Kaine's eyes widened with surprise and no small pleasure that the High Lord's words reflected his own thoughts of late.

"It is not their tenents that interest me, I must confess, as much as their purpose. The purpose was noble even if the way they carried it out left much to be desired."

"As you have noticed, the Imperial machinery is geared to overcome. Our great fleets and force users, such as the Sith, are designed for that end. But tell me, High Lord: What happens to that machinery once everything has been overcome? When the great war machine of the Empire is no longer necessary?

What happens at peace? You will have no doubt noticed that soldiers find a hard time adjusting to the experiences of peace because they are trained for a purpose that is no longer relevent. How do they adjust?

How will our own force users adjust? Will the Sith simply exist in peace?

No, a new Jedi Order, a new corps of Jedi would not be designed with our war machine in mind. It should be designed with maintaining the Empire. Maintaining the machinery that keeps our government strong and functionng. Maintaining the order and the peace.

Military measures keeps the peace externally but a new corps of Jedi would keep the peace, internally. For the people.

Perhaps that is the missing equation to stem civil wars."


He smiled, as he took a sip of his drink, "Tell me, High Lord, how fares your new Coalition?"

Regrad shrugged "Things could be better, frankly. We've ironed over most of the administrative details, but we're facing a lot of funding issues. I might have them covered now, but then maybe not. We're doing our best. Fortunately, we havn't got much of a War Machine to worry about any more.

"The Galactic Liberation front is a problem too. They don't fight fair. At least in the war you knew where you stood. Them and us. Well, you and us. But now they're coming out of the woodwork, killing anyone and everyone. Insane, I'd say. If I could get my hands on Nogoth, I would wring every last breath from him.

"Besides those two little points, I'd have to say there isn't much to complain about. There's been some changes in the government since the war - a coup attempt will do that to a government - and I think we're now at a point where the Coalition can soon take a break. Which is something we need. I've learn't my lesson about galactic warfare, don't worry about that.

"What about the Empire? I'd imagine things must be better then ever. You've got a good point about that whole war machine thing, but besides that I bet things must be pretty restful in the High Command these days, eh? Of course you are dealing with the Front as well, but if Imperial Intelligence could figure out where a mighty warfleet would attack, when, and in what strength, finding out where a handful of terrorists would be would be a snap."

The frustration of the High Lord was plain enough to see. The Grand Marshall took another drink using the time for contemplation.

"If it was a 'snap' as you say, we would have glassed the planet already. No, we will be taking a different approach to these terrorists. Most of our measures are internal such as increased customs regulations, fighter escorts, fines to companies whose material and equipment are used in such attacks, financial tracking and such. We even have a program called Citizen Watch that is in review."

Kaine smiled, "Still, these measures will not stop such attacks. They only help us better to deal with them and minimize casualties. To take the war to terrorists, one must think a bit smaller.

Have you posted rewards for information or for the body of Nogoth, preferrably dead?

Have you hired bounty hunters?

They may not be the usual way to fight a battle, but one must learn to use what works. And for all their bad publicity, Bounty Hunters do work."


He paused to see how Regrad would react to such ideas.

Regrad sniffed "Bounty hunters" he said "I'd trust them to hunt down a belligerent criminal or the like if my own forces were not adequete, but no mere hired gun can catch these men. At least not all of them." Regrad seemed to pause in thought "Actually, maybe thats' the point. A few bounty hunters could be used to prevent terrorist attacks while the Intel services themselves could concentrate on hunting down the terrorist network."

He gave this some more thought, then continued "Interesting idea, it never occured to me before. I'll have to look into it. But you know, from what we've found out so far, these are not just angry fanatics meeting in basements. We have reason to believe massive wealthy benefactors, perhaps even governments - Of course, I'm not suspecting the Empire, as you are bearing the brunt of the attacks - could be involved.

"But as for the Bounty Hunters, I see they might have their uses, but I personally don't trust them. I mean, they serve for money, not for justice. Supporting that sort of behaviour doesn't seem like the moral thing to do."

Regrad suddenly paused as he weighed the moral issues of encouraging catching criminals for money compared to letting people die without trying everything, and noted his error. "I guess you're right, maybe Bounty hunters could be a good idea, at least to round out the force's numbers. I imagine your Imperial Intel know that the Galaxy's intelligence services as a general rule arn't used to this sort of thing."

Grand Marshall Kaine grinned at the alien High Lord, "Regrad, bounty hunters are not supposed to bring justice to criminals. That is your job. They merely catch them and bring them to you.

Believe me, your people will not care if a criminal is hauled in by our own military police or by a bounty hunter and if they are hauled in roughly or on rose petals. They just want the terrorist actions to stop. Spend the money, save your own soldiers and have someone who's experienced go after these filth.

There is always the threat of terrorist activity from worlds not yet civilized. Any world outside the sphere of influence of a galactic government can breed terrorists like rats.

If those 'independent' worlds cannot curb this growth then do they deserve recognition as a legitimate government? I tell you now Regrad, if we connect terrorist to a so-called independent world, and this planet does not halt their growth, then we have to conclude that these terrorist breed with the approval of this independent world. And that, my friend, is an act of war."

The Past..

Prior to The Empire Strikes Back Campaign..







Kaine watched the people as they readied the preparations for the Pre'Tak observance. Grand Admiral Hyfe and Grand Admiral Zell had both exited the system leaving Kaine with the task of exterminating the people before him.


We came at the word of Grand Admiral Hyfe.

Now, we leave at the very same word.

After expense in money, time and material... they are to be exterminated.


Why?



He put the problem off for a bit as he began to study the holographic maps of the Jutraalian Empire and the strongholds of Chaddwick Fearsons.

With the Hoth System housing a nearly completed Death Star, that would definitely shift the power in the region to Jutraal's favor. He could immediately begin to see why Exceron was desirous of seeing the bloody thing destroyed.


But Zell had made it a point of singling out Hyfe for the attack on the the station. Which was odd. If Hyfe wanted to destroy these people, he could have stayed and still been able to participate in other excercises..

Kaine's mind went over the situation as different portions of Fearson's empire were highlighted, augmented and discarded.

Exceron must have wanted Hyfe leading the main attack. Otherwise, Grand Admiral Zell himself would be leading with Vice Admiral Drakiss in reserve.



Why does Exceron wish Hyfe to lead.

Why does Darth Exceron...



And it hit him. He looked up at the people making their preparations and suddenly an intense curiosity took hold.


Why? Why? Why?

Present Day



Jenice Arliss left the transport watching the myriads of controlled and orderly traffic overhead. The Arliss Platform began to descend slightly allowing for a nearing private air-transport to dock.

She was to be meeting with a subcommitee on Arliss Industries ERT Program, the new (and mandatory) innoculation for all citizens of the Empire, alien and human alike.

Her money invested in the 'liberation' of Coruscant had paid off handsomely. With Cryonics out of the way, her father had maneuvered to be one of the largest government contractors within the Empire.

With the Biogenetics Accords, Arliss was the only corporation allowed use of biomaterial and even then, what small amount they did have was protected by security measures beyond belief.

Paranoia based security was the mantra of the Empire.

Especially in the wake of Wrath.


The air-transport lifted off and she found herself served a liquid refreshment.

It was now time to bury the fear of Wrath (or their like) once and for all. Staring out a window she could feel it. Change was coming. Like the holonet terrorist kept claiming but at the level she and her father played the changes of hacks mattered little.


She pressed her thumb against a smooth silver surface and a lid unlocked releaving a document. She retrieved it and began to read, the only heading reading: Ministry of State, Census Bureau.


The numbers looked very encouraging.

The Past




A year in 'Transition'...

Internal Press Release following the Endgame Operation.









From the Office of the Grand Marshall, and with the approval of the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order, a new program is taking shape throughout the Empire called Citizen Watch.

With the increasing expansion of the New Order, it has become apparent on many of the newly liberated worlds of the Empire, that there was a lack of progressive and effective organizations by previous factions to care for the needs of their citizens. Disheartened and despondent, the Empire has heard their cries and has taken steps to not only solidify a solid civilian corps but to reinforce a rebirth of confidence in government!

There is no question that the security, prosperity and order of the Empire is due, in large, to the well funded and well trained armies of the Imperial Military. However, the Empire is so much more than merely the sum of its combined Armies and Navies. Its heart beats with the blood of loyal citizens galaxy wide as we all step up to accept the challenge to push the darkness and barbarism back.

Citizen Watch is designed to be one of several large scale agencies trained to care for and address the needs of various civil concerns and issues. From the umbrella of the Citizen Watch Program will come the following civil benefits:


Labor Assist

Unemployment rate growing in your sector? Call on the Citizen Watch’s Labor Assist Program! This agency is designed to seek out secure employment that suits the needs of every citizen. The Labor Assist Program will help with relocation costs (if needed) and do everything to ensure that citizens have steady work and remain a productive member of the Empire.


Civil Finance Assist

An enemy attack leaving your finances in ruins? The Citizen Watch realizes that unforeseen circumstances strike us all and that what was once secure one day may be in danger the next. For those citizens who qualify for this useful program, Citizen Watch is ready to provide the necessary funds to keep you on your feet and keep financial institutions off of your back.


Citizen Youth

To ignore the next generation of Imperials is to ignore all the progress such individuals as Daemon Hyfe, Azrael Zell and Simon Kaine have made on behalf of the Empire. Our generation of today remember the hardships they experienced at the hands of the Rebels as they tried to follow the tenets of their heart and remain true Imperials. It is these hardships that Citizen Youth will combat fervently with special education programs. Many youth’s, regardless their of status in life or race, face the pain of lost loved ones, the loneliness of having both parents work, the heartache of being thought of as different by peers.

Citizen Youth, with the cooperation of public and private school districts throughout the Empire, will educate, counsel, rehabilitate, and, if necessary, discipline our youths instilling in them a sense of Pride. A sense of Acceptance. A sense Belonging.

Ah, thought Regrad, some traditional Imperial dogma at last. "I see you're fairly judgemental as to the legitimacy of governments" he said "We've certainly felt the sharp end of that stick before - however, to be fair, I can't say we didn't deserve it at times.

"Speaking of that stick, the metaphorical one, I've felt concern lately over the anti-alien, anti-civil-freedoms, and just plain anti-none-Imperial sentiments we've been hearing from the Empire. Since the war, I've learnt a great deal about your government, and I've decided you are perhaps not the great darkness prophesised a hundred thousand years ago, but that is only because the Empire seems to teeter on a faint line between moderatness, and raging, expansionist, evil.

"You wouldn't be interested in sharing your opinion on this divide? I imagine a more liberal faction was long ago put to death" He said in a voice that held a glint of comedy, and another glint of prediction "but the moderates and the hardliners of the Empire are obviously of great concern to the rest of us. A puritanical leader would be most unfortunate for our continued existance, I bet."

Aboard the ISD Victory...



Kaine took a drink as High Lord Regrad went into a self depreciating tale about sticks and the role his people had in their use.

He held up a hand to pause the other for a split second, "High Lord, if I am judgemental about the legitimacy of other governments, it is because their 'legitimacy'..their recognition rests on the judgement of people like you and I."

He eyed Regrad thoughtfully, "Let us say a planet rebelled and won their fight and sets up a new ruling government. Now, fairy tales of fantasy will say that anyone rebelling must be rebelling for a 'good' cause, a just cause... a noble cause. But, in reality, this new government begins to slaughter their people trying to consolidate their power.

While I understand such a move, I do feel it wasteful and I know you and your people would feel much more strongly about it.

Tell me, does that new government deserve.. from the galactic super powers that we are... does it deserve our recognition of legitimacy?"

He paused.

"Personally, I say no. I say, it is my judgement that goes to our Regent and it is my recommendation that helps determine the course of action we take.

A government can exist without the recognition of others... but it cannot thrive."


I've felt concern lately over the anti-alien, anti-civil-freedoms, and just plain anti-none-Imperial sentiments we've been hearing from the Empire.

"What sort, specifically, have you heard?" Kaine inquired curiously.


...but that is only because the Empire seems to teeter on a faint line between moderatness, and raging, expansionist, evil.


"But moderateness and rage compared to what?" Simon asked softly. "We do rage. We rage when what we build is torn down."

Kaine leaned forward, "If you put the Empire against another government that does not defend or protect themselves, then, yes.. I suppose you can say that we rage. I suppose it depends on what your starting point is of measuring moderation and raging expansionism."


"A puritanical leader would be most unfortunate for our continued existance.."


And Kaine laughed softly. "Puritannical in service to what belief? Anyone can be puritannical in their beliefs. A Jedi, for instance, are puritannical in believing any use of the force outside their Order's precepts is a spawn of the darkside. It is no different from force users at the other end of the spectrum. These, I would contest, are puritannical in their beliefs. Do you feel no threat to your continued existence with puritans?"