(All Endgame threads [with the exception of Empire Forever] to run concurrent with each other)



Prologue…..taken from Sleeping Giant Awakens [NR Takeover of Coruscant]




Things were coming to a head.



Most did not travel to the Siennar District anymore, having felt the harsh reality of brutal conflict.


Several buildings had sunk into the lower levels while others simply fell over. Heavy blast marks and weapons scoring littered the walls....testaments to a more desperate time.


The Empire had been fracturing with the rebels destruction of the second Death Star and the Emperor.


And yet, the rebels didn't stop to think what damage to the citizens of the Imperial Center this would cause. The Imperial forces lashed out as a body thrashing about without it's head.

..and in the ensuing fight for supremacy left many such sights on the planetary city.

The Eternal Rogue Order had held the planet under their infuence long enough....but as with all weak agencies and pseudo governments, they did not have the staying power of the Empire.


Ciscero grinned to himself as he traversed the underbelly of the forgotten district.

Tensions were high and if Isard was right, it was only a matter of time before the New Republic would take action.


The old bat was right again..


His eyes narrowed as the light became extremely dim and he found an opening in the wall which (as he flashed a pen light into it) he saw descended to much lower levels.

Siennar District.


Wheels within wheels




The wheel clicks...



>>Operation 1: Labyrinthine
>> Encoding Status: Active
>>Passive Recording archiving


The Unitech Diagnostic Systems Diverters were in place. Cicsero looked at his palm datasearch device powered by the latest advanced datasearch engine 14C.

It was amazing, really, how Gormul, Intel's resident Research and Developing Agent, used everyday items to enhance the reach and abilities of Intel's children.

The Analysis/Encoding computers had nearly finished all the subroutines. Aided by the Intellex Automaton IV Internal Computer (borrowed from a nearby companion), there was no system left uncopied.

The "bridges" created by the systems diverters would leave him virtually undetectable. And even then, with hackers, inferior constructs and the general techy lowlifes that Coruscant housed he would be extremely hard to pinpoint.

He looked at the archive and smiled.

Seventeen diverter systems installed...and that is just here.

A tightbeam signal was sent to it's proper recepticle and Cicsero started to close operations.

Upon entering the area, he was pleased to find that the transport had arrived with the needed items.

Thousands upon thousands of the MerenData 45-T Info Cores

It took him a while to get the automation devices ready to retool his "companions" but he had the time. The a/e computers would take time, especially with the more encrypted files.

He disconnected the Automaton Series IV and moved it back to it's host. Snapping the encasing back into place, there was not much left for him to do.

Slowly, one by one, his companions left to reenter service.


Everything was copied and none too soon for it looks like there were visitors.


He was about to dismiss the efforts as one of Coruscant resident geeks who sat behind terminals day in and out finding out ways to hack into planetary operations computers when his shadowing devices picked up the localized area of interest.

High Command Database -Main

He grinned a rather grim smile.

The New Republic is here..



He pulled out a single datapad and flipped it in his hand. The software device on his pad would work to his benefit...especially with everything tightbeam.

The datapad he held (TC-40 Padlink) needed to connect to a mate for it to really be effective.

Where to go? Where to go?


Before he left the area, he pulled up an image up (one of millions) from the security systems.

So a revolution begins anew does it? What happens when revolutionaries go to war?

The irony was almost overwhelming.

..and this is the reason why noone is being alerted..

In the middle of the image stood a scruffy looking fellow in a black trenchcoat, recognized as the former Head of Security, Coruscant. He had a weapon outstretched and the Planetary Governer was sprawled back, his hand mangled by a presumably earlier blast.


Fool

He saw that the cyphers were recording a data change. One where this assassin was the new Planetary Leader. They seemed to be so hell bent on making sure there was data confirming his imaginary office that they hadn't stopped to realize that while computers can be fooled, people couldn't.

Everyone in the "planetary government" (such as it was) would know the usurper was a fake.


Unless he plans to strongarm...

..more data was recovered and sent via tightbeam. He turned his gaze from the monitor and shut it down.

His last companion left.


The New Republic prided itself on it's moral stance (however misplaced) especially against the Empire.

The black rook takes the black king...but alas,...the White Queen has yet to make an appearance on the board.



Soon enough.




Ciscero laughed to himself as he left the area.





…taken from Portent of Coming Darkness: Imperial Resurgence…


The General's black gloves rested on the armrest of his command chair silenting gazing out at the kaleidoscope of colors that made up the atmosphere of Arcadia. The planet had entered it's night cycle and it's shadow was cast into the already subdued lighting of Galactus' Command Deck. The mixture of dark gray and black that made up Kaine's uniform made him almost all but impossible to spot.

Without moving, his soft voice (disarming as it was) was cast to the intruder in the form of a command, though having a hint of question behind it.


"Tell me about Siennar District."


The man instantly stiffened, his mind racing wildly. Coming up (uncharacteristically) with no sufficient explanation his resolve crumbled….



*


As the silence dragged on, the intruder's eyes also looked at the planet. One he never knew about...one that was kept from Intelligence. What else does this General hide? What else does the Empire hide? "Beautiful isn't it?"


At last, Kaine smiled at the attempt to push away silence.


For in silence, are not all we are left with is questions?


"Siennar District was to have been the answer. With the defeat at Endor, the Empire's priorities had to be redirected to maintaining control over the stronger worlds of the Empire." Kaine said, answering his own question, knowing that the Intel man would test the scope of the General's knowledge before committing himself. A sound tactic.


The Intel man fired back, "Siennar couldn't prevent the fall of Coruscant to the New Republic.."


"Or to the Eternal Rogue Order of old because it was never activated." Kaine finished. "Palpatine's return from Byss saw the project fall into obscurity and it's use was never fully understood and therefore ignored."


The chair swivelled slightly to the man standing near the door. "Until now. Tell me, Ciscero, where did you first learn of Siennar?"


The Intelligence Operative thought a moment before answering. "Yaga Minor facility. I was there before the Rogue Empire took the world."


Kaine's eyes flashed. "And the facility?"


"Destroyed. The archives were transferred at Isard's command to an undisclosed location. Tell me, General, where did you hear of it?"


Kaine smiled slightly, his eyes fully appreciating the dancing of light playing on Arcadia's atmosphere.


*

And then Kaine turned sharply to face him.


"Make no mistake Ciscero. I do not condone treachery nor will I sit by and watch what we have fought hard to protect simply taken over by power-hungry meglomaniacs and opportunists."


"The military is acting then? There is to be another civil war?" Ciscero asked quietly.


"A war?" Kaine mimicked. "Hardly. It is time for the Empire to transcend the meddlesome weeds that have been rooted in our government for far too long."


"But why the fleet? Just use the planetary forces to purge the insurgent elements."


"Because Isard is only the small fish in the larger pond. The plan that Grand Admiral Hyfe, Grand Admiral Zell, General Ming and myself have been working on ever since Muunilist will finally come to fruition. And to start it, we need.."


"Siennar District." Ciscero marvelled.



*


“Phase I of the operation was to take Satikan and the research Team by surprise. Phase II was to secure both the planet as well as Satikan and the constructs, or hypergates. With these things accomplished by the 256th, Brass Protectorate was to reinforce our position and make sure the planet held no surprises. As it turned out, it held a small Chiss base.

Phase III called for the activation of the system."


*


His gaze watched as the 2nd gate was activated and it's surface turned water-like.

His trained eyes saw the many groups of specialized people awaiting the order to go though.

Kaine walked up. "Ready?"

Ciscero nodded gravely and before he crossed the event horizon he inhaled.



**


The room was not very big, but Spartans had already moved ahead of the General and Intel agent in defensive measures. The room was dimly lit, dust and the smell of stagnation reigned.

"This looks familiar..." Ciscero started.

But they were already moving out of that room to make way for the influx of soldiers, scientists, and support crews.

A sense of deja vu overcame the Intel agent as he vaguely began to recognize where they were.

And suddenly, it hit him.

"You have got to be kidding me?" he accused.

Kaine raised an eyebrow. "We are not ready for this pursuit yet, but we will be ready when the time comes."


"But how.."

"Do you really think with Thrawn gaining large stretches of space in the Unknown Regions for our Emperor, the Emperor wouldn't realize certain... ahh.. potentials?"

"He had one put here.."

"He did indeed. And now, it pays off."


*
"Siennar District.." whispered Ciscero as he noted a path prevously travelled, and the same fallen buildings... the testaments of how far decay had set in.

A hundred soldier and support crew poured through with their assignments already issued.

Then another hundred.


Then another...


and another..


and another..

That he was here again, so .. quickly.. amazed even the Intel Agent. In his time, Ciscero had seen a great many things, but this...


... this took the cake.


Already, Siennar District was alive with activity. Oh sure, from the outside, the area looked as it always had, as dead as ever, but the interior rooms... these were now losing their musty smell, the gentle hums of portable air circulators working round the clock.

The gate had not closed down since he first stepped through it.

Sith knows how many people are here now?


"Three Legions came over last night," Kaine responded when Ciscero had asked.

At the Intel man's questioning look, Kaine continued. "Before long, we shall have funnelled upwards of up to 20 legions through.”


*


"You are chasing ghosts of your past?" Ciscero asked when the soldier had left.


"Yes.. Ciscero. I am. But it's not what you think. There is a plan in place. A plan that Labyrinthine is merely a piece of. There is more to the story of my childhood on Arcadia, Ciscero. Much more... and with that...


...the goals of Grand Admiral Zell, Grand Admiral Hyfe, General Ming and myself will finally... finally reach fruition."


"It all started with the Muunilist attack didn't it?"


"No Ciscero, only the motivation was renewed. It started much earlier... much much earlier.."


The General turned and looked at the Imperial Intelligence agent.

"Ciscero, it's time for you to know your part in all this... and why you cannot inform Isard."


"Wheels within wheels, eh General?"

"All moving the machinery of the Empire.. as the clock for our ascendancy moves ever forward.”






Now… Planet Asation…



Sentinel II under the temporary command of Captain Chandler was deployed aggressively around the Imperial world of Asation and all areas of the planet’s defenses brought to full power.


Captain Chandler was taking no chances. Not with the galaxy falling apart between the Jutraalians and the Galactic Defense Intiative. And who knew what was going on in the New Republic or any other faction as chaos seemed to be sweeping them all …


“Abolishers are active, Captain.” And Chandler nodded as he glanced the division report on their readiness from Captain’s Quinn and Sveli.

The General was going into the heart of the Jutraalian Empire.

He briefly wondered if Kaine would walk away with successes or would the galaxy be plunged further into the darkness..


Already Grand Admiral Hyfe is no doubt acting on his own plans to push these annoying brush fires away from the Empire…

All we can do is wait…




Corellia….. Senate Meeting.. Closed Session..



”Senator Pardue, how do you know that the Galactic Defense Initiative is not a terrorist organization? Remember that Republic Intelligence did discover that both GDI and the Empire were on friendly terms.. and I won’t hesitate to use the word.. Ally!”


The bug eyed alien Senator stared at the speaker, his expression difficult to ascertain. “May I remind the esteemed Senator that so was the New Republic during the action against the Jutraalian Death Star.”

“The Ambassadorial Station that was destroyed?” a younger, smaller Senator called out.

Pardue turned and his feelers clicked together in annoyance. “If it looks like a Bantha, smells like a Bantha, and whines like a Bantha, perhaps it is, indeed a Bantha. Calling it a human will not change it’s species..”

The younger Senator bared his teeth in anger and several others started to shout at each other.


“The Senate recognizes, Senator Balledan from Coruscant.”

The Coruscant Senator stood up, and cleared his throat amid murmurs, mostly from the Corellia delegation. “Esteemed Sirs. War serves no purpose in this respect. Already Coruscant has suffered from the taxation and expenditures from the last conflict. Our coffers are not unlimited.

Another war would kick down and break our economy that has been trying to steadily climb for the past few months.”


“But reports from the GDI show that your citizens are the ones causing a strain on our rescources.”

Balledan’s hand went up, “GDI Propaganda…. You should recognize that, Senator. Any Republican schoolchild knows the seat of power in the Republic is on Corelia.”

The Senator bowed at the comment and the Corellian delegation begrudgingly acknowledged the compliment.

“I will not say there are not extremists who wave placards and shout down the government, but that is due more to the poverty and dire straits experienced than any sign of moral outrage. When a person has hit rock bottom, to salvage what they can of their self esteem and dignity, they will take on the strangest causes.”

“Thank you for that sociology lesson Senator. Now to your point?”

Balledan sighed.


It was going to be a long meeting..

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Corellia, Senate – in session<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



“Senator, while I agree with the general ideals you are expressing, the fact remains that we live in the real world. In the games of alliances, which serves the interests of the Republic more? The affiliation with GDI or an affiliation with the Jutraalian Empire?


Furthermore, Senator, DO we have an alliance with the Galactic Defense Initiatve? It appears not if they have been growing a coup within our very own Coruscant?

What is this System’s Commonwealth? What is their goals other than undermining our own government?

Did you see the report yesterday? A boast of over 3 million people. Tell me, they did not just spring up overnight with our entrance into the GDI system. It’s not simple outrage! This has been planned. Supreme Commander Isstal has been organizing this insurrectionist activities on our worlds and our blockade of their system IS IN RESPONSE TO THEIR ACTS!”

THE NEW REPUBLIC WILL NOT BE THE PAWN OF OPPORTUNISTIC WARLORDS!

WE WILL NOT TOLERATE INSURRECTION!”

Applause had started when another speaker voiced out, Senator Balledan from Coruscant, Former Capital, “But the Jutraalian Empire? If we point out that the Galactic Defense Initiative did not approach the issues at hand through diplomatic channels rather than resorting to terrorist “tactics”, then I ask also, when we uncovered these so called tactics, did we also try to find an answer through diplomatic means?”

“Senator Balledan brings up a good point and a review committee has been formed to investigate that very question. The fact that our military moved to act without the usual diplomatic overtures …”


Senator Balledan had sat down but neglected to hear the rest as a message alerted him to a signal from home. Leaving the Senate Chambers, he drew a breath of fresh air. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Who knew how long this standoff would last?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Both sides have points. Compromise must be achieved.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


“Senator!” came the shout that pulled him out of his reverie as the signal appeared.

“Lex, what happened?”

Quickly the aide informed the Senator of the massive loss of life at the collapse of the old Republic House.

“That building was supposed to be scheduled for demolition, Lex!”

“The owners needed the money..”

Balledan felt his headache getting worse. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Just when simple progress is made, things like this happen to pull us under. How can our corporate affiliates still want to relocate to a planet experiencing riots and looting.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


“Have the authorities…”

“Sir, The Republican Guard has either pulled out or have joined the movement.”

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Damn it! The cost of maintaining the civil security personnel has increased over the year with the budget decreasing.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“So the riots are..”

“Minimal for now. But unhindered by the planetary government for much longer may see their increase in boldness and destruction.”

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Over fifty eight billion people held hostage by the destruction wrought by the fanatical few.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


“Something will be figured out… I will return shortly.”

“But..but . .the Senate…”

“Can do nothing for Coruscant until this GDI issue has been resolved.”

“We will await your arrival, Senator.”


And the screen flickered off.


Balledan stared blankly for a while. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> It’s happening..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


“Senator, there is a transmission from a Jenice Arliss on Korriban.”

“I will take it.” He said immediately.

“Senator!” she started. “Have you heard..?”

“Just now,” he confirmed. “It looks bad.”

“Will Corellia be sending more…”

“No. It’s an internal planetary problem. The Republican Charter mandates that civil matters of each member world be handled by the local system, government authorities.”

“So where can we get ..”

“I don’t know. I cannot call on the military which is blockading GDI space right now.”

The woman’s blue eyes seemed to be darting left and right as if trying to think of a solution that would solve their collective problems for now. Or at least provide a temporary relief.

“Senator. Arliss Securities is being set up currently. It was to be a contract security company attached to Cryonics Industries factories and other going concerns onworld.

They are trained, they are being supplied… and most importantly, they are there.” She smiled at a thought she considered embarrassing with what she said next, “You may find them a bit disorganized though. We were expecting to open for business for another three months.”


“Consider them Deputized. My office will draft the authorization immediately.”

Jenice suddenly seemed concerned. “Will the Republic..”

“It’s a civil matter Ms. Arliss. The Republic is leaving the matter to the local resources at hand. You are a local resource and I am going to use you. Do not worry.. Your security personnel do not pose a threat to the Republic.”

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Not as much as say.. the Jutraalians… or say .. GDI.. or say, even our own Senate.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Balledan smiled grimly.

“Senator, I am meeting with Mr. Tenloss now. I will bring our problem up to him and see if any more support and help cannot be forwarded to you.”

“Very good. I am leaving for Coruscant shortly, Ms. Arliss. Relay my thanks and my regards to Mr. Tenloss.”

“I will. Senator, I hesitate to bring this up..”

Balledan waived her concerns away. “What is it?”

“It would be much easier if all ports except those under CI and Arliss control be shut down until you have the manpower and the money to reopen. And a recommendation to halt all outgoing traffic.”

“And our trade? The business sectors would be..”

“Incoming traffic will not be affected. But at least we contain the problem here. Then we can determine of the source of these riots is internal or external.”

“I don’t like it, but you are correct. If this is being supported offworld, we need to know. But make all ports (import and export) a top priority in getting armed security, procedures and measures in place. I want them open as quickly as possible.”

“Yes Senator. It will be done.”

Balledan felt a slight breath of relief. “Excellent.”




**



<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Siennar District<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


“You have your orders…”

“Riots Sarge?”

“We need to get things back to normal and quickly. We need quick, efficient and effective results.”

Hundreds turned to thousands and thousands turned to tens of thousands as uniforms of Arliss Securities were assigned sectors and relief efforts to work in conjunction with planetary engineers organized.




*



<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Asation<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


“Sir, you need to take a look at this Intelligence Report.”

Captain Chandler’s hand extended and upon reading the pad, he bolted up. “The System’s Commonwealth is what??” he exclaimed hardly believing what he was reading.

Especially in light of an earlier a report that had come across his desk regarding the group as a cult and banning them from Imperial controlled worlds.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Arliss Retreat<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


Seamus Arliss glanced at the reports that had come across his desk with little joy. He was hoping to use his Geonosis connections to gather large contracts with the Trade Federation (in response to their diplomatic ties to the Empire).

Now, with the Trade Federation joining an organization banned from the Empire, this System’s Commonwealth, things looked bleak for those plans.

Perhaps he could pull a Jawa out of his hat though. If the Imperial Government could be made to recognize the System’s Commonwealth as a political entity then that would give the fledgling group recognition on a galactic scale. Therefore it would no longer..it could no longer be considered a “cult” and Imperial Intelligence would have to redraft their directive.

Otherwise, if recognition was not given by the Empire, Arliss would have to simply cut Trade Federation ties…and quickly.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Things were so much simpler in the past.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


He thought fondly of his corporate wars against his competition on Muunilist. His efforts to stop the Empire from taking the world. His power was unmatched..not by the Muunilist government, not by his competitors, and certainly not by his daughter!

The arrival of Daemon Hyfe and Simon Kaine spelled an end to his planetary conquest and he was forced, (if he desired to remain in business and keep his life) to turn all Muunilist assets over to the control of his daughter and never step foot on Muunilist again.

The banishment was fine for the CEO of Arliss Industries and he thrived in adversity. Already The Arliss Family of sister companies enjoyed unprecedented monopoly over Imperial Manufacturing and weapons.

He always felt that working within the frameworks of existing governments led to greater profits with less accountability. To literally control a planet raised the capital. Unfortunately, when played on a galactic scale, capital can be stolen, taken or destroyed at a moments notice.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> But when your companies are located in different, sometimes conflicting governmental spheres, it becomes tricky.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


He glanced at the report once more and sighed. It was time to send Mr. Conrad to the the Trade Federation and find out what was going on.

He’d also need to tap his Intelligence connections to see which direction the galactic winds were blowing.

"Tell me again what they're saying about us?" The situation on Eriadu had not returned to normal, much to the depair of Dxun Isstal and the high ranking members of the Galactic Defence Initiative.

"They say," Colonol Ross said for the second time, "that the Systems' Commonwealth is a sham. A cult. A terrorist organization bent on destroying the galaxy."

"And this comes from the Galactic Empire? The very same that employs Sith Lords to reach their own ends?" The Colonel shrugged.

"I can only tell you what I know, sir. And that is that the Empire has declared the Commonwealth an Enemy of the State." Dxun Isstal sighed.

"And if they have, Colonel? The Empire is entitled to do as it wishes. If they wish to have no part of the Commonwealth then so be it. It is their loss."

"But what of our own alliance with that self-same Empire? Surely this Commonwealth may endanger that link..."

"Yes, Colonel, it may. But I will not see this galaxy descend into the bottomless pit of chaos over some other trivial issue. Emperor Fearsons' Death Star was bad enough. Now with the New Republic on our backs over some issue that they won't bother explaining..."

"Petition to Cheif of State Leia Organa Solo and request a cease-fire..." Dxun mopped his brow with the back of his hand and shook his head.

"You think I haven't tried, Colonel? Organa Solo is to busy with her magic tricks to listen to the qualms of the GDI. We're on our own here!"

"And the riots on Coruscant..."

"Oh, I suppose those are our fault too?" The Colonel set his datapad down on the table and nodded. It was, given the situation, all he could offer. "Well boo-hoo for them, then. I certainly can't help it if the bloody Republic can't keep its own citizens in line! If they want to protest the damned invasion then so be it! Is the New Republic banning freedom of speach on her worlds now?" The Supreme Commander was standing now, looking past the Colonel's head at the holoart that hung on the wall behind him.

"Given what's going on sir, it really wouldn't fail to surprise me." Dxun laughed shortly.

"What's next? Martial law? The New Republic invades our planets and then complains about the unfairness of people protesting it? Things are certainly getting out of hand in this galaxy."

"Yes, sir. But the Commonwealth-"

"The Commonwealth will stand as it is, Colonel. I do not care if the Empire does not like that!"

"No, sir. The Tholatin Republic has submitted a membership application to join the Commonwealth." Dxun's mood brightened. He sat down once more and looked at his datapad. "So the Empire doesn't like our Commonwealth. Colonel, politely inform them that the Commonwealth acknowledges their opinion, but frankly doesn't give a damn if the Empire has a problem with them."

Senator Kilek Dreena, Representative of the Trade Federation sat petiently listening to the arguments of the squabling Senators over the Galactic Defense Initiative, The Jutraalian Empire, and the Commonwealth of Systems, running the sides of his head as Fatigue set in. As he listened, he couldn't help but recognize that most of the Senators still thought the Commonwealth was just another scheme at Galactic dominance.

Standing from the black leather-backed chair in which he sat, he arose to his speaker, and interrupted the arguements, and debates that were taking place.

"Senators from abroad, Ambassadors from distant Starsystems. Allow me to introduce myself...." he began as the senate meeting grew silent at his words. It was well known that The Trade Federation was the second member to join the Commonwealth, shortly before the Outer Rim Federation, and the Tholatin Republic.

"My name is Senator Kilek Dreena, of the Trade Federation. Today, as I listen to you all speak, I grow worried of possible Military action at any point in the near future. The wars of the past still haunt the Trade Federation today, and as many of you know, the Trade Federation is in no condition to subject itself to a war, weither that war be on a voluntary basis, or a forced basis.

I come to you today to speak for the Trade Federation on the issue of the Systems Commonwealth. Though it has been labeled nothing more than a mere cult of terrorists organizations, I must inform you otherwise. The Trade Federation, a sister group of the Commonwealth has not only worked hard to help establish this peaceful organization, but it has also dedicated valuable resources to keep it afloat. At the current time, the Trade Federation does have a representative at the Commonwealth Council, and is the leading funder of this organization."

The room erupted into the loud sound of hundreds of symotanious whispers, but the Senator continued.

"The New Order is a key ally to the Trade Federation, and we rely on there support greatly. As you may know, the Trade Federation mutually owns the world of Geonosis with the New Order, and even has economic rights to the planet. The Trade Federation cannot afford to loose these vital ties to the New Order.

It is with the greatest hardship that I lay down this offer. If the New Order desires the Trade Federation to drop out of this Alliance, it will be done to preserve the vital ties between the two factions."

The room erupted into a frenzy of conversation...

Siennar District


"Well, I'll be damned!" commented an observer as reports trickled in describing the goings on in the Senatorial Closed Session.

Corellian news agencies were given exclusives as politicians scrambled for the moral high ground. All the while the debate regarding the Galactic Defense Initiative and their escalating war of attrition raged on.



Asation



"Activate Abolisher fields." Captain Chandler ordered.

"Orders being relayed, Sir."

The Captain of the Victory turned to another officer. "Have the engineers gone through?"

"Yes Sir. 3 Hours ago."

Chandler nodded.


The System's Commonwealth was identified as a conglomeration of factions the Empire was either hostile or wary of in a report following the issuing of the directive. However, no recall of the directive was as yet forthcoming.


The Trade Federation's status is a precarious one.


"Contact the planet," Chandler suddenly commented, "and have them set the detonators.... Just in case."

Coruscant



Senator Balledan stood in surprise at the sheer numbers Arliss Industries was able to cobble up. Apparently their Security Company was going to be a very elaborate institution.


He nodded as the Master of Ceremonies took over, leading the deputized security personnel through the legal ritual that would help cement his hands on a situation that was rapidly slipping away.

With the monies of the Republic tied up in their action against GDI, Coruscant was starving off the scraps.

Their economy was dying and still the people tried to forge ahead hoping beyond hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel.

With civil order being restored, perhaps there was..


"Sir, that is that last group for today."

"How many, Mr. Noss?"

"Fifty Thousand. Tomorrow the numbers are being doubled."

"Where are they getting so many capable people?"

"Importing them Sir. And that's what I wanted to go over with you. With Arliss Securities operating under our Civil umbrella, they can wave any immigration procedures and standarization."

"They are security personnel, Noss, and with people leaving..."

"Attempting to leave. We shut down the ports, remember?"

"We need them..."

"I will not argue that, Sir. It's what to do with them after we don't that worries me."






Asation


The abolishers stopped firing and as the last sphere faded into nothingness at a certain range, Chandler glanced at the galactic time piece that Kaine had installed when he was Captain of the Victory.


Intelligence Reports on all fronts were encouraging...

But then, everything looks encouraging before it falls apart..


He nodded to the comm officer and the fleet was signaled.

"Gentlemen. It is time. Remember your history. Remember your duty. Remember you are 256... Remember you are the Empire. Good hunting.."



The Sentinel 2 Division under General Kaine began to break up into designated numbers for their assigned areas.


It took all afternoon for each fleet portion to plot their course exit in an orderly fashion. Were they all going to the same place, the time would have been much much shorter...


Alas.., thought Chandler. We cannot change galactic physics... yet..


"All Abolisher Commands, commence firing.."


And once more, the spheres were fired as Chandler's portion of the fleet remained on station.



But not for long..

The time was twenty one hundred hours, Imperial Fleet Standard Time. In one hour, an Imperial task force would rendezvous at the edge of a planetary system for field exercises. Behind them as a computerized source of reserves was an ambiguously named Assault Corps. The small armada was not a corps, as that was a description ascribed to ground units and fighters. The collection of Star Destroyers and support craft were all above a size designation to be anything like a corps. Their crew compliment along elevated them to the status of Army Group: such a title would never be handed to a Fleet officer.

In the one hour preceding the exercise, the Flag Officer in command had his hands full issuing orders and overseeing computer readouts. All munitions discharged would be live and all targets constructed and very real. Every data recorder, however, as a matter of form and Imperial Procedure, had to be personally inspected and its position approved by the Admiral or Captain in overall liege of the maneuvers.

That was a dauntless task that every Admiral dreaded and it monopolized nearly all of their pre-active time.

* * *

The time had turned to twenty two hundred hours, Imperial Fleet Standard Time.

Under the cover of the surrounding darkness, four Imperial-class Star Destroyers slipped into real space. They had taken on an old tradition to their hulls: every centimeter of durasteel and trillanium plating had been coated it a matte black, with many gaps therein where windows and view ports opened the beast’s innards to the stars. From any distance, the quartet all but disappeared from any visual scan.

In fact, through the eyes, they had never arrived.

Their appearance, when noticed, would always be an ominous one. Those aboard the behemoths knew that no wrath would spew from their guns that day. The sights on their machines of war would merely be zeroed in for the day when Justice and the Imperial Way needed to be meted out to those in need.

The four Star Destroyers, drawn from the mighty otherwise named home defense fleet, each bore the name of four of their older brothers who once wrought havoc in the lives of the Empire’s ideological enemy: the New Republic. Heading the diamond was the Manticore, followed by the Basilisk. To each flank was the Hydra and the Gorgon. Those that bore such names now were by far better than their predecessors, being four classes above the Mark I’s of olde.

In the exercise they had been assigned to complete, the four Destroyers would be filling the role of their elder brothers: in the closely strewn system, they would wreak havoc in no uncertain terms and without any limitations.

The group, dubbed Force Mystique, moved forward at a slow and stately speed, nearing one of two permanently populated worlds in the system. Four others supported life and on each colonies had grown, however their purposes were strictly for the exploitation of the world.

The worlds of Kranus and Janus were twins, each orbiting next to each other as if one body. Between them was a small defense and trade station, and about them freighter traffic and an advanced assortment of System Patrol Craft, recently purchases indirectly through the Sienar Corporation.

It was towards these two masses that the Destroyers moved. As they came ever closers, their formation gave itself breadth and formed itself into a bowed line. The inevitable occurred; the close in sensors located the Destroyers. It was too late, however, as from them spurted neon energy which careened recklessly at the patrol craft. Each, while excellently designed to combat pirates and small commerce raiding fleets, stood no chance against a barrage from Imperial-class Star Destroyers. The gunners thereon were accurate and lethal; the enfilade was over as quickly as it had begun, with a dozen smoldering wrecks ahead of them in a matter of seconds.

The main task completed, the four Destroyers spread once again to encircle the twin worlds. The Manticore remained where she was, and drew her sights around the kilometer wide station. She spared no time in laying it to waste, her opposite’s shields designed only for particle emitters for use against spacial debris.

From the other three Destroyers as soon as they had completed their journey to pre-designated potions, began brief barrages towards the planet. The sensors on the Destroyers had been turned off to add an amount of a complication to the exercise, however, the pre-arrangement of all actions simplified what would have been a horrid situation.

For ten minutes, the Destroyers lumbered above the two worlds raining down fire and destruction on different metallic targets. Desolate land and brush was incinerated in mass holocausts about the surface of the twin worlds.

When all targets had been lain waste to, the Destroyer formed up on the opposite side of the planet from where the debris drifted.

Part I had been complete.

Part I was, as the Destroyer crews were unaware, was only a diversion.

As the two giants made their way around Kranus and Janus, small blips would have been appearing onto their scanners, had they have been activated. The techs aboard the four Destroyers would have as well been able to detect that they were Imperial warships. Abolisher-class Cruisers, interdiction pickets, Carrack Cruisers, and more Star Destroyers began dropping from hyperspace at different intervals and random directions. Slowly, they converged amidst the target debris. Twenty ships, six more Star Destroyers and fourteen attendent vessels, were due to arrive and create Task Force CCL.

They would not fully amalgamate for three hours. Then part II of the training exercise would be complete as well.

* * *

Vengeance-class Command Star Destroyer Decisive
Command Ship: Brass Protectorate Fleet
Flagship: Vice Admiral Telan Desaria

“ …Manticore reports all batteries returned to stantion keeping…”

“ Basilisk reports fifteen percent power drop, Battery 32, Port Gundeck III….”

“ Dreadnaught Pride of the Empire suffered Debris collision upon real space reversion. Source, unknown. Hull breech…”

“ ….Hussar deploying Gunboat Flight IV in screening formation…”

Dozens of technicians, officers, and training officials read off reports that were audible over the typical bridge chatter. From their perch in a ring above the bridge proper, they could manage any communications functions or even ship functions for the exercise.

Their presence was a necessary evil.

One that the Vice Admiral despised. While he understood the need for training and the cohesion of field units, he had always been a proponent of a separate training fleet as not to waste Fleet time or material. There was not an officer or man on any Brass Protectorate vessel that was inept at his job. Desaria had made sure of that.

Captain Vorran, transferred from the Allegiance-class Star Destroyer Intimidator which had been the Admiral’s home for many months, approached his friend and commander. “ Admiral, part I is complete. The crews request clearance to move to phase II.”

At those words, the Admiral’s head drooped. His eyes teared and his hands shook. He was proud of neither what he had done or what he had to do. No one, save two men on any ship in that portion of the galaxy, had any idea what the Admiral’s concern was. One of them was the decorated officer who held his head in his hands as if a child.

The other wore the insignia-less black uniform of the Internal Security Bureau. It was he who stood, silently with his hands crossed over his chest, at the Admiral’s left side. If anything, his presence was more feared than helpful, as such was the spin the ISB loved to put on its missions.

“ Sir?”

Mimicking the brevity with which the Imperial flotilla had made its entrance, the Admiral’s collapse was over as quickly as it had begun. Only Vorran had seen it, all other officers who had caught a glimpse had turned for a second look, and seen their command as he typically was. Disciplined, rigid, and powerful.

Another thing Vorran’s eyes could only see was a lone tear in the Admiral’s left eye.

Vorran snapped back to attention, not realizing he had arched his head to gaze better upon his friend. “ The training, sir?-

“ Captain, there is no training.”

“ Sir?”

“ There is no training at the moment. That debris is real, that station was real, and those targets were not illuminated scrap heaps, they were colony cities.”

“ If those were cities…”

“ Yes, Captain. All humanoid life on Kranus has been eliminated. As has that on Janus. “

The bridge had fallen silent, every man now watching the Admiral’s every word and movement. He had risen from his chair. “ This force has just conquered this system. Secrecy was, and is, paramount, which is why you know niehter where we are, or whom we’ve killed.

“ You may know that a garrison will be placed on the surface, a small force remanded to temporary defense duty, and we will move on to our other objective, where-”

The ISB officer approached the Admiral nonchalantly and spoke for the first time since his entrance aboard the ship. What he said to the Admiral in private no one wanted to know. “ You need only to know that we will be furthering the expansion of the Empire and the reemergence of the New Order. “

Desaria spun on his heel, his face awash with anger and rage. His eyes bruned holes in the brash Captain’s soul. He remained unperturbed, but at what speed his heart raced one could only guess. No one could see what the Admiral murmured, but the ISB operative blinked once and exited the bridge, the Admiral shortly thereafter in tow.

The Decisive continued on course for the center of the system.

The bridge as well as the entire command, knew of the arrival of Captain Trachta, Internal Security Bureau. No one knew his reason for appearance.

No one wanted to.

Trachta walked down the hallway of the Decisive. As he walked people made a note to quickly get out of his way as they saw the black insignia-less uniform signifying a member of the Internal Security Bureau. Most Imperials immensely disliked the ISB, but that didn't phase Trachta a bit.

He moved into the Desaria's office and stood to the side with his hands clasped behind his back as the Admiral walked in behind him and took his seat at the head of the desk. Trachta remained standing simply looking at him through his emotionless, red photoceptors.

Desaria looked at him with something that was all too familiar to Trachta. A look that simply showed what the Admiral thought of the ISB and it's attache to his fleet. Trachta simply continued to look at him with his unblinking stare.

"You seem so upset, Admiral," Trachta said through his respirator as he stood there. "I don't know why, what you did was in the service of the New Order and the Empire. You should be proud."

Desaria's glare only seemed to get more fiery as he looked at the ISB officer. He responded to Trachta's comment all too unkindly.

"Praise of genocide coming from an unskilled, unworthy, and uncaring ISB agent like you is an insult to me and my crew."

"I don't give damn what you, or your crew think," Trachta said putting a black gloved hand up to his repirator checking one of its tubes before continuing, "As long as they do their job in the name of the Empire and all its glory. You will, of course, follow your orders to the dot. That is why I am here."

Desaria just continued glaring at what seemed to be nothing but the embodyment of ISB soulessness as Trachta stared back.

"I do find you quite interesting though, Admiral. Especially your private logs I was given access to to. Quite interesting, but also a sign of weakness of how you have shown mercy before," Trachta said as he looked over at the log laying on the Admiral's desk. "The Empire is not a place for chivalry. It is a place of order and control. We will rise again, the question is if you will survive long enough to see it."

Desaria just looked at Trachta as he opened his mouth to make a retort.

"I prefer you stay out of Fleet affairs, captain. You know, CAPTAIN Trachta, the picture of a Star Destroyer from the outside is awesome. Prey I do not decide to let you see it."

Trahcta actually chuckled at that comment as he stood there. His vocabulator inside his repirator making the chuckle sound all the more vile and inhuman.

"But you might be the one seeing such beauty, Admiral. Just remember to stick to your mission or you'll be answering to me," Trachta said as he stood there, with is hands still clasped behind his back, and let that hang in the air for a moment.

Desaria's glare darkened into what was undeniably hatred as he pointed to his door.

"Get out of my site, NOW!" He shouted at Trachta.

Trachta bowed mockingly and then about faced and marched out of the office.

<font color=blue>Who'd have thought that a million lightyears and more away nearly an exact duplicate of Coruscant's current issues were being brought to the attention of the Enclave of Ignias in Chiss space?

Who would have thought that their decision would be to finally leave their home in an attempt to appeal to the "Known Regions"?

Who would have thought that so much grief could come from so little a person?

Already diplomats had been dispatched to Commenor to speak with the Systems' Commonwealth on behalf of the Enclave of Ignias, the final memorial and splinters of the Csillan Parliament, which was destroyed when their Grand Syndic had passed, and the Republic had decided to take Csilla.

Of course the Chiss could not hold such against the New Republic, they did what they felt was right.

But Csilla was sacred to the Chiss, and if they could avoid shedding innocent blood, then they surely would do so.

That was something the Galactic Defense Initiative did not seem to fathome.

By Galactic did they mean anything run by them? Anything that claimed fealty to Dxun Isstal's twisted ways would be defended with initiative? Perhaps the galaxy was only what he controlled.

He was totally insensative to the customs and traditions and religion of Chiss ways. When material gain was a factor...

Nothing mattered when you got what you want it seems in the Known Regions.

***

Coruscant


Coruscant was brilliant.

Despite all the holos, all the flatscreens, all the pictures that Mitth'raw'nuroudo had sent back to Csilla, nothing could compare to seeing it up close like this.

Half the planet was covered in sheer lights, a quarter in water, and he could not see the rest from his bridge, but what he saw was more than worth it.

He could simply sit here all day and stare at it, and thanks to the orders given to him by Supreme Prefect Ments'awl'aeroudae he could.

His black painted task force of Nebulan-Class C Frigates lingered in orbit of the planet, their IFF codes and markings totally foreign to the Republic and anyone else who saw.

Their weapons were powerd down, their shields kept on medium.

And Karlv'elt'aeroudae was captivated.



Corellia

His smoothe hands ran over his smoothe forehead, touching a few loose strands of raven black hair that hung down despite his grooming.

Ments'awl'aeroudae's head swelled with indignant pain. For weeks he'd been travelling aboard his flagship, the Eclipse Star Destroyer Nekae'ool'aeroudae, named after the mistress of Supreme Prefect Sawl who's death triggered the whole war with the Kharins.

The star destroyer, if it could even be called that, was a monstrosity in size, having taken up resources upon resources upon resources by the Chiss to build, and yet they still had no difficulties constructin the inferior craft.

While expensive, it could not match the power of even some of the smaller Chiss ships. It was simply a sign of prestige and power.

Not to mention a highly mobile military and diplomatic headquarters. He had all the accomodations of an entire city, a ten mile long superstructure with the luxuaries of home.

Not that Sawl enjoyed the destructive power capable by the craft - he much preferred strategy over raw strength - he relished in the looks of it all.

The side had neonic glowing crimson streaks, while everything about was painted in black. He had no reason to hide his ship from visual scannin, if anything during battle he wanted the enormous craft well seen.

According to history lessons, only one time in galactic history had an Eclipse Star Destroyer been destroyed in combat, under the jurisdiction of the rogue Chiss, Velil'xcan'noth by the jedi Gash Jiren and his New Republic fleet.

All others had either been disassembled or destroyed through means of sabotage.

That was an imposing record.

But Sawl was not here to remember history lessons. One of his planets were being held hostage by the Galactic Defense Initiative and he needed to speak with representatives of the New Republic on this, on how they would act and react in accordance with such terrorism.

His test on politics started here.

He chose to wait for a hail to begin, rather than simply trying to land on the capital of the New Republic via shuttle. How would they respond to that?

An entire Chiss warfleet coming out of hyperspace first, followed by shuttles landing?

Certainly not exactly a good sign.

He made sure shields were up but weapons disengaged. With the superlaser, engines, and all turbolasers' energy allocated to the shields, the ship was nearly invincible.