Day One


The building was isolated - not set far out in the country, as some meeting places might have been - but surrounded by walls and defences that kept even the rest of the military base at bay. A light snow was falling on the rooftop, where half a dozen Lambda Class Shuttles sat, wings folded into landing formation.

Each was the personal vehicle to a very important person, all of whom were seated inside around one large table, constructed of precious Kashyyyk wood.

The topic of the day, and the reason for the calling of such a special meeting, was the Galactic Coalition.

"Is it something to be worried about?" One of the Admirals asked.

"That depends. The Coalition may outnumber the Empire by a few ships - the merging of their assets has allowed for that. By any means, our intelligence is inaccurate and we can't tell for certain who has the upper hand."

"So the Coalition might mantain a bigger navy than us?" Another officer, a young Commodore asked nervously.

Bhindi nodded.

"They could. But that is the least of our worries. The Imperial War Machine is better trained and better mantained, by a long shot. If push comes to shove, our forces can hold their own."

"I have noticed," an older officer put in, smiling slightly, "that the Coalition makes extensive use of Imperator Class Star Destroyers... and Imperial designs, in general."

There was a chorus of light laughter at that. It was indeed true that many other governments, including the Coalition, made use of the Star Destroyer trademark to form the core of their forces.

A quiet admission that the New Order was right.

"Our forces are now on standby for any Coalition assault. We're guessing that they'll try and hit either Coruscant or Corellia - our core regions and production worlds. If they do, our forces will crush them at both those locations before moving on to assault the Coalition's homeworlds."

A holomap had appeared in the centre of the table, with a dozen glowing spots representing the worlds held by the Galactic Coalition.

"These are the worlds that support them. Or rather," she smirked, "that the Coalition has forced into joining with them."

"Only a dozen! And they claim to have a fleet that rivals our own?" The indignation was not easy to hide on the faces of some of the officers.

Again, the Admiral nodded.

"Yes. And you will notice that public support for the government is down on every one of the Coalition's worlds. The mantinence of such a large starfleet does not come without a cost, and while the Empire could easily mantain twice or three times the fleet we have currently, it would require much more ardenous taxing of the people."

"So the people are unhappy with their government?"

"Yes. Imperial surveys predict a 60% rate of approval for the Coalition worlds, as low as 40% on some. To mantain their fleet, the Coalition has taken away from hospitals, schools, and social activities. Taxes have risen three times this year, with at least two more scheduled hikes to come."

Bhindi was cut off by the entrance of two men, both of whom she recognized. Commander Deusvult Godridge, her military aide, and Commander AdrienDrif, Cheif of Intelligence for the Ubiqtorate.

"Yes?" She said politely, rising to return the two mens' salutes.

"Sorry to interupt, Admiral." Godridge said in a rush. "But we've just recieved this from one of our contacts in the Commenor system. It's a broadcast, from the Coalition."

Bhindi nodded and gestured for the two to take seats, then inserted the data crystal into the reader on the table.

Immediatly, the holomap was replaced by a glowing image of the Coalition crest, which soon faded to show three men; one a senator of some sort, judging by his clothing, and two who were evidently bodyguards.

When the message ended, Bhindi turned her gaze to the officers gathered and asked silently, "What now?"

The old Admiral who had spoken earlier was the first to break the silence.

"So, we are going to war, then." He said, obviously not at all opposed to the idea.

"So it seems." Bhindi returned evenly, meeting his gaze. The others at the table murmered their assent and wonder that the Coalition would make the decision to alert their enemies so foolishly.

"I want it noted," Bhindi said after a moment, "that the Empire will not declare war on the Galactic Coalition." She smiled thinly. "Let the public think what they will, the Empire is to noble to return the threat or what have you. But the Galactic Coalition is not a recognized government, and we cannot declare war on a non-recognized party. The Emperor never declared war on the Rebel Alliance, and we all know that the Coalition is nothing more than a final incarnation of the Rebellion."

"What do we do?" Another officer asked.

"We wait."



Day Three


"Have you seen this?" Bhindi asked, dropping a small packet onto Godridge's bed. The Lieutenant, with a minimum of grumbling, pulled himself out of bed and opened the packet.

Inside was a hardcopy of a report from the Idependent News Network, dated earlier that day.

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2"><font size=4>Protestors say 'Down with War'
Coalition leaders face public outcry against war with the Empire</font>

MILLIONS OF PROTESTORS BRAVED all sorts of weather yesterday to march against the Galactic Coalition's public decleration of war. Many of those who showed up say they do not support the ideals of the New Order, but believe that war is not an answer.

"I fully support the Coalition and its leaders," said one Twi'lek, who was out in full rain gear on the world of Bimmisarri, "but I do not understand why war is the only answer. I have not seen the Empire harm us at all, and I know that having the Coalition defend us is coming at a price."

He refers, of course, to steep tax hikes experianced by the people of Bimmisarri since the Coalition took control there. Funds have been diverted from social services to construct defensive warships for the Navy.

"But the ships aren't defensive anymore, are they?" Asks one disgruntled Rodian. "The Empire isn't here, and we're declaring war. That means our defensive fleet will be attacking them. And if they're not here, who will protect us?"

Similar sentiments have been felt across the Coalition since the announcement some days ago. Many people wonder why the Coalition, which is supposed to stand for peace and righteousness, would start a bloodbath as they have declared they are ready to do.

The best estimates for the number of protestors on Coalition worlds is some 25 million. Another march is planned for the day after tomorrow, perhaps earlier. A vigil is also planned if the war begins earlier than the next march.</blockquote>

Godridge tossed the article back on the bed.

"Interesting, isn't it?" Bhindi asked, smiling thinly. "Get dressed. It's going to be a long day."


EDIT: Sorry, sorry, but I just couldn't bear to look at the misspelled title of this thread any longer.

Day Three - Yaga Minor


By the hundred and fifth interuption, by her count, Bhindi Drayson was sick of it. Only a day and a half earlier, the Galactic Coalition had tipped their hand by telling the Empire, and the rest of the galaxy, that an attack was imminent.

Every well-to-do business owner in the Ubiqtorate, and some in nearby systems who were concerned the Coalition attack may spread to their own worlds, had already made the effort to get through to her, or anyone on the General Staff.

It was with the deepest regret, the droids who handled the coms said, that the Empire could not field their calls, but if they would try back later a member of the General Staff may be available. In the meantime, please prepare for a worst-case senario, and do your part to stop the alien advance.

"This is rediculous." Bhindi swore, slamming the com down onto the pile of reports once more. "Even with filtering, we're being overrun."

"There's not an open com line in the building." Godridge reported with a grimace. "The networks are having a tough time just keeping up with everything."

"How's INS handling the madness?" Bhindi asked, ignoring her comlink as it began to chrip again.

"I imagine they're used to it. But last I heard, they shut down their public network and issued new low-range coms to their staff."

"Not a bad idea." The Admiral mused, picking up the comlink and listening to the conerned jabbering of one Jade Lefar, owner of one Corporation or another on Eriadu.

"The Empire will do all it can to defend you and your employees, Mr. Lefar," she broke in. "I can get you in touch with a representive if you'd like more information."

The jabbering ceased, long enough for Bhindi to transfer the call and swear again.

"What else from the Coalition?"

"The same rubish as we get every day of the week. But you may find this interesting." The Commander slid a datacard down the table, which Bhindi inserted into the reader on the table.

that was only after Emperor Fearsons had reformed, and stopped his mass murdering. We also kept a close watch on his actions, and were prepared to step in in case he started any more mass murders, or any crime that is punishable by the Galactic Coalition.

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2"><blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">. . .and yet you offer no such redemption to the New Order? And yet, you are prepared to step in now, when the New Order have done nothing of provocation toward the Galactic Coalition or it's citizens.</blockquote>

I find your more than blatent double standards, extremely disturbing.</blockquote>

"Who the hell is Glen Turnak?"

"He used to be the leader reporter for Universal News, which was sponsored by IDTech. Evidently, some element of the network is still alive. Where he got the money to transmit this, I do not know."

"Looks as though he's taken to shooting off his opinions though, doesn't it?" Bhindi asked with a small smile. "Unbecoming of a reporter, really."

Godridge just shrugged.

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">What I find far more disturbing, is that after numerous brushed off attempts at Peace by the New Order, and while the Coalition makes no attempts of its own for peace through non-violent means, the coalition finds it suitable to advocate this attack that will no doubt end in serious bloodshed.</blockquote>

"'Attempts at peace by the New Order'... Commander, how many attempts at peace do you remember the Empire offering the Coalition?"

"If you count Commodore Gevel's little stunt on Kamino... one." Godridge answered after a moment.

"Ah, yes. The Mon Cal loyalist plot. Who could forget that?"

"Evidently not this Glen Turnak. Nor the people, now that he's brought it up again."

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">What right have you to take that ground?

What higher being handed you the right to kill?</blockquote>

"If you ask the Coalition, I'm sure they'll tell you it was their imaginary Gods that gave them the right to kill innocent civilians."

"God told them to strike at the Empire? If the leaders of the Coalition are taking the word of an imaginary person, or persons, I worry for the safety of the galaxy. Who knows what this 'God' might want them to do next?"

Bhindi chuckled.

"I fear for the future of this galaxy if the Coalition can continue on, anyway."

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">Let it be known that the coalition are as much peace loving democrats as hutts are not dry and not fat.</blockquote>

"And let it be known that Glen Turnak should trade in his reporter hat for a comedian hat."

"The people listen to him, Admiral. They'll pay attention."

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">These dastardly criminals are just that, warmongering and bullying the powers of this galaxy into submission with thier starships.</blockquote>

"He certainly is an opinionated man, Turnak." Bhindi said thoughtfully. "Do you think, perhaps, that we could buy him?"

<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2">"Do we need to bother? No one paid him to say this, and he's doing a pretty good job of painting the Coalition as an evil, warmongering society."

As you paint yourselves with the Righteous brush my friends, know this . . .history, paints you with the biggest brush of all . . .

History, is our greatest judge.

And when our children's children look back on it, they will know you for the bloodthirsty tyrants that you are.

Shame on you all.</blockquote>



Dear Parents

In accordance with Imperial Law, Petron-Clark Elementary Education Centre will remain open thruought these days of crisis. The Coalition threat will not force us into hiding, nor will we sacrafice our students' educations out of fear of the aliens.

We do warn parents to accompany their children to and from school, if possible, or to send them with trusted friends or on one of the many Imperial Education Centre Buses.

We also wish to advise parents of a special meeting tonight for information regarding standard home protection and defences to use if the aliens arrive here.

This special class will be taught by a former Captain of the Imperial Stormtrooper Legion.



"History is written by the winners, Deusvult. To ensure history follows the right path, we must win the war. And to win the war, we must strike the Coalition on every front;

In space...

On the ground...

And through the people.

We must show the Coalition that it is not only the will of the Empire, but the will of their own people, that the New Order emerge victorious."

Day Five... Abregado-rae


A large crowd had gathered, not for the first time, in front of the Coalition government building on Abreagado-rae. The speaker stood on a raised platform, wrapped in a frayed robe of black wool. The entranced citizens, thousands of them, listened with insatiable curiosity to his words, and those passing on the streets who caught wind of what he said were drawn in too. The speaker had a firey passion in his voice, and it drew the crowd in. Even the guards were captivated by his words, though they kept a solemn watch over the gates.

" What of the Coalition They have done nothing for the people of the Abregado-rae! Nothing! They ignore our needs as a people and they steal our resources to fund their war machine! And what do they do with that war machine?

" They do not protect us, as they swore they would! Three times this month alone pirates have raided our citizens and killed our people! And the Coalition does nothing to prevent this! They are too busy in their war with the New Order to bother defending their people!

" Brothers! Sisters! Friends! People of Abreagado-rae! Too long has our government cowered behind these walls. Too long have they stolen from us to fuel their machines of war! Too long have they subjucated us in the name of peace, taken from us in the name of freedom!

" Citizens, change is needed! A new government is needed! A New Order is needed for Abregado-rae!

The speach reached its climax, and the cheers of the people were loud enough to rattle the window panes of the government complex behind them. The speaker would return, but the seed had been planted.

Now, it remained only to sprout and destroy the Coalition's presence on Abregado-rae. It would not take long.





The show was a popular holocast that aired every day, and was seen by more than a trillion beings galaxy-wide. It outranked even some of Face Loran's holodramas in the ratings - espcially today.

The show was based on Abregado-rae, an out of the way planet with no glorious history or distiniquishing marks of any kind. Except for, in the days since the Galactic Coalitions Decleration of War, an unprecendented number of citizens speaking out against it.

The camera fades out from the title sequence and onto the face of Tornel Vai, the host of the show. He is seated on one of the short steps that lead up to the main platform. Around his left arm is a gray armband.

"Good morning, afternoon, and evening." He says. "Today is a day of great discord in our galaxy. The Galactic Coalition - the government that supports our own world of Abregado-rae, has declared war on the Galactic Empire. And the Empire has returned with a battle of the words so feirce as to make many on all sides cringe.

"But as you will find, there is no Black and White in this galaxy."

He takes off the armband, and holds it out. A camera cuts to show it closer up, revealing the gradual change from white to black that is shown.

"I think Grand Marshall Kaine said it best when he said that 'Those are religous distinctions that have no place on a government level.'. He was speaking of Good and Evil - but does not black and white represent Good, and Evil? The two polar opposites?"

There is some scattered applause and approval from the crowd. He gets up and moves to the platform, where two men are seated.

"This is what we are here to talk about tonight. With me here to discuss these issues are are Mr. Fyor Gaulden, a Diplomatic Consultant from Averam and Mr Toreon Oblusk, an Independant expert on modern conflict and diplomatic relations.

"Mister Gaulden, what do you make of the Galactic Coalition's statements?"

The camera shifts to Fyor, who is seated in one of the chairs. The man shifts forward and looks to the camera for a moment, before turning to face Tornel.

"I would not hesistate to call them asinine!" The man declared. "They say that the Empire has always made war with them, yet the Coalition did not even come into being until a month ago. They say that the Empire has always attacked those who stood for justice, but it is the New Order that gives justice!

"Look at the Kamino scandal! The Mon Calamari Republic, one of the founding factions of the Coalition, did nothing to bring justice to their criminals. It was the Empire, Tornel, that footed the expense of prosecuting them!"

"A very good point, Mister Gaulden. The Kamino Scandal-"

"And what gives the Coalition the right to call themselves the right government of our galaxy? Which heavenly figure descended and told them to attack the New Order?

"You heard Jan Dondana! They killed innocent people on Kamino!"

"If I could interupt for just a second, Sir." Tornel says. "Some people would say that civilian casualties are a fact of war."

"Of course they are! You can't bloody well fight a war without killing civilians! But the Kamino bloodbath was not a war - that was the Coalition going in and killing innocent Kaminoians just to get control of their planet."

"Thank you for your words, Mister Gaulden. Mister Oblusk, do you have anything to say?"

The other man nodded, casting a long glare at Fyor Gaulden.

"I do, thank you. I would say that Mister Gaulden is gravely mistaken. The Empire, for the longest time, has been an opponent of those who fight for freedom. They attacked the then-Rogue Empire without provocation."

"They had plenty of provocation!" Gauldren said from his seat. "Fearsons was building a [expletive deleted] Death Star, for God's sake! What more do you need?"

"There is no proof of that!"

"Excuse me, but-"

"There's plenty of proof. Sensor readings from the Ebony Vigilance-"

"Please-"

"The New Order's flagship! And she's been destroyed, so lots of good they do us now."

"Gentlemen."

"The Twilight. Hundreds of other Republic and Imperial and MCR warships that were at Hoth to stop Chadd Fearsons from comitting genocide."

"GENTLEMEN, PLEASE!"

Both men snapped back into reality, and noticed that they were not alone.

"We're going to break for commercials. Please stay with us, we'll go further into these issues after these messages."

Day Six... Yaga Minor


"Look at this." Godridge said, tapping a button on the console in front of him and activating the room's holographic display unit.

The lights dimmed appropriately, and within seconds the hologram had started. Shown were three men, one of whom was in the midst of asking a question to the others.

"...what of the Empire's claims that the Mon Calamari Republic slaughtered innocents in their invasion of Kamino?"

"The Coalition already admitted to that! Wasn't it Jan Dondana that said 'As for the claims that the Mon Calamari Republic murdered numerous people on Kamino, those are all completely true.'? The organization is filled with murderers and warmongers!"

The man was obviouisly anti-Coalition. And if Bhindi was reading him correctly, very pro-Empire. He could be useful to the New Order... asuming he was not already on their payroll.

"What is this?" Bhindi asked, leaning forward to watch the holocast.

"It's a recording, from yesterday. A very popular show out of Abregado-rae."

"Abregado-rae. That would be-"

"Yes. Where our agents were assigned to."

"This is one of their stunts?" She asked.

"No, actually. This is completely unfabricated. But the timing couldn't be more perfect. The riot is planned for this afternoon, as you know."





Day Six... Abregado-rae


They were back in full force. The rain was pouring down outside, but the thunder and crashing water was easily drowned out by the chanting coming from the mod.

The noise was so loud that it shook the windows of the government buildings, where the Coalition ambassadors cowered in fear. They had not acknowledged the protestors, and that of course had only made the mobs angrier.

And the Empire knew perfectly well how to exploit angry mobs.

"It's ready, then?" Drev asked, not turning his head as he spoke. Like everyone else, they were both wearing the standard cloaks that the people wore when it rained, but one could never be to careful.

"It's ready. In this rain, they'll never know what's hit them."

"Good." Without another word, Drev moved away through the crowd. Tek continued to stand, waiting for the speaker to appear on the dias.

Around him, the crowds were getting louder. They wanted justice, and revenge. They wanted the Coalition to show itself, to acknowledge them and their rights.

"People of Abregado-rae!" The voice rose above the crowds, startling them into silence. It took nearly a full minute, but the chants died away, leaving only the pounding of the rain and the occasional thunder clap somewhere overhead.

"Listen to me! The Coalition has ignored you! They have tried their best to pretend you do not exist, that you will only go away if they shut their eyes a little tighter!"

The roar was deafening. Not even Drev, standing on the dias, could understand what they were saying. But he was sure it contained the words "Down with the GC". That was a good sign.

"Please, people! Hear me out! For to long the Coalition has ignored you, made light of your concerns and your claims! IT IS TIME FOR THIS TO END! It is time for you, the people, to speak out!"

He paused, giving the people the oppertunity to build up to another massive cheer/chant, before silencing them, this time with a simple movement of his hand.


"Behind these walls, the Coalition cowers! They hide in their offices while you, their people, speak out against them! It is time to make yourselves heard! It is time to bring the reign of the Galactic Coalition to an end!"

There was another cheer, which Drev allowed to build into a chant.

"Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae!"

He smiled thinly under the cloak, and hefted a small object in his hand. To the crazy and angry eyes of the spectators, it looked like a rock. It was in fact a timed grenade, but they had no reason to know that.

With a cheer of his own, he hurled it towards the building.

Drev's aim was true, and the device broke through one of the windows and landed on the floor, where it exploded. The crowd, though, did not notice the explosion. They saw only the broken window, the gap that gave their voices room to enter the building.

"Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae!"

They began to scramble to collect anything they could find - stones, bricks, heavy object, and hurled them at the building. The two guards whose duty it was to defend the building were swamped with bodies and crushed beneath the crowds, which were now pounding against the gates.

"Time for Part Two?" Drev asked, finding his way back to Tek and discarding his maroon cloak in favour of a deep black one.

"I'd say so." Tek responded, pulling the blaster carefully from his belt. "Let's go."

They entered one of the buildings across the street - one which they had rented earlier and now served as a dump spot for a variety of weapons they had collected since their arrival.

"You fixed the gates?" Tek asked, hefting a device that looked somewhat like a remote control.

"Of course. Just press the magic button." Drev replied, pulling on the blue and silver uniform of the Coalition guards he had stolen earlier.

"You wanna do the honours?" Drev smirked.

"I've had my fun." With a shrug, as if he could care less either way, Tek depressed the button. Outside, there was a chorus of screams, and the chanting grew louder.

"Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae!"

"Well done." Tek commented, tossing the detonator onto the bed. "The people are really giving it to them, now." He winced. "Ouch. One of those alien security blokes just got it right in the eye."

With the gates gone, the protestors were pouring into the government complex. The guards had come out in full force, but it was immediatly obvious that not all of them had been brainwashed by the Coalition, and there were many that could be seen to allow the protestors to run by them, throwing rocks and bricks. Some even brandished blasters and began to fire them at the higher windows of the building.

"Time to finish the job, Tek?" Drev asked, unlocking a long, thin package and removing the object inside.

"I think so, Drev. The Coalition isn't going to last much longer, by the looks of things."

Drev nodded, and (still holding the object) followed Tek out of the room and up the thin metal staircase to the building's roof.

Once there, he propped it on the edge and looked down at the scene below. The protestors - rioters, now - were storming the building, and the few loyal guards were fighting a loosing battle to defend the doorway.

In several places fires were burning where Molotov cocktails had exploded and ignited. Smoke was curling up from perhaps a dozen spots in the structure to form an acrid black cloud in the sky overhead.

For people in the city, seeing the smoke hovering over their government office, there was a strangely mixed feeling. There was no doubt, though, that it would be on the news galaxy-wide within minutes.

"No time for pick and choose, Drev." Tek said irritably, trying to light a cigarette against the still-pouring rain. "Just shoot someone, already."

Drev grinned and looked through the site of the sniper rifle, adjusting it carefully. There were plenty of targets; the trick was picking one whose death would enrage the populants more.

And there was the perfect target, clearly caught in the rifle's image finder. Zell Sakin, a local activist who had captured the people's hearts with his attempts to stamp out racism and sexism in the Coalition. His death would paint the Coalition a very grim spectre indeed.

With only the smallest twinge of regret, Drev pulled the trigger. Far below, the activist stopped cold and fell, the blaster burn in his chest barely visible through the rain.

It took only a few more moments for the crowds to notice and react, and then blaster bolts began to strike the edge of the roof. Those who were firing had been trained for this, they were Imperial agents inserted to incite the uprising that was now taking place.

Drev nodded towards Tek, who smiled darkly and pushed the blaster-scored body of a former Coalition guard over the edge. Drev left the blaster rifle laying on the rooftop, and the two went calmly back down the metal stairs, put their cloaks over their uniforms, and returned to the crowd. Abregado-rae was ready to fall.











Later... Yaga Minor


"You've heard?" Bhindi Drayson asked shortly, falling into step with Godridge. The Ubiqtorate space station was nearly empty at this time of night, but the events on Abregado-rae had given neither of them the chance to sleep.

"Of course. I assume you'll be acting immediatly?"

Bhindi nodded.

"The Razor's Edge has already made the jump to hyperspace. She'll be at Abregado-rae tomorrow."

"Excellent, Admiral. I commend you for your skill. Perhaps Drev and Tek should be put up for promotion."

"Thank you, Commander. But there's more." She handed him a datapad. "We've been reassigned."

Godridge stopped, looking at the datapad.

"Carida? They really think the Coalition will attack there?"

Bhindi shrugged. They had reached the doors to the command hub, now, and she put her code in carefully.

"It seems so. Regardless, the Osciliath and a task force will be departing for Carida tomorrow. And I want the Ubiqtorate to be able to handle itself in our absence."

"Yes, Admiral."

It was going to be a long night.


<hr>


<font size=1>OOC Manifest : Abregado-rae

1 Imperator Class Star Destroyer (Mark II)
4 Belarus Class Cruisers
72 TIE Defenders

Goveneur Heran looked at the display. The Empire had arrived in the Abregado-rae system.

"When are the reinforcements that we called for six days ago going to arrive?"

"Soon. In a few minutes."

"Allright. Power up the shields and activate all mines. Issue a planet wide emergancy call. All citizens must be aware that the Empire has come to our system, and may attack."

"Yes sir."

"Imperial Forces, this is Goveneur Heran. What is our reason for being in this system?"

Goveneur Heran tried to delay the attack, when the fleet arrived. 8 Birds of Prey and 292 MC-10 Starfighters came out of hyperspace. They immediatly armed their weapons, activated their shields and loaded their missile tubes.


OOC: Sorry about the short post, I don't have lots of time.

Manifest:

Gencore Two Shield Generator
50 000 Defender Ion Mines
8 Birds of Prey
292 MC-10 Starfighters

Day Seven... Abregado-rae


Star Destroyer Razor's Edge


"Hyperspace reversion in ten seconds, Captain." The voice came from the lower crew pit, where the offices who commanded the massive Star Destroyer Razor's Edge sat, huddled over their consoles.

Captain Raine acknowledged the report with a brief nod, and turned to watch the viewports. There were few things he enjoyed more than the reversion of a ship to realspace. Very few things, indeed.

"Reversion successful." The voice came again, and again Captain Raine nodded. The world of Abregado-rae was framed in the bridge viewports, a massive orb of blue and green and white that filled his vision.

It was this world that had rejected the Coalition and their tyrannical rule. It was this world that he had been ordered to liberate.

There was little doubt, in his mind, that the Coalition would do their best to 'defend' the world, to fight with all the strength they possessed Abregado-rae's succession. And so there was no shock when the sensors registered planetary shields and mines going active.

"Are we recording this?" Raine asked with a slight frown.

"In full, Captain." The recorded battle would give the galaxy enough proof that the Coalition did not honour its own Constitution - not that the Kamino scandal had not done so already.

"Right, then. Shields up, weapons on-line. Lower our ventral sheilds and allow the TIEs to launch. Prepare the ground divisions for landing, once that shield comes down-"

"Captain! Contacts reverting from realspace. Looks like a handful of capital ships, light cruisers by the looks of them. And fighters..." The sensor officer stopped, apparently dumbstruck by the numbers. "Nearly 300 starfighters, Captain. MC-10s, a Mon Calamari design."

Captain Raine looked down at his own sensor display, hardly daring to believe it. But there indeed were the ships, exploding out of hyperspace.

292 Mon Calamari starfighters. Against a single Star Destroyer, a handful of Cruisers, and a wing of TIE Defenders. Hardly comfortable odds.

"Alert Yaga Minor, Coruscant." He said quickly. "Request reinforcements. Whatever they can spare out here."

"As ordered, Captain." Raine watched as the enemy fighters began to form up, and swore softly. Whatever was coming, it wouldn't be good.

"Are the fighters away?" He asked slowly.

"Aye, Captain. All shields raised and at 100%."

"All right. Roll us so that we're showing the enemy our topside. Position the cruisers right and left, relative to our new position, slightly under our own plane. Keep them out of of topside firing arcs. Have the Defenders mantain their positions beneath us, again relative."

There were acknowledgements from all over, and the massive Star Destroyer began to spin, bringing its topside guns to bare on the enemy fighters.

"Keep us out of the mine field. I don't want them to start targetting us, too. Right. Reinforce our topside shields, Cruisers to do likewise. The Defenders can keep their fighters busy if they penetrate the gauntlet."

The Imperial fleet was now facing the Coalition vessels, guns ready for firing.

"Captain! Transmission from the enemy?"

"One of the ships?"

"Negative. It's from the surface..."

"Put it through."

There was a brief pause as the connection was established, then the image of an alien appeared in holographic form on the bridge.

"Imperial Forces, this is Govenor Heran. What is our reason for being in this system?"

Captain Raine looked to his Executive Officer, who nodded briefly. Had they both heard what they'd thought they heard?

"Governor Heran, I am Captain Raine of the Imperial Navy, Black Fleet. Your reason for being in this system, obviously, is to subjugate the people of Abregado-rae. My reason for being here is to liberate this world, and its people.

"I suggest you stand down, or I will be forced to take hostile measures."

With a curt nod, the transmission was cut.


<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2"><font size=1>OOC : Reinforcment Manifest

Star Avenger Tactical Assault Platform Vigil
Star Avenger Tactical Assault Platform Nightengale
Fire Class Light Frigate
Fire Class Light Frigate
Fire Class Light Frigate
Fire Class Light Frigate
Fire Class Light Frigate
288 TIE Defenders</font></blockquote>


Coalition Military Headquarters - Surface


The mobs had moved. With the government of Abregado-rae gone, there remained only one obstacle to a free planet.

The Abregado Military.

The Imperial Fleet had arrived in orbit to liberate the planet - the news holocams had recorded the entire ordeal thus far. And the mobs, already gathered around the military headquarters, had erupted.

But the Coalition could not, would not, accept the loss of Abregado. They had brought in their own ships, and now the crowds, more than a million strong today with more coming from all directions, were hammering against the gates of the base.

And the military leaders were to afraid to even make an effort to stop them. Afraid of the Imperial ships in orbit, and afraid of the rage of their own (former) citizens.

It was a great day for freedom in the galaxy.

The cloaked speaker was at the podium again, but he was not speaking. He was holding, for all to hear, a message that was being broadcast from the Star Destroyer above.

[i]"People of Abregado-rae! Today is a great day for freedom and justice in our galaxy. The Galactic Coalition has learned that they cannot commit injustices like the Kamino slaughter, and get away with it.

"Yet they, despite their claims, continue to resist freedom and justice! Today, the Empire comes to Abregado-rae, a free world in its own right, extending the offer of membership into the New Order.

"And the Coalition are here to fight us! To prevent us from saving you, the people, from their tyrannical rule! This is insane, and it cannot be allowed to continue!

"You, the people, must make your voices heard. You cannot allow yourselves to be silenced by the dictators of the Galactic Coalition! You are the people! You ARE the Coalition.

"Remind them of that."

The cheering was loud enough to be heard through the bomb-proof glass that protected the windows of the military base, and the people redoubled their efforts to break down the gates.

They would remind the Coalition who it was made up of.

“Joren….”

“I’m sleeping.”

Joren Arden, CINC-GC Navy, looked up from his desk, which was heavily laden with papers… mostly status reports and ship inspection reports. His aide, Natalie, was looking down at him, in her hand was a dtapad.

“What is it?” He asked sleepily.

“We have trouble.” She said,




“Abregado-rae?” Joren asked, buttoning up his uniform jacket as he and Natalie walked swiftly down the halls to the Situation Room.

“Yes. There is the beginnings of civil unrest there. Intelligence reports things could get hot soon.” She said.

Joren nodded and took a seat at the large table the filled the Situation Briefing Room. There was already a Colonel from Intelligence there.

“Admiral Arden, we have trouble on Abregado-rae, as your assistant no doubt already pointed out.”

He nodded, “Whats up?”

“Anti-Coalition sentiment has begun building there, and it is beginning to peak to dangerous levels. There is someone named “Glen Turnak is assisting in creating the unrest. We estimate he is on an Imperial Intelligence payroll.” The Colonel – Briggs –said.

“Alright. So what plans do we have in the works?” Joren asked.

Briggs looked uncomfortable, “There are none. We can not prove that Turnak is an Imperial agent, and therefore we cannot do anything.”

“What is it like at Abregado-rae?” Joren replied, a little annoyed.

“Getting worse. Something must be done.”

“Of course.” He turned to Natalie, “Ready a ship for me. And get me all information pertaining for this. I want to leave today.”

She nodded and left the room. Briggs looked confused, “Sir..?”

“I am going to take care of our little problem, before things turn out to get bloody. We have offered them nothing but benefits, I will not have my government torn out from under me, Colonel.” Joren said, getting aggravated.




“I a so glad to be here.” Joren sighed as he stepped out of the shuttle. He hurried across the landing zone and into the GC Abregado-rae Headquarters. The building was bustling with activity, guards preparing to fight, admins rushing to and fro. None of them were prepared for the sight of one of the most powerful men in the entire Coalition, storming down the hallway with his contingent of Azgaurd guardians.

“Report.” He said to the commander of the GC garrison – General Ross.

“Sir, there are thousands of angry civilians, threatening to storm the garrison.”

“Put everyone on alert. Oh.” He said, handing Ross a datachit, “Have them put this up on the main viewer. I want the whole crowd to see this.”

Ross nodded and headed off.

Joren turned to Briggs “Where are they?”

The CIS Colonel replied calmly, “CIS knows of several Imperial Agents here, but we cannot track every one of their wherabouts. I instructed your agents on ideal hiding spots for Imperial agents. The moment one of the Imperial’s acts, we will have them There are dozens of soldiers scanning the rooftops and area with cameras. We will catch the Empire in action.”

Joren sighed, “I hope you are right.”





"Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae! Down with the GC! Free Abregado-rae!!!!”

The rioters charged across the courtyard, and headed toward the entrance to GC headquarters. A single man walked down the white steps to greet them. He was clad in a black cloak. He wore no weapons, and did not show any weapons of any kind.

“ENOUGH!” He shouted, and as he did so, his voice was amplified a thousand times, due to a microphone. There were speakers placed on the GC building. Suffice it to say, everyone could hear him.

Joren Arden stood complacent as thousands of angry civilians stopped cold. He did not waver, and his face seemed as if made from obsidian rock. Cameras trained themselves on him, and huge monitors displayed a live visual feed of him.

Every civilian looked up at him.

“My name is Joren Arden.” He said, his voice louder then the roar of a thousand engines, “I am the Commander in Chief of the Galactic Coalition Navy. Before I go on, I will not have anyone enter my headquarters. I have given you, the citizens of an entire planet, enough freedoms for today. Now you will give me a chance to explain myself.

The crowds did not move.

“What the hell is going on?” He asked the thousands, he got no response, “I have always considered this planet as one of my favorite places. I have always been astounded at the measure of peace the society of this planet has maintained. But lately that reputation is absent. I come back here, to find an entire RACE angry at the Coalition, and murdered Coalition guards, and people.

“Eight days ago, you were the happy, peaceful people that I have always enjoyed. Now, you are an angry mob. Tell me, is this really my doing? I speak for the Coalition on Abregado-rae. It was you who asked us to come here, and we have given you nothing but benefits in return. Your planet is safe, clean, and protected.

“And this is how we are repayed?”

Several guards came out of the headquarters building and began to lift the bodies of their dead comrades up, and into the headquarters. The crowd seemed to be seething still, but at least they were not killing and pillaging. Joren kept the stony look on his face as he kneeled down and checked the pulse of a fallen Coalition guard.

“I will not have this! I will not have my own men murdered in my very sanctuary. This is the Coalition Embassy, and an angry mob has killed innocent people, just doing their jobs.” Joren was furious. But he also knew the extent of the Empire’s reach.

He looked at the crowd angrily, “What had the Coalition done to you? The citizens of Abregado-rae?” He asked, his voice echoing across the masses.

There was no answer.

“I will show you, then. This is what you claim we have done to you!”

He pointed at the monitors, which was now showing recordings of interviews, that had taken place over the last several days.

"I would not hesistate to call them asinine!" The man declared. "They say that the Empire has always made war with them, yet the Coalition did not even come into being until a month ago. They say that the Empire has always attacked those who stood for justice, but it is the New Order that gives justice!”

The recordings paused and Joren looked back at the teeming crowd.

“Is this it then?” He asked, “You come here, kill innocent men, and then want to suddenly shift governments? Is killing these guards your justice? Let me show you what kind of justice the Empire gives out! Do any of you remember Alderaan? The peaceful planet that resisted the Empire? They were ANNIHILATED!”

The crowd seemed to agree.

“THIS is who you give your selves too?” Joren asked, still angry. “The only thing the Coalition has done is tax you, and I promise that ends NOW. No more war taxes! But I promise you that if you join the Empire, they will do far more than tax you! They will hurt you, lie, cheat, steal, and pillage! I could name countless examples!” Joren boomed.

“This entire riot was an Imperial instigation. You ask us why we go to war with the Empire? Look at the bodies of the ones you killed. The Empire did this, they incited this riot, and now innocents are dead! THIS IS WHO YOU WANT TO GOVERN YOU?” Joren asked, incredulous.

The crowd began to chatter now, unsure. A minute ago they had a goal, a purpose. Now that was being shattered.

“The Coalition has done nothing to hurt you, but the Empire just demonstrated that they will do whatever they can to turn you into soldiers.”

Someone from the crowd pushed his way through, “What about us?” He yelled. The crowd began to chatter even more.

“If you want ‘justice’ then I ask you….


…take my life.”

The crowd froze.

“I offer myself to the people of Abregado-rae. I will make you one solemn oath. If the Coalition ever enforces taxes upon you again, then I will offer myself to you freely, I stake my life on it.”

Some of the rioters began to dissipate, “Go to your homes, and be safe. The Coalitio has fought for Abregado-rae! Look at those fallen guards, they gave their lives for Abregado-rae!”


“The Coalition is here to stay.”

Joren turned to the speaker at the podium, and pointed a finger at him.

"THE COALITION IS HERE TO STAY."

The crowd repeated the chant.

"Bring that man to me." He said.

A group of Azgaurdian warriors instantly grabbed the man and brought him to Joren.

"This man is an agent of the Empire." Joren said, glaring at the cloaked man.

The crowd seemed uncertain. Joren continued. "It has been the Empire all along! The Empire comes here, to YOUR homes! They trick you into overthrowing your protectors! Do you not see now why the Coalition has attacked the Empire?!"

The cloaked man smiled at Joren from underneath the hood. Joren stood stock-still. "If we do not do something NOW the Empire will grow stronger! They will destroy us! And they will come for you! But they will not do it with the cowardly tactics they have shown here! They will come with Stormtroopers, Star Destroyers, and will rain fire down onto you.

"PLease. The Coalition has done nothing wrong, we have only ever wanted to protect you!!"

Joren was interuppted by a young guard who whispered into his ear for a moment. The GC Admiral's face fell, but he stood vigilant.

"I have just received word that an Imperial attack force is in this system." He told the crowd, his voice booming across the thousands of people. "But Sovereignty and Coalition ships stand ready to defend the people of Abregado-rae! And we will give our lives to protect you! I promise you that!" He shouted.

The crowd roared their approval.

"JOREN JOREN JOREN...."


Joren guestured to the Azgaurds holding the cloaked man and they 'escorted' him into GC headquarters. Joren raised his hands as the crowd continued to shout his name.

"JOREN JOREN JOREN..."


"People of Abredado-rae! I must attend to your defense! Please head to your protective shelters, food, and supplies are being distributed there even now. I urge you to stand vigilant in the face of evil, for that is all the Empire is! EVIL!"


He raised his hands one more time to the crowd, "Peace through power!"

He turned and headed into GC headquarters, and the crowd began to head to the thousands of shelters as the Imperial force came to attack the planet.



"Thank you, Admiral." One of the politicians said as Joren walked into the command center.

"What is our status?" He asked.

"Birds of Prey are forming up, and are ready to defend."

"Charge the planetary turbolasers, and all surface-to-air missile sites. Send a call for reinforcements, this world cannot fall."

"Who will come?"

"The Sovereignty will come. Send my personal request for backup."

"Yes sir."

Joren stared at the display as the Coalition and Imperial forces prepared to clash.


GC Admiral puts down local riots

In an astounding display of courage and bravery, Joren Arden, Comander-in-Chief of the GC Navy himself spoke to the angry mobs that were trashing GC holdings on the planet Abregado-rae. The Admiral promised to cut taxes completely from the planet, and promised better conditions. The citizens regard him as a sort of local hero.

"Joren Arden is the only one who cares about us. He faced down thousands of angry, murderous people and spoke to us in person, not through the Holonet or a news network, and for that, he has my respect." A Rodian, who is also a local activist, was quoted saying.

Arden promised reforms and protection from the oppression of the Empire. And the people prepare themselves for a battle against the Imperial force who has come to take control of thw world and squeeze Abregado-rae dry.

- Local Abregado News Network

OOC:Once you get to the ground I will tell you ground forces. Don't worry, they are just troops. Oh, and that was a mistake, I most have missed writing the y in your reason for being here.

IC:

Commander Daheman looked out at the Imperial forces.

"Launch all missiles. Fire all guns. All fighters, move forward. I want 92 to wipe out those TIE Defenders. I want four groups of 50 to move in and target those Belarus Cruisers with a missile slavo. All Birds of Prey, fire on the Imperial Star Destroyer. 92 fighters designated for the run against the fighters, fire missiles on the ISD, then deal with the fighters. They have manuvered so their fighters are beneath the ISD, and can not fire on you."

244 missiles raced at the star destroyer, impacting on the topside shields. Then the MC-10 Starfighters assigned to target the fighters dropped below the ISD, and moved in on the enemy 72 TIE Defenders, a craft that was inferior to the MC-10 in numerous ways. The MC-10 was just slightly faster, and had better shields. This gave an edge to the pilots of the starfighters. 50 MC-10 Starfighters attacked each of the Belarus cruiser, firing 100 missiles at each Belarus Cruiser. The Birds of Prey then moved in and fired their conventional weapons against the Imperial Star Destroyer. This battle would be close. If either side got reinforcements soon, the outcome of the battle would probably be decided, in the favour of whoever had the reinforcements. It all depended on whoever could come up with the better tactics.

Commander Daheman had an idea. If his Birds of Prey continued past the enemy lines, they could draw the enemy into the minefield. Unfortunately this would only succeed if the enemy followed him. As well, if the enemy was expectign reinforcements, theyw oudl just wait, and then eradicate the fleet and the minefield. No, he had to destroy them, without the minefield. Plus, a mine could accidentaly engage one of his ships, though he doubted that would happen, it was a highly unlikely thing to happen with modern IFF codes.

Shield damage to all TNO ships.
Maybe a few fighter losses

Shield damage to all GC ships(unless you do something like concentrate all fire on one ship)
A few less fighters losse then TNO(MC-10s are superior to the TIE Defender)

Space warfare was like a game of Chess, played in three dimensions. In fact, the similarities were so similar that many fleet commanders were avid Chess players, believing that it gave them some sort of edge.

The problem with Chess was that it was a two dimesnional game. And in space, there were three dimensions.

"Lay down covering fire here and here." Captain Raine ordered calmly, tapping the screen with his light pen. "The Cruisers should converge their fire here," he tapped another spot, "and here."

The officered nodded, and the ships shifted their fire to adjust to the new orders.

Turbolasers were notoriously inaccurate against starfighters, but with the numbers the Coalition had here it was similar to shooting fish in a barrel. A shot that missed its intended target, for example, would smash into a fighter flying wingman in the formation.

The Coalition formation was crumbling, fighters breaking away in order to better avoid the Star Destroyer's turbolasers. It was a killing zone of laser fire between the Razor's Edge and her four guardian cruisers.

And it was about to become far, far more devestating to the enemy pilots.

"Enemy in range, Captain." The sensor officer said, turning to Raine with a nod. "We're ready."

The Captain nodded, and that was enough.

The TIE Defenders, split into two groups of three squadrons each, broke above and below the Star Destroyer. They appeared on the Coalition's scopes immediatly, and they fired immediatly.

The Coalition fighters, still baring directly for the Razor's Edge, were suddenly caught off guard. Missiles and laser fire lanced out from the TIEs, decimating entire sqaudrons of enemy craft.

By the time they managed to fire their missiles at the Star Destroyer, their numbers were greatly reduced. The missiles, though, were still a very real problem. Some were cut down by the gauntlet of laser fire, but a great deal more managed to slip through and detonate against the shields of the Star Destroyer.

They were reinforced, but the damage was felt. Nearly a sixty percent shield loss, and this was only one salvo. And the gauntlet wouldn't work again, the Coalition would be ready for it.

"Any word on our reinforcements?" Raine asked doubtfully, watching the enemy fighters regroup.

"They should be arriving shortly, Captain. In fact-"

The ships fell out of hyperspace, arrayed in a haphazard manner that gave proof to the fact that their assembly had been far quicker than that of any battle fleet.

Still, they were there.

"Perfect timing, as always."


<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2"><font size=1>Damages | TNO

55% Shield loss on ISDII Razor's Edge
60% Shield loss on Belarus Cruisers


<font size=1>Damages | TGC

60 MC-10 Fighters

Note: I am perfectly aware that I did not mention the BOPs. The fleet did not react to them because they were never in range, nor did they follow them into the minefield (yet).</font></blockquote>

The bridge of the Razor's Edge was silent, the only sounds coming from the beeping of the vessel's equipments. The enemy starfighters had not regrouped yet, prefering instead of hover just out range of the Star Destroyer's guns.

That was fine with Captain Raine; it gave him the time he needed to direct the new arrivals into their positions. The Fire Class Frigates, three hundred-meter vessels designed for anti-starfighter superiority, formed into a tight wedge just ahead of the Razor, the fleet's fighters spread out to fill the gaps.

The Assault Platforms hung back, out of range. Their heavy weaponry would not be neccessary to take on the Coalition forces. They were content to hang back and engage the corner of the enemy mine field; the Phalanx Anti-Missile System had proven just as capable of shooting down mines as it was missiles. The system was under a complete communications blackout; the enemy could not call for more reinforcements. A neccessary precaution, the mobs would be told, to protect them from the alien oppressors.

"Bring us to flank speed." Captain Raine ordered quietly. There was little the enemy could do; with the arrival of the Imperial reinforcements they were pinned against a wall. If they attempted to retreat, they would have to dive headlong into their own minefield.

And even if those mines did not willfully target the Coalition vessels, dodging stationary explosives would be a challenge in itself.

The mamoth Star Destroyer was speeding up, and the Frigates engaged their own engines to keep formation. The distance between the two forces was closing, and fast.

"Guns; target the enemy capital ships." Raine ordered calmly. He paused, thinking. "Actually, belay that. Target the enemy capital vessels, ION cannons only. Have sqaudrons One and Two designate the enemy craft targets one through eight, have them cripple the enemy craft."

He recieved an acknowledgment, and smiled. And then they were in range, and the guns began to thunder.

"All craft, open fire."

He ordered. With a display of skill that surprised even Raine, an experianced Imperial officer, the Frigates began to swat the enemy craft from the sky.

On the surface of Abregado-rae, the people would see the fire in the sky and cheer. Their liberators, at long last, had appeared. And they were fighting to save them.


<blockquote style="padding-left:0.5em; margin-left:0; margin-right:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; border-left:solid 2"><font size=1>Damages | TGC
100 MC-10 Starfighters
4 Birds-of-Prey damaged

Damages | TNO
4 TIE Defenders</font></blockquote>


"What do you think?" Drev asked, watching the man's back as he shoved through the crowd. "Pissed off, or GC shit disturber?"

Tek smirked and got a tighter grip on his blaster.

"Shit Disturber, all the way." He said. "Did you hear him talking to the lady back there? Definately no Abregado."

Drev nodded. So far they had spotted many agents whom, they thought, were members of the GC Counter-Insurgence squad. They had not caught onto the Imperial Agents' scent, but they had gotten in the way enough.

"What do we do about him?" Drev asked as the man made it to front of the mob. Their audience was captivated currently by the space battle going on above. They could not see the ships themselves, but the clouds were lit occasionally by their laser blasts and explosions.

"There's nothing we can do. If we take him, we're done. We've got to rely on the GC's word that they believe in the right to assemble. And the right to speak." Tek said.

"I think they believe in that one." Drev said, looking to the dias where a new man was standing and waving for the crowd to quiet. They were reluctant to do so, but they thought he was another speaker to whom they must listen.

He began by giving his name, Joren Arden. Supreme Commander of the Coalition Navy. His next words were drowned out as the crowd began to boo, so loud that Drev had to cover his ears while the man tried to restore order.

But both the Imperial agents knew enough about mob mentallity to listen to what he was saying.

"I will not have anyone enter my headquarters. I have given you, the citizens of an entire planet, enough freedoms for today. Now you will give me a chance to explain myself."

"He speaks as if he is their Lord and Master!" Tek hissed, and he knew that several people around him could hear. "Like it is his decision alone, whether the people get freedoms!"

Arden brought up Alderaan ("Do they ever get tired of that?" Tek asked. "Tarkin was not the Empire, and the Empire was not Tarkin."), and the Empire. And how the entire thing was plotted by the Empire.

One man, obviously a strong anti-Coalitionist, yelled out, "Where's the proof?", and the cry was repeated until the crowd was chanting "Prove it!" at the top of their voices.

The GC Admiral responded, pointing out a man in the crowd. The same man, Drev knew, that had shoved by them only minutes ago. He almost smiled. The man was good.

"This man is an agent of the Empire."

But it was not proof, not for the people. And many had seen the man push through the crowd, many had seen as he watched Joren closely, and seen as Joren made eye contact with him as he ordered the guards to bring him onto the dias. And the word was spreading. The GC leader's next words were drowned out in a chorus of boos, and he stopped trying while an officer said something in his ear.

"I have just received word that an Imperial attack force is in this system."

He told the crowd, his voice booming across the thousands of people. There were mixed cheers and boos, but the man was not done.

"But Sovereignty and Coalition ships stand ready..." The rest was lost to the boos, drowning out the cheers and even Joren's speech. He gave up, and disappeared into the building. No doubt he was planning the 'defence' of Abregado-rae, a last ditch effort to keep the planet and its resources under Coalition control.

Drev would have none of this, and made his way calmly to the dias. He had expected a Coalition response far earlier than this, and the late arrival of Joren Arden gave testimant to their lack of organization. The Imperial fleet would crush the would-be defenders with ease.

He motioned for silence, and began to speak in slow, measured tones. A drastic change from the frantic yelling of Arden.

"Look at whom the Coalition sends to speak to you! Not an ambassador, but a leader of their army! A man trained by the Coalition to murder citizens, as they did on Kamino. A man trained to commit brutal acts of aggression against his own people.

"Joren Arden was sent here to keep you quiet, to convince you that the Coalition was the good guy. This is not the case, nor has it ever been! They murdered people on Kamino, innocent people who had done nothing wrong!

"They got in the way of the Coalition's war machine, and they paid the ultimate price. The Empire now gets in the way of the Coalition's war machine, and they now fight to avoid paying the same price the people of Kamino did!

"Someone must protect the citizens of this galaxy from the aggression of the Coalition! The Empire is stretched to its thinnest, outgunned by its enemy's! Yet they still find the time and energy to protect you, citizens oppressed by the Coalition!

"Do not believe the lies that Joren Arden would spread! He is a member of the Coalition, ordered to tell you whatever will calm you! The truth for Joren Arden is whatever will shut you up!"

The crowd was cheering, and again throwing themselves against the gates, when Drev left the dias. The Coalition guards were cowering behindthe walls, watching the crowds.

And the Imperial agents were spreading out, readying themselves for the battle ahead. There would be more Coalition blood spent, that much was for certain.