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


Prologue… taken from Portents of Coming Darkness: Imperial Resurgence…


"Gentlemen, what I am about to inform you is considered Classified at the highest priority…”

Kaine’s hand went to a button and a holographic projection of a planet came into view as the lights automatically darkened. The planet seemed almost inhospitable with large stretches of wastelands marking the surface.

"I think it would be wise to start at the beginning to better understand our action here, our motivation, the need for secrecy and most importantly, the necessity of it."

General Kaine turned to the hologram.

"This is Gree, homeworld to a race of the same name and capital of what was once the Gree Enclave. The data is still coming in and most of this just found out from capturned scientists. However, suffice to say, that many hundreds of thousands of years ago this race of beings were at the pinnacle of their technological advancements; a technology that the Empire has yet to match in it's advancement."

Several people shifted.

"One of their greatest achievements was that of the hypergate, a portal that allows one to travel from one planet to another, crossing great distances without the use of starships. But, being aliens, their society and civilization collapsed leaving them only their technology which they no longer understand nor could they maintain. The gates became nothing more than mere religious icons."

Kaine stared at the others, as the image expanded and changed to show Gree as well as several other systems….

"It does appear that the Alliance, though using the hypergate system, did not know everything there was to know about Gree technology. When their government collapsed, all military support for this project suddenly dried up. At to be honest, no one seemed to care. At least no one in the New Republic (who were busy attacking Dantooine at the time) seemed to care and those who did: scientists, geologists, anthropologists, and researchers.. these were forced to find alternate sources of funding to continue investigating and uncovering the secrets of the Gree. Grants were issued and funded by private companies, one of them being Arliss Industries' own Interplanetary Expeditions, Inc. These types of companies are always on the lookout for new technologies to introduce to their contractors, in Arliss' case, the Imperial Military. Seamus Arliss, Executive Director of Arliss Industries, learned of this expedition and forwarded the scientists' funding proposal to me.

While these scientists talk of curing galactic hunger or some nonesense like that, the practical designs for warfare this technology offers was too important to pass up. All information about this proposal was censured and a plan was put into motion to capture this world we are now orbiting…



A Captain from Desaria's group spoke up. "But why the haste?"


Kaine nodded approvingly. "Two reasons. One: because of a plan that Grand Admiral Zell thought up and has now been put into play….






Now…




Outside Despayre System, TJE Space


The flagship of Simon Kaine’s vaunted 256th floated at station keeping outside the Despayre System. And there the Imperial warship waited, with every hour going by until someone…anyone returned the call to escort his ship into Jutraalian controlled space.

His crew carried out their duties with an efficiency made possible through experience, blood, sweat and not a little steel.

But he felt the undercurrent of anxiety for not long before the Empire was in conflict with the former Rogue Empire.

Vice Admiral Drakiss had yet to be heard from and when pieces of his division made it back to port, even the resources of Imperial Intelligence could not answer the question of his whereabouts.

Kaine smiled grimly. Just like Grand Admiral Zell

But not quite.

For Kaine knew the final fate of the former Imperial Leader, the sacrifice of Zell turned legendary only among the Military High Command of the New Order.

But the public remained with questions… questions that would continue to remain unanswered.

“Sir, still no response.” The Communications Officer quietly offered, knowing better than to complain at the repetition of this activity.


The Galactus’ black hull silently stood watch, facing Fearson’s capital system, the hum of the powerful engines their only comfort.

Kaine stood and issued an order that increased the anxiety just a bit.

“Power down weapons.”

“Sir, Defense Stance Procedures…”

“Carry out my order Lieutenant.”

“Yes sir.”


Alone, Kaine’s flagship hovered knowing that the Jutraalian’s would act soon.

“Open another channel and prepare this broadcast.” He ordered.


And for what seemed like the hundredth time, Galactus broadcast it’s position.

“Jutraalian Empire.

I am General Simon Kaine. My flagship has entered your space under a flag of truce. I seek an audience with your Emperor Fearsons and request an escort into your system.”

He nodded to the Comm. Officer. “End transmission.”



He knew the trepidation Fearson’s military must be facing. Perhaps Fearson’s is simply not on his capital world.

But Kaine did not think so. If TJE’s boast is to be believed, then Fearsons enjoys a popular 90% confidence from his population. He couldn’t maintain that confidence if he was absent.

Then, again, anything was possible.


He began to think back to what brought him here to this point.

His lone ship, discounting the Constrainer Pickets that brought him out of hyperspace before entering the system, facing the Jutraalian Capital System.




*


Two Weeks Before



“We STILL haven’t heard from Vice Admiral Drakiss??” Kaine slammed his fist on the desk as he looked at the monitor displaying a rare show of emotion. His eyes narrowed at the man on the screen. “Ciscero, we have the best.. the BEST intelligence gathering organization known to the galaxy. And you are telling me we cannot locate a high ranking Admiral of one of the Empire’s largest fleets?”

The Imperial Intelligence officer shrugged slightly. “To our credit, General, we found the rest of his fleet.”

“This is no laughing matter!” snapped back Kaine. “If he’s been captured.. the security risks..”

“All protocols for the TNO Command have been changed. Our key facilities and systems are still protected.”

“I hate unanswered questions, Ciscero.”

“What can I tell you, General. Perhaps the Admiral blew up with the Jalleek Space Station.”

“Is that how the Rogue’s pronounced their Death Star?”

“How the hell should I know? I just isolate and identify threats and tell you guys what to blow up where..”

Kaine sighed. Sometimes there were just no answers to be found to the most incomprehensible of questions. His mind flickered briefly on the old Regent Exceron.

the most incomprehensible of questions..

“Perhaps Grand Admiral Hyfe should promote you to Emperor..” Kaine said dryly.

“No doubt,” Ciscero fired back not to be outdone and Kaine remembered a boast the Intel man had declared in orbit around Arcadia.

”Believe it or not General, Intelligence wields much power among the governing Moffs and it is only a matter of time before they exert that same control over the military. You may win our victories, General, but we control your destiny.”


“So Fearsons didn’t leave empty handed.” Kaine concluded.

“The man is no fool, General. I know he betrayed the Empire’s Alliance, but his objectives were achieved. He joined the Alliance to gain the upper hand against the old New Alliance.”

Kaine felt a grin coming on.

“Betray the Alliance or not, he did accomplish his goal. We may have not liked his methods but one must respect the results.”

“Yes, you are right.”

“The man has been nothing but honorable to us as much as we him, in relations as well as conflict. There is a respect there.”

Ciscero grinned. “Remind you of someone?”

Kaine could not contain his, “Moff Handler.”


“Like or hate his methods, the man got results and he got what he wanted.”


“Those were the days, Ciscero.” Kaine mused with a touch of affection for the old Moff, remembering his wisdom in handling the Sith. Turning back to the monitor he asked, “Where are you off too now?”

“Naboo.”

Suddenly Kaine sat straighter. “Is it time?”

“We will know in a week.”

“One week.” Kaine’s mind was racing. “I have to brief Command.”

“Ahh yes. Justify to them your personal use of military items and expense budgets to achieve your own objectives.” Ciscero mocked in good humor.

“They will wait till it’s over to execute me.” Kaine replied, equally jovial.

Of course, this could just all blow up in our faces..

“Assuming..of course.”

“Of course” Kaine answered. Assuming events have moved the way we wanted and we are able to take advantage of circumstances.

“Safe trip, Ciscero.”

“Bring the danger. I just hope it’s productive.”

And with that, the transmission went silent. Kaine sat there for a while contemplating when he called a Captain in his Interdiction Picket Division.



Soon, a trio of Constainers were taking an off beat path to the Despayre System to sit there and wait for Kaine’s arrival…should it come.

The mission was dangerous but the ships were small and their elliptical approach afforded many opportunities to close in on their position in real space.



One Week Ago…



Muunilist


The Sentinel 2nd Division under Kaine’s command had finished dry dock and maintenance repairs and had been fully restocked.

Kaine had kept himself busy with the training and education of new additions and recruits to his division.

Jenice Arliss was not on world, her note indicating high level meetings with Tenloss or at the very least, Adalric Cronus of Cryonics Industries.

If Cryonics Industries was anything, it was shrewd. Jenice had hoped to take advantage of their connections in the galaxy to find new markets and new profits. The trick was finding a venture that would not only bring Arliss Industries profits and marketability but also a venture that would appeal to Mr. Tenloss as a viable opportunity.

Kaine grinned, having met Adalric before. He wondered if Jenice was up to the contest of wills.


“Transmission, Sir.” An aide interrupted the General in between training testing results.

“Very well, Soldier.” And having entered his encrypted passwords, he noted the transmission was voice activated.

“Go.” Kaine spoke softly, his mind on the recruits.

The transmission was a bit staticy. Delivered by way of extreme range cyphers., Kaine thought.

Then a word came out, though, hit him like a runaway Star Destroyer.

He hit a panel and Captain Chandler of the Victory answered from his quarters. “Chandler here..”

“Captain, it is happening. Chandler looked to Kaine, confused at first and the look in the General’s eye suddenly crystallized meaning.

Before the Captain of the Victory could speak though, Kaine was issuing orders, “Take the Fleet to Asation. I will contact you after my mission. The details will be in the operation packet being sent to you now.”


“Where will the Galactus be?” Chandler asked.


“Setting the board for the future.” Kaine answered cryptically. He would need to send info packets to all in the Military Command.

“It’s time to play on a bigger board.” He murmured to himself as he began to query Imperial Intelligence for briefing on galactic events unfolding elsewhere.


He turned to the transmitter that had set him in motion and replayed it.


The static was unmistakable.

It was an extreme range transmission. Encrypted.

The slight pause..


And then the voice..


“…endgame..”



*


Now..


And here he was, outside the Despayre System. To set up the board for the future. To ask Fearsons questions that he needed the answers too.

Imperial Policy for the next few years could depend on the answers the Jutraalian Emperor gave.


Turning to the Comm. Officer,

“Resend the transmission once more.” he ordered and looked out the plexiglass windows of the Galactus at the stars.

It wasnt for lack personel, or slack amongst Jutraalian officers, but rather the high state of alert amongst the Empires defenses.

He had been called, from his rest, from his quarters. A ship in orbit, a New Order vessel, had been allowed to slide through the border defense's, for this he was already upset.

Sliding into his uniform in record timing he made his way across the complex, sliding doors opening to him as he straightened his colar

"Admiral present!"

Quickly all officers on the deck stood to full attention in his presence. He still wasnt used to a full military salute, it wasnt his style.

"As you were, who's the commanding officer here?"

Individually each officer slid back into their seats, getting back to their duties among the systems defenses. A lone man remained among the crowd

"That would be me sir"

"Fine, give me a report on the TNO vessel in outer system orbit"

"Well sir" He began indicating to various instruments in the room "our scanners indicate its weapons are powered down, seemingly it shows no outwards hostility. Its just been sitting out there sir."

"What of this message I hear they keep repeating?"

"Ah yes that, thats the interesting part sir. Here take a listen"

"...entered your space under a flag of truce. I seek an audience with your Emperor Fearsons and request an escort into your system..."

He sighed, turning back to the young commander, no doubt already trying to figure out how to have his job no doubt.

"Take this recording to the Imperial databanks, cross referance to all holonet transmissions, personal meetings, and all other resources we have at out disposal, I want as much background on this man as possible. Call the defense fleet into stand-by positions, i want the interdictors charged and ready, have the defense shields charged and up. Send four Star Destroyers out there to escort that ship into the system. If any one of you screws this up I will personaly execute you and each member of your family"

Turning back to a holo-terminal he opened a grounded comm to the Palace

"What do you mean he's asleep? ... WELL WAKE HIM!"

He growled slightly as she spun and began walking away, storming off down the palace. He sighed in frustration and threw up his hands. If there was one thing he still had not learned to conquer it was a woman's heart.

As Jade sped off down the hallways he simply stood there bedazzled, over the balcony to the twelfth floor of his palace. It was one of the inns, if it could be called that as there was no fee but rather an invite only set of rooms with royal appearing suites. Perhaps he should change the name from the Royal Inns to the Royal Guest chambers.

But that was of no matter. He simply shrugged and looked out over the gardens of the reknown Garden of Despayre, one he had worked feverently on for years upon years, even using his jedi techniques to make some of the flowers peak into beautiness. It had been almost a hobby to him, something he did on the side when he was bored or had nothing to do.

The crowned jewel of it all though was the enormous flower and leaf sculpture he'd made of Tabris, standing at least forty feet tall in the center of the garden. That was one of the many reasons Jade had become so enraged with Fearsons so commonly, all about the palace were paintings and devotes to Tabris, his late wife. Jade, in jealousy, had even destroyed a handful of the paintings.

That had nearly torn their relationship apart. Those were some of the only memories he had left of her, as just before she died the two had been in a vicious fight over emotions, Fearsons's lack of time for her, and then in turn her lack of respect for his occupation and so forth. The day before she had died she had called him via holovid directly. She had cried and cried and cried to him, begging forgiveness, crying out her sorries, as Fearsons - with a bit more dignity - had asked for her forgiveness as well.

All was to be well. She had been staying at Varonat, and he would be flying to Bespin to make a routine check up on the tibanna gas stocks. She would meet him there.

That damn fool Darth Snack had other plans! After being detained for murder, he had watched as Tabris's shuttle began to come in. Using one of those Sith techniques, he caused an explosion in the craft...killing not only Tabris, but his heart.

Snack had eluded Fearsons before he could exact the proper punishment. Oh what he would do to have that man hanged, or shot, or whatever for killing the woman he loved most, his emotions for her even superceding Jade's.

Though of course that was not entirely fair. Jade had been there for him since he nearly went mad, not long after the fall of the tyrant Regent Logan, when the entire galaxy had fallen around him, when he was ready to use a blaster and end his own life, she had been there.

But none can replace that first love. That first true love, even Jade.

He blew out a sigh and rested his forearms against the balcony. He saw activity down in the gardens, an officer of some sort, probably a regional protectrate, being escorted briskly and hastily by two ebon-robed PeFauna into the palace.

Going through the garden was no easy feat, especially for enemies. The entire garden itself was three miles long and six miles wide, half the size of the palace itself in width. There were trams that could be taken up to the palace for those that didn't feel like taking a refreshing three mile run, or one - with proper clearance - could take a journey via speeder through designated areas and trails.

Enemies had the hardest time getting through the wonderous, multi-colored garden however. All about were extremely well hidden laser turrets that could surface from the ground or pop out of a statue or even just fire from the bushes without even being noticed. Drills had indicated that in twenty seconds the turrets alone could down sixty seven men.

But that did not account for the randomly placed war droids that were about, who's location was constantly changing by the hour. They were programmed to carefully avoid the special and rare plants that Fearsons had collected from all over the galaxy.

To prevent the obvious burning of the garden by enemies, whenever they were watered a special chemical had been mixed in to make the planets inflammable, though it was known to have a negative reaction on certain plants. Those plants were removed and put in a miniature garden on the eighteenth floor.

Missile launchers were all about to pick off anything from the sky that got through the shield generator that could encompass the entire palace, placed on such areas as palace walls and even hidden in some of the brush. Several other turbolaser tuerrets lined several of the royal walls.

Fearsons smirked, he had even let a variety of wildlife into the garden, in some areas it had been caged off, primarily so that the carnivores did not decimate the persons here. When his men got bored he would often times just let several of the beasts loose and allow a hunt.

There was even a Da'Fel around there somewhere, the strange, wolf-like aliens that were capable of bending the light around them to make themselves practically invisible. Wyldan had befriended it before his demise at the hands of the New Alliance.

All in all the emperor took great pride in this specific garden, it was a beauty and he had worked for years on end to make it. To touch it to perfection. And that was what it was, and that was what it would remain.

Unfortunately several people were unable to see it, especially this time of year when the battles against the Empire and the Galactic Defense Initiative threatened the palace. The gates had been sealed shut and tours had been closed for an indefinite amount of time.

It was just too great a risk.

Of course, with high alert on, the chances of taking the palace were close to nill. With two hundred PeFauna garrisoned there, the palace being twelve miles in width and half that in length, and then forty two stories up, encompassing a huge cliff over an enormous beach, with a variety of sea life below.

To the west of the palace was the great Royal Forest, a dangerous location with beasts similar to Krayt Dragons and Dathomiri Witches, even beasts resembling those horrid Endor Nightsisters.

He shivered at the thought of that. The emperor had hunted a few in his day in an attempt to rid this location of those horridly ugly whores. That was long before Jutraalian Center was constructed however.

"My lord," he heard suddenly, and it caught him slightly off guard. His tense muscles jumped and he turned to face the very protectorate, flanked by PeFauna, staring at him with a look of concern in hsi eyes.

"Yes Protecterate?" he asked calmly, his glowing red eyes gazing up and down the man to gain an idea as to what he was doing here and what the situation could possibly be. It had something to do with a potential disaster, judging by the way he was fidgeting, judging by how uncomfortable he was. He tried to use his jedi powers at a limit so that it would not be at the sacrifice of his other senses.

"Well my lord...there appears to a Star Destroyer in the system," he said with equal uneasiness. Fearsons's eyes narrowed in thought. "An...Imperial Star Destroyer...claiming to be under a flag of truce."

He took this into consideration, reaching out with his jedi senses for a moment, closing his eyes. The intentions of the Imperial seemed noble, but he could not be sure. He let his eyes lull back open.

"Why did you take so long to alert me?" he asked, sensing as well that the protecterate had taken eighteen minutes to get to him.

"Well my lord," the Jutraalian responded, "we were informed you were asleep...we only found your decoy in your bed...so we had to ask Lady Jade of your whereabouts." Fearsons could live with that. He placed a hand on the man's shoulder.

"You're doing a good job Protecterate, I see a promotion in your future," he said, and with that he was off to the command relay station.

"No response, Sir."

"Maybe we caught them napping?" Maybe..."


Kaine turned from the plexiglass at the conversation taking place behind him. He smiled wistfully. "Asleep? If I only had all Sentinel Divisions here and now at my command. Imagine."


Then he chuckled slightly. "No. They are not asleep. Are they Ensign Corrin?" he turned slightly to the young female manning a monitoring station.

"Heavy comm traffic in system. It has risen in the last hour. They know we are here, Sir." she replied.

"They just don't know what to make of our presence."

Then Ensign Corrin became thoughtful. "Perhaps they are wondering how we crossed their border without their knowing?"

Kaine's eyes narrowed in slight amusement. "Think it through Ensign. There are so many lightyears in between solar systems, a single ship passing through an imaginary border is not so difficult. It is when one tries to enter a system undetected do the dangers and challenges rise exponentially.

Mark my words, if we had shown up with a fleet of warships, they would have been detected."


Suddenly another officer called out, “Sir! Sensors show four Star Destroyers on an intercept course!”

Kaine turned back to the plexiglass and in the distance, four light hulls were seen growing larger.

“Maintain shields. Do not arm the weapons.” Kaine instructed.

“They are signaling, Sir!”

“Let’s hear it, Ensign.” And a holographic projection appeared before General Kaine. The signal was weak at first but it grew in strength the closer the vessels came.

“Attention Imperial vessel Galactu >< static >< … This is Commodore >< static >< of the Jutraalian Defense Fleet. I am instructed to escort your vessel to Despayre.”

“Commodore.” Kaine acknowledged with a tilt of his head. “Would you be so kind as to inform me if Emperor Fearsons is on Despayre?”

“General, I am instructed to escort your ship to Despayre.” Came the Commodore’s emotionless reply.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> His training is good..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Kaine smiled slightly, “Commodore, such brisk words could be taken as offence.” Kaine could feel his crew’s eyes boring into his back but he simply stared at the holographic projection, his eyes intent.

The Commodore’s eyes widened at little at the remark, not such much out of fear as much as out of surprise at the audacity that confronted him.

Kaine forged on, “A single mistake could have our respective governments back at war with each other.”

The Jutraalian Officer did not flinch. “The Base’s Commander will answer to the Admiral if there is any..” he paused for a second, “..unpleasantness. with his life and the lives of his family.”

Kaine suddenly broke out in a smile, grinning openly now, “Does this bother you?”

The Commodore’s eyes narrowed at Kaine and slowly, a shadow of mirth crept into his features. “Not particularly,” he responded.

Kaine laughed heartily at that. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Here is an honest Jutraalian soldier…and where there is one, then there are more..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The Jutraalian continued, “However, the man does have a pretty little thing for a wife and I would hate to see her shot.” He stared fully at Kaine, “So…”

Kaine nodded, smiling at the remark, “By all means, Commodore, have your ships take their positions and we will follow your lead.”

With two destroyers behind and two on either side, the Galactus was led into the stronghold of the Jutraalians.

Slowly, the planet of Despayre became visible. Kaine had never seen it in person though many a meeting and many a night were spent devoted to the successful entry and destruction of this capital of the former Rogue Empire.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The well laid plans of soldiers and politicians measure as nothing when compared to thee…<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> An old quote from some philosophical memoirs from long ago came to the General’s mind.


Of course, there were the holovids, encyclopedias…and several maps but nothing compared to seeing the world with their own eyes.

“Orbit achieved, Sir.”

“Hold position and secure the ship. I want the Galactus on maximum defense posture with the exception of leaving the external guns powered down.”

He started to leave the bridge, followed by other crewmembers he was calling to his side. “Wait for the Jutraalian Defense Command to give the clearance for us to launch a shuttle.”

And Kaine turned command over to his replacement and headed for the shuttle bays with his hand picked people in tow.

Clearance was given and the shuttle exited Galactus without incident. Upon entering the atmosphere of Despayre, Kaine’s eyes narrowed at the landscape of a planet he’d only seen before in holographic fasion.

The shuttle landed at the specified coordinates and Kaine left two soldiers standing at attention on each side of the ramp.

The wind was growing cold for the planet was preparing to enter it’s winter season in a week or two. The black overcoat that Kaine wore flapped in the wind, the stone walkways clicking beneath his boots.

Holding a gloved hand up to halt the Imperials behind him, Kaine glanced approvingly as the Jutraalian guards ran scans over them before admitting him into the rather large building.

The landing platform seemed to extend over a cliff causing the building to seem rather imposing as one walked to it.

As soon as the Imperials entered, Jutraalian custom dictated that only Kaine enter the inner sanctum, his officers offered quarters to wait in.

Kaine walked alone inside knowing that cameras and security devices of all sorts were tracking his progress.

He felt no overpowering need to test the measures.


Taking in the architecture of the building, Kaine marveled at the intricacy and detail prevalent in most of what he saw.

Talant is found in the oddest of places..

It was when he was gazing at a sculpture breaking up two portraits of the same woman (who’s face, incidentally, Kaine noticed in quite a lot of the works of art) that he heard some noise around a corner.

His boots announced his direction as curiosity pulled at him. A little boy was found on the floor playing with some set of toys ignorant of the fact that he was being watched. For a moment, but only for a moment, Kaine’s eye saw himself…


“What are you playing?” he asked softly, the startled boy offering a shy smile of embarrassment.

“Jutraalian against. Empire.” The boy answered matter of factly. So much so that Kaine hid a ghost of a grin himself.

“Who’s winning?”

“The Jutraalian, of course.” The boy said, indignant.

“Of course…” Kaine whispered wryly. “Who is that supposed to be?” he suddenly asked pointing to a rather worn out figurine in Imperial-like attire.

“ The Evil General Kaine!” the boy said in excitement and then in hushed tones, “Barial, my friend. He told me that General Kaine has killed one million people!”

Kaine’s eyes flashed in mischief as he whispered just as intensely, “Really? I heard it was one hundred billion people!”

“No one has killed that many people.” The boy said back, “well.. except maybe for Imperial Grand Admiral Hyfe.”

Kaine was openly smiling now, “I hear that Hyfe has dragons’ wings under his uniform and that he flies out at night to steal little children’s mothers.”

“No he doesn’t..” the boy started and then inquisitively looking up, “Why?”

“So they can cook him his favorite dragon meals..”

The boy’s mouth opened at first but doubt soon crept in. “Nah ahh!” he said, laughing. “You’re lying!”

The Imperial General chuckled slightly, his hands on his heart as if hit by some invisible arrow.

“What’s your name mister?”

“I am called, Simon.” He looked the boy up and down, “And your’s little soldier?”

“I am..”

Kaine didn’t catch the boy’s response for his trained eye caught movement around the corner and he straightened to find a rather thin, rather young woman staring at him. There was anything but mirth in her expression as her eyes were intently focused on the pin attached to his overcoat.

A silver pin.

An Imperial Insignia.

“Come Aarion. Leave the… man in peace..” she called out, her voice flat and dead.

“Ahh.. mom. I was just chatting with Simon here..” the boy complained as all boys do when ordered about by their mothers.

“Come This Instant!” the boy’s mother commanded, her eyes tearing up, clearly angry.

Aarion let out a small sigh and said, “Yes mom.” And then turned, “Bye Simon.”

“Good-bye Aarion.” Simon said raising his hand slightly in a wave.

As the boy left, his mother kept her angry eyes on Kaine. Simon’s face turned serine and his gray eyes turned dead as he shifted himself to bear up under this woman’s hatred.

“You should have asked him where his father was?” she said through clenched teeth.

“And I would learn?” Simon prompted, out of curiosity.

“That he’s dead! Killed aboard his ship defending Togoria. Killed by you!” she spit out.

“Togoria..” Kaine responded quietly and then he glanced around. “It was very kind of your Emperor to take you in.” he observed.

“Emperor Fearsons is a very kind.. very ..loving man!” she hissed back, her eyes throwing daggers at the Imperial.

Cold irony danced in Kaine’s eyes as he replied with one word, “Indeed.”

If looks could kill, Kaine would have been dead a million times over. She turned angrily away and walked quickly down a hall after her son.

Kaine stood there in the hall alone, his eyes darting to the floor to see the beat up toy that was made to represent him.

Before he could do anything, the little boy shot back around a corner and ran over to pick up his toys. As Kaine turned to leave, the boy turned and said, “Hey Mister Simon? You should change your shirt. You look like an Imp and the soldiers may want to kill you.”

Kaine smiled and waved. “I’ll keep that in mind, Aarion.”

“Bye Simon!”

“Take care, Aarion.”

And the boy was gone.


Now.. to get to where I need to be..

The New Order’s General continued to walk inside the complex fascinated, amused, and slightly irritated at some of the things he saw in the rather plush building.

This “emperor” prefers opulent displays.

He had pretty much measured by pacing the length and breadth of the building, certain areas as a mental exercise.

Perhaps the Grand Admiral had to lay waste to Jileek Station in order to obtain a meeting with Fearsons. What should I do? Lay waste to his capital planet?

Even as he thought the sardonic remarks, he knew, (as unfortunate as the thought was), that the galaxy did not turn on an axis controlled by the guiding hand of Kaine.

Not yet.. and he chuckled to himself.


It was then that he suddenly found himself surrounded by guards led by a Jutraalian Admiral.

“General Kaine, you have no idea how many times my officers and I have dreamed of having you in this position.”

Simon merely raised an eyebrow in response. He’d expected sentiments of this sort…but then, he’d also expected Fearsons to have a tighter reign on his men.

“You have me at a disadvantage…Admiral?”

“Yes. I do. Do not forget that. So let us talk about your visit shall we?”

“Are you empowered by Fearsons?”

“You will explain your presence to me now, General.”

Kaine’s eyes hardened at the blusterous Jutraalian Admiral, but his voice remained soft, yet commanding.

“Very well, Admiral. I will require no less than 30 Abolisher Cruisers to be readied for my discretionary use. I will not require the ships to be remanned by TNO personnel but I will require them readied and available by tomorrow. Please make whatever contacts you need to see that this is done.”


“Wha… what are you talking about? You have no…no authority..no right…!”


“Consider it a favor returned…”


“A favor? We don’t owe you anything!!” the Jutraalian Admiral nearly shouted.


“Oh? Should Grand Admiral Hyfe end all operations against GDI? Should the hard work your Emperor put forth to secure our current “understanding” be dissolved because of the foolish pride of one of his officers?”


“Now see here..”


Kaine had had enough. His eyes narrowed and his voice spoke quietly, “The Empire is on the move Admiral. Wheels have been set into play that will not be stopped.

When the dust settles, the only question that will remain is what to do about the Jutraalian Sector of the galaxy? A large part of that will depend on the philosophies and goals of your leader.

I am here to afford him that opportunity as an honorable gesture. If you wish to ignore that…or throw this opportunity away, then that is your decision. Just tell me now.”


The Admiral scoffed, “What could be of so personal importance to the Emperor that he deign to see you?”

Kaine smiled grimly, “The future of the Shadow Jedi.”

The Admiral’s scoffing gaze fell. “I… I will see what I can do..”

The sight of a man in Imperial uniform brought memories rushing back like a broken dam. It reminded him of his days in the navy, of those final days before Hoth, of those climactic days when he and Admiral Thrawn destroyed Zaarin once and for all, and that tragic day when he feigned his death at Kessel to begin the process of a new government structure.

And look what had come of it, one of the most powerful governments in the galaxy, they rivaled even the Empire here and now, even after their merge with that Sith Empire, the Naboo Sith Order.

But still, the memories always came, and could never rightfully be flushed out. Then again, did the emperor want them flushed out?




Victory-Class Star Destroyer Red Dog

Vorknyx System

His stride was with elegance, and he took not a stop without measuring the next with the utmost confidence.

Fearsons followed carefully after, possibly the only physical resemblace the two had - asside from their polished white uniforms - were the glowing red eyes that distinguished them from the others. He was an alien, an alien commanding all this, led by an even more foreign, even more unknown alien.

This was something the Empire had never seen before.

Admiral Fearsons's skin was darker than that of a normal human's, though not the blue texture of Thrawn, though his eyes had that familiar spark, that enormous glow of life.

Perhaps that was the sign of a genious?

Don't flatter yourself Chadd.

The men were in proper receiving order, heels together, feet at forty five degree angles, thumbs on the seems of their trousers, eyes forward. Thrawn seemed amused. Fearsons did not seem to care.

Through the limited training the emperor and Lord Vader had given him, he could feel the tension in the air. Grand Admiral Zaarin had struck and struck and struck and struck limitlessly against the Empire, even crippling their abilities to produce the TIE Advanced starfighter, the only thing that had given them the edge against the rogue warlord for so long.

Other than, of course, the Missile Boat, but that was locked away in Mount Tantiss now, Grand Admiral Thrawn's and the emperor's direct orders to prevent the loss of such valuable technology.

Thrawn stopped suddenly, his feet silently conducting an about face across the cold durasteel deck so that his own scarlet eyes looked into those of the newer grand admiral's.

"Admiral Zaarin is a genious, I am sure you are aware of this Admiral," Thrawn commented, more compliment than any other Imperial officer would have offered the rogue admiral. But this alien was wise, he did not let arrogance corrode his judgement, he did not let prestige of title change his views of enemies.

"Yes sir, this I am aware of," Fearsons responded with equal military crispness. This won him a smile from Thrawn.

"He knows all the potential moves of a grand admiral, and he knows you like he does his own boot," Thrawn continued, edging on insult.

But Fearsons could not deny this.

He had served under Zaarin for some time during the gathering of the resources for the TIE Advanced and TIE Defender projects, and had worked exclusively with his squadrons to eradicate and destroy Admiral Harkov.

Another cold smile played those indigo lips. "But how well does he come to terms with the ability of two of the Empire's brightest?" he teased, turning again to continue walking across the control room.

"This I do not know sir," Fearsons responded, following in stride. Due to his years in the Imperial Navy and the weeks they'd spent drilling it into his head about marching, he took the first step with his left foot.

"The grand admiral has a grand weakness," Thrawn said evenly. He was the only man Fearsons knew who could boast without bragging, and brag without arrogance. His emotions were always totally neutral. "He has a passion for peak Imperial engineering."

This was true.

The former Grand Admiral had been the head of starfighter research in the Imperial Research and Development Department, and had been the genious behind the TIE Advanced as well as the TIE Defender. Not to mention he had even been allowed to - for a time - work on the Vorknyx Cloaking Device.

The Vorkynx was a new form of cloaking device that had caught the attention of all those that knew of it. It was the only known cloaking device that could work on a ship such as a Corellian Corvette, and with the right modifications even allow the person to see beyond their own blank energy shield.

Grand Admiral Thrawn intended to use this as bait.

Could you imagine the destructive power a Grand Admiral could attain with a cloaking device on such a small cruiser? the blue skinned admiral had commented. Fearsons had only stood in stunned disbelief.

"He is going to steal the Vorknyx and make a run for it Admiral," Thrawn said, totally changing tones to one of business. "You are going to escort all the goods - except for the Corellian Corvette dubbed Vorkynx[/i] - away from Vorknyx Station. Make sure they all escape, all R&D teams, all supplies, everything, but be sure that Corvette stays.

"When you have finished take your task force to the Abray System, set up your interdictor, and await Zaarin's forces."

[/i]

It seemed like that operation had been so long ago. The death of rogue Admiral Zaarin, the pincer interdictor movement it took to stop him, and the damage he'd caused to the Empire as a whole.

But Fearsons would not trade those moments for anything. They were too perfect, they epitomized his glory.

And it was all crystal clear with the help of this man, General Kaine, the revered General Kaine of Dantooine, and Fondor.

"Ah it's been too long General," Fearsons said quaintly. He remembered the first time he'd heard of him, during the massive Imperial raid on Fondor.

Fearsons had killed an Imperial pilot and nearly killed a good friend of General Kaine's - from what Jutraalian Intelligence could father - and even escaped just before Grand Admiral Zell was able to capture and destroy the Jutraalian Empire.

How interesting the galaxy would have turned out if the hyperdrive had worked only a second too late.

His hands polished the marble balcony as he became eroded with thought. What was an admiral doing down there trying to negotiate with an Imperial representative?

He needed admirals on the front, where the Galactic Defense Initiative had somehow nearly completely decimated an Imperial and Jutraalian Fleet.

"Admiral that will be quite enough," he said loudly enough for those about the palace's entrance to hear. "I'll take it from here."

The admiral turned quickly, caught off guard that the emperor had listened on the whole conversation it seemed.

"You are relieved."

The fleet commander nodded and made his way to enter the palace doors.

Fearsons was down a moment later, flanked - as usual - by his ebon robed PeFauna guards. Their perfection and unity were almost too perfect, maybe they really were droids? Any Force users about would see otherwise however.

Droids can't use the Force.

Fearsons's robes trailed behind him as he walked ever closer to the Imperial general, the PeFauna seemed uneasy. He lifted a hand to each of them.

"It'll be alright my friends, we can trust him I'm sure," the emperor assured with a charismatic and charming smile. He turned back to the general.

"General Kaine, how good it is to see you in my home. But I must comment, you aren't a very good diplomat are you?"

Simon's eyebrow quirked in confusion. That was a bold statement, especially in diplomacy.

"And why is that?" Kaine ventured. Fearsons's smile grew even wider.

"You haven't even tried to kiss my ass yet," he said with amusement, taking off the tension with just a quick little joke. He waved him over.

"Come, come my friend," he bade, "my chefs are just preparing dinner, let us discuss what it is you came to discuss over a nice darog steak hmm? You'll find the palace most accomodating."

Kaine watched the byplay between the Emperor and his Admiral with interest.


Fearsons's robes trailed behind him as he walked ever closer to the Imperial general, the PeFauna seemed uneasy. He lifted a hand to each of them.

"It'll be alright my friends, we can trust him I'm sure," the emperor assured with a charismatic and charming smile. He turned back to the general.



Kaine raised an eyebrow at the display. Is he trying to charm his own guards?


His mind, though, had already constructed a lattice of senarios and as the mental exercise continued with each step Fearson's took toward him, he found, as with all focus points, that there were only two likely variables that the Jutraalian Leader would take.

Given his temperment, Kaine knew which one it would be.

"General Kaine, how good it is to see you in my home. But I must comment, you aren't a very good diplomat are you?"


Kaine's eyebrow remained raised as his concentration seemed to mirror confusion.


His mind starting to smile, Kaine stabbed at the facade to reveal the inevitable conclusion that he had already made.

"And why is that?" he ventured.


"You haven't even tried to kiss my ass yet."

And Kaine's laugh couldn't be contained. The older Emperor had acted on the more likely of variables.

With a strong opening...

The Imperial General shrugged in response to Fearson's observation, silently pleased that the Jutraalian's strong opening would set the tone for what would come next.

It was easier to respect someone who didn't shrink back from the shadows of the Empire.

Kaine bit down in amusement at the thoughts his mind had formed for if there was anything Fearson's didn't shrink from, it was the Empire.


A fact proven time and again.


A fact of life that some refused to grasp..


One could crush a rock that hindered your path or you would use that rock to your advantage against your enemies.


Leave the rock be and redefine your path.

Endgame…

For, in the end, do not all Imperial paths lead to one destiny?


"Come, come my friend," Fearsons bade, "my chefs are just preparing dinner, let us discuss what it is you came to discuss over a nice darog steak hmm? You'll find the palace most accomodating."


Simons lips pursed in thought. “I have indeed already found it impressive,” he started as he clasped his gloved hands behind his back content to allow the Jutraalian Emperor to lead the way.

“Instead of a steak, however. I have heard rumors of the Grand Gardens of Despayre. My mind struggles to imagine what dishes native Despayre Jutraalians create out of such bounty.”

He turned to Fearsons. “Assuming it is not just a rumor…”


The PeFauna’s steps falling behind the two leaders in a rhythm Kaine noted impressed.

Such training would be intense.

Yet his attention was soon riveted to the building they were walking through, Fearson’s (having every right to be proud) engaged in a display of self-boasting.

It was nothing to look down on for one appreciates the work..the fruits of their labors. At least, one should.

In this, even the Empire is no different.

So can a difference that makes no difference actually be called a difference?



“Who are the Shadow Jedi..?” he asked, as they came to the area Fearson’s was leading them.

Despayre


Kaine watched amused as the Jutraalian Emperor played his games of a simple leader content with the welfare of his people. He briefly wondered why Fearsons felt the façade necessary for all the Empire knew that the leader of the Jutraalians had teeth of daggers.


Then a thought occurred to the General that seemed to make the Emperor’s personality fit into a nice category.


Perhaps he’s trying to convince himself.


He had known that Chaddwick Fearsons was leader of the Shadow Jedi but what game was he playing?


Did the man honestly believe that the Jedi would accept him? He who was a leader of the second largest Imperial remnant group?


Did he desire acceptance from others that strongly?


Or were the Shadow Jedi something more?


It was a question that Simon had hoped to answer because the fact of the matter was: a purge was coming.

A purge where all Jedi throughout the galaxy would be hunted down and destroyed..


at least, hopefully destroyed..


The Jedi’s divisive influence stood in stark contrast to the order that Bastion would attempt to enforce..


He knew could very easily order a contingent of Desaria’s Star Destroyer Corps to destroy the SSD the Shadow Jedi called home…


Such an order is still possible..


Diplomatically speaking the Shadow Jedi were not recognized by the Empire. They held no ties save for the Emperor to the Jutraalians…

But were they simply a hobby of the Jutraalian emperor or did the man’s mind operate on a higher level… One where the Jedi offshoots could be utilized?

Kaine smiled at the thought and ate his vegetarian dinner content to listen to whatever Fearson’s spoke of, all the while knowing that the Jutraalian emperor pretended not to hear his questions regarding military units and Shadow Jedi.


The performance was masterful and Kaine nearly complimented him on it.


The reality of his visit readily evident to Simon, for anything of practical value to come from Fearsons, the man was proving to be quite useless.


Well, he had his chance..


That was one thing the Jutraalian leaders could not come back on. He had given them their chance and their lack of interest, their lack of vision would become an integral part of the changing board.


Another piece is set into play and a coarse of action taken root in the TNO General’s mind.


After the pleasantries were exchanged and the Jutraalian leader retired to his chambers..
..probably to one of his women.., Kaine was given leave to see more of the palace before leaving..


The Galactus had signaled showing all was prepared..


It is time to leave …

The halls of this part of the Imperial Manor were of a stained greel wood, with like walls and cathedral like ceilings.

It was also in that aprt that the Emperor had his business offices. That of the Supreme Inquisitor was naturally by its side.

The footfalls on the wooden floor of a pair of polished jackboots resounded through the halls of the Imperial Manor's West wing. Atop them stood a man in black breeches and donning a red tunic, barely disntinguishable from that of the Imperial Grand Inquisitor.

The man was young, but the stress of battle had etched deep lines of premature aging on his otherwise youthful features. At his side hung a pistol, short range and very lethal, not to mention painful. There were few Imperials who carried them, among them, however, the man's opposite number. It was the XG-88 light disruptor.

For over a kilometer of hall the Supreme Inquisitor walked until he reached his destination, the office of the Emperor. Standing next to the door, flanked by PeFaunae guards and preparing to depart, was an Imperial officer, a soldier in the Imperial Army.

The man was General Simon Kaine.

Up to him the Grand Admiral strode and presented himself with the regal bearing he had been raised to espouse.

" I am Ierin, 1st Viscount del Forza, Grand Admiral of the Jutraalian Navy, and Supreme Inquisitor to the Jutraalian Empire. General Kaine, would you join me for a drink?"