Imperial Expansion: Neccessary Evil (NGC - Lorize)
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Aug 26 2004 1:39am
[font=Times New Roman]Reign CD Avatar<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]The Kathol Region<o:p></o:p>[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Star Destroyer cleared the mine field, her distinctive arrowhead hull pushing out from the rocks and, with the outpost of Dayark in sight, increased her speed to a cruise. There were few ships around them, save for the column of freighters and escorting frigates that brought with them supplies and troops for the garrison.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The distance to the planet decreased rapidly as they approached, and soon the Border Defence forces were moving to intercept them. Imperial rule in the Kathol Region was all but complete, and this (the only route into or out of the system) was guarded jealously against intrusion.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Star Destroyer Avatar, this is Caradhras, Kathol Border Defence.” The voice of the vessel’s commander came over the bridge com. “Please transmit identification and clearance codes. You have thirty seconds to comply.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]As if to prove their point, the great ship’s shields became active and her weapons tracked to target the approaching vessels.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]At a nod from the Captain, the Avatar transmitted the appropriate codes, and the defending ships slowed.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Avatar, you are clear to continue. Governor Nell sends his regards.” And with that, the ships turned back towards Dayark, escorting the Imperial ships inward. The freighters, those that were not bound for the deeper reaches of the sector, took their assigned slots in orbit to await landing instructions.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The remainder gathered about the Avatar, the Star Destroyer having already broken from the escorts and begun moving away from the planet.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Helm, bring us about. Prepare to go to lightspeed.” And soon, with the asteroid field and Dayark behind them, they were once more in hyperspace, delving deeper into the reaches of the Kathol Sector.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Empire’s reclaiming of the region had been all but completed with the end of the War and the restoration of Imperial rule to Kal’Shebbol. But the Coalition had managed, despite the Empire’s efforts thus far, to hold onto Lorize, a manufacturing centre of some renown.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain.” The navigation officer was standing before her as she looked up. “Hyperspace reversion in one minute, Ma’am.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded her thanks, dismissing the officer with a wave of her hand. She could feel the ship slowing, and soon they were back in realspace, another planet filling the viewport before them.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Ariel Trinity had not been to Kal’Shebbol since its surrender to the Empire – the reorganization of the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Kathol</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Republic</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> (as it was known) had been handled internally, with only a few convoys having visited the world thus far.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The com became active almost immediately, blaring warnings that they were in space reserved for the Grand Imperial Navy. With the touch of a button, the required transmissions were sent, and the com chatter cut out.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The freighters broke off from the Star Destroyer, safe now above the Imperial controlled world, to unload their cargoes. The Avatar entered orbit, her two kilometre bulk taking a place nearly directly above the capital city of the world.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Colonel Johnson, you have the bridge.” And with that, she was gone, the bridge doors sliding shut as the turbolift moved downwards.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Kal’Shebbol’s surface could once have been compared to a miniature version of Coruscant. Not entirely covered by construction, the way the capital was, it instead offered a few cities of gigantic proportions, both in spread and in vertical prowess.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]These cities had been largely destroyed in the Outer-Rim Sovereignty’s invasion of this world. With the tactics the ORS had shown at Bespin and Abregado-rae, it was of small surprise that Kal’Shebbol had been brought to the very brink of destruction in the attacks.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Then Empire had set about repairing the world, making efforts to rebuild the cities and restore life to the devastated lands around, the killing fields on which untold thousands of soldiers, Sovereignty and Kal’Shebbol, had died.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]To the Outer-Rim Sovereignty, and its bloodthirsty President/Warlord Griff, the lives of the planet’s people mattered not. As for their soldiers – the President clearly had considered clones beneath him, and had seen thousands march into lines of fire to satisfy his ends.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Even the Empire’s clone soldiers are shown more respect than these.” Trinity muttered, looking on as her shuttle passed low over one of the still-unrestored battlefields. Bodies (or perhaps they were simply empty shells of armour) littered the ground, as grim a reminder as any of the horrors of war.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Then they were passed, the shuttle rising to the level of the city in front of them. This was gleaming new, the towers of hundreds of buildings breaking the vast landscape. The city was obviously Imperial – the architecture hailing that of the <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Imperial</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Palace</st1:PlaceType> on Coruscant, right down to the great building that, bearing the Empire’s crest above her doors, was the seat of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Kathol</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Republic</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>’s government.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The shuttle landed on the reserved pad in front of the building, and the ramp lowered to the ceremonial red carpet that greeted the first arrival of an Ubiqtorate Commander since the retaking of the world.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain Trinity.” The Governor, a portly man named Rufus, said, his wide face breaking into a smile. “Welcome to Kal’Shebbol! Please, follow me.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Captain nodded, following the man down the walkway that was formed by the ranks of Imperial Stormtroopers standing at attention on either side.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We are glad to finally meet a representative of Admiral Drayson, Captain. Tell me, do you know when she might be visiting us here?”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]They were passing now through the grand doors into the building, up a series of wide concrete steps, all engraved with the Imperial crest.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I cannot say with any certainty, Governor. Admiral Drayson has been most busy handling the affairs of the Ubiqtorate. And we understand that the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Kathol</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Republic</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> has done very well for itself, without the need of constant supervision.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Though one might have doubted it possible, the smile on the governor’s face grew at this.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We have, Captain, we have. But the people grow somewhat restless… we do what we can, but to have their liberator visit here would do a great deal for public support.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded her agreement.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Yeah… I’m sure she will find the time, when the problems at home are taken care of. The Ubiqtorate has seen much action, of late.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I understand, Captain, I do. I’ll show you to your quarters, and I’ll send an escort for you in three hours time, and we can dine and discuss this further.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Later<o:p></o:p>[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“As you can imagine, Captain, we have had some trouble with the Coalition… entering through the Dayark Perimeter without access codes, and the like. We’ve been lenient because we’re supposed to be at peace with them, but their presence in the system presents a security hazard that has us all a little bit worried.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded, sipping from the crystal glass that the server droid had laid in front of her.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Bhindi – the Admiral – has been keeping an eye on the situation here. As much as she is able, anyway. The Coalition has approached you about the situation?”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“No… Lorize is a fairly small world, as far as its population goes. But whoever is in charge of the Coalition presence there hasn’t come to us.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity set the glass down, thinking.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Has the Empire taken any of her convoys yet? Suspended, or otherwise?” [/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“No. We’ve left them alone, for our part… aside from routine security checks. We haven’t actually diverted any of their ships, so far.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Probably for the best. The Coalition hasn’t expressed concern about the situation Lorize is in? We’re deep in Imperial space here.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Not to us, Captain. I imagine they believe themselves safe, what with the peace treaty and all.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“No… the aliens were always slow to see the truth. Very well. Governor, I want you to prepare your fleet.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“My fleet, Captain? Surely you don’t plan on invading the planet? We could hardly hope to spare the manpower if there’s an uprising!”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity laughed, placing her datapad on the tabletop and activating the unit.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“An invasion is not necessary to take Lorize, Governor. I have aboard the Avatar a number of mines, which we will spread on the route into Lorize tomorrow. I want your fleet to monitor these mines and intercept any craft they may impede.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“You have a plan?”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Line Captain smiled thinly.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“You might say that. Lorize is an industrialized planet, it relies on sources of food from outside her borders to maintain a liveable condition. More than that, however, your fleet will also be on hand to jam their communications.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Cut the world off from the rest of the galaxy.” The Governor said, his lips pursed.[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Precisely. The Coalition does not work the same way as the Empire. It is part of the reason they faltered at the height of the War. They believe that their people should be free to govern themselves, and so they are. And if the people of Lorize desire to leave the Coalition and join the Empire… then it shall be so, and the Coalition can do nothing about it.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Save to attack the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Kathol</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Republic</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>!” Rufus said, standing. “This is a dangerous plan of action, Captain.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Hardly. The Coalition has not the strength to challenge the Empire. Not now. They did once, and they blew it. And now they know as well as we do that the Empire could crush them like the bugs they are. Even assuming they could mount an assault as revenge for the loss of Lorize, their Constitution forbids it. We proved that at Abregado-rae.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Abregado-rae was ravaged by the Coalition, was it not?”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“By the Outer-rim Sovereignty… the holders of the Coalition’s leash. But that was a misguided effort to capture the Admiral, little more. Nevertheless, the Empire will appease the Coalition to what extend we may… a war avoided cannot hurt us.”[/font]

<o:p></o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Standing, Trinity shook the other man’s hand and left, the double doors sliding closed behind her.[/font]
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Aug 26 2004 2:18am
[font=Times New Roman][font=Times New Roman]The Avatar emerged above Lorize alone, save for the two squadrons of TIE Defenders that now flew escort about her bow. The planet before them was, in many ways, the same as the hundreds of other worlds that Ariel Trinity had seen in her life. With so many planets in the galaxy, she wondered for a brief moment how it ever came to war.[/font]

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]But there was no time for that. Not now. They were not here for war and conquest. They were here for liberation. Restoration.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Somehow, though, a little part of her mind couldn’t help but say, Justify it however you like, Captain.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We’ve been detected, Captain. Ground control is requesting we cease movement and declare our intentions.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded, watching as the ships that had been occupying the space lanes the Avatar was now directing herself towards scattered.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Control, what’s our status?” She queried.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“As you ordered, Captain. Shields up, weapons unarmed. And can I say, Captain, I feel uncomfortable with that.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Captain smiled, turning to the officer.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I’m sure you do, Lieutenant. Leave the worrying to me, if you feel the need to worry. The Coalition will not harm us. Not until they’ve heard what we have to say, at any rate.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Lorize was growing ever closer in the viewports. One of the relatively few charted worlds of the Kathol Sector, Lorize had once been as part of the Empire. Moff Saarn had taken Kal’Shebbol as his capital decades ago, and Lorize had belonged too to his region. That was before Endor, and before a multitude of things that stole Kathol out from under the Empire, to be forgotten until Bhindi Drayson and the Black Fleet retook Dayark and Pembrick 2, and later, Kal’Shebbol.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The planet had been ravaged during the Kathol Sector Wars, what would be more properly known as the Kathol Sector Massacres, during the Outer-Rim Sovereignty’s invasion of the sector. Unlike Kal’Shebbol, though, Lorize had simply been attacked from orbit, hundreds of thousands of lives being obliterated in an instant by the “victorious” ORS fleet.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Since the fall of that Regime, it had come under the control of the Galactic Coalition where, because of its proximity to the Empire, it was looked after only as an after sight, for fear perhaps of offending the New Order.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Establish an open line.” Trinity ordered, looking to the world. They were still outside the gravity well of the planet, and now the ship stopped and hovered there, waiting.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]A moment later, “Done, Captain.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“People of Lorize. Members of Parliament. Galactic Coalition Officials. This is Captain Ariel Trinity of the Star Destroyer Avatar, hailing from the Yaga Minor Protectorate. The world of Lorize was once a stronghold of the Empire, and now with the return of order and security to the Kathol Sector, it is time for Lorize to once more bear the standard of the New Order.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“The Empire is not the Outer-Rim Sovereignty, and we will not force these demands upon you through war and death. But Lorize belongs by right to the Empire, and we shall see it returned to our control. Those of you wishing to settle elsewhere will be free to do so, with the blessing and aide of the Empire.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We await your response.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]It was all a matter of watching, and waiting for the response of Lorize and its people.[/font]

[/font]
Posts: 4291
  • Posted On: Aug 26 2004 4:55pm
The response they did get was more then a little surprising. After a great deal of coughing and discussing and murmures, a voice which turned out to be that of Governor Kip Showinigan could be heard sending a response.

"Er... Sorry about this, but, you don't think we could discuss matters? Only we kind of fly our own standard now, and its' a pretty good one. And er... well... if we really wanted to join the Empire, we would have by now. But frankly, we're quite happy with things as they are. And, um, well, being our own country is a bit of a refresher after a really long time of being under other people's control, y'know?

"Listen, I know this must sound silly, but um, if you want, you could come down and we could discuss it or something? I don't think anyone really wants to join the Empire right about now, and as part of the Common Defence act leaving the Coalition means we forefit our fleet (we keep the crew of course), and even though they pay us back for the ships, its' still rather inconveniencing."

There were a few more worried and confused noises, and then he logged off, to be replaced by Captain Tibbils, head of the Lorize Fleet.

"Listen" he said "I know you might possess most of this sector, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. According to port-authority laws, a ship your size cannot enter the system without either a pass or four-days advance warning. And you're illegally parked."
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Aug 26 2004 6:38pm
[font=Times New Roman]“Do you think they’ll respond?” The Avatar’s XO asked as they passed the ten minute mark without a word from the planet.[/font]

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity shrugged.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Hard to say. These Coalition worlds have never been terribly well organized… they’re probably trying to figure out which one of them is in charge so they can tell us to fuck off.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain! We’re getting a response from the surface.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Finally.” The XO muttered, nodding and ordering the man to patch the transmission through to the bridge speakers.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Governor Kip Showinigan, Captain.” One of the Intel officers whispered. “Ruled Lorize since the fall of the Outer-Rim Sovereignty.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded her understanding and turner her attention back to the transmission.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]"Listen" (he said) "I know you might possess most of this sector, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. According to port-authority laws, a ship your size cannot enter the system without either a pass or four-days advance warning. And you're illegally parked."<o:p></o:p>[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The transmission cut out, and Trinity almost laughed.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I wonder, if we come back in four days, if they’ll be ready to join us.” The XO said.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We should leave a note with their Port Master… ask him to reserve a space for us.” Trinity returned with a smile. “Not an unexpected turn of events, but an unfortunate one nonetheless. Helm, bring us about. Navigation, prepare a course out of the system.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Back to Kal’Shebbol, Captain?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The ship was turning, the great arrowhead bow no longer pointing towards the world, and slowly she was gaining speed as she pushed away from the planet.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“No. The Allegiance should have completed her mission by now…”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Later<o:p></o:p>[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Captain.” Governor Rufus greeted her in the hanger bay with a smile. “How did your mission go?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity frowned, falling into step beside the man.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“To their credit, the Coalition isn’t easily intimidated. They asked us to leave.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Governor laughed a deep booming laugh that echoed from the walls.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Imagine that! A Captain of the Black Fleet, asked to leave by the likes of the Galactic Coalition.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I would remind you, Governor, that our intention was not to force ourselves upon Lorize. The world must choose to the join the Empire, not be made to do so. Otherwise the Coalition has the justification they need to make war on the Empire.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Of course, Captain. I meant no offence.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Of course you meant offence. But there was none taken. Now tell me, what stage are we at with your mission, Governor?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The man shrugged.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“You’d have to talk to Admiral Terra. He’s been running around like a wild man getting the fleet into shape… I managed to catch him for twenty minutes, he’s waiting for us the conference room.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Trinity nodded, turning the last corner and coming to the conference room doors. Two Stormtroopers stood guard there, their helmeted faces expressionless.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Ah, Captain Trinity.” Terra said as the doors slid open. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you… I was disappointed when the Governor here informed me you have already departed for Lorize. How did your mission go?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Admiral Terra was a tall, intelligent looking man. He had been the victim of a Rebel attack when he was young, and he still bore the scars on his otherwise handsome face. His hair was still black, despite being at least fifty years old, and his record of service to the Empire, while not exemplary, was one of great loyalty to the Empire. He was a perfectionist in his execution of tasks set to him, which made him an ideal choice for the defence of the Kathol Sector.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“As expected, thank you Admiral. The Coalition does not desire to lose Lorize, nor do they consider the Empire’s authority enough to take the planet.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“That’s easily changed. We have the firepower-“[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“That’s not an option, Admiral. The people of Lorize must been seen to side with the Empire willingly. We cannot force them to do anything, else the Coalition may see the need to counterattack. And the Empire does not need a war right now. The people are tired, tired from the last war. Peace is a nice change for them.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]The Admiral nodded, frowning slightly and looking out the viewport. The fleet they had gathered was by no means impressive in size, though it could easily lay waste to Lorize. Their role, though, was not that, but to sever Lorize from the rest of the galaxy.[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Is your fleet ready?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Fully operational, Captain. We’re ready to intercept whatever scum may pass through here.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“Excellent. I want you to interrupt communications from Lorize, as well… don’t jam them, they would detect that. Simply scramble them, make them useless. Jam anything coming in.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“As you wish, Captain. Will you be remaining with the fleet?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I am returning to Kal’Shebbol now with the Governor. I will return in a few days, and from there travel back to Lorize. I trust you can handle the situation on your own?”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“We can, Ma’am. But the Avatar’s presence would make the men happier, I know.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]“I’ll contact the Admiral and see if another ship can be sent. It would be better to be safe, rather than sorry… Good day, Admiral.”[/font]

<o:p>[font=Times New Roman] [/font]</o:p>

[font=Times New Roman]Less than an hour later, the Avatar cleared the blockade’s interdiction field and jumped to hyperspace, bound for Kal’Shebbol.[/font]

Posts: 4291
  • Posted On: Sep 12 2004 2:37am
"Well" said Viren Quell "We're fucked, gentlemen. Every ship trying to get to Lorize has been 'Redirected' and sent home by Imperials. I don't know what the fuck they're trying to accomplish, if they think they'll win popular support by starving the people to death they're going to find themselves sadly fucking mistaken, but we can't just sit back and let them do it either!"

It was a meeting of the House of Representatives. As Minister of Ethics, Viren Quell had the floor, which was always a time when people adjusted their language to make room for various words. The various representatives of the Coalition were uneasy, and already the empty seats of the Noghri representatives - who were still trying to settle in on Leritor, a planet willing to shelter them - weighed heavily on their minds.

"We can't just let them starve Leritor until it gives up, because there goes our credibility as a decent government, and its' just fucking wrong. And, we can't do shit to stop them either, because we'll just get our asses kicked."

Regrad was rubbing his eyes in exhaustion. No one seemed to let him sleep any more. It was hard leading a Coalition of planets whos only common ground was a collective smugness at not being under the heel of one omnipotent tyrant, just a billion local ones.

"Ok" he said "So what are our options? We can't fight them, so thats' out. We can't wait it out. That leaves us diplomacy, and trying to circumnavigate. I say we do both. I'm putting Admiral Narji of Anoat in charge of finding a none-violent way of getting around their blockade. This is an emergancy, and she's just the woman for the job. We'll need to put together a delegation to send to the Empire to appeal this move. I propose Fraktusk, or one of his appointed representatives, to show we're willing to deal with this peacefuly, and Viren Quell, to show that we won't take any - what was the word he used? Oh yes, shit."

Regrad leaned back. This was going to be one godsdamn long day.
Posts: 4291
  • Posted On: Sep 16 2004 8:52pm
News was filtering to the Blockade around Lorize. It arrived from first-hand accounts and badly-taken pictures, that there was a massive Coalition Warfleet gathering north, in the Kirtan Dustcloud, renound for its' sensor-scrambling particles.

Ships they diverted, scouts who hadn't had enough time or fuel to confirm, and super-long-range scans were pointing towards it, but the Imperials had yet to find any hard evidence, because no effort had been mounted.

Elsewhere, a report had been filed publically about the blockade around Lorize, and the people now knew what was going on. Also, the Coalition sent a message to the Imperial High Command on Coruscant that a delegation was going their way to discuss the current infringment on Lorize's rights. They had been sent some time ago, and were believed to be close to arriving.

All these things are believed to be at the behest of the Coalitions' emergancy meeting held shortly after the blockade was found. What the imperials intend to do, remains a mystery.

*cough cough*
Posts: 4291
  • Posted On: Sep 24 2004 10:52am
"hm, I wonder whats' taking the Imperials so long..."
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Dec 12 2004 5:58am
The Avatar<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

The Star Destroyer cruised alone in the inky blackness of space, her vast arrowhead profile, larger even than the ships that had frightened entire systems into submission in years past, casting a shadow on the planetoid below. The bridge was manned by the night watch, the humming of consoles the only sound, other than the occasional coughing for a crew member shifting position.

<o:p> </o:p>

Out here, in the emptiness of space, there was nothing. Nothing that would justify an Imperial Reign Class Star Destroyer, and her entire compliment of troops and starfighters, being away from Imperial Space.

<o:p> </o:p>

Where does one draw the line, Trinity wondered, between what nothing, and what one simply does not know?

<o:p> </o:p>

Because to be brutally honest, the Empire only assumed there was nothing out here. The sensor-scrambling effects of the Kirtan Dustcloud nearby could easily be hiding a ship the size of the Avatar. Even, though she knew that no such ships existed in this sector of space, an Executor style command ship.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Report, Lieutenant?” She said softly. The crewman nearly jumped out of his chair – neither he nor any of the other bridge crew had noticed the Captain descending into the crew pit.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Nothing conclusive, Captain.” He said, recovering his composure. “The cloud’s pretty good at scrambling sensors. I’m fairly certain there are ships in there, though what number and classes I couldn’t even venture a guess.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Which was, really, all she had expected.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Very well. Alert me if you detect anything unusual.”

<o:p> </o:p>

The very idea of the Coalition assembling a fleet to fight the Imperial blockade seemed ludicrous. They had already proven themselves incapable of fighting the Empire – and their surrender had seen the New Order grow substantially in terms of worlds and naval power.

<o:p> </o:p>

And yet, by all accounts, here they were, assembling a fleet. And what other purpose could it serve but to fight the Imperial fleet that had laid siege to Lorize?

<o:p> </o:p>

The Avatar had been there three days, and in that time had not seen a single Coalition ship come or go. But there was a sizable fleet gathering nonetheless; Imperial Intelligence had reported ships missing from regular defence stations, starfighters and troop battalions reassigned without warning or reason.

<o:p> </o:p>

It certainly looked as if the Coalition was planning to attempt to break the blockade.

<o:p> </o:p>

A situation, Trinity mused, that would have interesting consequences. Let us hope, for their sakes, she thought, that the aliens are smarter than that.

<o:p> </o:p>

Whether they were would remain to be seen.

<o:p> </o:p>

She was almost back to her station when she heard the patter of footsteps behind her, and turned. A young woman in the black and silver uniform of the Ubiqtorate Special Forces stood there, her grey eyes boring into Trinity’s.

<o:p> </o:p>

“Yes, Commander?” The Captain asked, questioningly.

<o:p> </o:p>

“We’ve received news from Imperial Centre.” The other said with a hint of a smile. “The aliens have sent a diplomatic force. They wish to negotiate.”

<o:p> </o:p>

Three hours later, the Avatar made the jump to hyperspace, leaving the Kirtan Dustcloud and the Coalition navy to themselves. If the Coalition representatives were as close as the message said, it would do to receive them properly.
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Mar 4 2005 1:57am
Lorize

"Tell me again how democracy benefits the Coalition?" Trinity whispered as they entered the main government complex on the surface of Lorize. The Empire's arrival in orbit - a massive convoy of foodstuffs and medical supplies in tow - had been met with widespread approval, and now after much delay the people of Lorize were holding the neccessary vote to sever themselves from the Galactic Coalition. There was no doubt the vote would pass - the alternative was an Imperial invasion, as was well understood. And alltogether unncessary, everyone had (apparently) decided. Better to join the Empire willingly than fight the inevitable. The vast majority of the planet's citizens were already Imperial supporters - there was little choice given the planet's location.

Trinity had to wonder about these people. The Empire had starved them - literally until they were on their last legs - and they were here, welcoming them with open arms. The Empire's motocarade had passed tens of thousands of jubilant citizens, welcoming the Empire's return to Lorize. Not people given no other option, but people genuinely relieved that the Empire was finally coming back to Lorize. Could things have been that bad under the Coalition?

The galaxy's love affair with democracy had not ended, the Imperial Line-Captain thought as she entered the House and looked around. Styled after Imperial Centre's ancient Senate Hall, the House was tiered with dozens of floating carts that held delegations from the various precincts of Lorize.

"One would think," Trinity continued on, "that they would have learned by now." Even after two failed Republics and who knows how many other failed attempts at a democratic government, the Coalition still clung to the ancient attempt. Never mind that the Empire had proved - repeatedly - that only a strongly centralized dictatorship could even begin to control the galaxy in a peaceful and stable manner.

No matter. The Coalition's weakness served the Empire, and as long as that was the case the Empire would not complain. Now that Lorize had fallen into line, the entirity of the Kathol Sector was under the dominion of the New Order.

"Order, please!" The Vice-President ordered, slamming his hands on the lecturn to silence the assembly. Trinity took her place at the podium of her cart as the representative of the Empire.

"The assembly will vote on the issue at hand," the Vice-President ordered as quiet finally descended. "This House declares it's independence of the Galactic Coalition."

He sat down, and Trinity watched as the dozens of members stepped forward to have their votes counted.

When all was said and done, of 112 delegates, 88 voted in favour, 20 voted against, and 4 abstained. All that was left was for the bill to be finalized, and notice issued to the Coalition.
Posts: 405
  • Posted On: Mar 14 2005 4:59am
(delete me)