core, in fact.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There were murmurs as the group considered this, and some pointed glances towards the empty seat at the far end of the table.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“I have assigned Admiral Kyoto to the task of bringing Contruum to its knees. He will provide an excellent… demonstration of the Empire’s power. The dissidents will be silenced, of this I promise you.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Trinity now depressed a button, and the door at the far end of the table opened silently. A man entered. He was young to be wearing the insignia of an Admiral (although Bhindi was not yet forty and wore that of a Grand Moff), and he seated himself without fanfare in the formerly vacant seat at the end of the table.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“This is Admiral Kyoto. He is charged with the formation of the new Borderland Protectorate, to provide us (the Empire) with a buffer should the Black Dragon Empire ever succeed in breaking our forward line.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Needless to say, the Admiral will need your full support in this endeavour.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“You mean to say, Admiral, that the Ubiqtorate – we – are to pick up the tab for this new Protectorate? Where is the Imperial High Command?” The speaker was livid, his face flushed. It was clear to Bhindi that he had been preparing this outburst for some time.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Yes.” She said simply. “This is a service to the Empire, Governor. The Empire which, in spite of your petty issues with money, we all serve.” The cold power of the woman’s words left a heavy silence over the table.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Empire is all well and good, Admiral.” The silence was broken. “But little good she is if she can’t afford to defend herself! My forces are stretched to the limit as it is! How do you propose to defend another dozen worlds?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Bhindi shook her head. That the Governors were denied full access to intelligence and even Imperial policy was a given. But she expected, indeed demanded, that her Council have greater minds than this.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

She offered a slight nod to Trinity, indiscernible to the other members of the Council. The Line-Captain tapped a key, and the door at the end of the chamber opened a second time. This time two Stormtroopers entered, and, their helmets obscuring any emotion, picked the offending Governor up by his armpits and led him out of the room. As he was pulled away he screamed, begging for mercy.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

His pleas went unanswered, and as soon as the door closed the unmistakable report of a blaster rifle going off was heard, followed by a dull thud. The other Governors exchanged glances, and finally looked back to the Grand Moff.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Neither Bhindi nor the new Admiral Kyoto seemed phased by this turn of events. Unbeknownst to the rest of the group the execution of the Governor had been ordered days earlier, and only put into effect now to serve as a warning to the other Governors.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Now, are there any more questions?” Bhindi asked, smiling.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There were none.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Then this meeting is adjourned.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>


<o:p> </o:p>

REBELS STRIKE IMPERIAL EMBASSY<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

CONTRUUM – A rebel group has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Imperial embassy on Contruum that claimed twenty-six lives and left dozens more wounded yesterday. The rebels, calling themselves the “Contruum Sons of Liberty” posted a message to the holonet claiming responsibility for the attack and encouraging other groups to commit similar acts against Imperial targets across the galaxy.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

It is unknown whether the CSL have any ties to the Galactic Liberation Front that launched a string of devastating attacks against Imperial and other targets last year.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Empire has promised “swift and brutal retribution” against anyone who seeks to destabilize the New Order. An investigation has already begun on Contruum, and local investigators are working with the Empire to bring those responsible to justice.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“This will not go unnoticed.” An Imperial official said on condition of anonymity. “These ‘Sons of Liberty’ will be brought to justice, swiftly and without mercy.” <o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Terrorism against the Empire is a form of treason, and as such is punishable by death.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

In response to the threat, the Empire has puts its forces on alert in case reports of additional attacks are found to be true. The government has issued a general warning to all citizens, but says that life should go on as usual without fear of the terrorists.<o:p></o:p>

Regrad had had enough.

The Empire did it time and time again. Constantly justifying everything they did with falsified claims, playing off of peoples' fears, and masquerading in the shorn skin of virtue, they continued to take planet after planet to feed some sort of war-effort against the galaxy that rarely ever manifested.

That was why, when the CIB was done dissecting today's Coruscant Daily Mirror, he immeadietly approved Ferguson's request to act.

"We can't afford to stand idly by any more while the Empire finds a new and interesting excuse why they need to bomb out and enslave another population." said Regrad to the chief of intelligence, over their holo-comm. "Ferguson, you have my full support to set up operations on Contruum. Get to the bottom of what's going on. Unfortunately, as you know, we're not strong enough to stop them. But, learn as much as you can, do what you can, maybe we can save some lives."

Ferguson nodded. "I'll do my best, Prime Minister."

Three Months Prior
Contruum Six

Brutus Nogoth pulled the thick parka tighter around his body in a poor attempt to conserve what little heat his body was generating. Cursing his decision to meet in person with the CSL leader in person, he shivered as a gust of wind swept months old snowflakes off the ground and sent them swirling back in the air. Brutus ducked his head forward, wondering if he would ever know what it was like to be warm again.

Contruum was said to be the most advanced and industrialized world outside of the galactic core. Though that statement was debatable, especially with the rise of Vinda Corporation in the Tingel Arm of the galaxy, there was no question that Contruum was a highly "civilized" planet with sprawling cities and massive industrial capacity.

The same could not be said for Contruum Six.

The only other inhabited world in the Contruum system, Contruum Six was a small world that due to its outer orbit was a perpetually frozen iceball. The planet boasted two major settlements, though they were by no means thriving metropolises. The planet had been colonized primarily to provide mineral resources for Contruum's thriving industrial complex, but its importance had waned as Contruum's economy had grown, outpacing the ability of planet to provide resources.

Brutus Nogoth's brain had all that knowledge stored away somewhere. However, numbed by the intense cold, it was unlikely he would have been able to come up with it. He was standing about two mile away from the larger of the two settlements on Contruum Six, known quite ironically as Sunnyside. (The name originated from the fact that the part of the planet the settlement was located on faced Contruum's primary star about 75 percent of the time)

A pair of similarly attired figures stood a few feet to other side of Brutus. Both were carrying large, deadly looking blaster rifles slung over their shoulder. Brutus wasn't particularly worried about trouble with CSL, but there was always the chance that someone, possibly even the Imperials would try and take him out. Tucked away under his coat was an E-11 blaster rifle, for a final measure of security.

The message the GLF had received had asked that someone of influence be present at this spot at a certain time. Brutus, though usually not a hands on operator, had decided to be his own messenger. He was now regretting that decision.

Brutus raised his left arm all the way up to his face, using the warm air from his exhale to defrost the face of his wrist chronometer. The time had come. Given the circumstances, Brutus was not inclined to stay for very long once the deadline had passed.

Then from amidst the swirling snow, the shape of a landspeeder suddenly became visible, a pair of high-speed skiffs zooming along at its flanks. Brutus noticed that the middle speeder was large, and more importantly enclosed.

Thank the Force.



"Brutus Nogoth. Wow, what a pleasure. What an unexpected pleasure."

The large man stepped forward, hand extended, a large toothy grin consuming his face. Brutus, revitalized by the heat of the complex, smiled back. He took the man's hand and shook.

"You'll forgive me if I can't return your generosity."

The sandy-haired man chuckled.

"The name's Sheamus Orling. Friends call me Shea."

The man had a very pleasing, exciting voice.

"I run operations for Contruum United here on Six. Technically I'm the president of Triple Six Inc, United's subsidiary that runs all the major operations out here."

Brutus's interest piqued. Contruum United was one of Contruum's leading corporate forces, and like many of the mega-corporations on the planet had its hand in a variety of business ventures across the planet.

"Interesting. Very interesting."

Sheamus only smiled.

"Brutus, if I know the way you think, and I believe that I do, I'll show you something much more interesting than that."

He winked, and motioned for Brutus to follow him.

Brutus quickly realized that the facility to which he had been brought was not the tiny little outpost he expected. A speck on the map, the aboveground facility consisted of the hangar building where the landspeeders had parked, and a few small buildings that appeared to be living quarters. The largest structure had been the one he was currently in, which had the makings of a small warehouse.

Brutus watched as Shea lead him down a short staircase, then into a partially concealed turbolift. A few moments later, Brutus found himself in a cavernous room, piled high with crates. The ceiling was probably about 30 feet high.

Shea walked over to large box and used a crowbar to rip open the top. From inside the box he removed what was unmistakably a Trident Missile Launcher. Hefting over his shoulder, he turned to Brutus.

"We've got thousands. Hundreds of thousands."

Brutus smiled.

"I think we have some things to discuss."

Yaga Minor<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto stepped up the podium, his dark eyes taking in at once the assembled journalists and droids sent by the various news agencies, both intergalactic and local. The topic of the day had been the recent terrorist attack on Contruum, the destruction of the Imperial Embassy giving way to fear that the Galactic Liberation Front or another terrorist network was on the hunt again.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Fear was a powerful weapon, the Admiral mused, when wielded correctly.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Already letters had begun to arrive in the government agencies calling for swift action in the defence of the Empire. Granted, these were the hardliners: those with no mercy for the enemies of the Empire, or with interests in the area to protect. Contruum had many interested parties in Imperial space.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

With a thin smile, the Admiral waved his hands to silence the hubbub of conversation, and immediately is ceased.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” he said slowly. “Thank you for coming. I have only a few things to say with regards to the recent attack against our embassy on Contruum, and then I shall open the floor to questions.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

He paused, letting the cameras capture him as he stood tall in his Imperial uniform, the standard of the New Order draped behind him. It was a powerful image, one that would grace the front pages of hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and books in the coming days, weeks, and months.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“The investigation into the cause of the bombings has begun, and at this time we can confirm that it was a deliberate attack, orchestrated to coincide with an important gathering at the embassy. The Empire is attempting to track down the weapons used, and those responsible.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There was some scattered applause following this statement.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“At the same time, an investigation into the Contruum Sons of Liberty has been commenced. We cannot confirm or deny at this time the rumour that they are supported by, or allied with, the Galactic Liberation Front, but they almost certainly had some help from the outside in planning their attack.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Admiral stopped, glancing at the crowd once more. This was an Imperial crowd: none of the news agencies would send peaceniks to a press conference like this one. His smile deepened, and he went on.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“I have also been instructed to remind you once more than this attack on the Empire will not go unpunished. The Empire, acting in consort with the local Contruum police and intelligence agencies, will bring these terrorists to justice.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There was wild applause at this. Well, the Admiral thought, if nothing else gets them excited. Vengeance had an interesting effect on people.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Are there any questions?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

There were, and the Admiral began to field those, starting with the local agencies.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Thank you for your statement, Admiral. Does this mean that the Empire is planning to move against the world of Contruum, or will it retain its independence?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Empire is working with local authorities to bring these criminals to justice. No plans have been laid for an annexation of Contruum, nor is such a move necessary. The government there has expressed a desire to remain independent from the Empire, and that wish will be respected, as long as they continue to cooperate with our forces.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Thank you, Admiral. Please, is the Empire concerned about the possibility of further terrorist attacks on other worlds?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“That is always a threat, and one we must continue to be wary of. I have been inform of growing ‘chatter’ between terrorist cells, indicating that another attack, or wave of attacks, may be coming. The Empire has taken steps to safeguard herself against further attacks.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Admiral! There has been talk that the Galactic Liberation Front has taken responsibility for the attack on Contruum. Can you confirm this?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“No. Our intelligence in the matter is incomplete, and the claims of GLF involvement are unsubstantiated. They have not openly declared that they are responsible, as is their usual procedure. I will inform you of any updates with regards to the GLF and their involvement (if any) in these actions.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

This is how it went, the reporters bombarding the Admiral with questions, all of which he fielded exactly as he had been trained. The press conference was live, the reporters not on the Imperial payroll (well, some, but not all). But Bhindi had known exactly what to expect from them, and the conference swung in the Empire’s favour. The next day, reports were broadcast warning of a renewed terrorist threat, of a brewing war between the New Order and its ‘cowardly enemies’.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

None yet were calling for war with Contruum, but that would hardly take long.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto went to bed that night with a smile on his face.<o:p></o:p>

(Sorry)

Ariel Trinity watched the angular shape of Admiral Kyoto’s Star Destroyer grow in the viewport in silence. It had been a week since the press conference on the planet, and in the intervening time the letters had begun to pour in. The office of the local Governor, of Grand Moff Bhindi Drayson, and of Admiral Kyoto himself, were being swamped with calls from across the Empire to act on the recent breaking news.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The government of Contruum might have had a hand in the terrorist attack against the Imperial embassy.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The shuttle docked, settling onto its landing struts in the cavernous main bay of the Star Destroyer. Admiral Kyoto waited at the foot of the ramp, flanked by two Stormtroopers. He offered Trinity a salute as she stepped off the ramp. Though the Admiral outranked her (and by no small degree), she was representing the Grand Moff, and thus it was standard procedure to be given the same respect as Bhindi herself would have been.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Captain. It is a pleasure to see you again.” <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kyoto</st1:place></st1:City> said, leading the way towards one of the ship’s many conference rooms.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“This is not a social call, Admiral. The Grand Moff demands an update on Contruum.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Admiral shrugged good-naturedly.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Contruum is progressing as planned. I’m sure the Grand Moff is well aware of the calls for war already beginning to stir.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“We’ve been getting a deluge of mail, yes.” Trinity said with a thin smile.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

They had reached the end of the hanger bay now, and the Admiral led the young Captain up a turbolift and finally, into the conference room.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“As have I. It will not be long before the people are calling for open war with Contruum. The terrorists have to be removed, lest they find another way of attacking the Empire.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Admiral depressed a button on the table, and the hologram of the world appeared. Trinity recognized it from the Council meeting some weeks prior.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“As a matter of fact, however, we’ve just received word of terrorist activity on the planet. Our computer records show one of our people on the ground printed off a complete set of records from the embassy: they know who was in the building and why they were there.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“And the Empire let this happen?” Trinity asked, appalled at the lapse in security.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Of course. The list was, naturally, doctored. The identities of those in the building remain confidential. But we’ll see what the terrorists do with the information, false or otherwise. And that may give us a way to find out where they’re working from. Or what they’re planning next.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Trinity nodded. Obviously, the Grand Moff had made a good choice with <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kyoto</st1:place></st1:City>. Their minds worked in the same way, analyzing everything to find a way to exploit it.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“And the reports of government involvement? Are they true?”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Admiral smiled, showing his teeth. He could have been a poster boy for the Empire.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“As true as Intelligence can make them. We’ve stressed in the news that the reports are unconfirmed and pending further investigation. But you know these people. They see the words ‘Contruum government’ and ‘terrorist’ in the same sentence and they overreact. You’ve seen the mail.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Trinity nodded, understanding. Admiral Kyoto had played his hand perfectly. The Empire would not go to war with Contruum of its own accord. It was being pressed from all sides to defend its integrity in the face of public criticism.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Empire would invade Contruum and bring the terrorists and their friends in the government to justice. And the Empire would be the heroes, defending their citizens and the citizens of Contruum against attack.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Everyone wins.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“What’s your next move, Admiral?” Trinity asked, looking to the hologram of the world.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Stalwart is going to be putting in at Contruum 6, an inhabited world in the system. Officially we’re there to monitor the situation and give us a reaction force if necessary. From there…” He shrugged. Trinity nodded. Clearly, the Admiral had something planned that he was not keen to share.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“The Stalwart doesn’t have the troop capacity to serve as an invasion base.” Trinity pointed out. Indeed, the Allegiance Class Star Destroyer was designed with space superiority combat in mind, not the landing of ground contingents. Trying to use the Stalwart to invade a planet would be like using a butter knife to cut nerf steak. It could be done, but it would be far more trouble than it was worth, and make a hell of a mess in the process.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

“Something we will use to great effect in the press.” The Admiral replied. “The Stalwart cannot realistically support an invasion. She is merely a monitor.”<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Trinity nodded, understanding.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Three hours later, with the shuttle launched and on its way back to the surface, the Stalwart made the jump to hyperspace, bound for Contruum 6.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>


<o:p> </o:p>

ATTACK ON THE EMPIRE<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

CONTRUUM - Rebels today attacked the Imperial Star Destroyer Stalwart in orbit above Contruum 6, crippling the vessel and killing at least 30, according to initial reports.

The attack came during a shift change. A small transport vessel approached the Stalwart despite repeated orders to desist and warning shots, and exploded off the starboard (right) bow. Repair crews were able to lock the area down, keeping the death toll to a minimum.

The transport vessel was reported stolen from a Contruum government impound lot.

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto, commander of the Stalwart, said in a press conference following the attack, “this will not go unpunished. We will hunt down these terrorist killers, and we will bring them to justice. The Empire will not stand for terrorism!”

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto has said that an investigation has already begun into the attack, and hopes to see it completed early next month.

<o:p> </o:p>

If it is found that the Contruum government was involved with the attack, it is likely that the Empire will declare the government an enemy of the state and move to replace it. There are factions within the Empire already calling for war with Contruum.

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>


<o:p> </o:p>

WAR!<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

CONTRUUM – Terrorists have crippled an Imperial Star Destroyer and killed at least 50 of her soldiers in a cowardly attack in the Contruum system today. A transport vessel reported stolen from a government impound lot approached the Star Destroyer and exploded, causing damage to the starboard bow section of the vessel and forcing her to make emergency repairs.

<o:p> </o:p>

An investigation by The Guardian shows evidence of involvement by the Contruum Sons of Liberty as well as the Contruum government. The transport had been reported stolen yesterday but security tapes from the impound lot showed no signs of unusual activity, and no alarm was raised when the ship took off.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Contruum government refused to comment to The Guardian on the incident, but their local news agency was told that “the government explicitly denies any involvement in this tragedy… and offers its sincerest apology to the New Order.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Leaders of the Contruum government have refused to meet with Imperial official as part of their official investigation into the attack, causing a stir. Activists on both sides are already petitioning for action. A war movement on Admiral Kyoto’s home planet of Fondor is growing steadily, and pro-war rallies on dozens of other planets are drawing more and more people.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Empire has dispatched a flotilla to reinforce the Star Destroyer at Contruum 6, under Admiral Kyoto. Further information as it becomes available.

The arrival of an Imperial fleet to Contruum was not unexpected. Since the attack on the Stalwart, and the ensuing cries for swift and immediate vengeance from the hard-line press, direct intervention had been a given.

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto, in his second public appearance in as many days, continued to stress that the Empire’s involvement at Contruum was not an invasion. They were merely defending the Empire’s integrity by all means necessary. At the behest of the populace that had moved to secure Contruum, setting up a blockade of the system to ensure that the terrorist threat remained local.

<o:p> </o:p>

Better a contained threat than one on the loose.

<o:p> </o:p>

Traffic in and out of Contruum was subject to Imperial blockade practice, passing through rigorous screening before being allowed to move to or from the planet. In all of this the Empire was opposed in earnest by the Contruum government, who demanded (among other things) an immediate cessation to the blockade.

<o:p> </o:p>

Their request was summarily denied by the Empire, on the grounds that if Contruum could not control its border, the Empire would take the necessary action. Still, no troops had been landed on Contruum, aside from those guards assigned to the Empire’s embassy.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Imperial citizens were not impressed, however. The evidence was beginning to mount of a deep government involvement in the attack on the Stalwart, and the people were clamoring for blood. The rebels and terrorists had managed to kill a hundred of the Empire’s soldiers and citizens, and the government continued to investigate. To negotiate.

<o:p> </o:p>

On Imperial Centre, Ian Malcolm lashed out at the Imperial Command, attacking their lack of swift retribution. Violence was, he said, all the terrorists understood, and so violence was all that they should get. An eye for an eye, as the old adage goes.

<o:p> </o:p>

For their part, the government of Contruum was growing restless. They had filed dozens, even hundreds, of requests for a removal of the Imperial blockade to every level of the government, from the office of the Grand Moff to that of the Emperor. Each one had been denied, and the same reason given. And the leaders of Contruum were beginning to get desperate.

<o:p> </o:p>

Action had to be taken.

<o:p> </o:p>

And so it was that within a week of Admiral Kyoto’s arrival at Contruum the Stalwart fell under attack once more. What was going through the mind of the government as they ordered the attack remains unknown, but the consequences are well documented.

<o:p> </o:p>

Under a flag of comradery a government task force approached the Imperial blockade. Passing by the Stalwart in a show of respect, they opened fire. Unshielded, the Star Destroyer took the brunt of the attack on her hull, and even her heavy armour could not prevent the inevitable.

<o:p> </o:p>

One hundred of the Empire’s soldiers died in the attack, their lives taken away in a flash of bitter betrayal.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Contruum task force was destroyed, and the Empire swore revenge. Not for the first time, but if anything the unexpected betrayal was a wake up call. The government had awoken a sleeping giant.

<o:p> </o:p>

Such was the chain of events that led to Contruum’s annexation by the New Order.

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Now.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The weather had tuned bitter since the ill fated attempt on the Stalwart. In <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Contruum</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, the city that covered some 40% of the planet’s surface, the sun had given way to rain.

<o:p> </o:p>

Dark clouds obscured the descent of the Imperial Sentinel class landing ship.

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto set foot on Contruum for the first time and breathed in the fresh air. The weather, he thought, was welcoming them. Everything was purer after the rain, the filth and grime washed away by the showers. In the ancient annals of Contruum’s history, rain had been worshipped as a God. The rain, thought the Admiral as he made his way down the ramp and into the covered speeder, careful not to allow his dress uniform to get wet, was as good a metaphor for the Empire as any.

<o:p> </o:p>

The speeder made its way through the city, and the Admiral smiled at what he saw.

<o:p> </o:p>

Every inch of the trail between the spaceport and the government house, some sixteen kilometres in all, was lined by Imperial Stormtroopers standing shoulder to shoulder. It was as impressive a show of force as any the man had ever seen before. And certainly the most poignant the people of Contruum had ever witnessed.

<o:p> </o:p>

What there was of an army had surrounded even as the first transports made their landings, bowing in the face of the Empire. Most were reserve units, for the Contruum army was small at best, and not well suited to defend their world from an enemy like the New Order.

<o:p> </o:p>

Admiral Kyoto arrived in the courtyard of the government house to find it lined with yet more Imperial soldiers, standing to attention in spite of the driving rain. As the speeder’s doors opened, all snapped their boots together, stood straighter. The power brought of their presence brought a single tear to the Admiral’s eye.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Sir. The Prime Minister is waiting.” An aide said off to one side, and the Admiral nodded. The aide led the way, and Admiral Kyoto met the leader of Contruum’s government with a smile.

<o:p> </o:p>

“It is a pleasure.” The other man said with some difficulty, observing the Stormtroopers who flanked the Admiral with distaste. Defiant to the last, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kyoto</st1:place></st1:City> thought, observing the man did not even try to hide his contempt for the soldiers of the Empire.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Tell me, Sir.” <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kyoto</st1:place></st1:City> said conversationally. “Why did you think you could defy the Empire?”

<o:p> </o:p>

The Prime Minister was taken aback by the Admiral’s friendly, cordial tone, and struggled for words. He still had not found them when a blaster appeared in the Admiral’s hand and put a bolt though his skull.

<o:p> </o:p>

The smoking body of the Prime Minister collapsed to the rug, convulsing.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Disgusting.” <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kyoto</st1:place></st1:City> said, observing the body for a moment. Then, shrugging, he returned the weapon to the holster at his belt and turned to an aide.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Inform the Grand Moff that Contruum is ours. And,” he offered a bland look at the twitching body of the Prime Minister, “have someone replace the carpet in the Governor’s office.”