Improcco


If there was one thing to be said about the Fortress world of Simon Kaine it was that it was cold. After five years, the Imperial Corps of Engineers had completed Kaine's design for the ultimate haven away from the politics and bustle that was the Imperial High Command and Coruscant lifestyle.

The headquarters for the 256th as well as the berth for the 5000 meter Reign Galactus, it was a location not visited by anyone other than those that Simon Kaine trusted.

Here his loyal core of followers and soldiers resided and worked on the far ranging plans of both military and political nature. If there was one thing to be said about Kaine, it was that he prepared for any eventuality.

And it was here that he sat behind a large desk glancing at the holographic representation of the galaxy. In the background, the passionate speech of Prime Minister Regrad was playing in the background and the holonet speeches of the war were arranged before him.

As he looked over his own speech, a chime rang.

"Yes?"

"Supreme Commander, the transport from Myrkr has arrived."

Newly uncovered documents regarding Grand Admiral Thrawn's strategies for regaining lost ground with the New Republic of old was a tale that indicated to Kaine just what sort of genius the alien master tactician had been. What was it that changed the man to betray his Empire?

Old memories of Gash Jiren and the brutal conflict on Ossus against the warlord Thrawn surfaced briefly but Kaine pushed those aside as he contemplated the news just delivered.

The ysalamiri were creatures whose usefullness would only be at an end when all force users were destroyed. Until that glorious day, they would factor into his plans.

And what plans they were when he studied the documents in detail. These were documents that he would keep within his fortress for the information contained would tear the Empire apart and leave the galaxy at war once more. Dangerous indeed but also, his eyes narrowed, full of possibilities.

And the creatures from Myrkr were the key.

The captured numbers would be spread between Kaine's fortress to the powerbase of Insidion and the Aridian Cluster. All areas that only held special meaning to him and his original corps of officers from the old 256th.

Everything was proceeding according to plans set in motion from the Conquest of Coruscant till now.

"Very well. Bid Captain Merrik 'Good Hunting'." he responded finally and closed the channel.

Outside, the ISD Insidion was preparing for it's run through The Corridor, a secret hyperroute created at Kaine's insistence. A tricky route at best for it changed constantly but one well suited for his many backdoor dealings within the Empire.

Regrad's speech was nearing it's end.

A slow smile emerged and despite his earlier speech, the outburst by the Coalition was not a surprise. All their data and information regarding the Azguardian psyche was well documented. And as long as these funny, slender aliens were dictating the direction of the Coalition government, they (as well as the government) would ultimately remain predictable.

The High Command, even the Emperor had pushed for the total destruction of the Coalition when they were finally brought to the table. Of course, the fact that they were staring at total annihilation also helped but Kaine knew, that the final act could not simply be a conquest of arms alone.

No.

He had to destroy the ideology by proving it ineffectual and worthless. Just as he had done with the New Republic, a faction with a stronger claim to ideals than the Coalition, he would shatter the resolve of these aliens. They simply did not understand nor have the experience necessary in dealing with the nuances of running a galactic faction and that would prove to be their undoing.

He disliked the timing of Regrad's speech but, in light of the act, he would be stupid not to take advantage of the opening provided by what amounted to the Coalition's declaration of war.

It was time to put the Coalition on the defensive and put their principles to the test!

His trip to Imperial Center would be within the hour.

Λ

Simon Kaine took the podium, his gloved hands grasping the sides as he stared out into the cameras. His look was one of sad determination.


"To all Imperials, to all our soldiers at home and abroad.... my friends. I come to you today with dire tidings. I come to you today with an admission that is painful for me to utter and yet, to be true to you, I must.

For I have failed.

For two years I have come under fire from all sides regarding my stance to the conclusion to the last war.

We had our enemies on their knees with throats bared.

We have all seen the holovids. Our forces arrayed against the attacking forces of the Coalition...

Lupercus Darksword holding the line, the men and women under his command giving their last breath to halt the battering advance of this unknown and unprovoked alien species.

Of Commodore Trachta's flanking maneuver to buy the defenders that one last minute that could make all the difference in the world.

Of General Ming's seige of Mon Calamari, a desperate bid to bring a conclusion to the enemy advances.

Of Grand Moff Drayson's defense of our northern frontier which was a key in shattering the enemy's resolve.

Of Theren Gevel's march to rip the heart out of the Outer Rim Sovereignty and bring a swift end to the war.


All these heroic acts of courage, determination and will!



Only to be laid low by me.



For it was I who stayed our blade from total conquest.


If I had not turned to negotiation, then our forces would have surely occupied the Coalition worlds and we would not have these holonet speeches inciting civil rebellion within our sovereign nation. We would not be living in fear of another 'first strike' attack from these war-like aliens.

And for that failure..

...failure to provide our people, our citizens with the peace of mind they so deserve, failure to eliminated a clear and present danger to our society and way of life,


I apologize.


To my soldiers, my comrades, my friends in the armed services, in my defense, I can only say this: Your lives are precious to me! And I did not wish to lose one more life than necessary to the protection of our great Empire.

And a long, protracted occupation of these.." Kaine's voice groped for an appropriate word, "..insane aliens would have cost us dearly."


Kaine paused as if gripped by a powerful emotion.

"I wanted peace. I wanted order. I wanted..." his voice trailed to a whisper.

"So I began a grand experiment. Rather than destroy the species that instigated a war that cost lives, I gambled that they could see reason. I took a chance on mercy and gave them back their lives. Gave them back their nation. I gave them a second chance.

In this experiment, we removed their war-making capabilities. We took their invisible first strike vessels away and left them with only enough to defend themselves. All the while using those industrial aquisitions to double our output making us invincible!"


He paused, the momentary flaring of anger subsiding.

"Friends, the Grand Experiment has failed. If there was any doubt, the recent Coalition broadcast has dispelled it."


He sighed.


"The Coalition broadcast by their Prime Minister was, for all intents and purposes, a declaration of war. By his blatant attempt to incite civil rebellion among the populations of factions they consider their enemies, there can be no other explanation."

"In the Coalition broadcast, they make plays on words to indicate to which galactic neighbor this aggression is directed at. However, their lack of specifics indicates to a critical observer a much wider and much more aggressive posture to anything 'not Coalition'.

And because of that danger, now THIS becomes a galactic issue. In naming the Coalition as 'THE only hope', they discount the various multitudes of individual sovereign governments and peoples that inhabit this galaxy. In indicates an intent to absorb these factions into their fold for, according to them, peace cannot be achieved unless a faction is a part of this Coalition.

They try to simplify galactic politics into black and white. One is either a part of the Coalition and 'good' or they are not, and therefore 'evil'."

Kaine's eyebrow rose in an expression one could call ironic, "And who is not a part of the Coalition but the rest of the galaxy?"


Kaine's voice became hard.


"In any event, it no longer matters, for the question we face is: Do we finish the job militarily what couldn't be accomplished diplomatically? And we could do it. We have the logistical support as well as the necessary war materials to accomplish this. All I have to do is sign the order and our fleets will cross the borders striking into the corrupt heart of this Coalition and ripping it out once and for all! Never will we have to worry about these war-like aliens making threats over holonet. Never will our citizens have to worry if today will bring a surprise alien attack. Already their blatant attempts to incite insurrection has caused deaths among our citizens!

And this will stop!


So. Do we go to war?


That is the question laid before us. It would mean throwing our sons, our daughters, fathers and mothers into harm's way. I would require a resolve to see this conflict out to it's rightful conclusion. Leave no planet of the Coalition untouched, leave no stone overturned, leave no way they would be able to threaten us again. It will mean perhaps a violent and bloody occupation before their brainwashing wears off. It will mean thousands of dead for us and perhaps millions of our enemy (if their insanity is any indication)."


Kaine paused, "I have failed and all moderate ideas are fading quickly within the Empire. We are on the precipice of galactic disaster!"


The audience was deadly silent.


"My fellow Imperials feel that there is no negotiating with the Coalition. That the Coalition has tipped their hand with their Prime Minister's speech. You could clearly see that the hatred of us that spurred their war is still as strong as ever.

But, before we .. unchain our feral side and let loose the dogs of war, I still insist on giving peace one last chance. This is not going to be a war started by mistakes or miscommunication. This is going to be a very clear and unmistakeable message:

The galaxy will no longer tolerate the war speeches of the Coalition!

The galaxy will no longer tolerate their hate of the Empire or of humanity!

The galaxy will no longer tolerate their efforts to instigate war among their galactic neighbors!


To be a galactic power, one must adhere to certain responsibilities or forfeit their right to be a galactic power. Those responsibilities extend to one's neighbors.


And to these responsibilities, the Coalition has failed miserably.


Item 1. Imperial shipping has come under attack from pirate activities across the Coalition border. Despite our respect for that border, our citizens continued to be harrassed and so, Grand Admiral Telan Desaria took a small squadron of ships into Coalition space. The education of the Coalition leadership was costly!

But you can be certain that the Coalition brought their fleet back to the border!

Our citizens have remained unharrassed since!

Assignments considered impossible are the missions our Grand Admirals live for and Telan Desaria impressed upon the Coalition the severity of their neglect. Hopefully, it is a lesson they will not soon forget.


But that begs the question, why was the fleet absent in the first place?


Item 2. Following up intelligence gathered of a Coalition buildup of arms, Grand Moff Bhindi Drayson gathered proof of the existence of First Strike Stealth Craft on Bimissari. The same first strike stealth craft denied to them after the war!


Item 3. The Coalition is targeting weapon manufacturing worlds for their inclusion into their sphere of influence.


Couple all of this with the confirmation that Azguardian hatred is still alive and well within the Coalition leads us to believe that our neighbor is planning a devestating attack perhaps even going so far as to hoard weapons of mass destruction.


Notice, I say, 'perhaps'. But in light of their speech can the galaxy take the gamble with Azguard levelheadedness?

What has been their track record so far?


Therefore, to make sure no one confuses the Azguardian speech nor Imperial intent, I am calling to Coruscant all sovereign governments for a meeting. My friends, I invite you to the first Imperial Peace Initiative to discuss the issue of Coalition aggression and to talk about clear and specific methods of ensuring not only the safety of our citizens but even the peoples neglected by the Coalition government in favor of arms hoarding.


We will discuss inspection measures to ensure there are no weapons of mass destruction on Coalition worlds.

We will discuss the disarmament and dismantling of all offensive capabilities with our heated neighbor.

We will discuss ways to help the Coalition manage their resources to the betterment of their citizens rather than on war profiting.


It is my firm belief that a League of Nations intent on bringing peace and order to the galaxy can be of benefit to all citizens of the galaxy, no matter your society.


I ask all galactic nations to take my offer and let us meet to protect our Coalition neighbors from themselves. For the alternative is simply too terrible to contemplate.

I implore the Coalition leadership to bury their hate. I implore the Coalition leaders to humble themselves and grasp the hand of peace!"


And Simon Kaine's face became one of resolve. "For I have failed once. I will not fail again."


And as he left the podium, a stunned audience sat quietly until the clapping started. It would not end for a few minutes and by then, it would be thunderous.


The 'Imperial Peace Initiative' had been born.

The speech was a resounding success as he opened the umbrella to those planets who had no known way to communicate on such a cosmic level as to attract the notice of a truly galactic government like the Empire. And jump at the opportunity they did.

Of course, there was hesitation as no one wanted to get between the Empire and the Coalition. The incident at the Roche Asteriod Field had settled that and Kaine smiled secretly at the Grand Moff's maneuver. The asteriod itself was of no importance but the fact that an independent species could get caught up unwittingly with the Empire also thinned the diplomatic overture acceptance on worlds who would have, at first, welcomed Coalition Trade.

Already, it was becoming common knowledge, and great fear to those planets whose economies rested on the purchasing power of the Empire that once in the Coalition, they would have to sell only to Coalition worlds. And it was also common knowledge that to alleviate the imbalance, the Coalition government guaranteed purchases which put their own economy in a bind.

Throwing money to buy goods that one may not necessarily need just to prevent a member world from trading with the Empire was a bit extreme but the more money the Coalition threw at such foolish endeavors the less money they'd have for their war machine.

And what a war machine it was. Almost like a smaller version... a mini-Empire in it's own right if reports were to be believed.

"You actually did it, you fool of an Azguard. You actually plunged into war." Simon murmured so lost in though that he'd not noticed the presence of a one, Azrael Zell.

"Those two religious fanatics deserve each other." he barked out a laugh at his own joke and sat down, tossing a pad on Kaine's desk.

"What is this?" he inquired, though he had a suspicion.

"The Emperor is beside himsef. He was quite livid when you announced this Imperial Peace Initiative and League of Nations."

"But..?" The Supreme Commander's eyebrow rose.

"Damn me! This activity is amazing!" Zell replied in a rare show of honest emotion.

He gestured to the pad and Kaine picked it up, his eyes widening as they scanned the listing.




"This is damn near most of the Core!" Kaine couldn't help it as he spoke. A grin formed.

"And there's more. Now what exactly do you plan to do? The Emperor was very specific in wanting this answered."

"Do? I plan to open the old Senate Building to serve as the meeting place of the League. We are going to draw these worlds tight so that we will speak with one mind, one voice." Kaine's grin spread, "One will."

"Fucking peace." Zell whispered as the implications of what Simon proposed came together in his mind.

"No more incursions into our space. No more subversive influence of those wishing our member worlds citizens to revolt. None of this will be tolerated and the Coalition will have to backtrack.

Simply calling us evil will no longer work for we will have done more for galactic solidarity in this move than they would have managed in a decade!"

Zell's grin became predatorial, "What do you expect when they're out starting wars.."

"Exactly." Kaine responded and then tapped the pad with his finger. "Are these..."


"Initiate members of the League of Nations and most are voicing support of the Imperial Peace Initiative but others are wisely not saying anything because.."

"...we have yet to define the Initiative. I know.. That will take place with the first meeting of this League."

"Inform traffic control and the military to forward a plan. I want these .. ambassadors to be comfortable and not have a care in the world. Many may not have been to Imperial Center since the Old Republic died so ...let them come.. let them tour. We are not the fearsome devil the Coalition would paint us as.."

"The local business districts are going to love this."

"And it's nice to have them happy for a change." Kaine shook his head in wonder as he stared at the list. "At the very least, it gives us a presence on these planets and an influence we may not have had before. Other's, it merely formalizes our influence into something a bit more legitimate."

Zell hesitated. "There is one other thing."

"Yes?"

"The Dragons have responded and are sending an.. ambassador."

Kaine looked up, amused. "Really? Then perhaps we should double our efforts to ensure the comfort of our guests. Bring in the 1st, 4th and 8th fleets. We want to awe but not necessarily frighten."

"And the rest?"

"We have a working plan of deployment. Our planets are still on alert... with war brewing next door, you never know what might happen. Have INS keep the pressure on. We want our people glued to the holonet with a real fear this Coalition war might spill out into the Empire."

"Moff Drayson is on the front... "

"Front?"

"Well as close as she can be. You know that woman. If there's blood she'll sniff it out like a whore sniffing out credits."

Kaine raised an eyebrow at the twinge of bitter hate in Zell's voice. "Don't tell me you propositioned her?"

"We were at a meeting. You wanted her to have New Order Clearance so I figured I would add on my own little requirement."

"What did she do?" Simon asked, interested in spite of himself.

"What did she do?" Zell nearly shouted and Kaine was glad the room was soundproof. "She said 'no'!"

"No?" Kaine mimicked.

"I've had QUEEN'S suck my--"

"That will be all, Moff Zell." Kaine interrupted. Turning back to the list his face broke out in a smile all over again. Not even Zell's sexual antics could dampen him now.

"We have alot of organizing to do."

"How long?" Zell asked, hitting the nail on the head.

"One week. Either the Coalition and Dragon war will be in full swing with them mutually blowing each other from space..."

"Or the Coalition will have surrendered." Zell interrupted voicing his own opinion.

"Well, there is always that chance.." Kaine offered knowing that senario wasn't going to be likely.


For a while at least..


It was time for to solidify the Core once and for all.

The planet hung there, a mass of turbulent molten slag, a glowing red shadow of what it had been before. Hovering in the space above rest hundreds of vessels of incomparable size and description, they hung as still as the world. Guarding it? Observing it? Attacking it? Their purpose was unclear, yet they were here for something. Fire leapt from the edges of the vessels, spraying across the vastness of space until rippling like a rock in a pool over the surface of the planet.

The ships took on keen Dragon aspects as they encircled the globe, long dark talons reaching below them as great wings extended to either side. A large screech broke the silence as wave after wave of Dragons took to orbit around the smoldering world, its wreckage only enticing the flight even more. Darting in and out of close orbit, the Dragons seemed to be clawing at something, something hidden in the depths of molten slag. From somewhere in the darkness, a single voice emerged, one voice that sounded like millions.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, In heaven as it is on Dameo. Give us this day our daily prayer. And forgive us our trespasses, As we lay judgement upon those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."

A dark swirl emerged in the depths of the planet, its red fires and shadowy darkness merging and twisting across an entire planets surface. A figure emerged from the darkness of it all, wrapping a long tail over the edge of the world, a massive Black Dragon emolded itself against the shape of the planet, forming the entirety of the waste into its image.

From deep at the systems edge a great light arose, a great eagle, and below it rested the shimmering round crest of a familiar shape as well. With increasing speed and a sense of urgency they crossed the vast distance between the world and its circling flight, taking up position between the two. A womans face filled the field of vision, taunt features and flowing hair behind her, seeming to turn over the field before her, before spinning back to the Dragon formation in a deafening roar.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?"

The world slowly reversed in its spin, molten plumes flying back into the planet itself. Portions of the world became darkened and black, the spread of red and yellows quickly seeping away from the global scenery. What once was dark quickly became steel, and steel rose up through the skies which once held a fiery inferno. The dragon flight shrunk and fell away, even as the spires broke orbit and the world was once again covered with a sprawling cityscape.


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The Rosary
Flagship of The Universal Daemun Church

Opening his eyes slowly, Seped looked from side to side to confirm he was in actuality where he thought he would be when he woke up. The comfort of the cushion against his back and the warm sheet covering his frame gave rise to the fact it had all been a dream. Kicking the sheet down to the bottom edge of the bed, he rolled over, putting anchor to the floor.

Sometimes, when connected to the Web, he had seen visions of one sort or another. They usually meant something, but not always, and this left him to wonder if this was one of these times. A sort of collected unconsciousness developed across the stars, when billions of minds connected at once, all seeing visions of things that have happened and are happening, thinking of things that are to come.

Shaking his head lightly, he reached out for his simple black uniform, pulling it on as he prepared for the days service. Bowing his head, he stood before the doorway, saying a silent prayer to the Taj, as he did each day, before beginning his duties. From all evil, deliver us. From all sin, deliver us. From Your wrath, deliver us. From the snares of the wicked, from everlasting death, by Your glories deliver us.

The door slid open on his whim, and a swift breeze woke him further, a quick warmth that rose from the many lakes that blessed the ship with a calming interior. Stepping forth from his domicile, the soft crunch of twigs indicated the path he took, the garden that was the ship took on a world of its own. Living on such a ship was a dream as much as it was a reality in itself.

He had served on other vessels before this, before the priests had visited his world, wiping clean the wicked and leaving the pure behind. He had been blessed with this new form, his new powers and strengths and with it the beauties of the great Daemun Heaven. Inhaling, he peered down towards the bridge, a single cloud drifting in its direction. Nodding he followed the clouds gentle drift.

He passed through checkpoints on his way, sensitive stop points which separated the ships into smaller portions, allowing for security measures on an otherwise open ship. Inhaling the air deeply through his nose, he admired it all faintly, though he had served a long career aboard this very same ship, nothing had changed about how he felt about it. From across a lightly grassed hill, he saw the sparingly robed form of his First and quickened his pace to her.

Her smile lit the ship it seemed, the artificial sun could not compare. Wrapping his arms about her hips and holding her tightly against his chest, he slid his lips across her own. Pulling back slowly, he gazed longingly into her eyes before gaining his composure. Still grining into her beautiful eyes, he slid back from their warm embrace, hand moving up from her hips to fall from her side to her hand. Holding it softly, he continued to walk towards the front of the ship, holding her closely as he did so.

"What is your to report?"

"The system is heavily patrolled. The Lieges are detecting a great deal of traffic, some of it Civilian, a great deal in fact. Most of it would seem to be armed, meaning a heavy military presence."

"They fear us..."

He said it with a sneer, almost the same grin he had upon first sighting her. He was a proud man, but not merely proud for himself, his ship or even his fleet. He had pride in the Imperium, for what it stood for and for what it was. Even here in the midst of the Empire itself, he could raise his head high and declare the strength of the Imperium, and feel that it carried the same weight as it did anywhere else.

"Perhaps, we are after all, coming into this with no pretense or gauruntee of safety. Maybe they suspect the need to guard such Important guests as ourselves..."

"Yes, this makes sense to me... Have we been contacted yet?"

She shook her head, raising an arm to the view screen before them. At times it was aiesthetically simpler to merely view it than to picture the scenes through the sensors themselves. The image shown the rift closing just behind them, Arbiter darting back through the hole in space as it left the small fleet behind.

"Very well..."

tapping into the communications systems, he focused a holo-image of himself, including the woman at his side in the view. Boosting the signal to the transmitter, he gave appropriate power to make the transmission system wide instead of merely point to point. Beginning recording, he addressed everyone in range to listen.

"We, the ordained representatives of The Black Dragon Empire, have come to this place to ensure a new tomorrow for all in our Heaven. Heading the call of The Empire, we come with peaceful intentions and open minds. We come to hear the words of peace and to speak them in kind. Welcome us, and let this peace begin anew..."

"For too long the people have been victims of one religious war after another! For too long the people have had to endure.

How long? How long I ask must we continue to endure?"

The passionate speech from the representative from Obroa-Skai had held the Imperial House quiet. In a display of magnanimity, Kaine had allowed the member representatives to air their concerns first, content to allow the Imperial representatives endure their outcries.

The younger representatives fidgeted slightly as they were not used to a system that allowed such a release of opinion before action (it was too much to think it decisive) was taken.

Kaine was in attendance though he'd been scarce in the beginning having to set up the logistical support for the incoming representatives. Quarters, berths, as well as privacy from the Coruscant shipping.

Imperial Center boasted the greatest amount of traffic but above and below the atmosphere but it also boasted the greatest amount of organization.

Some representatives not knowing really what to do had simply jumped into the system and broadcasted their hails on open holonet as if to trumpet their own arrival interfereing with typical traffic controls.

And so blanket static zones were set up to spare the rest of Corsucant from representatives wishing to boost their own self esteem with blanket signals. In the center sat the Galactus, its five thousand meter hull and bristling weaponry a deterent to any mischief (such as what plagued Vladet's meeting some time before).

And so the transports and shuttles and a few smaller military craft came bearing ambassadors to the new League. So far, only preliminary meetings had been set up as a League format was being written. So, while nothing really was being done, the activity gave credence to great potential and the representatives found themselves eager to take their part in such potential.

The issues ranged between two levels of petty, from ambassadorial complaints about their quarters to where they were seated in the newly rennovated Imperial House.

There was a rumor that the building had once been the Republic Senate Building and that Palpatine had fought the Jedi insurgent leader, Master Yoda during the Jedi Uprisings that marked the end of the Clone Wars and was greviously injured.


Kaine signaled to speak as the floor was yielded. So far these aliens had been manageable, not speaking out of turn or with the blustering that characterised the Old Republic sessions. "You are quite right, Verat, to be concerned about the length of endurance your citizens need nowadays. However, I would like to recommend several committees be formed to investigate just what specific areas of endurance are being required of these citizens to survive. And based on these findings, perhaps the League can redistribute resources to alleviate this thus rendering the effects of religious wars impotent. Impotent against our strength. I would like to call a referendum to find volunteers to be members of this committee and define it's investigative limits."


That will keep them for a week or two, Kaine thought smirking to himself. The maneuvering for power positions within this new League would hold the attention of both ambitious and earnest ambassadors. Everyone wants to be on the forefront and lay their name against any decisions that gives advantage to their planet.


"My Lord?" a voice of a Major interrupting his thoughts.

He turned and the Major saluted. "Grand Moff Zell requests your presence."

Which could be only one thing.

The Dragons had finally arrived and now rumor became truth.



As Kaine excused himself leaving the meeting's proceedings to the other Imperial representatives and as he walked, he caught up on the latest reports of news regarding the opening acts of the war between the Coalition and Dragons. INS was still working on a suitable title for this latest conflict but were hard pressed to find anything clever or subtle to describe both a self described 'galactic Coalition' and Dragons that were black.


Reaching a command station, Kaine looked to the holographic projection of Azrael Zell, aboard the Galactus.


"What news, Zell?"


"Take a look at your monitor.." the hologram replied and Kaine's eyes glanced at the recording of the arrival of the Black Dragon vessel.

It was the same damned ship that had been on Vladet when outside forces interrupted Kraken's meeting.

The same meeting where he had lost Ibren Chandler and the ISD Victory. The data Drayson had gathered showed the vessel disappearing apparently moving after the retreating Dragons. Admiral Chandler had been perhaps the very best friend of Kaine and to have him lost to these Dragons had burned at him.

It was never known if the Dragons were worried for their safety or not. What it did indicate, at least to Kaine, was that the Dragon's interest in the meeting itself was nonexistent. At the first sign of trouble they were the first to flee and he wondered if this time would be any different?

His eyes squinted as he saw movement behind what looked to be the Dragon command ship.

"Zell, what is that in the background?" he asked and the old man laughed a bit harshly.

"Thought you might notice that. Enhancing Image with spectral overlay.."

And a vessel that looked no larger than a fighter moved beyond some event horizon (hardly visible with the naked eye from the distance of the recorder though clear with the spectral overlay) and disappeared.


Just like Vladet!


"Very interesting," he murmured to himself and Zell barked out a laugh.

"Thought that might catch your interest. The fact that they brought a fleet instead of a single ship made some our people a little trigger happy. But your people know that ship from Vladet and knew who they were."


The 256th was not likely to forget that ship.


"Have we signaled them?"

"We were going too but they broadcasted on an open frequency probably hoping to announce their arrival all the way to those frozen bastards on Hoth."


Kaine sighed. He hoped he was through with such troubles. "Was traffic control affected?"

"No..no... the static barriers stopped the signal. It was powerful though... drowned out the holonet play I was watching for a minute.. but that was it."


"Did their transmission hold anything of significance?"

"I'll send you the text..." and Kaine's monitor displayed the words:

"We, the ordained representatives of The Black Dragon Empire, have come to this place to ensure a new tomorrow for all in our Heaven. Heading the call of The Empire, we come with peaceful intentions and open minds. We come to hear the words of peace and to speak them in kind. Welcome us, and let this peace begin anew."


Kaine's eyebrows rose though as he was a hologram in front of Zell, the gesture was lost, "Ordained?"

"I wonder. The Vladet meeting was prefaced with a statement from Heir Raktus himself. Now, nothing." Zell remarked. "Perhaps his godship is no longer running the show?"

"Well there is an uncomfortable thought. Still, it's ironic that they have open minds after telling us they want to ensure a future for us in their heaven."

"Bah!" Zell spat out. "There's nothing colder than fucking a religious girl. No fire! No passion! Just doing their duty to fucking procreate! It's fucking hell, not heaven!"


"Zell, at your age it's probably a good thing that they don't fight back." Kaine quipped and before Zell could respond in outrage, he ordered: "Get confirmation that they do represent their government and have them send a shuttle to Imperial House. And if their representatives have any preferences in the setting up of their quarters, forward the information to you."


Zell switched off without acknowledging. It was a rare thing for Kaine to get the best of him verbally but his good mood did not last as he replayed the tiny ship's actions.


What happened to you, Chandler?

Ironically, perhaps the least-qualified nation to attend an Imperial summit, had chosen to send their least qualified representative. Petty politics? A waste of time? This may have been recognized by the Coalition's Prime Minister, for the New Galactic Coalition's chosen representative was not the Minister of Peace (Their head diplomat and ambassador), but the Minister of Ethics. Viryn Quell.

This was perhaps also recognized in the fact that he didn't come cruising in on the bridge of a mighty warship. Nor did he bring an honour guard of fighters, cruisers, and other such vessels. In a rare show of trust, Viryn arrived in a simple shuttle, to suit his more spartan tastes.

"They're going to kill me, aren't they?" said Viryn darkly into his comm. "If this is about the time I got drunk and threw up on your - "

"They won't kill you, Viryn." replied Regrad, through the comm. "That'd be a waste. They'll probably just belittle you on the galactic stage and twist your words to their own ends."

"I'd like to see them try!" Spat Viryn. "Twist my words? Hell, they couldn't find a better stoned ranting nutcase to get their words from. They wouldn't need to twist a thing. Tell me again why you're sending me?"

"Let's just say... I hope you'll make an impression." Regrad sighed. "Listen, just relax. I really don't expect that much from this meeting, there simply isn't much we can do. Just be a presence, try not to start another galactic civil war, don't put your foot in your mouth, maybe rail against the Black Dragons once or twice so they don't get too chummy with the Empire... Be creative. Do what you feel - you've always wanted to be heard by the galaxy, right? This is your best chance. You're the best man for the job, Viryn."

"Mainly because this is a hopeless job?" Added Viryn. "Oh all right, not like I can turn back now. If they kill me, though - I will be pissed off, got it?"

"We all have to make sacrifices in war, Viryn, I'm sure you'll somehow manage to struggle through a comfortable conference marred by the occasional snide comment. I'm signing off, good luck."

Viryn groaned and leaned back in his chair, as the ship approached the meeting place.

"Minister, we're being hailed, I believe you will have to state our purpose and your title." The pilot seemed just as uneasy as his passenger.

"Yeah, yeah, I might as well say something." Still moody, the former journalist lifted the comm and said "Hello, whoever's asking. This is the right honourable Minister Quell of the Galactic Coalition, here to smile, nod, try to stay out of spittle range, and generally waste everyone's precious fucking time. Oh, and to probably give cold looks to whoever the Dragons sent - in fact, that's probably the whole reason I'm here at all.

"So, in the interest of galac- ... gal-... galactic pe-" He finally broke down laughing, and said "Okay, I could almost say that one with a straight face - in the interest of galactic peace, I'll be representing the Coalition, so Regrad will let me keep my job."

He switched off the comm, and after a moment the pilot said "I can see why you were chosen as our ambassador, sir."

"They're lucky they got me and not that Aqualish bastard who can't speak basic." said Viryn, sticking his feet up. "I swear, if I get shot, I'm going to kick Regrad's ass."

~

Simple Steps to the Absolute Destruction of the Galaxy
By Viryn Quell

It has been a great deal of time since I have written anything of note. This has caused something of a stir, and understandably so; in a galaxy overstuffed with pompous windbags so fond of speaking for the sake of hearing their own fucking voices, a voice of reason should be missed.

The capture of Coruscant by the Empire, and the subsequent unleashing of the Wrath Virus, both placed a strain on my ability to publish. After they battered down the gates and Daemon Hyfe decided to declare himself Emperor, Captain, and King, I found myself without a platform to operate on and without a free media to operate with.

Nonetheless, I am “back”, and under a new publishing outlet, having relocated off of Coruscant. Obligation Publishing has so kindly provided me with the funds I need to cause the galactic havoc I once did.

I thought I'd start by a good run-down of the various ways the galaxy is headed to hell in a hand-basket. It's a convenient guide which can also be used in the destruction of the galaxy in future.




1. Create an oppressive, fascist regime, and let them grow to an obscene size unchallenged because you simply do not have enough fucking guts to stop them.

What can I say about the Empire that hasn't already been said? They disdain free-market economics, impliment liberal taxation without liberal spending, restrict the media, and commit mass murder on unimaginable scales.

The Empire also seems to have the nasty habit of creating genetically-modified super soldiers and bending them to their will, then throwing their hands in the air and exclaiming “What the fuck?!” when one of them goes rogue and decides to drop a virus in the middle of Imperial Square.

“Wow, how did that happen?” Asks Daemon Hyfe. “I see no correlation at all between the destruction of his former employer, the Freedom Guard Corporation, and this heinous act of vengeance. What do you mean our placing him in a position of power makes us directly responsible?”


2. Add in an opposition so utterly inept that their existence actually generates support for the Empire.

And you thought the Republic was bad.

In addition to inheireting the theocratic nature of the Republic, the so-called “Galactic Coalition” is also possessed of the ability... no, sorry, I'm drawing a blank. Every single motion and movement of the Coalition and its various member factions has been so incapable and stupid that they're more of a hindrance to their cause than a help.

Just because you scream at the Empire that you're going to kill them all doesn't instantly make you the legitimate successor to the Republic. Saying idiotic shit like “We're coming for you and we'll never stop” actually creates opposition, especially when the jolly team of spin-doctors at Imperial Command gets a hold of it.

And then they throw all their ships at the Empire and get sent packing like Recon Klain at a Jedi reunion.

How the hell do people like this get elected? Oh, that's right. They don't. Tell me again why the Coalition is so much better than the Empire?


3. Throw a few naive and/or self-interested neutral parties into the mix.

I've been reading the Bothan press release, and I just can't wrap my head around it. I guess it requires an IQ of less than six to fully comprehend – maybe someone from Coalition High Command can explain it to me?

The first part of it sounds about right – they're offering room and board to refugees. A token movement that doesn't really cost them anything, but a token movement no one else has made nonetheless. Then they mention that the conflict was inevitable because the Coalition and Empire exist to make war on one another. Once again, that's about right; the Empire would seem to like nothing more than to send the entirety of the Coalition the way of Admiral Snowkan trying to jump out of a star system, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual.

But then they lurch into some horse shit about hosting a leadership summit. Hello? Didn't you just say that we have two irreconcilable foes on our hands, here? How will you having them sit down at a table and call each other names for three days solve this problem, unless you're planning to gas the room while Daemon Hyfe and Jan Dondana are in it?

I'm sorry, but how many “neutral factions” have tried to gain prestige by attempting to host these “summits”? And how many actual peace resolutions have come as a result of them? That’s what I thought. Wait, wait, wait, I can save you a whole bunch of time! I've got the terms each faction will present right here!

Empire's Terms: Complete destruction of the Coalition.
Coalition's Terms: Complete destruction of the Empire.

See? Wasn't that easier?

This is either an attempt to look like the good guy by throwing out a token gesture that will never come to pass, or an honest attempt to make the Empire and Coalition stop fighting one another. I’m not sure which one is worse; dishonesty or naivety.


4. Toss out a couple of insipid and blatantly biased news agencies.

Imperial News Service. Bakura News Network. Sovereign News Network. John Snid. All of the above and more are just synonyms for one word; “bullshit”.

Who are these people trying to kid? The Imperial News Service is so ‘neutral’ that Daemon Hyfe might as well be their news editor, and Theren Gevel might as well be typing their stories out himself. Oh, no – too late.

What happened to the days of free media? Everything is now owned and operated by one government or another. Even the supposedly morally triumphant Coalition has a variety of news agencies wrapped around their little finger, catering to their every whim with softball questions and self-glorifying coverage.

Even supposedly ‘unbiased’ sources do nothing but spew random bullshit that’s quickly turned against them by the unstoppable propaganda machines of the Empire and Coalition. Need I even mention John Snid? I didn’t think so. There is simply nowhere to turn for the truth.


5. Forget to give the Coalition their medication.

Could the geniuses at Coalition High Command have screwed themselves any more by actually getting on the holonet and announcing to the Empire that they were going to attack? Please, someone tell me that I imagined that part. Does Jan Dondana fucking want to fail?

What better way to make Imperial worlds a tactical nightmare to capture than to tell them that you’re coming? The Coalition sure as hell better fire whatever numbskull thought that giving the Empire advanced notice and plenty of time to form citizen militias was a good idea. It makes their task harder, and causes more people to die in the process. Appalling. What a blatant waste of sentient life.

How about next time, you trade the Empire some weapons before attacking them? Or better yet, announce an assault on Coruscant, then ram your vessels into the nearest asteroid!

Shit, let’s just skip the pretenses and have Joren Logan fight a battle for the Empire. It’ll be fun, trust me!


6. Not satisfied with two gargantuan, oppressive regimes? Let’s just make one big one, then.

Everyone seems to have conveniently forgotten that, promptly after declaring the “Holy Demosthesian Empire” – another wonderful theocracy that didn’t even bother trying to be moral – something akin to the devil, the Empire attacked her, captured all of her worlds, and then hired the woman many considered secondly only to Seti Ashar in power within it as their new Admiral.

Following which, they swiftly enlisted half of the Demosthesian navy, particularly those following Drayson herself. Well done! Now, be sure to practice your confused faces for when, in five or six years, one of them decides to get revenge by killing a few billion Imperial citizens, because you’ll need them.


It’s about time someone shook things up.

-VQ
Obligation Publishing

Where Are They Now?

Viryn Quell - Coalition Minister of Ethics

"The money is shit but it's a steady job. Even hypocrites have to eat!"

^

Imperium Galatica... former Grand Convocation Chamber of the Senate Rotunda,


League of Nations Session



It is interesting to see the dynamics of how a group will eventually divide itself.

Almost a microcosm of the democratic process: give someone a little bit of power and watch the fools run with it.

Already, the room was awash with self-important delegates each trying to make a reputation for himself in this League by either assuming the Empire was behind their every word or presuming to set themselves apart by questioning every decision the Empire has ever made.

It was, in a word, annoying.

The call had gone out and the doors of the Imperium Galactica thrown open to those who were interested or just plain curious. There were those who feared the Empire's very real power, there were those who seemed indifferent and there were those who were trying to be shrewd enough to make that power work for them.

Albeit, for some, independently.


The demarcation lines of the sects went from those who were nearly Imperial
Loyalists, those being formerly in the folds of the Empire (folds ripped asunder by the First Galactic Civil War, the Wrath Virus or the proselytizing of the dying embers of the Republic) to those favoring their world's independent place in the galaxy to those clearly distrustful of the Empire's motives but opportunistic enough to keep their options open.




LOYALISTS


The Loyalists were those worlds who understood the benefit to association with the Empire whether such association was independent of or integrated into the government proper.

Colla IV held a species of insectiod that specialized in droideka fighters and so, despite their very alien perceptions, were looked upon as supporters for an economically strong region. Anaxes was another planet whose people showed loyalty to the Empire, both strong proponents of naval traditions. The Imperial Fleet was building a station between Axum and Anaxes to serve as a waypoint for both the New Order's Fleet on Axum and the Anaxes Fleet of about forty Victory Star Destroyers.

Telti and Bestine finished the Loyalist group as the Empire was the largest
consumer of droids for Telti, a former Cryonics' holding and later a nationalized New Order conglomerate before the Wrath Virus, and the latter growing in importance within the Inner Rim as the Empire filled their repair facilities to capacity. Bestine was expected to submit an application to join the Empire within the year. The people of Devaron held a thirst of capital punishment that would make the Judiciary branch of the Imperial governmental ministry envious. The old home of the 407th and site of a former Royal Guard Academy. The thought would probably appeal to the Emperor but Kaine had misgivings about Palpatines scattered Royal Guards. For was not Tilaric Brel one such. And did he not create the 'New Empire'
and the Wrath Virus? Perhaps the strangest of groups among the Loyalists were the Vors. Even Captain Gutt's poaching could not contain their ambitions to side with the Empire. Then again, the creatures of Vortex were directly visited by the august Emperor Hyfe. What other planet could boast such personal intimacy with the ruler of the Empire?



INDEPENDENTS

Selvaris, Velsusia, Hok,Phu, Tirahnn, Nak Shimor and Obroa-Skai were prominent in their own rights with their own regional niche. They were planets that did not 'need' the Empire but sought their own benefit for profits sake more than any morality stance. The religious zealotry of the Coalition had left a bad taste in their mouths but they were loath to lay down to any bulleying from the larger Empire. These were self interested parties who were not afraid to show it. What did their people care to join a crusade and die for people and causes not their own. If they were not bothered why bother others? A pragmatic stance to say the least. These were people who required finesse.

Ojom and Neimoidia were in attendence because they needed the Empire while not wanting to become a part of the Empire. They were willing to follow the line items of the League Charter if it mean't keeping the doors of prosperity open to them. Ojom was a world of former Imperials with a space station run by former Imperials. The collapse in the interior left them cut off and left them to their own devices. Their presence was tolerated for now but Kaine had plans for them.

Neimoidia? They were a species dying from a disease and had self imposed a
quarantine upon their world. By joining the League, the responsibility to maintain the quarantine fell upon those with in the League and each member sent a ship to enforce this. It was now able to benefit from the medical provision in the League Charter allowing League scientists, stationed on Coruscant, to research the disease and find solutions. The move also freed up local funds to improve the Neimoidian public facilities.

Given the Empire was the largest member of the League, they would send the most ships to 'enforce the quarantine'. Whether the Neimoidians eventually died from their plague or not was immaterial to Kaine. The Imperial fleet on station opened up strategic deployment options while complying with League stipulations.

Ruusan was an interesting member as some in the League wondered if the current political government would hold together. After enrolling in the League, answering the Empire's call for Peace, Security and Order anti Imperial militants began to crop up. "Sons of Corellia" or "Liberation of Corellia" cults sprang into being and given that Corellia was a decidedly loyal and integral part of the Empire, such groups only served to embarrass Ruusan's current administration. The world had yet to ask for League aid in combatting these groups as they had limited themselves to simple demonstrations of their inability to be pleased. A committee was initiated
to discuss options for the League of Nations should the government of Ruusan fall.

Teyr was a world of endless red tape but every galactic body had them. The
backwater worlds of Aleen, known for it's insipid podracing, Ylix known for..well.. nothing, Ansion and far off Dorin. The presence of these worlds struck Kaine as odd and probably cost them more to travel to Coruscant than the Empire paid to issue the invitation.

But that didn't stop the Hostiles... Not even money.



Hostile


Perhaps considering these members hostile to the Empire is extreme at best as these worlds certainly have no trust of the Empire even if opportunistic enough to answer the call for a League to see what can be wrestled from the Empire's grip: Trade consessions, economic consessions and the like.

Recopia was a decidedly supporter of the New Republic and one of the first to join after Emperor Palpatine's demise and general fracturing of the Empire after Endor. While the Empire had gone on to win the war of ideologies between Republic and Empire, the Recopians retained their rural misconceptions. But even Republican ideals must give way to galactic reality and as Recopia found itself surrounded by Empire they took the lesser evil in joining the League.


And then there were the Gotals.

Aliens. Everywhere aliens.


Early Imperial records showed these aliens as untrustworthy for active military service. That Antar joined the League was a suprise in itself as the Empire had ened up crushing the rebellion which the Gotal were sympathetic too.

In any event, these members bore close watching and would have to be dealt with at some point.


The Giju had also joined the New Republic during it's heyday and contained
spaceports and manufacturing centers. A true resource for the League if their loyalties could be changed. As it stood, Republican ideals died hard.

But Kaine was patient.

The Atzerri had their Association of Free Worlds and Glee Anselm still held to
Republican ideologies that could become thorns in their collective sides. These were the kinds of worlds that invited conquest if only to stamp out the contagion of ideas that gave birth to rebellion.

The Atzerri were little more than self styled merchant princes and traders at best and thieves and pirates at worst.

Pirates.

Yes they came too..

The attempt at respectability all too amusing. They were the more forward thinking scions as the Law of the Empire threatened to put a chokehold on their craft in trade. Carratos was self serving and had no love for the Empire after maintaining a stranglehold with high taxes before the first Civil War. The garrison had to be withdrawn when the Empire left the Core and Carratos hasn't been the same since. Like children run amok after their conservative parents held them under tight control, Kaine had a feeling the leadership (such as it was) of the planet were trying to determine the wealth of those inside the League. It would be a situation they would need to deal with and Kaine wondered how the League would respond.

And yet their inclusion was to be critical to Kaine's shaping of the League.

He glanced at a list of the remaining worlds considered neutral bodies for
use...for bargaining chips as the League desires. Talasea and Belgaroth had no ambassadors to the League for they were uninhabited (mostly). These were tucked away into the folds of the League until a later time when a use for them could be found.


For as old Zell had said, cackling, "Fucking aliens have to be put somewhere, why not Belgaroth?"

He turned his attention to the session going on, if it could be called that. For the most part they were arguing, hurling their fears towards the Imperial
reprsentative who was clearly out of his element.


From his monitoring point, Kaine walked out of the observation box and down the ramps built behind the grand hall and as he walked through the gargantuan blastdoors.

The voice of the representative from Glee Anselm was heard booming within the Imperium structure. Kaine briefly wondered if the person was not shouting just to hear his voice echo in the room built for thousands.

It did not matter.


"...and I tell you, what about Garqi? They were just another grain producing
planet and now? Now where are they? Freedoms and autonomy lost..."

Kaine's voice was more quiet but sliced through the quivering mass.

It was quiet laughter.

"Nautolan Desana, one should know better than to promote lies." his voice softly reprimanding.

"Audacians are saying it. The Kashan.."

"Kashan?" Simon inquired.

"Coalition members," Desana corrected, "are promoting it.."

"..and so it must be true." Kaine finished for the alien before he could get going.

Kaine's tone was neither blantantly mocking nor overly sarcastic but his position was clear.

"So you would listen to the gossip and propaganda, sympathizing with our enemies and stand here and hurl demands against the Empire?" Kaine asked, his boots striking the polished floor in a crisp military fashion.

An Atzerri came to the Nautolan's rescue, "But, Supreme Commander Kaine, the Empire's enemies are not the League's enemies. Surely you can appreciate the difference?"

Kaine smiled at the patronizing tone the human representative of Atzerri gave him and remembered that the man had close ties with the Gotals even if he was insufferable.

"My dear Mr. Comex, the enemy I am referring too is an enemy to every faction." So sure was Kaine that the Atzerri representative stirred.

"Sir, with respect, the Coalition are not.."

"...I am not speaking about the Coalition." Kaine interrupted flatly, having
stopped in the center of the chamber.

"Then..." the representative was at a loss and the rest of the chamber stirred. "I do not understand." the Atzerri confided.

"No, Mr. Comex. You do not understand." Kaine's voice hardened. "And you bring your personal vendettas, you bring your personal prejudices to this
session and bare them for all to see. Tell me, Mr. Comex, does this foster the sort of cooperation and binding ties that we seek to enact with the League?"

Not waiting for an answer, Kaine's gaze swept the entire room and as he turned his remarks were aimed at each representative.

"Garqi is home to Agro Incorporated. The Empire is Agro's largest customer and because of this Agro has experienced a rate of profit unmatched in it's entire history. In short gentlebeings, we've made them far richer than they have any right to be."

The Atzarri stammered, "But the Empire get's preferred pricing. You've established a base and a political presence on the world."

There was a wave of laughter for most members of the League were trading worlds and new that the more business one contract offered, the better the price. What was the point in purchasing in greater amounts if one was not offered incentives? The more poorer trading worlds could only sigh at the mention of the Imperial Fleet Base at Garqi. For the Empire had the capability and means of protecting their large investment. But they also stirred.

For was the Imperial Fleet simply there to protect the New Order's investments?


The Atzarri had lost face and knew it. He knew he had about as much credibility as a Meek and he had to recoup his losses. And so he brought up the only logical point he could.

"And the Imperial military presence is there because?...protect the grain from
bugs?"


Kaine chuckled with the display of dry wit and the audience began to relax.
"Surely, a trader of your caliber understands that large orders require large
shipments and such shipments require protection? The Outer Rim is not a safe place by any means."

It was a point begrudged from Mr. Comex and the rest of the representatives. They could not fault the logic of the Supreme Commander.


"But..?" the representative from Anaxes began to raise and Kaine smiled at the unsaid question.

"Yes, the Imperial Fleet also serves a dual purpose. That purpose is to be on station to act against an enemy of all of us. For you see, where we are trying to unit the Core with the Colonies and the Rim, this organization was raised to bring everything down, regardless of ideology. This organization saw anarchy as their guiding light and it is an idea that stands for everything the Empire is against.

For everything the League is against and for everything the Coalition claims to be against."

The implication was terrorism. And terrorism meant...

"Due to security reasons, I cannot divulge what I know but let's just say the
Imperial Fleet is where it is for very good reasons. But that the Coalition would prosyletize against our presence there is strange indeed."

Kaine merely shrugged and the respresentatives were thoughtful.

"Now, if it pleases the League, we should discuss more important agendas pertinent to the League's interests. A petition has been made by the government on Ruusan for preventative measures. We need to discuss the problems surrounding Ruusan and determine what the League can do to
aid our fellow member."


Kaine walked over to a lower seat and sat down, all eyes watching him.

He spread his hands out, "Ideas anyone?"

Imperium Galactica... former Grand Convocation Chamber of the Senate Rotunda,


League of Nations Session


There is something that happens in democratic systems that never ceases to amaze the Supreme Commander. Events have a way of pushing even the most die-hard and hostile people into your camp. If you know your enemy and the environment, the stage, where everyone performs, then all you have to do is wait.


Patience was something Kaine had in abundance.


Everyone assumes that just because someone calls themselves 'good' that they are.

People are inherently selfish. They will eventually look to their own interests which is why the Coalition will always fail. They set themselves up to some moral higher standard that not even their most dedicated officers can match.

He looked out at the discussions going on between races and representatives puffed up with their local, personal and assumed pride.

They felt braver, they felt a part of something larger and for the first time, perhaps, they felt safe.

The Empire, in a show of benevolence as well as enjoying the idea of a stable Core without having to invest money into military conquest (why conquer when the people are already well disposed to you or, at the very least, curious?), did nothing to interrupt this change in thinking.

Which was why the current events unfolding affected the League so much.

The Coalition.

Already, there were reports of back channel attempts to destablize local governments in favor of groups or sects more sympathetic to the plight of the Coalition, whatever that plight was.

Nowadays, there was really nothing separating the Empire from the Coalition except their mutual hatred for each other that would at some point boil over into a distructive conflict to end all conflicts.

He looked over a rather distressing report (from the member world's standpoint) and thought to himself, even our methods are the same now.


The Coalition had attacked a member world and conquered it. Or so rumors were being spun and it was a rather cut and dry case. It left all member worlds readying their fleet and, quite frankly, expecting the Empire to reciprocate. Otherwise, what good was the League?

The League Charter called for members to remain independent of each other in a mutual understanding. The member worlds feared Imperial conquest and the Empire did not wish to expend resources to fight an enemy on their borders. Therefore, the Empire would allow the member worlds to remain independent unless they desired to join the Empire but under no circumstances would they join enemies of the Empire (which translated to Coalition).

It was a fair point that all could agree too because no world wanted to be embroiled in the Coalition war with the Dragons or even the angst between Coalition and Empire.

And so, every member present agreed to the charter under the watchful eye of Viryn Quell and the Dameun representatives. While both foreign powers, at war with with each other presently, deigned not to join the League, Kaine held out a small hope that they might consider it once their conflict was over.

But it was always a gamble when dealing with either a being who thought himself God and those who thought they themselves were doing the will of God.


Ansion was being influenced currently but the charter still held. The representative felt that the current League support already on planet may be enough but a special committee of 'Instant Action' was drafted.

The Hostiles were beside themselves as their typical trump card of throwing the Coalition name in Empire's face as some sort of bargaining chip was suddenly losing value. For the Coalition was subverting a government that had already decided to become a member of the League.

A ship had appeared in orbit around their world in secret. Only the chance sighting by a cloaked Shroud alerted the IHC of a possible Coalition interference.

A single ship sighting, even if it was under subterfuge was not enough to drum beat everyone into a war stance and create an intergalactic incident. The Empire had their own spies out there so it only stood to reason that foreign powers like the Coalition would as well.

No. What provided the current excitement was the massacre of Glee Anselm. The former Hostile faction had admitted to putting feelers out for Commonwealth application which had, at first, confused Kaine because he had previously met with Seth Vinda. But it was soon realized that the Coalition subfaction, led by the former Outer Rim Soveriegnty world of Onyx, was not selling themselves as Coalition though they most certainly were but as an Onyxian Commonwealth.

Such elementary tricks puzzled the Supreme Commander but he did not dwell on it for long as the influx of Anselm refugees to other League member worlds filled the local holonets.

The reports were disjointed and incomplete but what they pieced together was the fact that they were in contact with this Onyxian Commonwealth when the incident that massacred their population occurred.

It was a tactic that suprised Simon, especially how much the Coalition decried the use of Phage on their own worlds. Apparently, they must have felt their Panacea gave them license to use biological weapons whenever they wanted.

So there is a subfaction of the Coalition run by the former ORS world, and probably old ORS leadership. Oh, those forgiving Azguard fools!

He looked at what remained of the Glee Anselm's government data, not much as the dying began to happen extremely, frighteningly quick. A blurry image of a Bird of Prey was seen.

A former ORS world. A former ORS warship. He knew the Coalition still employed these ships and he could understand how they might have their uses.

Partial transmissions were aired which only added to the embarrasment of the remaining government officials fortunate enough to survive as trying to burn the candle at both ends by first joining the League of Nations and then allowing a small faction within the government make contact with the Coalition.

"Commonwealth ships! This is President Hert Griset! Please hurry... we...are.....heavy attack!... some....of...chemical...eapon..."

Yes, the transmission was embarassing indeed for these 'commonwealth'/Coalition contacts had dried up, suddenly nowhere to be found. Nautolan Desana, everyone knew, seemed to be one who promoted Coalition ties to President Hert Griset. Unfortunately, the President had died enroute to Coruscant, Desana remaining by his side the whole time. The incident had been a terrible blow to the Nautolan who had no previous experience with treachery or such cost.

He, as standing with his fellow people before the League, looked to Kaine remembering their last verbal debate regarding the Ruusan Directive and Simon knew if he wanted, he could twist the knife into the alien's mind. But to what end? The Nautolan was his own worst enemy at the moment and Kaine could see the transition of experience play across his eyes as had once happened to him on Aridia decades ago.

In fact, it was the League (and the Empire, with a single Star Destroyer in orbit) that were the reason that there were any Nautolan and the Anselmi saved at all. Rather than fight, the Captain of the Star Destroyer wisely used what little time he had in rescuing and getting a panicked population to the relative safety of nearby League member worlds, like Vortex.

It was the people of Vortex who were standing solidly in the Imperial camp who called for tighter restrictions in allowing government toppling or government subversive movements a voice. The "Glee Anselm Lesson" as the phrase was being adopted encouraged League member worlds to regulate anti-government and anti-League sects very closely. Yes, Vor Representative Bal had been very eloquent.

And now?

Now, all they had to go on was the largly ignored satellite system in orbit reporting data to a government in exile. To a people largely dead.

Even if, by some chance, the Coalition was not responsible, did they even respond to the pleas of the people from Anselm? Did they send out rescue parties? Did they come up with support and aid and everything their supposedly morally righteous government stood for?

No. That they left to the Empire! To the League!

And as the member world representatives looked at the advance-time frame transmission of the ships and prefab equipment where someone was setting up a simple construction site on the planet, in and around the dead bodies, clearly intent on whatever dark purpose they had, the anger surrounding this incident was palpable.

Everyone looked to the Imperial League Representative, including Kaine who had been observing the proceedings, expectantly.


Simon had to admit that he was impressed.


The man representing the Empire as a member of the League was immaculate, confident and reassuring. The very stuff that was in abundance in this particular Imperial family.


With quiet conviction Maximillian Jaeder stated, "We shall inform Prime Minister Regrad about the rogue elements among his faction supporting piracy! Wasn't rogue action and piracy at Teth the reason he plunged the Coalition into war with the Dragons to begin with? If his government is going to disavow knowledge and complicity in this most heinous act, as I am sure he will, we must ask for action from him as well!

Will he stand for his people to destroy or allow to be destroyed a people who had nothing to do with their conflicts and simply want to be left alone as shown by their admission into the League? Our Peace Initiative will not fail!

We will support the League's proposed action and join you in our reclamation of Gree Aselm from this most terrible biological attack and from those who would use the world of the Nautolan and the Anselmi for their own corrupt purposes! We will rescue any and all still found alive from this insidious attack!We support the League's proposal to bring medical and food supplies to determine if any more of this biological weapon remains for the people. And we will ensure that our fellow League member world is taken care of and protected as stated for in our charter!"

The applause was thunderous and the representatives of Glee Anselm expressed their profound relief.

There was a shift in the League perception. Kaine could see it as representatives who were at first, distant with each other as they represented different, unofficial divisions within the League (Loyalist, Independent and Hostile). Those more Hostile in nature given their New Republic ideologies, shocked at this turn of events at Glee Anselm suddenly looked to the Imperial representative with something akin to a feeling they had not felt in quite a while.... hope. Even the Azterri and Carratos, questionable ethics aside, seemed to ride the wave of emotional energy erupting from the Anselm Cause. The Independents were looking like Loyalists and the Loyalists?


They might as well be Imperials themselves as they held their heads high in dignity charging to the aid of those who suffered on Anselm.


One mind.

One voice.

One will.


A fleet of support ships, hospital ships, supply ships and warships from the League would be leaving soon as decisions were relayed to member worlds.

Ukio
Steps of the Ukian Parliament

Hilter Afdol squinted involuntarily, his body reacting to the powerful rays of Ukio's primary.

Squinting gave one's face a look of confusion and for a politician that was never good. Of course, having your retinas singed by powerful beams of electromagnetic radiation was pretty bad too. His body, when faced with this situation, decided that his sensory perception superseded others perception of him.

So he walked to the podium with a seriously scrunched face and eyes that were for all practical measures closed.

In other circumstances, Hilter might have been annoyed. He was displaying an image any shrewd spinmaster- no any semi-talented amateur- could be plaster all over the Holonet. Thankfully, the risk of any political repercussion was very low. Ukian Overliege's served for a decade, which allowed Hilter to ignore the usual re-election concerns that plagued most chief executives. The fact that he was human helped as well- despite their somewhat similar physiques, Ukians were decidedly alien. Although Hilter felt he was pretty good at reading their facial expressions and body language, he knew that there were dozens of subtle hints he failed to pick up on. Similarly, Ukians had a difficult time reacting to the few hints of emotion Hilter allowed to slip past his stoic facade.

The damn sun is still kriffing irritating!

The powerful rays were a critical component that contributed to Ukio's prosperity. With a growing season that lasted nearly the entire year the planet had multiple harvests, allowing huge quantities of foodstuffs to be exported for profit. The Ukians, native to the world and acclimated since birth to its blinding light, had no problem going outside at noon. Hilter, obviously, still had troubles.

The chaotic chatter of reporters and their assorted crews began to die down. Hilter mimed surveying the crowd, moving his head from side to side, but his field of vision was severely limited. Then, by the grace of God or the Force or whatever deity happened to be in fashion currently, a cloud formation drifted in front of the sun.

The world became focused. Hilter's face relaxed.

"Thank you all for coming.

As I am sure all of you know, the galaxy has recently been beset by tragedy. The terrorist action at Fondor, the lingering war between the Coalition and the Dragon Imperium, but most visibly, the catastrophe at Glee Anselm.

I was watching a news report recently concerning the reclamation effort, and I was shocked to hear how vile, how barbaric the agent that swept across the world was. The death toll is staggering. I saw videos of a city, where everything seemed normal, if you could discount the plethora of corpses that littered the streets, and homes, and storefronts. I saw images of great bodies of water, covered in a lethal foam of death and relief centers that were handing out single bowls of soup and telling the refugees that would be their meal for the entire day.

I was moved- moved to sadness, moved to anger, but most importantly moved to empathy, to action. I will not stand by idly, while the people of Glee Anselm who survived a plague unparralled since the Wraith Virus starve.

Today, I would like to pledge the support of the Ukian government. We shall begin immediately, by sending emergency shipments of foodstuffs and rations to Glee Anselm. Those who have much have an obligation to those in need, and we will share our bounty with our brethren on Glee Anselm. As much food is needed, for as long as it is needed.

I also plan on sending a team of agricultural engineers, to assist the authorities their in determining the extent of the damage to the planet's soil and its ability to cultivate future harvests. If the reclamation authorities believe we have any other expertise that can be of use to them, I will happily offer it upon request.

Finally, the report I watched was not without a glimmer of hope. The primary responders, those who arrived first and have pledged to help the most, were the members of the League of Nations. I was inspired by their outpouring of kindness, their display of respect for their fellow citizens of the galaxy.

I was inspired so much, that, pending approval from Parliament, I will petition the League of Nations to extend the full benefits and responsibilities of membership to Ukio."

STORY CONTINUES IN Posturing at the Precipice