<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Is the Time of Destruction the Destruction of Time?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The Viscount del Forza sat in his low lit office several decks under the bridge, and took some badly needed time to think, to ponder the matters of life. For the last several hours, the Corellian aristocrat had been staring into space from his high-backed, Balmorran satan chair. After all, a man of nobility had to look and act the part. So, on the walls to hi new office were a collection of arms that had been amassed by the del Forza House for centuries. There were many ancient weapons, including a rare steel sword, with a hilt covered in rare jewels. Among the other weapons were beam tubes, the first BlasTech weapons ever to be issued to the Corellian Defens Force, and the small-yet ornate-blaster pistol used by the Duke of Amaerra during the Battle of Entrill during the Great Hyperspace War.

It was beautiful things that brought regality to the Viscount's presence that he was reminded of home.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And I need that before a battle.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

His reminiscence was interrupted as the gentle hum of the hyperspace engines was increased to tense rumbling: the mighty ship was reverting to real space. Such was the Viscount's que to sojourn to the bridge.

However, the Viscount was in no position to head to the command level, for he was not dressed.

He headed into his spare quarters adjacent to the office. Inside, he donned riding trousers as black as the fabric of space, half hidden by immaculate jack boots. Next, over his white, Imperial issue undershirt, went a blood-red tunic cut in the standard style. On it was a silver rank plaque with five red over five black-the insignia of the Grand Inquisitor. Below the plaque were two disc-shaped decorations, one silver and the other a platinum-esque metal, both the badges of office for a Corellia Viscount.

No hat covered the close cropped, dyed-white hair of the Viscount.

Ready, the most feared figure in the Rogue Empire aside of the Emperor stepped into the corridor. Two Flet troopers on either side fell in beside him, each one's uniform adorned with the blood-red pant stripe of the Inquisitor's staff-in this case, personal bodyguard.

The trio arrived at the bridge to a hail of " Attention on Deck!" Every seat was emptied as the entire crew rose out of respect. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And fear, no doubt.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The Viscount could not imagine why the men of the Empire feared him so much-then he realized it was not him, it was his office and position of power. The Viscount himself was not a violent or evil man-but he could be trusted beyond a shadow of a doubt, thus chosen personally by the Emperor himself.

" At ease, men."

The sound of dozens of feet clicking on the deck echoed throughout the corridors as the crew resumed operations at once.

" Colonel, we have arrived at the assigned position," reported Line Captain Aerin, commander of the Disruptor-class Star Destroyer <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Conquest<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.

" Excellent. Has the restof the fleet fallen into formation?"

" They have, my Lord," replied the fleet liaison officer, using the title honorificly bestowed upon the Grand Inquisitor. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> If only I was a Lord!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" Very good. Continue on course. When we arrive in system, bring us to Red Alert. Until then, maintain Condition Yellow."

" As ordered, Colonel." The Captain turned, and relayed the appropriate orders.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Borleias, Borleias, why do you shine...

Ah! That's right...Because soon you'll be mine!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Note:First Assault Flotilla, TRE

Commander: Colonel Viscount del Forza, Grand Inquisitor

Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer Conquest**
Galactic-Class Star Destroyer Nebulae***
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Poseidon
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Cyclops
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Callipso
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Desperation*
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Quoola
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Majestic Beauty
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Temptess
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer Nova Chaser

hereonin known as Decimation
***changed to Nebulae from Nebula Chaser
formerly known as Defiant Conquest

The First Assault Flotilla was a force composed entirely of Star Destroyers. To see it orbitig a planet would invoke images, either from memory or imagined, of the Battle of Endor. Several grey wedges in formation, small from a distance, but close would fill one's entire view of the stars. These massive durasteel beasts carried enough weaponry to slag an entire planet-without opposition, of course.

The task of this awesome force of behemoths was now a routine patrol mission near the Galactic Core.

" Colonel," came the voice of Line Captain Aerin.

del Forza opened his eyes and pivoted on his heel, facing the slighly shorted officer on the catwak. " Yes, Captain?"

" We are approaching the Borleias Planetary System."

" Perfect."

Blackmoon. Borleias. Either name inimated vile happenigs in the annals of history. While Lieutenant General Evir Derricote had,in fact, held off the Rebels from taking the planet during ther first offensive, his removal beforehe coming of the second spelled disaster forthe planet, and one might say, the Empire itself. Reasoning: if he had been in command, he would have, undoubtedly thrown back the last Rebel attack, allowing Imperial reinforcements to arrive-thus preventing the fall of the Empire and the loss and rape of Coruscant.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Had this planet not fallen, there would be one Empire, one true form of government. One power unto and over all. Order and perfection would reign. Now, we have only disorder and chaos. Imperials fighting fellow Imperials simply because they salute different battle standards.

But, this is my lt, and I shall play my part.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

His mental tirade complete, the Grand Inquisitor turned to face the approaching world. It was a small sphere of swirlling clouds and a green surface.

" Captain, what is the population of Borleias?"

The Captain raised an eyebrow and turned to the Computer Analyst situated near the aft of the port crewpit. After a moment of checking the Rogue Imperial database, he beamed a number to the Captain's datapad.

Raising it, he quoted," two million, four hundred thousand, three hundred eighty. Semi-democratic governmental system. Currently lead by a Prefect-General. Markus Havesaan."

" Military situation?"

Without orders, the analyst relayed the additional query to the Captain.

" A planetary militia, known as the Black Fleet. Just over a hundred thousand soldiers and four Corellian Corvettes. No fighters or capital ships to speak of."

" Planetary defenses?" the Viscount clasped his hands behind his back, thinking of several things at once.

" One planetay turbolaser that has some severe maintenance problems. Estimates are that it will overheat after one shot."

" What do we know of the militia commander?"

There was no data on this one-the Captain drew his answer from his own mental database.

" He is a former IMperial officer. He served at Derra IV and later under Admiral Isoto. After that greivous defeat, he felt he was no more able to fight under that banner. He lead a small mercenary group for a few years, then left it under his XO's tutilege. He went to Borleias to try to commad something of value. To fill a void."

The new found Inquisitor's spirit that was beginning to grow in the Viscount was unable to resist asking a question on that one. " You know a great deal about this man. may I ask how, Captain?"

" Certainly, my Lord. He was a friend. We both served under Isoto, as gunnery officers. We graduated the Raithal Academy together. But, he went his way and I mine."

" It is good to possess knowledge-of all things." Del Forza turned to the communications officer.

" Get me the Prefect."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> As the Viscount went about his duties insystem, a high priority communique from Fleet Command grabbed his attention. Activating his comm to recieve the transmission a full body hologram of Fleet Admiral Dakkon Blackblade came into view. His uniform was Imperial Academy perfect, and his Guardian Robes hung loosely over his body. Close inspection would detect that 3 lightsabres hung on his belt.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Good day Colonel. I come to you bearing news that may displease you. I have recieved a number of complaints regarding your bearing and methods from members of your floatila.

And i must say that these allegations are truly disturbing. They complain that an aura of fear has pervaded the Fleet, and i come to rectify that situation.

Rule by fear is abhored throughout the galaxy, noneso more than in this glorious Empire. It ruins Fleet morale, and makes your men more likely to betray you, and much more importantly Emperor Fearsons, and as such that should stop. I highly suggest, <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Colonel<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, that you cease any fear inducing activities in Rogue Empire crew, and moreso, be highly proactive in seeking to reverse any damage you have done.

I shall be watching to make sure you take this warning seriously.

Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

" Colonel. We have a priority transmission from Admiral Blackblade."

Del Forza turned. " In my office please." Before he left the bridge, he added: " Captain Aerin, please join me."

The pair made the brief trek to the Inquisitor's office, flanked by the Guards of the Inquisitoriate. Arriving, they waited outside, pinnacle's of Imperial discipline nd order.

Inside, the Viscount and the Defiant's commander stood near the full hologram of the Admiral.

His transmission was most disturbing, considering standard practice for any fleet under Condition Yellow was to maintain radio silence. Thus, some one in the crews of the flotilla had disobeyed protocol. Making a note to deal with that problem, he watched the end.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Do you have anything to say for yourself?"<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" I most certainly do."

The Admiral waited, as did the Viscount.

Finally, he responded. " I do not rule through fear, for I am in no position to do so. However, I command respect, which comes from the office the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Emperor<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> bestowed upon me. It is my job to seek out those disloyal to the Rogue Imperial way of life and...deal with them. I was not given this job for my inactivity. Nor my level of incompetence, nor my innocence.

" I am a command level officer, and duty and diligence are my top prorities. I will, however, follow my second set of orders to the fullest extent of my abilities. I will seek out traitors and thse of ill will and mind, no matter their rank and station. The only one above suspicion is the Emperor himself!

" I, however, have no reason, using the files given me from Intelligence, to suspect anyone above the rank of Line Captain.

" I am merely doing my duty. I have no intention of spreading fear or intimidation, but as I said, that which the crew feels existed before me and was only transferred to me as the person in this uniform.

" I do not preach a doctrine of fear, I do however espouse the practice of loyalty. I will follow the Emperor's orders.

" I wish us all luck in our tasks. But, as the Grand Inqusitior, I am given much discretion in the practices I will use as the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Grand<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> Inquisitor."

Line Captain Aerin interjected. " Sir, the Borleian Prefect is waiting."

" He can wait a minute."

Aerin nodded.

" Admiral, I have a planet to liberate. Anything else"

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Dakkon smiled at the outburst in his defence, well done by all means.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Excellent thinking on your feet Colonel. It is worthy of a position above that the Navy has assigned you. Regardless of that fact, you should not summarily remove people deemed by yourself to be traitors. Imperial Law and the Law of my Master is exercised by those who are given that right, and as the Braxant Guardian, i assure you that even <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> i<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> cannot rightly do so except in extreme cases.

Also," <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> His grin grew wider at the mess the Colonel had caused regarding the newest Diplomatic Instalation of the Rogue Empire.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> "please refrain from making any comments to the galactic press that would embarass my Master as much as your last ones did. Your participation in that caused mass mockings from all sides of the Galaxy, including the Hapes Consortium who we were courting for an alliance, and the New Republic. Please exercise restraint in future.

That is all Colonel, but remember, i shall be watching, as shall your Emperor.

Dismissed."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The figure of the Fleet Admiral and Shadow Jedi instantly disappeared from veiw in a flash of hologram.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

(This message was left blank)

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Discretion...the better part of valor. hmmm....

It was the duty of any officer to follow the orders of those who outranked him...and thus arguing was not only pointless, it was ebarassing and rude. Duty must be maintained, and honor obliged. <!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The visage of Flee Admiral Blackblade disappeared, and Captain Aerin clicked to attention when del Forza turned to face him. " We will be commencing with our drop to the planet....Have my shuttle ready."


" As ordered, my Lord."

the Grand Inquisitor exited the office and marched to the bridge. The crew clcked to attention again...and waited for the Viscount's orders.

" At ease. I am officially decreing that bridge operations shall not be interrupted any more. Protocol 1145v has been lifted."

The crew clicked, and wenty back to their duties. Captain Aerin was close behind the Viscount. Before the commander's chair, the Viscount turned and asked a most potent question of his flagship's commanding officer.

" Captain...what happened to the Prefect."

" He is waiting, my Lord."

" Ahhh...." <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> How diligent of him...I wouldn't have.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> " Would you please put him on."

The Captain nodded, and sent an order the communications officer just under and to the left of the commander's chair. Without any adieu, the traingular viewpane directly ahead of the Grand Inquisitor transfigured itself from the orbital view of Borleias to that of a middle-aged human mae with an intentionally unhair-ed head. His eye was piercing and cold...the other a cybernetic replacement and a rather odd orange.

" Prefect, I apologize for any inconvenience this wait may have caused."

Despite his appearance, the Prefect was quite cordial. : It is of no consequence. May I ask to whom I speak?"

" Certainly. I am the Viscount Ierin del Forza, Colonel of the Rogue Empire and Rogue Imperial Grand Inquisitor." he added, with no small measure of pride. After all, it was a massive title for some one as young as the post Academy aristoract.

The Prefect was equally impressed, by more the noble title and the distinction of duty than the rank it held. "What have we done do deserve such an influx of fine military materiale?"

" That is a matter for a personal discussion. Would it be accepted by you for myself to join you at the governor's palace in one half hour?"

" It is. As I know protocol well myself, one squad of guards is permitted."

" Thank you. I shall arriveon schedule."

The viewer faded on cue from Captain Aerin, and del Forza turned. "Excellent timing, Captain. How did you learn to do that?"

" I served under a popus Admiral once who insisted on a grand entrance and exit."

del Forza allowed a smile to cross his face. " Come Captain...you look like you could use some fresh air."

There was over a kilometer to the launch bay, and to the dismay of Captain Aerin and the trailing guards, the Inquisitor had deigned to walk. But not for exercise.

When their current corridor was clear, the Viscount spoke for the first time in a hundred meters. " Captain, what do you know of Jileack Station?"

The Captain took a moment, and replied. " It's a massie place, over a hundred kilometers in diameter. Enough TIEs to slag a planet."

Del Forza smiled. " Tha's somewaht correct."

Nervous now, the Captain said," why do you ask, my Lord."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Understandable,<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> del Forza thought. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Secrecy is the utmost. Or it was.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" You see, Line Captain, I have been invited there when our business here at Borleias is compeleted. There is going to be a massive diplomatic gathering,and I have been appointed to head the security detail, which is very important, as we know not whether an Imperial reperesntative will arrive. We know not, if they did, what they might...bring."

The Captain, at ease now, smiled as well. " Yes, sir. How many diplomats?"

" I am not sure. I know some Hapans will be there, and some others from non-aligned planetary systems. Many inependents...the welcome mat has been thrown out to everyone."

" What's the purpose of the conference, if I may ask?"

" ah, captain. The rule of command. I do not need to know, it does not affect my duties, so I was never told."

" I see."

" Now, you want to ask why I told you. I'll save you the trouble. I am going to be taking the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Nebulae.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> I need you to remain here and watch over Borleias until we receive orders to the contrary. "

" as ordered, my Lord."

" Don't gorget, after me, you are the highest ranking officer in the fleet."

the two continued their walk, until the launch bay was upon them. A bone white Imperial lambda-class shuttle was waiting, with a squad of Fleet troopers waiting, and two more Inquisitoriate guardsmen.

Biding farewell to the captain, del Forza boarded, and departed.

The lambda-shuttle Autorach deftly left the flagship and fell into fomation at the center of a squadron of TIE Defenders.

***

" Ready yet?"

" Almost finished..."

" C'mon...some bodies coming!"

" done...let's go!"

***

The shuttle arrived on Borleias, received at the Prefect's mansion with a squad of his personal guard dtail, who wore blue tunics and black trousers. Their tunics were bare, and their black Imperial M43 caps bore no insignia. They seemed to pride themselves on anonimity, and victory.

The Inquisitoriate guards steppe out first, then Colonel Viscount del Forza, and finally the Fleet troopers.

The Prefect approached the Colonel, and extended his hand. The Viscount acceted. " So, Colonel, would be interested in brunch.?"

" I would. Cuisine on a Star Destroyer is not the most pleasing when taken every day."

The two exchanged smiles and retreated inside the mansion.

*

Around the dining hall was a ring of guards, alternating between the Borleian and Rogue Imperials. Del Forza and the Prefect sat at opposite ends of a diamond shaped table, with a tall window behind the Borleian governor.

" Colonel. We are alone now, and our guards are the men we can trust the most. Why did you really come here?"

Taking a proper-sized portion of an indigenous pasta, the Inquisitor began. He had plannd to make this speech while not eating, but he was starved and would have to improvise.

Swallowing the pasta, he began. " Borleias is a lone planet. It has a fleet an assault shuttle could rout, an army that could be marvelous in combat if well trained, and a vital position along trade routes and close to Coruscant-"

The Colonel took a sip from a well-aged glass of Corellian brandy the Prefect has opened to honor the Viscount. " -and t is a wonder you have not been gobbled up by a nearby faction of the galaxy. The position of the planet alone is worth it's mass in credits."

" However, your world values it's independence, which it had not either under the rule of the Empire, which was tyranny,or the Rpublic,which was freedom-and only their freedom.

" Thus, the Rogue Empire would like to make you an offer."

The Prefect arched an eyebrow, creasing his bare forehead and the expanse beyond.

" You value your independence, and anyone who did ot is a fool. But even those people, those groups, thse cultures and worlds which have such high values, need friends that think alike, and are willing to defend those values."

" There is a price to pay for independece...threat. Whenever you stand alone, you fight and die alone. We would like to see that when you fight, you do it with the power of a thousand ships and a billion people behind you."

" What exactly are you offering, Colonel?"

" To make you a military protectorate of the Rogue Empire. You will receive the protection of our military and our allies. And all you will have to do is allow us to build space satios and shipyards in orbit."

" So we will join you?"

" Officially, yes...but you will not lose a thing you hav now. Not one Rogue Imperial soldier or citizen will alter your way of life, unless it is your defense."

" You say alter for our own defense. Could you elaborate on that for me."

" Certainly. If we need to dig field fortifications or install planetary turbolasers before a siege or battle. I won't lie to you, Borleias has seen war before, and it will again. But this time, you won't be conquered easily, and your people not made to pay for the blunders of a combatant."

" I will need to discuss this of, course."

" Certainly."

" Now, let us finish this meal and I will speak to the others.?"

The Viscount nodded, hoping he had said everything right...

The walk back to the shuttle a good for one. The Prefect suggested that the Viscount take a stroll through the Gardens of Parlenia. A man of the finer things, the Viscount agreed.

The gardens were wonderful things. In all, it was eight square kilometers, all open to the public in Bor City. Hundreds of varieties of plant life, almost everything that would grow in the Borleian climate. To the left could be a sea of red, the right, awash with shades of white. Most certainly, a comforting place. And more so for any combat line officer with the weight of command on his shoulders. The decisions between who lives and who dies burdens the conscience of any authority figure. To escape from that...even ifthat escape is fleeting, is a blessing.

Unfortunately, the presence of a detail of Rogue Imperial guards did not help the intended relaxation.

The Viscount ignored their figures and strode about, glad to be away.

His temporary visage of peace ended in a flash of light and a scream.

From behind a large favall tree emerged a man of great height and build, and with fire in his eyes. A vengeful anger was indeed in the man's psyche.

His emergeance went unoticed, for there were thousands of people in the. Then he drew a blaster pistol of old Imperial issue and let out a blood-curdling wail as no banshee of legend could. He raised his arm to fire, whilst around him the nearest people either dove to ground or fled.

Before he could aim, a neon bolt of energy hit him in the thigh. Within milliseconds, the skin burned, blood pulsed, and he dropped to the ground. As he went down, a lone report issued from his pistol, rocking the limbs of the tree. Then, silence. By the time he hit the ground, the Viscount's hand was on his own blaster, but he would not have been fast enough. His backwrds glance revealed the leftmost of the Inquisitoriate guards with his arm locked into position, his Blastech rifle on his arm. The remainder of the detail was still maneuvering their weapons into position.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I am very gald that this was what it was. Or my mission would be in great trouble. Shooting first. Saved my life, though. hmmm...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

All thoughts of tactics and battle surged back into the Inquisitor's mind, their only barrier now surmounted.

An odd streak of emotion did, as well.

The Viscount stepped into the garden proper and moved to where the large man had fallen. His guards rushed over, one pointing his rifle at the injurd man's head, the remainder creating a small perimeter.

del Forza kneeled. " Why did you d that? You could have easily been killed."

Coughing and regaining the massive amounts of pride the Viscunt surmizedd the man possessed, he spoke. " I am Commander Trevan Arrin. 14th Imperial Battle Group, Twelveth Defensive Flotilla. My station was on Borleias."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> An Imperial. But the Twelveth Fleet has not existed for many years.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" What does that have to do with your trying to kill me?" the Viscount asked with as much emotion as he could muster. It was not much.

" I was here during the Republic's conquest of Borleias. They were villans, and had open disdain for any Imperial citizens...and former soldiers. I do not want to see that *cough happen again."

An eyebrow was arched. " What do you mean. No one is aware of my intentions here."

The man managed a painful smile. " I was an officer. It is not hard to guess. This planet is in the Core. You need it."
He coughed again.

The Viscount grinned. " You are astute, Commander. And correct. But nothing like the past will repeat itself during the Borleian membership in the Rogue Empire. If this hand o friendship is accepted."

" Sir," said the accurate Inquisitoriate guardsman. " I must advise you to leave this world. Immediately."

The Viscount nodded. At that, the guard primed his blaster. His commander quickly put a hand on the weapon and depressed from harm. " He will not be harmed. As a Commander of the Imperial Navy, he will be given every privilige and accomodation befitting a Prisoner of War for tat rank. After Borleian authorities put him in hospital."

The guard nodded and removed his comlnk, signaling Borleian police.

Several minutes late, the Viscount's shuttle was returnig to the fleet...and the Imperial Star Destroyer Cyclops.