From Event Horizon: Industrial Toils

The sight had not changed.
Much had, however. Seti Ashar, CEO for the now galaxy-wide and world-spanning LFX Industrial, paced idly in front of the window, deeply considering those changes. He paused now and again to look out over the vista of Eriadu's capital city, Eriada.

The cityscape seldom changed in the sprawling metropolis, nor indeed across the whole world of Eriadu. If Coruscant were to be called Imperial Centre, then surely Eriadu was truly Industrial Centre. Once Grand Moff Tarkin's capital, and riddled with smoke-spewing factories and manufacturing plants, the world was a dead and barren wasteland.

But yet, in some perverse way, it was beautiful. Perhaps it took a man with Seti's viewpoint to truly understand how remarkable Eriadu truly was. And like Coruscant, Eriadu never slept.

Always there was movement, even at this late hour when the LFX CEO should have been in the security of his own home, beings came and went. Brightly lit catwalks were filled with hustling workers, businessmen, and others. The air-traffic never ceased, an endless movement of airpseeders and hovercars between towering skyscrapers.

And yet, remarkably, some of that ceaseless movement was controlled. The thousands of individual sentient life-forms had to obey the rules, a relatively small, not insurmountable number of them. The other alternative was to descend into the pit of utter chaos.

And Eriada's teaming population had far more sense than to descend into that pit. The mobs cooperated for their own survival's sake.

Seti Ashar pondered all this as he looked out at the city that never slept. Certainly there was power to be had, within the uncounted billions, trillions even, that were the working force of the galaxy. The workhorse of the galaxy. The question that most consistently rose was how, exactly, one should go about gathering that power. You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. The old adage rang perfectly true in this case. Seti Ashar could, with little difficulty, lead these people to his idea. But could he make them conform. And, more importantly, did he want to?

They were taught from childhood that power was everything, and that those with power would conquer all. But power hadn't saved the Empire. All the power in the universe did not save Emperor Palpatine when he was thrown down the reactor shaft by his trusted servant, none other than Darth Vader.

Or did it Palpatine had all the power, and he returned no fewer than twice after he was supposed to have died. And even though he had been defeated each time, it was his power that had allowed him to come back. And lack thereof to allow him to maintain a comeback.

With great power comes great responsibility. Palpatine was irresponsible, wasn't he? He allowed things like Alderaan to happen. Luke Skywalker certainly had power, and to Seti's knowledge he had never done anything to misuse it. Besides join Palpatine in his quest of Galactic Dominance way back when... but it was that act that saved Mon Calamari. Perhaps the ends did justify the means, then?

Of course, Kyp Durron had power and he let it overcome him. That boy, just a boy when he did it, blew up an entire world. No power could be contained. The simple fact of the matter is, it seemed, that those with power eventually fell.

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Is it true what they say? Power corrupts? It seems that, yes, it is. Even Dxun Isstal was not immune to the corruption that power brought.

Power is everything. Power is evil. Therefore, everything is evil.

Now – Industrial Centre (Eriadu)

Night came to Industrial Centre, bringing with it a storm. As darkness fell across the towering cityscape that was Erida, capital city of the world of Eriadu, a wash of rain and thunder and lightning beat down upon the sprawling metropolis, a veritable cascade of water wasting themselves uselessly against the soaring towers. Rooks, startled from their nests, took flight in a violent flutter of wings. Thunder came, a rapid and violent change in the weather, to mark a rapid and violent change across the galaxy.

As nightfall cast her shadow across Industrial Centre, the New Order likewise cast her shadow across the galaxy. The Empire resurges from the long night. The plan is in motion. Chaos will be brought to order. And in the darkening twilight of the Galactic Empire, a single word is uttered: Endgame.

For that is where our story begins. Like a master of chess, Daemon Hyfe have swept the board clean in a single stroke. Cut off the head, and the body will whither. Cut off a limb, and the body will suffer. Coruscant was that limb, and the Empire has lopped it off. Imperial Centre emerges once more as the pinnacle of all power in this galaxy. The Galactic Empire has returned to their Seat of Power. The Bright Centre of the Universe will shine again.

The New Order, from her Throne of Imperial Centre, now commands all law across this galaxy. The Empire is the predominating force now, the right and true leader of the Galactic Government. The Empire will bring order to chaos, as the glass brings order to liquid. This is their divine right, their responsibility, and their solemn oath. The Empire holds majesty over the galaxy.

And darkness falls on Industrial Centre.

In less than a century, this galaxy had seen the rise and fall of two and a half galactic governments. The Clone Wars witnessed the end of the Old Republic and the rise of the New Order in her place, a movement that promised to bring to the chaos rigid order. A tyrannical, racist, sexist, and communist faction that presented the galaxy with one ideal: Rule through fear. But the New Order was perhaps the most able, the most competent, the most adept of the attempts to unify the galaxy. Under the Empire, the galaxy would prosper. But the threat of war would remain omnipresent. The Empire hid behind a veil of shadow, but even that veil could be pierced.

And pierced it was, as the Super Star Destroyer pierced Imperial moral when she exploded against the second Death Star. The Rebel Alliance, against all odds, destroyed the most powerful regime the galaxy had ever known. And in doing so, they doomed themselves. The ideals behind capitalism are good. For the people, by the people. But democracy does not work. While the Emperor could make decisions as he saw fit, the Republic was forced to drag their issues through congress. Were the Empire to have existed during the blockade of Naboo, the Trade Federation’s actions would have been halted before they began. As it was, the Old Republic Senate doomed any hope of aide from the “good guys”.

Perhaps it is best that Palpatine was lost that fateful day over Endor. The theory behind the Empire was just and willing. The actions and reactions to enforce those theories were not. Palpatine did not realize that he could not rule by fear and survive. The Republic did not realize that they could rule by the people and survive.

A compromise was needed. A compromise was given.

The New Order, restored by Grand Admiral Zell, Darth Exercon, and Moff Handler, and furthered by Grand Admiral Daemon Hyfe and General Simon Klaine, reclaimed the mantle of Imperial Justice. Coruscant fell to the New Empire, and the galaxy once more knows true leadership. Under Regent Hyfe, the Empire and the Galaxy will prosper.

From Endgame: Fading Ambiguity, Clear Intent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And the riots on Coruscant..."

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

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

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

"Yes, sir. But the Commonwealth-"

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

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

Now - Industrial Centre (Eriadu)

“And where do we stand? Coruscant has fallen, and the Republic is under assault from all sides. The Jutraalian Empire remains isolated, thrown into disarray by the abdication of Emperor Fearsons. The Galactic Defence Initiative is dead, and the Hapan Consortium cares not for the galaxy outside the borders of their precious space.” The figure sighed and leaned back in the large, black leather executive chair, exhausted. The last month had been a nightmare, and it was an ongoing one, at that.

“Dxun, I have no idea where I am, anymore.” The other figure, the cloaked shape of Dxun Isstal, turned. His face was gaunt, lined with age and fatigue. It had only been a year since Seti had last seen the former Supreme Commander… but it seemed a century. The man who had led the Galactic Defence Initiative to its final end had aged ten years in the past one; the effects of a lifetime surrounded by war and death had finally caught up to him. But his mind was, it seemed, still fresh. Presently, he nodded.

“The galaxy devours its own children, Seti. We come to the full circle. The Rebel Alliance smashed the Empire and took Coruscant away from them in rivers of their own blood. The Empire resurges, Seti. They emerge from the darkness and enter the spotlight. The Republic will fall.” The businessman gave a sad nod. He could analyze the situation, as any businessman could. But Dxun Isstal could, it seemed, see further than that. Behind the aged face and disgruntled exterior, rested a genius.
“And the Republic’s collapse will leave the galaxy in pieces. And who do you think will be left to pick up those pieces?” There was silence, save for the pounding of rain on the windows outside.

<font color=gray>Daron V – One Year Ago

The shuttle descended through the thick layer of clouds and into the atmosphere of Daron V. There was no military escort with him, nor was there a formation of troops waiting on the landing pad below. He had given all that up, the fighting, the war, the death, when he left. The galaxy was coming apart around them, it had already started. The tranquil peace was already broken. It was only a matter of time before it collapsed altogether.</font>

“We offered them the galaxy, and they repaid us with death. The deaths of our citizens, the smashing of our fleets. They repaid our loyalty by slaughtering thousands, Hiram. That is why I declined to visit Carida. That is why I am leaving.”

Hiram Drayson shook his head, frowning.

“The Galactic Defence Initiative…”

“The GDI is dead, Hiram. We are finished. You will see. There is no other way – the galaxy will devour itself. The Empire will rise up, and they will bring the galaxy to its knees. It has already begun. Can’t you see it? Can’t you feel it? This is only the beginning, Hiram.

“They say the Empire would destroy the galaxy with rivers of the blood of their own dead. They are wrong. The Empire is to smart for that.”

<font color=gray>The ship’s wings folded alongside her hull, and with only the slightest jolt felt by the passengers, the repulsors kicked in. Hovering above the landing pad, the small vessel made her final descent into Daron V’s main port city.

“Who is he?” They asked, gathering around the tiny ship, straining to get a view of the vessel that carried the insignia of the Galactic Defence Initiative. The only vessel to still bear that emblem – by now the rest of the fleet would have been redecorated, whether by the Empire and her allies, or the newly rising LFX Industrial. The Galactic Defence Initiative was dead, now nothing more than a memory.

“He is…”</font>

“Dxun, the galaxy needs you. To walk out now, to leave us and let the Empire reign supreme, is to betray everything you claim to stand for. To give up every ideal you swore to uphold, and to turn your back on the citizens you’ve sworn to protect! You cannot simply give this away!”

The man stopped and turned, gazing coldly at his Admiral and friend.

“It is to late to stop it, Hiram. The plan is already in motion. The New Order will triumph, and the galaxy will bend to the will of Grand Admiral Hyfe. It is fate. Destiny.”

The other man returned the gaze, equally cold, and shook his head. The glint in Dxun Isstal’s eyes, however, gave no room for contention. Finally, with a sigh, he submitted.

“In the end, do not all paths lead to the same destiny?” He mumbled, lowering his eyes. “The Empire will return to Coruscant, then. It is unavoidable.” The former Supreme Commander gave a last, comber nod.

“Yes.”

<font color=gray>“Dxun Isstal.”

“The Dxun Isstal? The man who-”

“Yes.” Silence swept the landing pad as the crowds watched the landing ramp touch the ferrocrete, and the former Supreme Commander of the Galactic Defence Initiative emerged into the morning sunlight of Daron V.</font>


Now – Industrial Centre (Eriadu)

“What does it mean, exactly, Dxun?” He asked softly. They were alone, above the turmoil of the ongoing rainstorm that ravaged Industrial Centre, safe inside the towering headquarters of LFX Industrial. Outside, the rain continued to pound against the windows, the dark sky illuminated every so often by bright flashes of iridescent lightning.

“What does what mean?” The other replied, sipping his drink thoughtfully and observing the lightning.
“All this! The Empire, Coruscant, Regent Hyfe, you…” He stopped, looking hard at the older man. “Where do you fit into all this?”

“It means, Seti, that the Empire is getting ready to act. More than that. The Empire is moving. They are taking the galaxy, and restoring themselves at its head.”

<font size=1></font>

“And what of you?” The first demanded, his voice rising. “You haven’t been heard from for a year, and here you are on the doorstep of the world that you abandoned. You left the galaxy to the Empire, and here you are, back from the dead, it would seem? Why are you here, Dxun? Why have you returned, now?”

Seti thought for a moment that he saw a strange twinkle in the eye of the former Supreme Commander, a fire that burned brightly for only an instant.
A second later, he was sure he had imagined it, for the man’s eyes were hard and grey and old. When he spoke, it was slow and measured, the words carefully weighed. His voice was older, more tired, than Seti had heard yet.

“I have returned, Seti, because the galaxy is coming apart at its seems.” Realization flooded into the businessman. He sat up straight, comprehension dawning on his face.

“The Empire-” Dxun nodded.

“The Empire strives to return to their former glory, their Golden Age. But the galaxy has moved beyond the Empire, Seti. The ideals that Palpatine brought are all but forgotten save to those who still swear loyalty to the New Order. The galaxy is resting on the New Republic.

"The Republic stands as one of the legs on which the entire galaxy rests. Knock the pedestal out from under them-"
"And the galaxy comes crashing down around them."
"Preciesly, Seti. It has already begun. The galaxy rests on the four foundations, the four legs of the cosmic stool. The New Republic, which presents open diplomacy and democratic capitalism. Their counter, the New Order, the symbolic representation of communism and a military dictatorship. The third is the Force. The Jedi Order, yes, and the Naboo Sith Order." Seti nodded, beginning now to fully understand the depth to which this went.

"The Dark Alliance."

"Yes, Seti. The Dark Alliance secured for the Empire a second leg. The Republic is bound to the Jedi Order, as the Empire is now bound to the Naboo Sith Order. And there is a fourth leg."

"A fourth? Of course. Gash Jiren. The Rogue Jedi Order. The leg that swears allegiance to neither the Republic nor the Empire." But Dxun was shaking his head.

"No. The Rogue Jedi Order is a prop. The fourth leg is the Corporation, Seti. The economic party on which all the others rest. Without the economy, without an income, the other three will falter. All of the Empire’s plans, their hopes and dreams, rest on the fourth leg. They galaxy revolves around the credit."

"And that leg-"

"That leg is an unforeseen. In the eyes of the Empire, that leg is the Vinda Corporation. That is why they parlay with Seth Vinda. That is why the court him in earnest. Secure Vinda-Corp’s resources, and they hold three legs. The Counter. The Force. The Economy. And the Republic is thrown off balance.
"Unless there is a restoration of balance. An equal weight on the side of the Republic. Another leg, another Corporate power, to side with them.”

"LFX…"

"Yes, Seti. The variable, the undetermined value. LFX Industrial will fall under the sights of the Empire and the Republic both, as the galaxy tumbles in on itself. The balance is tipping."

He laughed then, at the irony of it all. Seti Ashar was left with a decision that could spell doom for thousands. And no matter which way he went, the result would rest in his hands.

"You assume that Vinda will bow to the Empire’s wishes.”" Dxun, again, gave a nod of approval.
"I do. I do not believe that Seth Vinda will allow the Empire to take ownership over his soul. But if he does not, then your position is multiplied.

"The Empire will begin to court you, Seti, and LFX Industrial. With Vinda-Corp, they do not need you. But without him, you alone can decide the direction of the galaxy."

He gave a small smile. "Especially if Muunilist is yet to fall." And the businessman understood. The Empire’s finances rested on Muunilist, on the former Cryonics Industries, now Arliss Towers. They could survive without Vinda, or without Muunilist. But with neither…

"With neither" Dxun said, "The Empire will fall. They will break the galaxy open, and then it shall all come crashing down around them. Without an economic base, the Empire cannot survive. And the fall of the Empire will come swiftly, and painfully. The effects would be disastrous."