Coruscant
“Senator Balledan to see you, Governor.”
“Send him in.” Motsi/Ciscero sighed closing down his direct terminal to Siennar District. He had ordered no more explosions and so far, no more had occurred. The room had been sweeped for listening devices and monitoring items three times a day. The signal blackout his office carried did come in handy.
But the people were still frightened of the druids so an occasional robot was attacked and destroyed …which happened quite a lot given the nature of Coruscant.
He had already rallied the different planetary leaders into a cohesive political group that was tearing into the Republican rhetoric that was found on different levels.
There were too many Republican officials to replace them all. Kaine realized this and therefore sought not to remove the obstacle but to control it.
Rather than destroy the Messin District Parliament Chamber Seats, why not set up the ‘Messin District Parliament Seat Oversight Committee of Review and Appeals’ to control legislation (either proposed or ratified) carried out in that specific district.
Continue to create Offices of Oversight in each district as well as for every planetary government function.
With the threat of terrorism, private concerns were to be placed under government oversight as well all with the vote of approval by a frightened and scared people.
With the deputized security forces of Arliss and Cryonics, which were in reality legions of Imperial Soldiers sent to Siennar District from Asation, government enforcement of control strengthened the Governor’s hand against those that would speak out against his term.
Already, the Loyalist Party was gaining strength to surpass the entrenched Republican Party.
Any why not? The Empire funded the Loyalist Party through indirect means of the Cryonics businesses and Arliss influence.
The Republic had shot themselves in the foot with regards to Coruscant by not making it their capital. A global city needed the support from the galaxy or it would suffer. It’s very nature of construction left it dependant on other worlds for food, waste removal, water and other natural resources.
With total control over the levels, control made possible by the Militia (the passing name for the grandiose deputized planetary security forces), Motsician found himself unchallenged …
..but it was all a play.
As much power as he had, he still knew fright… for he knew what was coming..
The Final Act..
Enter Balledan.
“Motsician, I must protest the mistreatment the Republican Political Party!” the older man started without preamble.
Motsi kept quiet and the indignant Senator remained standing.
“Senator,” he started slowly, “Groups of fifty or more people must have a license by the Public Affairs Office. The Republican Party was staging an unlicensed demonstration and therefore security was well within their rights to throw the lot of them into prison.”
“The Public Affairs Office denied their license for meeting!” Balledan nearly shouted.
“Because of their anti government sentiments, Senator! If the damned party would have just kept their mouths shut!” Motsi let loose.. “Think Senator! Think! I am dealing with terrorist acts on a rather grand scale.. attacks on our military centers, attacks on our civil programs! The damage and loss of life drains us!”
Motsi stood up as well facing the Senator. “And here comes the Republican Party to suddenly come up with supposedly damaging information about my government!”
Motsi’s eyes narrowed, “Not the best of times to be speaking out against the government. Granted they have a right to free speech but there is a time and place for it!”
“Governor, if the Party had information that might shed light on the terrorist actions..”
“Then they should have taken it to the nearest precinct and let security handle the leads. Their unwillingness to come forth indicates that they were simply spewing political propaganda for their own benefit… and as much as I respect their opinions, I don’t have the time for them now.”
“Motsi, they are scared to come forward. Several party members did come forward to the precincts and they haven’t been seen or heard from again! Their families are worried. I know.. they’ve spoken to me!”
The Senator suddenly walked over to the window, looking at the old Imperial Palace in the distance.
“I’ve spoken with members of the Planetary Defense leadership and it seems you taken command and control of the defense weapons away from them.”
Motsi grunted. “Yes I did. Their computer command and control core was damaged and until I am satisfied that the damage has been repaired completely, control of the guns will remain where I wish it.”
“And where is that Governor?” the Senator asked.
“Classified, Senator. Republican Fleet Command was the site of a terrorist act. To prevent further damage to our defense capabilities, information regarding our defense is on a need to know basis and will be strictly controlled.”
“Even from the Fleet Leaders?”
“Sir, those leaders may have been the cause. They are under investigation and until security clears them, they will remain in the dark and confined to their homes!”
Motsi sighed. “I know they are frustrated.”
“Mandatory curfews, Governor?”
“The less freedom of movement the terrorists have, the less damage they can do. People will give up a lot of freedoms Senator to keep themselves safe and secure. And is the safety and security of their families of paramount importance than their selfish freedoms?”
The Senator narrowed his eyes, “You are not on a campaign, Governor. I merely point out that when the terrorist acts are over, will our freedom be returned?”
“So the same acts can be carried out again?” Motsi asked quietly.
And then Balledan laughed… bitterly.
Motsi/Ciscero raised an eyebrow hearing the bitterness in the old man’s voice.
“Governor, I’ve seen the shadows forming on Coruscant. I’ve seen the reports about Corellia and I’ve watched our ‘security’ marching up and down levels enforcing law.”
The game is up..
“Balledan,” Ciscero started, his voice imploring, “look at Coruscant’s situation. Corellia refuses to give heed to our needs. We are a second rate planet in the Republic only here, it seems, for vacations and tourists. Given the state of the the galaxy, how much effort do you think the Republic will put up for our protection? Oh, it’s ready to go to war for Hapes or some other faction but have Coruscant ask Corellia for anything and suddenly there is nothing available!
How many have died in the interim? How many have died since the Rebellion began? Tell me honestly, Senator. How successful do you see the New Republic being in this galaxy? Where has the Jedi concern been these years following Yavin? Following Endor?
Endless fighing between Senators, the constant bickering and outpouring of opinions…
Is this what you want?”
The old man’s eyes suddenly grew hopeful at the tone of Ciscero’s voice. “Two wrongs, Motsician do not make a right. The Empire was vile, tyrannical and set up a government of fear… the New Republic is obtuse, ineffective, greedy and self interested….
Must we select between two evils? No!
If we know what is right, WE SET THE EXAMPLE! If Corellia, if the New Republic is wrong, we at least have the power SHORT OF ARMED REVOLUTION, to at least make efforts to set things right. In the Empire, if we see something wrong, we have no recourse but revolution to set things right.
You are Governor of Coruscant. You have exceptional perception and foresight. Act on events to shape the future as we desire! Do not let events shape you! Do not let events push you along a course that you do not want..”
Ciscero stared at the aging man. A man he had manipulated from the beginning under his current name. And yet, throughout the long term play he had come to respect the Senator for the man he was. He had come to view the Senator as a friend. Comrades who were taking on the corruption of government and with skill, tenacity and will molding something grand…
If only the situation were different Balledan. If only…
The Senator saw the sadness in the Governor’s eyes and felt his heart sink further.
“It’s.. .too late.. Senator..” Ciscero whispered. “They have control of the planet. All military installations, communications and there is nothing that can be done. The plan is too far along. Coruscant has been isolated. Corellia has been blockaded. The Jedi’s own temple is under assault.”
Tears were forming in the Senator’s eyes….his voice rough, his mind reaching back to memories when Motsician was only a dark unnamed figure, “Musaile? Gash Jiren?”
“The beginning…” Ciscero confirmed. “Musaile was an agent of Thrawn but the situation he created was one that could be taken advantage of. Those Republican Officials and Senators who would …who could .. pose a problem to the plan were associate with Musaile and the New Republic’s own purge of traitors took care of them.
Gash Jiren was fully loyal…as far as I knew. But given his nature, his people being smashed by Thrawn and his own son, how much distrust could the man take from the government he tried so valiantly to protect?”
Ciscero sighed. “Perhaps he could be recruited on our side as well. As it turns out, the man is missing, presumed dead.”
The tears dropped from the Senator’s eyes..”When?”
When will my world, when will everything I have lived, breathed and fought for come crumbling down?
“Today.” The Governor answered. “The plan that was set into motion was to coincide with the government vote on the planet Corulag.”
“Corulag?”
“With the regaining of Coruscant, the vote will swing resoundingly to the Empire’s favor without armed conflict. The Loyalist will win the election.”
Suddenly the terminal that Ciscero used to communicate with Siennar District started to beep.
“The Empire is here..” Turning to Balledan, he said, “They will take control of the Palace within the hour and set up transfer of power protocols. Imperial Center will return.”
“What will happen to my family?” the Senator asked in sadness.
And it was then that Ciscero truly felt empathy for his older friend. He cares more for his family than for himself…
“I will see to their safe departure from Coruscant. Is there any particular place you desire them to go?”
“Ossus. Have them go there. If the Empire is to wage a war with the Republic, no Republican planet is safe.”
“I shall see to it..” Ciscero said with conviction and the Senator sat there for a time in silence, defeat in his features.
When the chime sounded outside Motsician’s office, stormtroopers and an Imperial Officer entered, walking up behind the Republic Senator.
“Senator Balledan, you are under arrest by authority of the Imperial Government. You must come with me now!”
The Senator’s eyes trailed to Ciscero and the Intelligence Agent simply nodded. Weakly the old man stood up and, flanked by stormtroopers, he was led away.
The Grand Admiral was due in two days…
..and already, Ciscero had final tasks to perform.
Outside the Imperial Fleet that had gathered at Byss had entered Coruscant’s system. TIE Fighters immediately took up air superiority positions as they descended in waves into the atmosphere of the city planet.
The Loyalist Party had already taken down many Republican banners and installed the timeless logo of the Empire..
The New Order had come to Coruscant.
Brentaal…. the third day…
General Kaine sat across from Mr. Vinda and read the reports of available transports standing by. It was less than he wanted but more than he expected.
Such was the way of business though, thought the General.
The General of the New Order stood slowly as an announcement filled the darkened room.
“General. All units are in position. Corulag vote to hinge on an Imperial show of force.”
“Patch me to all units, encryption code burst only.”
“Data carriers ready, General.”
“Endgame – Finale, execute.” The General replied.
“Acknowledged, time synchronizer is active. All units on station.”
The transmission ended and Kaine eyed the Vinda Corp master with renewed interest.
“Mr. Vinda. Patience is a virtue that usually pays off. You have been exceptionally patient in remaining aboard the Galactus and going along with our little charade.”
The General suddenly grinned, making him look younger than he was. “And it was a charade, as I am sure you have noticed.”
Suddenly the holographic projection of the galaxy changed to view the Inner Rim and the Core. The Galactus shook slightly as it suddenly entered hyperspace.
Every ship in the fleet on station at Brentaal entered hyperspace, their destination, Coruscant.
“The 256th here will soon be moving past the Chandrilla System as well as the Corulag System (where the 2nd Picket is stationed and outside of which the 1st Picket is stationed.
The 2nd Sentinel Fleet of First Division (of former Vice Admiral Drakiss command), commanded by a Captain of the 256th has left Byss to make the jump into Coruscant space from the Deep Core location.”
Kaine smiled,
“We arrive at Coruscant on two flanks. The 256th, the 2nd Legion of First Division, and three reserves Corps of Imperial Star Destroyers, Reigns as well as Shrouds will reinforce our numbers.
Once all all units are in play, 1st Picket, reinforced with Jutraalian units shall begin activating abolisher fields, spaced out strategically to cover as much of the hyperspace lanes as possible.
They will effectively sever the Perleman Trade Route.into Coruscant for the duration of the operation.
Our Abolisher Corps from Kuat will activate thus severing the limbs of the Hydian Way, Corellian Trade Route and the Corellian Run. With the New Republic Capital under blockade by Imperial warships, the Republicans would be hardpressed to send anything our way anyway. But should something break the blockade, Kuat Fleet shall deal with them.
There is another Abolisher Corps outside of Fondor, cutting off the Rimma Trade Route to prevent any offensive measures, or at the very least effectively slow them down.”
“Wouldn’t the New Republic Fleet on Coruscant pose a problem as well as the massive planetary defense measures?” the assistant to Mr. Vinda asked rather logically.
“It might..” Kaine smiled, “if the Fleet were there and if the defenses were not already under our control.
You see, Mr. Vega, the Empire already has control of the planet. Our Fleet is not a conquest fleet but a reinforcement fleet.”
“How did you obtain control of a planet with a population of billions?” Mr. Vinda asked.
“Classified, Mr. Vinda. The planning, though, was quite extensive and hinged on several variables… one of which was your halting your attack upon the CSA for six months.
Miss Arliss has informed me that you require some time to think over the proposition given to you. That is fine. Take all the time you need.”
The General’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Just keep this one thing in mind, Sir.
The galaxy thinks that the Empire has fallen and in the wake of a successful rebellion, a New Republic was created for the betterment of all. Instead, all the rebellion created was an illusion that is failing the galaxy. An illusion that denies the fact that the Empire has not died.
Many thought the Rebellion over with the destruction of the 2nd Death Star. But the Rebellion had not ended then because the Empire still drew breath.
It is only now have we reached the end of the game. The end of what the Rebels have started oh so long ago. After today, the Rebellion will be crushed and the Galactic Empire will be the reigning reality in the galaxy once again.
I say this not to threaten or cause fear. I say this to relay a fact of life. A fact that may or may not be helpful in future business endeavors. You will be a better judge of that than I.
I am simply a soldier.”
Kaine moved to the door and the two Vinda people stood.
“Gentlemen. Care to see Coruscant up close?”
Coruscant
The shuttles from the 2nd Legion of Sentinel’s First Division were descending with specialists, technicians and Imperial engineers.
Governor Motiscian, aka Ciscero moved quickly into a personal hanger reserved for Republican Elite. On a landing pad stood his Office’s personal shuttle prepped and ready for liftoff.
He had wasted no time to find the Senator’s family to remove them from their homes. He and they had to move quickly for Spartans were already on the task of locating Balledan’s grandchildren and wife.
Looking into the frightened children’s faces, he recalled that the Senator’s son and daughter-in-law had been killed off-world on some diplomatic mission.
He had made the hanger in good time running up the landing ramp and facing off with the pilots. From their expressions they knew the risk of what he was asking them.
An incredible risk… but if the Senator’s family members had any chance to escape off Coruscant, this was it.
Ciscero watched the shuttle lift off, hoping the pilot would follow the circumnavigation points around the city before leaving orbit, keeping the planet between the shuttle and the fleet from Byss.
As he made his way back to his office, an Imperial Officer came up to him. “Sir, a shuttle has lifted off and has ignored all recalls.”
“Can we get it back?” Ciscero asked a bit tentatively.
“No need sir. The 256th is entering the system…now.”
“What??”
Kaine was early..
Sure enough, the black vessels of the 256th exited hyperspace, the shuttle heading straight for them.
“Get that shuttle back!” shouted Ciscero, knowing that Siennar District would be relaying the shuttles unwillingness to acknowledge their recall orders to Kaine.
Motsician’s orders were ineffective for turbolasers from the Galactus lanced out blowing the shuttle to bits..
“Sir!” another Imperial Officer called out to Ciscero. “General Kaine is signaling..”
And Ciscero suddenly felt powerless..
The Fourth Day..
“Corulag has voted in the Loyalists favor. They are ratifying their reinstatement of their Imperial Charter even as we speak, General.”
The General nodded as Captain Chandler relayed the message as he stared at Ciscero reviewing the past year’s operation. The General and the “Governor” were seated in the Governor’s Office. In the distance, work was proceeding at a rapid pace on the reopening of the Imperial Palace.
The Grand Admiral was due…soon to be former Grand Admiral.
“The Senator’s grandchildren and wife were on the shuttle weren’t they, Ciscero?” Kaine asked quietly.
Ciscero stared out a window, barely hearing the General. “You knew they were on the ship.” He said rather absently.
“It was an educated guess.” The General confirmed.
“Why?” Ciscero asked, swiveling around to face the General. “They posed no threat. They were children.”
“Ahh, yes, Ciscero. And who would be there for these orphans growing up? Who would train them, raise them?” Kaine’s eyes became intense. “Their hatred. Their desire to destroy that which took all they hold dear and that which made them orphans. I do not want the Empire to face those grown orphans whose sole purpose would be to cause it’s downfall.”
The General smiled at the thought. “Ironic isn’t it. For that is what eventually brought about the Rebellion’s downfall.”
Kaine’s eyes became distant.
“One orphan..”
“Senator Balledan to see you, Governor.”
“Send him in.” Motsi/Ciscero sighed closing down his direct terminal to Siennar District. He had ordered no more explosions and so far, no more had occurred. The room had been sweeped for listening devices and monitoring items three times a day. The signal blackout his office carried did come in handy.
But the people were still frightened of the druids so an occasional robot was attacked and destroyed …which happened quite a lot given the nature of Coruscant.
He had already rallied the different planetary leaders into a cohesive political group that was tearing into the Republican rhetoric that was found on different levels.
There were too many Republican officials to replace them all. Kaine realized this and therefore sought not to remove the obstacle but to control it.
Rather than destroy the Messin District Parliament Chamber Seats, why not set up the ‘Messin District Parliament Seat Oversight Committee of Review and Appeals’ to control legislation (either proposed or ratified) carried out in that specific district.
Continue to create Offices of Oversight in each district as well as for every planetary government function.
With the threat of terrorism, private concerns were to be placed under government oversight as well all with the vote of approval by a frightened and scared people.
With the deputized security forces of Arliss and Cryonics, which were in reality legions of Imperial Soldiers sent to Siennar District from Asation, government enforcement of control strengthened the Governor’s hand against those that would speak out against his term.
Already, the Loyalist Party was gaining strength to surpass the entrenched Republican Party.
Any why not? The Empire funded the Loyalist Party through indirect means of the Cryonics businesses and Arliss influence.
The Republic had shot themselves in the foot with regards to Coruscant by not making it their capital. A global city needed the support from the galaxy or it would suffer. It’s very nature of construction left it dependant on other worlds for food, waste removal, water and other natural resources.
With total control over the levels, control made possible by the Militia (the passing name for the grandiose deputized planetary security forces), Motsician found himself unchallenged …
..but it was all a play.
As much power as he had, he still knew fright… for he knew what was coming..
The Final Act..
Enter Balledan.
“Motsician, I must protest the mistreatment the Republican Political Party!” the older man started without preamble.
Motsi kept quiet and the indignant Senator remained standing.
“Senator,” he started slowly, “Groups of fifty or more people must have a license by the Public Affairs Office. The Republican Party was staging an unlicensed demonstration and therefore security was well within their rights to throw the lot of them into prison.”
“The Public Affairs Office denied their license for meeting!” Balledan nearly shouted.
“Because of their anti government sentiments, Senator! If the damned party would have just kept their mouths shut!” Motsi let loose.. “Think Senator! Think! I am dealing with terrorist acts on a rather grand scale.. attacks on our military centers, attacks on our civil programs! The damage and loss of life drains us!”
Motsi stood up as well facing the Senator. “And here comes the Republican Party to suddenly come up with supposedly damaging information about my government!”
Motsi’s eyes narrowed, “Not the best of times to be speaking out against the government. Granted they have a right to free speech but there is a time and place for it!”
“Governor, if the Party had information that might shed light on the terrorist actions..”
“Then they should have taken it to the nearest precinct and let security handle the leads. Their unwillingness to come forth indicates that they were simply spewing political propaganda for their own benefit… and as much as I respect their opinions, I don’t have the time for them now.”
“Motsi, they are scared to come forward. Several party members did come forward to the precincts and they haven’t been seen or heard from again! Their families are worried. I know.. they’ve spoken to me!”
The Senator suddenly walked over to the window, looking at the old Imperial Palace in the distance.
“I’ve spoken with members of the Planetary Defense leadership and it seems you taken command and control of the defense weapons away from them.”
Motsi grunted. “Yes I did. Their computer command and control core was damaged and until I am satisfied that the damage has been repaired completely, control of the guns will remain where I wish it.”
“And where is that Governor?” the Senator asked.
“Classified, Senator. Republican Fleet Command was the site of a terrorist act. To prevent further damage to our defense capabilities, information regarding our defense is on a need to know basis and will be strictly controlled.”
“Even from the Fleet Leaders?”
“Sir, those leaders may have been the cause. They are under investigation and until security clears them, they will remain in the dark and confined to their homes!”
Motsi sighed. “I know they are frustrated.”
“Mandatory curfews, Governor?”
“The less freedom of movement the terrorists have, the less damage they can do. People will give up a lot of freedoms Senator to keep themselves safe and secure. And is the safety and security of their families of paramount importance than their selfish freedoms?”
The Senator narrowed his eyes, “You are not on a campaign, Governor. I merely point out that when the terrorist acts are over, will our freedom be returned?”
“So the same acts can be carried out again?” Motsi asked quietly.
And then Balledan laughed… bitterly.
Motsi/Ciscero raised an eyebrow hearing the bitterness in the old man’s voice.
“Governor, I’ve seen the shadows forming on Coruscant. I’ve seen the reports about Corellia and I’ve watched our ‘security’ marching up and down levels enforcing law.”
The game is up..
“Balledan,” Ciscero started, his voice imploring, “look at Coruscant’s situation. Corellia refuses to give heed to our needs. We are a second rate planet in the Republic only here, it seems, for vacations and tourists. Given the state of the the galaxy, how much effort do you think the Republic will put up for our protection? Oh, it’s ready to go to war for Hapes or some other faction but have Coruscant ask Corellia for anything and suddenly there is nothing available!
How many have died in the interim? How many have died since the Rebellion began? Tell me honestly, Senator. How successful do you see the New Republic being in this galaxy? Where has the Jedi concern been these years following Yavin? Following Endor?
Endless fighing between Senators, the constant bickering and outpouring of opinions…
Is this what you want?”
The old man’s eyes suddenly grew hopeful at the tone of Ciscero’s voice. “Two wrongs, Motsician do not make a right. The Empire was vile, tyrannical and set up a government of fear… the New Republic is obtuse, ineffective, greedy and self interested….
Must we select between two evils? No!
If we know what is right, WE SET THE EXAMPLE! If Corellia, if the New Republic is wrong, we at least have the power SHORT OF ARMED REVOLUTION, to at least make efforts to set things right. In the Empire, if we see something wrong, we have no recourse but revolution to set things right.
You are Governor of Coruscant. You have exceptional perception and foresight. Act on events to shape the future as we desire! Do not let events shape you! Do not let events push you along a course that you do not want..”
Ciscero stared at the aging man. A man he had manipulated from the beginning under his current name. And yet, throughout the long term play he had come to respect the Senator for the man he was. He had come to view the Senator as a friend. Comrades who were taking on the corruption of government and with skill, tenacity and will molding something grand…
If only the situation were different Balledan. If only…
The Senator saw the sadness in the Governor’s eyes and felt his heart sink further.
“It’s.. .too late.. Senator..” Ciscero whispered. “They have control of the planet. All military installations, communications and there is nothing that can be done. The plan is too far along. Coruscant has been isolated. Corellia has been blockaded. The Jedi’s own temple is under assault.”
Tears were forming in the Senator’s eyes….his voice rough, his mind reaching back to memories when Motsician was only a dark unnamed figure, “Musaile? Gash Jiren?”
“The beginning…” Ciscero confirmed. “Musaile was an agent of Thrawn but the situation he created was one that could be taken advantage of. Those Republican Officials and Senators who would …who could .. pose a problem to the plan were associate with Musaile and the New Republic’s own purge of traitors took care of them.
Gash Jiren was fully loyal…as far as I knew. But given his nature, his people being smashed by Thrawn and his own son, how much distrust could the man take from the government he tried so valiantly to protect?”
Ciscero sighed. “Perhaps he could be recruited on our side as well. As it turns out, the man is missing, presumed dead.”
The tears dropped from the Senator’s eyes..”When?”
When will my world, when will everything I have lived, breathed and fought for come crumbling down?
“Today.” The Governor answered. “The plan that was set into motion was to coincide with the government vote on the planet Corulag.”
“Corulag?”
“With the regaining of Coruscant, the vote will swing resoundingly to the Empire’s favor without armed conflict. The Loyalist will win the election.”
Suddenly the terminal that Ciscero used to communicate with Siennar District started to beep.
“The Empire is here..” Turning to Balledan, he said, “They will take control of the Palace within the hour and set up transfer of power protocols. Imperial Center will return.”
“What will happen to my family?” the Senator asked in sadness.
And it was then that Ciscero truly felt empathy for his older friend. He cares more for his family than for himself…
“I will see to their safe departure from Coruscant. Is there any particular place you desire them to go?”
“Ossus. Have them go there. If the Empire is to wage a war with the Republic, no Republican planet is safe.”
“I shall see to it..” Ciscero said with conviction and the Senator sat there for a time in silence, defeat in his features.
When the chime sounded outside Motsician’s office, stormtroopers and an Imperial Officer entered, walking up behind the Republic Senator.
“Senator Balledan, you are under arrest by authority of the Imperial Government. You must come with me now!”
The Senator’s eyes trailed to Ciscero and the Intelligence Agent simply nodded. Weakly the old man stood up and, flanked by stormtroopers, he was led away.
The Grand Admiral was due in two days…
..and already, Ciscero had final tasks to perform.
Outside the Imperial Fleet that had gathered at Byss had entered Coruscant’s system. TIE Fighters immediately took up air superiority positions as they descended in waves into the atmosphere of the city planet.
The Loyalist Party had already taken down many Republican banners and installed the timeless logo of the Empire..
The New Order had come to Coruscant.
Brentaal…. the third day…
General Kaine sat across from Mr. Vinda and read the reports of available transports standing by. It was less than he wanted but more than he expected.
Such was the way of business though, thought the General.
The General of the New Order stood slowly as an announcement filled the darkened room.
“General. All units are in position. Corulag vote to hinge on an Imperial show of force.”
“Patch me to all units, encryption code burst only.”
“Data carriers ready, General.”
“Endgame – Finale, execute.” The General replied.
“Acknowledged, time synchronizer is active. All units on station.”
The transmission ended and Kaine eyed the Vinda Corp master with renewed interest.
“Mr. Vinda. Patience is a virtue that usually pays off. You have been exceptionally patient in remaining aboard the Galactus and going along with our little charade.”
The General suddenly grinned, making him look younger than he was. “And it was a charade, as I am sure you have noticed.”
Suddenly the holographic projection of the galaxy changed to view the Inner Rim and the Core. The Galactus shook slightly as it suddenly entered hyperspace.
Every ship in the fleet on station at Brentaal entered hyperspace, their destination, Coruscant.
“The 256th here will soon be moving past the Chandrilla System as well as the Corulag System (where the 2nd Picket is stationed and outside of which the 1st Picket is stationed.
The 2nd Sentinel Fleet of First Division (of former Vice Admiral Drakiss command), commanded by a Captain of the 256th has left Byss to make the jump into Coruscant space from the Deep Core location.”
Kaine smiled,
“We arrive at Coruscant on two flanks. The 256th, the 2nd Legion of First Division, and three reserves Corps of Imperial Star Destroyers, Reigns as well as Shrouds will reinforce our numbers.
Once all all units are in play, 1st Picket, reinforced with Jutraalian units shall begin activating abolisher fields, spaced out strategically to cover as much of the hyperspace lanes as possible.
They will effectively sever the Perleman Trade Route.into Coruscant for the duration of the operation.
Our Abolisher Corps from Kuat will activate thus severing the limbs of the Hydian Way, Corellian Trade Route and the Corellian Run. With the New Republic Capital under blockade by Imperial warships, the Republicans would be hardpressed to send anything our way anyway. But should something break the blockade, Kuat Fleet shall deal with them.
There is another Abolisher Corps outside of Fondor, cutting off the Rimma Trade Route to prevent any offensive measures, or at the very least effectively slow them down.”
“Wouldn’t the New Republic Fleet on Coruscant pose a problem as well as the massive planetary defense measures?” the assistant to Mr. Vinda asked rather logically.
“It might..” Kaine smiled, “if the Fleet were there and if the defenses were not already under our control.
You see, Mr. Vega, the Empire already has control of the planet. Our Fleet is not a conquest fleet but a reinforcement fleet.”
“How did you obtain control of a planet with a population of billions?” Mr. Vinda asked.
“Classified, Mr. Vinda. The planning, though, was quite extensive and hinged on several variables… one of which was your halting your attack upon the CSA for six months.
Miss Arliss has informed me that you require some time to think over the proposition given to you. That is fine. Take all the time you need.”
The General’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Just keep this one thing in mind, Sir.
The galaxy thinks that the Empire has fallen and in the wake of a successful rebellion, a New Republic was created for the betterment of all. Instead, all the rebellion created was an illusion that is failing the galaxy. An illusion that denies the fact that the Empire has not died.
Many thought the Rebellion over with the destruction of the 2nd Death Star. But the Rebellion had not ended then because the Empire still drew breath.
It is only now have we reached the end of the game. The end of what the Rebels have started oh so long ago. After today, the Rebellion will be crushed and the Galactic Empire will be the reigning reality in the galaxy once again.
I say this not to threaten or cause fear. I say this to relay a fact of life. A fact that may or may not be helpful in future business endeavors. You will be a better judge of that than I.
I am simply a soldier.”
Kaine moved to the door and the two Vinda people stood.
“Gentlemen. Care to see Coruscant up close?”
Coruscant
The shuttles from the 2nd Legion of Sentinel’s First Division were descending with specialists, technicians and Imperial engineers.
Governor Motiscian, aka Ciscero moved quickly into a personal hanger reserved for Republican Elite. On a landing pad stood his Office’s personal shuttle prepped and ready for liftoff.
He had wasted no time to find the Senator’s family to remove them from their homes. He and they had to move quickly for Spartans were already on the task of locating Balledan’s grandchildren and wife.
Looking into the frightened children’s faces, he recalled that the Senator’s son and daughter-in-law had been killed off-world on some diplomatic mission.
He had made the hanger in good time running up the landing ramp and facing off with the pilots. From their expressions they knew the risk of what he was asking them.
An incredible risk… but if the Senator’s family members had any chance to escape off Coruscant, this was it.
Ciscero watched the shuttle lift off, hoping the pilot would follow the circumnavigation points around the city before leaving orbit, keeping the planet between the shuttle and the fleet from Byss.
As he made his way back to his office, an Imperial Officer came up to him. “Sir, a shuttle has lifted off and has ignored all recalls.”
“Can we get it back?” Ciscero asked a bit tentatively.
“No need sir. The 256th is entering the system…now.”
“What??”
Kaine was early..
Sure enough, the black vessels of the 256th exited hyperspace, the shuttle heading straight for them.
“Get that shuttle back!” shouted Ciscero, knowing that Siennar District would be relaying the shuttles unwillingness to acknowledge their recall orders to Kaine.
Motsician’s orders were ineffective for turbolasers from the Galactus lanced out blowing the shuttle to bits..
“Sir!” another Imperial Officer called out to Ciscero. “General Kaine is signaling..”
And Ciscero suddenly felt powerless..
The Fourth Day..
“Corulag has voted in the Loyalists favor. They are ratifying their reinstatement of their Imperial Charter even as we speak, General.”
The General nodded as Captain Chandler relayed the message as he stared at Ciscero reviewing the past year’s operation. The General and the “Governor” were seated in the Governor’s Office. In the distance, work was proceeding at a rapid pace on the reopening of the Imperial Palace.
The Grand Admiral was due…soon to be former Grand Admiral.
“The Senator’s grandchildren and wife were on the shuttle weren’t they, Ciscero?” Kaine asked quietly.
Ciscero stared out a window, barely hearing the General. “You knew they were on the ship.” He said rather absently.
“It was an educated guess.” The General confirmed.
“Why?” Ciscero asked, swiveling around to face the General. “They posed no threat. They were children.”
“Ahh, yes, Ciscero. And who would be there for these orphans growing up? Who would train them, raise them?” Kaine’s eyes became intense. “Their hatred. Their desire to destroy that which took all they hold dear and that which made them orphans. I do not want the Empire to face those grown orphans whose sole purpose would be to cause it’s downfall.”
The General smiled at the thought. “Ironic isn’t it. For that is what eventually brought about the Rebellion’s downfall.”
Kaine’s eyes became distant.
“One orphan..”
