My thanks to Gash, Kas and Samantha for their arguing..err.. discussions.. in the cafe which turned my mind to this story that is taking shape in my head.






Undisclosed Location…




The meeting place was simple. A one story, rectangular building with rather large windows surrounded by and covered with.. snow.


A single landing platform was situated behind the building and though rather small, it was continuously used as shuttles from various orbiting ships made their planetfall.


To the naked eye, upon descending, the rectangular building seemed large enough to house several offices. However, as people began to enter, they saw that the building, while well carpeted and temperature controlled, was simply one room.

In the middle was a sleek obsidian table fitted with many plush chairs.

Every fifteen minutes the only door in the building (leading out back to the landing platform) would open admitting a uniformed Imperial.


Near some windows were set tables full of light, sometimes expensive, foods. A droid was filling drinks on the opposite wall and though some gathered around the mechanical server, they all kept their eating well away from the table (that, as of now, remained empty).





“The Invincible, Terror, Jaeder, and Victory..” came a voice going through the list of orbiting Imperial Star Destroyers.


The man looked up, “They are all here.”

The man in a uniform different from the typical Imperial Navy, grunted slightly in acknowledgement.

“Ten Moffs, six Admirals and five corporate executives.” The Captain of the Galactus murmured, awed at the political weight represented.

“We make the New Order a reality this day, Captain Sveli.” Grand Marshall Kaine stated as he turned around to face the second man. “Time to depart.”

“At once, sir.”

The mighty Reign Class Star Destroyer Galactus had entered a high orbit around the northern pole of the nondescript world. The other Imperial Star Destroyers adjusted their orbits so that all sides of the planet were accessible via scanning instrumentation and military communications.


Simon Kaine glanced at this timepiece and noted that when he touched down, everyone would be seated.


There were names floating in holographic projection over each seat, the placements shrewdly decided upon by the Imperial Commander of all the Empire's military forces.


He was not disappointed.






“Grand Marshall Kaine.” Started a rather aging Moff, the senior among the other Moffs (not counting one retired in attendance) therefore he took the privilege of speaking first (if irreverently) to Simon. “I object to our being summarily ordered here without so much as a ‘by your leave’.”


Kaine nodded at the comment, expecting it and expecting it from the particular Moff. “Moff Zell, I apologize for the abrupt circumstances that forced the necessity of this meeting.” Amazingly, with this particular Moff, Kaine actually sounded sincere.

At the apology, the aging Moff was placated. At least temporarily.


Another Moff spoke up. “These circumstances being..?”


Simon forged ahead, “All in good time, Moff Khendon. All in good time.”


Seated, his head moved around the table amiably.


“Recorder on.” He commanded, the serving droids having left the room.


“Before we plunge forward into the meat of our meeting, first I would like each one of you to speak your name and affiliation or responsibility. Not only will your presence be recorded but, perhaps, it will lend those who do not know who you are a chance to get acquainted later.

Let us start with my right.”


A thin, yet older man with speckled gray in his hair started,
“Admiral Chandler, Commanding Officer, ISD Victory."

The various dignitaries had introduced themselves each measuring the other seated across the glossy black table.


A Spartan had walked up handing the Grand Marshall several data pads, turned, and left the room securing it. Pushing a button flush with the table, the room began to take on a faint bluish tint.


“This room is secured from eavesdroppers. Our ships in orbit will make sure we remain undisturbed for the duration of this meeting.”


“Pardon me, Marshall, but what is the purpose of this meeting?” an aging woman, Admiral Gatticus, of Imperial Military Command, interrupted smoothly.


Simon paused for a brief moment to collect his thoughts, his eyes measuring the looks on the others.


Some were expressionless while others held intense curiosity. And yet others, Moff Zell for instance, looked utterly bored.


It was an act.


“Gentlemen.. and women, despite the mounting victories of our fleets and the creative capabilities displayed by our soldiers, analysts have predicted we have roughly 25 years left of life before our government begins to crumble.”


The silence held for an entire minute…



..and then pandemonium broke out.


“Lies!”


“Prepostorous!”


“.. we are stronger now than we have ever been!!…”


“Shoot those traitorous analysts!!!”



Grand Marshall Kaine simply sat there quietly, patiently waiting for the excitement to die down.


To bring a group of dedicated, though vastly different officials together, one must smash through haughty preconceived ideas. That the Empire should fall in a quarter of a century seemed to do just that.


“Grand Marshall Kaine,” Seamus Arliss, CEO of Arliss Industries, started, curiosity eating away at his reserve (he was one that did not break out with emotion at Kaine’s statement), “On what do these analysts base this.. this prediction?”


“A variety of factors, Mr. Arliss, that we will discuss in detail.” Kaine answered. In front of each seated, a report began to display and the Grand Marshall's voice carried over the information as each person's eyes scanned.


“Every success made by our Imperial Armed forces has expanded our territory dominion. Each victory brought us that much closer to total galactic domination. And yet, each successful military operation as undermined the security and stability of the Empire.”


His voice was firm.


“So, correct me if I am wrong, but what you are saying is that the larger the Empire grows, the shorter it’s lifespan will be? Is this correct?” Moff Khendon asked.


The Grand Marshall nodded, “That is correct, Moff Khendon. The analysts have found underlying correlations between the two variables.”


“Every action has an opposite and equal reaction.” Admiral Ckeller said.


“In a sense, Admiral. However, what we are looking at is that the social inertia of that 'opposite reaction' is growing in momentum at such a rate that it will eventually override our own military activities to expand, solidify and grow.”


“Are the variables, such as the two mentioned be mutually inclusive? Meaning, is it a foregone conclusion that no matter how great or at what rate we expand, we will still be faced with a shortened lifespan?” Moff Handler asked, cutting to the meat.


“If that is what you are saying, I will say: Rancor shit Marshall, that is just plain Rancor shit!!” Moff Zell interrupted forcefully.


Simon hid a slight smile.


“No. The two are not inclusive. One does not necessarily mean that the other will, inevitably, happen. It means, the Empire, as it stands now, is being faced with this predicament.”


“Why now?” Jenice Arliss, Executive Director of Arliss Towers, Muunilist, asked. Several others voices that same question.


Simon looked at the others for a full minute before answering.


“Because, Ms. Arliss, of the fact that while we are the Empire, we have yet to establish our ‘New Order’. We have lost our definitive motivation.”


The room was silent.


"Annex the rest of the galaxy tomorrow and the Empire will shatter within a month!"


There was a stirring at this as the military leaders, politicians and leading corporate executives actually thought about the claim.


Simon caught out of the corner of his eye as Moff Zell hid a smug smile. A similar look of understanding creased Seamus Arliss’ face as well as that of Admiral Gatticus'. Admiral Chandler looked a bit troubled but said nothing.


Moff Handler was unreadable and confusion played across Moffs Khendon, Borien, Admiral Jaeder and everyone else.


Now we discuss the underlying differences in the doctrines of the Empire of old and the Empire of now. The very roots of Republican ideology will be expunged once and for all.


“This is preposterous!” An Admiral off to Kaine’s right started hotly. “I will not sit here and listen while the Empire is maligned so.” The Admiral drew himself up to sit a little straighter in his seat and stared directly at Kaine. “No matter what rank the speaker is.” He added with no little bit of relish.

Moff Zell scowled at the Admiral but said nothing and the others stirred nervously. Eyes darted here and there, each wondering what the other was thinking.


Kaine leaned forward to really look at the sputtering Admiral. “Tell me, Admiral, then why, after Palpatine dissolved the Imperial Senate, did it rise once more in Imperial Politics after his death? Why did Imperial Policy shift from what Palpatine envisioned?”


“Why don’t you ask someone who’s interest is Imperial trivia, Grand Marshall!” snapped the Admiral. “The example is pointless because whether we have a Senate or not, the Empire as a whole remains unaffected!”


“Were we unaffected by the New Empire?" Interrupted Moff Zell, "Tell me Admiral, was the Empire unaffected by the Wrath Virus?”


“The Senate, as a political body, was dissolved during the conquest of Coruscant but the politicians who made up the Senate still retained their individual influences and power within the Imperial hierarchy.” The Grand Marshall’s eyes went regretful for a second, “The emerging of the New Empire interfered with the planned purge and was the shield former Senators used to escape and betray the Empire.”

He sighed and looked up at the Admiral, now quiet. “Be that as it may, Regent Hyfe believes what is being predicted. He understands the grave dangers posed by our ideological instability. We may not come to believe in that danger right now. We may fail to wholly grasp the big picture. But our Regent, however, has not! For his responsibility is to the Empire! Our responsibility is to the Regent and I should not have to remind you of that fact. In fact, it should prompt us to give nothing less than our full support!”


The Grand Marshall paused.


“And with our underlying motivation now firmly in place, we can all agree to move this meeting forward in its purpose to address the wishes of our Regent and make those wishes law.” Kaine clasped his hands together and leaned in a bit, “You see, during the creation of the New Order, Palpatine issued a series of decrees designed to separate the old, degenerating ideology of the Republic into something that would infuse in humanity new life. And therein lies the key.”


He leaned back, setting his palms flat on the table, “Gentlemen, Admirals and Moffs, when we are finished today, Imperial policy will be irrevocably changed.”


“Without consultation with the Ministry of Justice? Without consultation with any judiciary branch?” Moff Khendon asked, surprised.


Before Simon could reply, Moff Zell slammed his hand down on the table. Leave it to Zell to be dramatic and soak up the limelight. “The Regent asks no one’s leave to set right the Empire. Would Palpatine have? Stop quibbling over Republican ideals and serve your Regent!”


Zell couldn’t have gotten an angrier response from Moff Khendon if he had called him Princess Leia Organa Solo in disguise. Khendon’s face grew red hot with fury.


Before a retort could be verbalized, Kaine pulled up a datapad and set it on top of the others. The data from the pad began to upload and display itself on each person's monitor before them. “Make no mistake my fellow Imperials. The Policy has been set. What is needed today is to figure out how efficiently and effectively we all can carry out Regent Hyfe’s wishes.”


Seamus Arliss raised his eyebrows, “If it has already been set, Grand Marshall, why didn’t you just send us a memo? Why this?” he gestured to the room and everyone in general. “Why go to these great lengths?”


Simon Kaine looked up and stared directly at the CEO of Arliss Industries, “Because, Mr. Arliss, we are all servants of the Empire. While Policy is set by our government, we are who carry out that policy. So, if it is to be carried out and carried out successfully, then nothing less than the best minds, the best motivators, those best to see the implications of this new policy and how it relates to the different facets of our day to day lives would be required. Nay, would be critical! That and because of what this Policy relates too, is why you are here Mr. Arliss!"


“Which is?” prompted Moff Jaeder.


“The total divorcing of the Republican ideology from the Empire.”


Moff Jaeder drummed the fingers of his right hand on the smooth glossy surface of the table as he listened to that response, his eyes scanning the monitor. “I am afraid you will have to be more specific than..—“


“The Alien Question.” Kaine interrupted, the clarification causing no change in his firm, unwavering voice. His eyes began to measure everyone in the room silently.


The room was deathly quiet as the implications began to set into their minds.


Only Moff Zell wore a smile, as if he had been privileged to the information beforehand (which he wasn’t).


Into that quiet, he chuckled softly, “Bout damn time.”


Kaine turned to the old former Grand Admiral with no little admiration. In any other, the outbursts would be indications of a fool, but Zell was both as cunning and ruthless as they came.


"I think it is time for a small break. I believe you know where the refreshments are."

Three hundred years ago…


”Tell me, someone, between the mass of sixty six separate books making up the Lesson, what is the overall theme?”


A small figure raises his hand.

“Yes, Mr. Khendon?”

“The kingdom of the One.”

“Correct, Mr. Khendon. The Kingdom is the overall theme of the entire Lesson, from the earliest of prophecy to the ending book of Visions. A kingdom, if you will remember we were instructed to pray for by the Son. You remember the words… ‘To the One. Lord over all Light and Darkness, a petition we make. We implore thy kingdom to come… Your will to take place over all the world as it has been done in heaven’

You see, students, from a strictly theological standpoint, the wording implies that this ‘kingdom’ would be something that would solve all the problems that man cannot.”

“But… Teacher?”

“Yes, Ms. Korel?”

“I was brought up to believe that the Kingdom of the One resided in our heart?”

“Many do believe that Ms. Klorel. However, if that were so, then the ultimate solution to man’s problems would come from .. .man. What use of God would we have then?”

“Who says that man cannot solve the ills of history?” blurted another student.

“Ahh… What makes you think man can, young man?”

“The fact that our technology grows better every day!” the answer came with a stark finality. “We have the technology now to conquer many diseases, we have the technology to feed all of us ten times over! And our technology will only grow.”

The Teacher chuckled. “Of course, Mr. Thessius, but what improvements to the users of that technology? Has technology solved hunger? Are you saying that there is no one that starves anymore? Has technology eliminated diseases totally? Tell me, has technology eliminated hatred? War?”

The Teacher began to pace inbetween the rows of the students.

“You see, The Way does not require a certain level of education or technology before a person may believe it for it is not the outside of a person that shapes the inside, but rather, the inside that shapes the outside world.

Granted, just as many advances are made that benefit man, so too are there advancements to destroy man. It is not a balance that man lives with but a juggling act. It is the ‘person’ that determines how technology is used. What does history tell us of the personality of man throughout the ages? Civilizations do become more technologically advanced… but the same emotionalism runs rampant in much of the history.”

“In other words, man still kills, it’s only cleaner?” another student concluded.

“The Way shows us that we are all imperfect. It is that imperfection that hinders even man’s best efforts. It is that imperfection that we must be saved from but not before the One soon steps in to right the wrongs we have wrought in our world. The Lesson is our guide.

So to start off our semester, let us turn to page 4 in……”




Now…


“What do you think the Grand Marshall is aiming at, Admiral?” Admiral Gatticus asked of Jaeder. The aging man turned his gray eyes to the military woman.

“If Marshall Kaine is suggesting what I think he is suggesting he and the Regent run a big risk of infusing new life into the Rebellion.”

“Isn’t that talk sort of treason?”

“Sort of?” someone else chimed in. “It either is or isn’t.”

Admiral Jaeder laughed. “Treason? No.. merely practical. We have just established order on Corellia and our martial forces have eliminated the last of the Republican cells. But what has not died yet is the sentiment.”

“Fear keeps that in check.”

“Of course, but it’s the angry soul that throws off fear to act…. Even foolishly. Even without hope of winning.”

Seamus Arliss walked up to the growing discussion. “So you are saying that we don’t simply vaporize all aliens within our sphere?”


“Impractical, wasteful and … too expensive.” Jaeder concluded.


Seamus nodded. “I agree. We hold many contracts with alien contacts and I would hate to support anything that would jeopardize that." He frowned, "And I think that the Marshall knows that. So what exactly is he aiming at?”







“There is confusion, Simon.” Admiral Chandler commented.


“Weaklings! All of them! Without the guts to do what needs doing.” Moff Zell commented.


The Grand Marshall smiled slightly. “Everyone is focusing on the effects but not at the root cause. They do not realize that we are striking that cause.”


The Grand Marshall turned back to the former Grand Admiral. “So, how is your wife Zell?”


The older man laughed. “I should have brought her. I could have had quite a time with her in the time it takes for these idiots to find their spine.”

“Yes, but what would you do with the other 59 minutes?” Admiral Chandler asked dryly.

Zell just grunted in response as everyone began to drift back toward the table.





Three hundred years ago…



“At the end of the course, you will have learned enough from the Lesson to make an informed decision if you wish to follow the Way. If so you will be baptized in the name of the One, his Son, and his Holy Force as a public testament to your life decision.

Meditate on the truths learned so you may benefit not only yourselves but others as well.”

“Marshall Kaine, your ambiguity regarding the topics at hand and the purpose of this meeting still leave much to be desired. You indicate that the reason we are here is to discuss the ‘Alien Question’. Tell me Marshall, what question is that?


You seem to indicate that this question is linked to some shady part of Republican ideology that has taken root within Imperial Society but you do not specify exactly what that ideology is.”


Moff Jaeder seemed to take a more aggressive stance when everyone had once again resumed their seats.


The Grand Marshall answered in a disarmingly quiet voice. “First of all, Moff, are you saying that I need to spell out for you the New Order’s Policy on alien influence within the Empire?”


A murmur rose at the Marshall’s question but the Moff was ready for it. “We all know what Palpatine’s Policy was regarding aliens. What I am asking for is the current administration’s interpretation of that Policy.”


Kaine smiled. “You want to know if I am going to order your soldiers to irradicate all alien citizens found on Corellia?”


“It is a practical question, Marshall. We have taken Corellia and put down the last of the insurgents but the planet does boast a very large alien population presence. Compliments due to the planet being the Republican capital for so long. To act against that population now would be a foolish move in my opinion. It would needlessly stir up resentment and rebellion in an already controlled and occupied area.”


“An unnecessary risk.” Admiral Chandler commented.


“Exactly! Right now we need our military units put in areas where they will do the most good for the advancement of the Empire. Not create areas of trouble within our more submissive sectors of the Empire.”


Jenice Arliss spoke up. “What about business contracts, subcontracting agreements and the like? The Towers hold very large contracts with alien organizational bodies, or organizations comprised of or powered by the alien presence. To eliminate those bodies is to negate our contracts and business opportunities. Money knows no partiality. To negate our contracts would effectively kill our growth.”


“At least for the next ten fiscal years.” Mr. Conrad added trying to pat the top figure in case there were future talks of compensation for losses incurred due to a more aggressive interpretation of the old Palpatine Policy.


Seamus Arliss smiled at that.


Moff Khenon spoke up when Kaine seemed to hesitate, attempting to use the momentum. “These aliens, especially the ones on Corellia are our citizens now. We should be helping them get back on their feet to become productive members of Imperial society. They know that the Empire is here to stay. If we treat them as we would want to be treated…”



“The little alien shits would be so appreciative of our…our ..virtue,” Moff Zell interrupted, gesturing grandly, turning the word into a mark of scorn, “that they would all drop to their knees sucking our very large penis?”


Moff Khendon gaped at first and then sputtered something incoherent.


“If only the aliens had knees..” Commodore Hessien remarked dryly.

“If only I had a penis.” Admiral Gatticus sighed dramatically, tossing her gray hair back.


A round of laughter went around the table breaking the tension but a clear demarcation line was forming.


So the division of ideology has begun already. Kaine mused. I could come down hard now but that would do no good. The ideology would be buried, not destroyed. The former had to be unraveled first.


“Moff Khendon, you are for the equal treatment of aliens are you not?”

“I am, Marshall.”

Kaine leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “Why?”

“Because even aliens have rights. They have the right to live in freedom. They have a right to live.”

“You mean the rights to exercise this..this freedom to defy the Empire?!!” Zell started indignantly, but Kaine’s hand went up which surprisingly restrained the Moff.

“Continue, Moff Khendon.”

“Grand Marshall, every sentient being has the right to happiness.”

“Even the methane breathers on Coran III, whose psychological makeup is reminiscent of a planet full of serial killers?”

Moff Khendon’s speech stopped dead. “Well… I know not the alien race you are talking about.”


“Or perhaps the sentient creatures who live to form …or force, rather, a symbiotic relationship with unsuspecting hosts? Their skeletons are on the planet Arcadia, Moff Khendon.”


“Sentience,” Moff Borien commented, “ Sort of a broad word isn’t it, Moff?”


Moff Zell’s eyes narrowed revealing a feral grin. “Nevermind sentience, Borien. Moff Khendon, you say that aliens have rights. Fine!”

His eyes blazed. “Rights granted by whom?”

"This is stupid!" came a shout as the unspoken questions fell suddenly to a halt.


The group could not have been less surprised if Moff Zell had pulled off a mask revealing the late Emperor Palpatine and began dancing on the massive conference table.


Grand Marshall Kaine's quiet voice broke the spell. "What seems to be the nature of your discomfort, Mr. Conrad?"


"If I may cut through all the bantha fodder, you are proposing to wipe out aliens. But if I might remind the Grand Marshall, half of our economy is dependent on business with the alien sector!

Why not just slit our throats now and save us the pain later? You claim the Empire is dead in twenty five years? Do this and it will die in five!


The Empire's backbone does not rest on ideology, Grand Marshall. It rests on money!

People don't give a god-be-great damn what you believe, just as long as their stoves work!"

The financial wizard of Arliss Industries closed his mouth, his eyes sharpening on something intangible.


But what?


Moff Zell, who had been frowning at the start of the outburst, turned to the Grand Marshall. Moff Khendon had a curious expression on him and Admiral's Chandler and Jaeder merely looked annoyed. Jenice Arliss was biting her lip at Mr. Conrad's tirade but his boss, Mr. Seamus Arliss was slowly nodding his agreement to the position Mr. Conrad put out.


At first, the outburst angered Simon for he had not expected the corporate people to actually contribute until a course of action was outlined. However, the more Mr. Conrad spoke, the more he began to make sense of the corporate man's true goal. Of a sort.


Once you've a handle on motive, understanding comes quickly.


Kaine's lips quirked as a quiet humor began to fill his features.

"I was not talking about the elimination of aliens, Mr. Conrad," he said dryly. "At least, not all of them."


"Be that as it may.." Mr. Conrad started, risking everything running over the proverbial landmine. "Given that ideology is the factor in determining those that exist within the New Order, yet outside of it's purposes..."

Kaine shot swiftly and true cutting off the man of financing. "What do you want?"


Mr. Conrad didn't miss a beat


"Full property, patent and asset ownership rights for those dispossessed."


Moff Zell barked out a laugh at Mr. Conrad's audacity. Even Kaine's eyes held some admiration but said, "Military considerations will take precident over civilian.."


"60/40!" Seamus blurted out.


Simon's eyes narrowed but Moff Zell spoke, "80/20!" Moff Zell shot back.


"Done." Jenice Arliss pounced.


There were slight smiles all around at the routine and Kaine began to straighten his notes. "Now, getting back to the issue at hand.."


Again another outburst interrupted him as Moff Khendon sputtered.


Frell! Do I have to control this at gunpoint?


Moff Khendon's voice was incredulous. "That's it? You haggle over the possessions of those murdered?!"


Simon's eyes turned cold. "The execution of traitors is hardly murder, Moff."


"And you, you would ignore the economic ramifications that Mr. Conrad rightly pointed out?!"


"Contrary to Mr. Conrad's outburst, ideology is of paramount importance."


"I don't see how.."


"Admiral Ckeller?" Kaine turned the Admiral, "If a planet revolts, what is the standard Imperial Protocol?"

The Admiral shifted in her seat, surprised at being asked a question but her answer was swift, "Blockade. Insertion teams to irradicate insurgent elements."


"If the entire planet is involved?"

Admiral Ckeller sighed, an entire planet revolting was not a thought she liked to dwell on. "In that event, the Military Command will assign the appropriate assets to the area. A tactical assault group will enter the blockade and begin systematic destruction of insurgent strong points and secure optimal landing sites. Soldiers are dropped and pacification measures begin..."


"That is far enough, Admiral Ckeller. Thank you." The Grand Marshall turned to Moff Khendon. "You see the damages done by a revolt. A revolt that stems from ideologies that directly challenge the authority and sovereighty of the Galactic Empire. Economy is hampered by military responses to the actions such opposite ideologies bring on."


"Very well, Marshall." Khendon snapped. "I concede the main factor is ideological. I concede that Mr. Conrad merely brought up his arguements to maneuver a corporate bargain."


Moff Khendon leaned forward and clasped his hands, his voice ernest and firm, "But what you are proposing is WRONG, Grand Marshall. WE HAVE NO RIGHT!"

The arguement was self evident. At least, Moff Khendon thought so.

But as he stared across at Simon Kaine and Moff Zell, noting the sly smile that crept across Zell's lips, he knew instantly that his outburst was the result of a trap laid. But to what purpose?


For the life of him, he couldn't see what?


But he had a distinct and uncomfortable feeling he would find out.


Again, Moff Zell, grinned and repeated his previous question before Mr. Conrad had interrupted.


"Again, Moff Khendon, rights granted by whom?"


It is time to unravel the foundation's faith that these religionists cling to. Time to undermine the foundation that revolutionaries use to try and tear the Empire down.

The aging man's repeated question cut through everything. The crux of the entire issue that stands in the way of everything the Empire has done or will do in the future.


At the very heart of it,





But from ... as Zell put it,... from whom?



Moff Khendon knew that the collected assemblage of the some of the most powerful men and women within the Empire would be no easy crowd. Still, he knew.. He had faith that everything he had been taught had led him to this moment.


This was his chance to actually change the course of an Empire...


For was not the power of God alive?


For did not the power of God exert power?


Those who yearned for truth?


Khendon saw the expectant expression upon Moff Zell's face, the scowling of the corporate moguls and the calm curiosity coming from the Grand Marshall.



He was a follower of the Way. He had faith that the sacrifice of the Son paved the way toward his ultimate salvation. He prayed for the Kingdom of the One to come. He gave thanks for his daily bread and begged forgiveness so as to be spared the merciless fires of hell.


He believed his soul immortal.


He believed that when he died he would see his family in a glorious afterlife.


But, to convey this to the people before him would be no easy task.

But then, they knew not the moral of the Lesson. They knew not what the Lesson teaches.


The One created all men equal. To love your neighbor. Return evil for evil to no one.


He smiled, confident in the sustaining power of his faith.


If I have but the faith of a small pebble, I can move mountains!


He picked his words with care and opened his mouth.



I can move mountains!

The table was silent as the Moff Khendon spoke and at the end of his rather passionate dissertation, no one knew what to say.


Grand Marshall Kaine had simply listened to what was close to his Moff's heart. He knew if he let Moff Zell at him, Khendon would be torn up, his religion in bloody tatters and everything he held dear mocked before being burned. There was no one more savage than Moff Zell. If he truly felt to further the cause he'd have to destroy people, then by Emperor, he'd destroy them.


Still, Khendon did have his uses and so Kaine slowly responded. "Moff Khendon, I will be the first to admit that you do make a powerful case. But, I think you misunderstand our purpose here and Admiral Jaeder was correct in pointing out the difference between the Policy that we are going to set in motion today and the Policy of our late Emperor Palpatine.

And in all reality, our Policy even agrees with your own beliefs."


Moff Khendon's eyes went skeptical. "How so, Sir?"


"Think of it this way: You mention in your belief that God created all men equal."


"Correct."


"Men? What about alien?" Moff Zell started to comment but Kaine silenced him.


"But while God created all men equal, I dare say he does not treat them the same." Kaine answered smiling gently.

"But.. but God is not partial.." Khendon stammered. Had he not gotten his message across?


"But he is, Moff. He is. For you see, while he allows all men to turn to him, he also allows that some men will not. And so, does he not punish the wicked and wrongdoers? Would he not show partiality to those who actually do good?"


Moff Khendon nodded begrudgingly. "You have a point, Sir."


"Moff Khendon, what we have here is simply a misunderstanding and that is becuase we have not gone over any particulars. You are jumping to conclusions before anything has really been discussed. Palpatine made no partial distinction with his alien bias. But is it not common knowledge that aliens continued to exist within the Empire's borders even during his reign?

It does not make sense for us to war on our own. Both Admiral Jaeder and yourself are correct in that. We are not out to murder, as you put it, our own citizens."


The Grand Marshall sighed, "But, it also does not make sense for us not to punish those that defy our laws, that hold to separatist ideas and rebellious intent?

Will not God eventually punish the Devil? Will not God eventually punish the evildoers?"

Simon leaned forward to Moff Khendon, "It does not make sense for God to continually tolerate this affrontery to his position does it?"



"Well, when you put it that way..."


"Moff Khendon, after the separatist movement during the Clone Wars, after the Galactic Civil war, after the attacks sufferened by the New Republic, the New Alliance, the Jutraalian Empire, the Coalition, the Outer Rim Sovereignty... ALL of these conflicts illustrate just how damaging and destructive the alien perspective can be.

We need to have measures in place to center ourselves. To center and anchor our loyalties or all these outside influences will rot away at our core.


We need to be able to understand the different aliens within our sphere to ensure that these conflicts do not erupt within our own borders. Within reach of our own families.

With understanding comes security. And THAT is what our Policies are focusing on.


If we seem to jest over the fate or property of traitors, it is because we've all known loss at a traitor's hand."


Kaine's voice turned to a whisper. "...and yet still more even frightening aliens loom on the horizon.

When will it stop?"


The rhetorical question sat in the air until Simon spoke up, "Moff Khendon, I appreciate your candor and imparting of your thoughts. I would like you to return to your ship and wait for me. Your valuable insights have given me an option I thought I might have trouble with.

For you see, the people assembled here are discussing ways at stopping the 'bad' from happening if you will.

But there is nothing in place to encourage the 'good' within the Empire. And I feel that you can be a major instrument to that end. I am going to have the Galactus forward some of my ideas that I would like you to go over. And if you are willing, you and I can discuss after the meeting here."


Moff Khendon, at first thought he was being removed due to his outbursts but he realized he was not the only person to speak out. And the Marshall seemed very sincere and the notion he offered was one that sparked Khendon's curiousity.


"Very well, Grand Marshall." he replied in all dignity. "I shall await your pleasure." He stood and made his way to the door which the Spartans opened allowing him outside access to his shuttle and to his ship in orbit.


When he was gone, Moff Zell leaned over to Grand Marshall Kaine and asked in a low voice (which everyone was still able to hear), "What do we need to understand about these different aliens?"


The Grand Marshall paused for a minute. "Their physiology specifically. Towards a long term goal of better controlling them. It seems very clear now that simple half measures just will not do."


He looked over each and every one of them.

"Gentlemen. Admirals. Moffs. There will not be an alien question anymore."



The silence lingered and Kaine's voice grew soft. "Shall we begin the meeting in earnest now?"

THE LOGISTICS OF A NIGHTMARE

"Gentlemen and ladies, the discussion from this point on is classified: New Order Clearance." A slight reddish hue became visible in the room. "As you can see, there is no one here from COMPNOR nor Imperial Intelligence. The New Order Policies that are expressed by Regent Hyfe and streamlined in this meeting will shape the Empire for the next one hundred years. COMPNOR's job will be to protect that Policy but it is a job that in no way requires them to know the particulars of this meeting. In truth, the fewer who know the better for secrecy is critical to success.

With INS, we will control what the Empire and galaxy see and hear and will build a facade so thick that when we move to impliment policy, there will be no hindrence. From any quarter.

Now as stated before, this may seem inherently cruel.."


Grand Moff Zell scoffed at this but Simon shook his head. "No, Zell, it does seem cruel. But then so does striking a child in order to discipline it. And that, my friends, is what we are doing. Disciplining the Empire. Make no mistake, we are in a biological war whether we recognize it or not. Sooner or later, there will be clashes between various alien races and cultures and humanity.

Some would have you believe some all encompassing power created us. If so, where is it? No. It seems more likely that the existence of life is the result of a simple cosmic accident. The existence of our species, as a race, however, is the result of an evolutionary imperative.

Evolving to survive in a changing environment.

Survival of the fittest.


And it is this foundation that our policy will now be laid upon. Remember, there is no such thing as good or evil. Those are religious designations.

Anyone who tells you that they don't believe in god but does believe in evil is lying.


What we do is not evil but expedient. What we do is not so much cruel as it is necessary. Today's pain staves off tomorrow's heartache.


I will not see all our work, all that we've fought and bled over pulled down because of some jibbering, incomprehensible alien pysche!"


"So how do we do it?" Admiral Jaeder asked. "So as to stave off open rebellion and outright insurrection and to maintain secrecy during implementation. Just how do you propose it be done?"


Kaine smiled as everyone seemed to sit a little straighter. "What is the first thing any secret policy needs?"


Seamus Arliss spoke up. Being a part of several secret corporate policies, he would know. "Policy-specific information."


Kaine nodded. "Exactly. It's easy to classify all aliens as enemies or potential slaves but as brought out before, there are those that are actually beneficial to the Empire. Unlike Palpatine who led with his emotions and without hard data for his policy initiatives, we will not be making the same mistake.


Therefore, Regent Hyfe has approved the funding for and creation of the Census Bureau. While it's name is synonymous with head or snout counting within the Empire, which is important for conscription, education, and taxation purposes, this organization will be the heart of our alien intelligence network. I want to know what races are within our sphere and how many there are. How many are on Imperial Center and how many on Corellia?

And once this information has been gathered, then we have a better idea as to how to proceed. What Policies to impliment and upon what alien race."


Admiral Gatticus steepled her hands in thought. "Define 'policies'. As they will be race-specific, I'd imagine?"


Kaine did not miss a beat, "Once each race is classified, Policies would include coexistence initiatives, culling, short-term sterilization, long-term sterilization, enslavement and/or irradication."

Grand Moff Zell chuckled, "It's time we kicked those high-minded alien pricks in their balls!"

Jenice Arliss, irritated at Zell's unsophistication, asked, "So the Census Bureau is really tasked not only in counting and placing those numbers in specific areas within the Empire, but in setting the policy classification. Therefore, as an observer, you will have need of specialists, accurate information regarding alien biology, psychology, etc... ."

Kaine nodded. "We have several xenobiological departments slated for absorption within the Census Bureau and not a few off-site undisclosed locations being prepared. The necessary skills will be attached to the Census Bureau."

Admiral Chandler, who had remained silent for quite a while, stirred. When he spoke attracted quite a bit of attention as everyone was interested in how the others would react to the purposes to be put into action.

"So we know under what umbrella we are operating from but what about the logistics of the policies themselves? As I understand this, the Census Bureau will not be the agency tasked with carrying out our olicy initiatives so my question is: who will? Who are the ones that will be tasked with implimenting policy across the Empire, discreetly of course?"


Admiral Ckeller, "It would also be good to review any precidents in Imperial Law. We do not need some overzealous patriot in the Ministry of Justice hindering our policies, however unknowingly, because we did not do our homework and take the appropriate measures." She smiled encouragingly, "I believe we can find the flexibility within the Law to back the New Order Policies."

Another Commodore spoke up, clearly warming to the subject. "All we need to do is determine classification! If we can classify correctly, then the Law takes care of itself! The Law will actually work for us!"


Simon leaned back as several members went back and forth on the subject. He turned to Zell and raised an eyebrow. The Grand Moff's grin was predatorial.

The question Admiral Chandler posed was a good one. For who would be the ones tasked with the implimentation of policy? A 'New Order Policy'.

The Census Bureau, while serving an important and powerful function, it was essentially simply a labeling organization. It did not do much more than labeling.

Kaine straightened the datapad before him before turning his gaze on everyone present. "That is what we are here to discuss. Please know that no idea is too outrageous and no suggestion stupid. We want your ideas. We need your ideas.

The Census Bureau finds a group, investigates and labels them insurgents."

His question hard and piercing, "What do we do?"

"We line the little bastards up and shoot them!" Zell's fist slammed down on the table. "Treason is a crime punishable by death! We are well within our rights!"

Admiral Gatticus bit her bottom lip drawing Kaine's attention. To the grandmother of one, he asked, "Admiral, I assume you disagree?"


The question prompted a dark glare from Azrael Zell but the woman was old enough to withstand the glare and give one back herself. "Nothing would give me more pleasure than seeing traitors shot, Marshall. But it is my recommendation is along the lines of what Admiral Ckeller was saying, that we stay within the confines of the law. And currently, the definition of 'treason' deals with acts. Not necessarily group classification."

"That is not completely accurate." Moff Jaeder commented. The senior of the Imperial family tapped his finger on the conference table. "Association with the Rebellion, no matter if such association put one into combat situations or not, constituted being recognized as treason."

Admiral Gatticus smiled as if knowing the objection would be noted. "That was during a wartime crisis, Sir. Martial Law suspends Imperial Law in wartime or emergency situations. An active and armed rebellion would constitute such. And under Martial Law, the definitions of what is what becomes more..strict, by necessity.

Where is the necessity now in peace-time?

Were we still at war with the New Republic, you'd have case and implimentation under martial law would be no problem. But we are not under martial law. We are under Imperial (peace time) law. The New Republic is smashed. The Jutraalian Empire is not a concern."

"Traitors aren't accorded 'Due Process'," Zell shot back. "This isn't some weak democratic state where we are afraid of hurting criminal's feelings!"

"Are we talking about traitors or 'accused traitors', Moff Zell?" Admiral Ckeller asked quietly.

"What difference does it make?" he asked carelessly sitting back in his chair.

Admiral Ckeller drove the knife home, "And if we accuse you of treason?"

Grand Moff Zell shot up from his seat. "Of all the ridiculous, idiotic notions to come out of your mouth, Admiral.."


"Enough!" Kaine's voice was deadly cold. Zell sat down but was staring murder at Admiral Ckeller. She returned it. "We are arguing a non-issue." the Grand Marshall's voice cut through the tension.

"The Ministry of Justice as well as criminal law are set up to handle crimes already committed against the state. Proof or disproof of those acts are handled under law by the appropriate courts and procedures. New Order Policy is above all of this as it is not designed to handle groups or peoples after a crime is committed but to set down a course of action that becomes,
ultimately, preventative.

By dealing with trouble races and knowing their numbers and dispersion within the Empire now, we can take the necessary measures to eliminate not necessarily the threat they pose now but the threat they may pose in the future based on historical evidence compiled by the new Census Bureau.

These necessary measures, as Admiral Gatticus and Ckeller pointed out should fall within the strictures of Imperial Law. Not as labeled criminals as there has been no real crime committed, only a statistical probability of the damage these races will eventually do to the Empire if allowed to continue on for the next five, ten or even fifty years."

"So," Admiral Jaeder spoke, "then, what you are saying is that this Census Bureau will not simply label a creature as traitor-"

"Not individually at any rate," Seamus Arliss interrupted with a thoughtful gaze.


The Admiral nodded continuing, "..will not simply label a group of creatures as traitors, but merely give a statistical probability of the danger this group will pose to the Empire at large in either the near future or eventually."


Kaine nodded, "You have the right of it. These classifications given are not legal or political classifications but should be likened to military threat assessments. Therefore, with these ranges of assessments, what legal actions can we take to nullify their probable threats?"

Silence followed as the group began to think in earnest.

Moff Jaeder spoke first. "Can a biological agent be used to target individual races?"

Seamus Arliss spoke up, "They can but the cost will be high. It'd be cheaper to simply segregate the cities along racial boundaries and blow each one up individually."


"They'd catch on almost immediately and the resulting colateral damage would be enormous." Zell sighed.

"Arliss Construction is ready to pick up the work," forwarded Mr. Conrad and that got a chuckle out of a few.


"The medical field," Jenice Arliss whispered giving voice to her thoughts.

Simon Kaine turned to her clearly interested in the thought. "Go on, Ms. Arliss." Everyone else quieted down.

They could see the idea was taking root in her mind as she groped for the right explanation. "Everyone goes to the doctor. Human and alien alike. children need checkups, biological weaponry and the like. If this Census Bureau gives difference threat classifications to the different races, then perhaps the doctors can take measures to sterilize the lessor threats or
weaken their genetic strain at the very least."


With that idea, the damn broke and everyone began talking at once.


"Sterilization procedures are much more cheaper than biological weaponry."

"Who would not want to take their children to the doctor?"

"Propaganda would be working round the clock with an impentetrable facade."

"How would you get everyone to go?"

"Mandatory visits!" Even Zell got into the fray.

"Is that legal?"


Simon Kaine smiled cryptically, "What parent would not care for the health of their child? With the occassional biological weapons scare, we make the 'safety' of our citizenry our first priority. Mandatory visits to special centers dedicated to combating viral or biological outbreaks. Lack of participation puts the entire population at risk!"

Mr. Conrad grinned, "And the government is willing to pick up the tab."

Admiral Ckeller smiled, "And there is our legal precident."

Jenice Arliss suggested, "Arliss Towers would be willing to be the force behind the Emergency Medical Terminals or Emergency Response Terminals (whatever you want to call them)."

Seamus smiled at his daughter's avarice.

Moff Jaeder spoke up, "Given a viral threat, perhaps whole racial groups are more susceptible than others. Mandatory relocation to a planet for their safety as well as the Empire's?"


The others stared at the aging Moff with respect. Azrael Zell grinned. "You've a wiley mind, Lantor. I may just forget that your ship retreated at Endor."


Moff Jaeder chuckled mirthlessly. "To the Rancor with you, Azrael. If you weren't horning the Battery Commander you would have realized that you were on the same ship as I at Endor."


Both old men laughed with a mixture of slight disgust and amusement around the table.


Kaine cleared his throat and into the satisfying silence of accomplishment he said, "We've talked about assessment, classification and methodology. Now to the subject of disposal."

"Well, as I see it, sterilization is the answer for the long term issue. But what do we do about contamination now? We can segregate, separate and relocate but these creatures have familial ties that are not easily hidden.."


Simon Kaine leaned forward at the observation. "The main goal here is use. What use can we obtain from our racial diversity now? Can we indoctrinate them to our service and use them as infiltrators? That would be an idea to propose with Ysanne Isard."

"I wouldn't trust any of those bastards aboard a military ship." Azrael Zell shot back.


"There are few and most are in the Imperial Guard, under Telan Desaria's command." Admiral Gatticus commented.


"Desaria." Moff Jaeder smirked.


"As long as they remain in the defense fleet and off offensive actions for now, they can remain." Kaine said. "Admiral Desaria will scour his fleet for any traitors and if gives me a clean bill of loyalty he has free reign over his command. In short, I trust his judgement over the fighting operational capacity of the soldiers under his command."


Seamus Arliss spoke up, "Then you remove the defense fleet off the roster for transporting alien races for 'relocation'?"


"Of course, Mr. Arliss." Kaine spoke up. "Remember, we are talking about medical issues that these races will have to be relocated in response too. Therefore, they will be transported by automated means."


"What do you mean?" Jenice asked.


"Well, to remove or limit the 'human' element in an operation like this, several designs for large robotic transport carriers under quarantine would be used to transport or we would have one crewed ship with the rest slaved to it."


"Why tax the conscience of our citizens any more than typical?" Admiral Ckeller grinned.


"The work is necessary but difficult. There's no need to complicate it any more than we have too."


"So we have reasons and infrastructure in place to relocate those races classified by the Bureau of Census. But what do we do once they arrive at our relocation facilities? I am assuming these locations are going to be classified?"


Kaine nodded, "At the highest level. New Order Clearance only. Remember, if this system shows itself to work well with alien classification we may look to handle political prisoners, ideological prisoners, perhaps problem people conquered... there is no end to the possibilities."


He paused, "But you do bring up a very good question. When these classified traitors are relocated, how do we make the necessary space for future arrivals?"


Zell barked out a laugh. "Why don't you just come out and say it? What do we do to eliminate them to make room for more?"


A shadow of a smile formed on Kaine's lips, "There's no need to be brutal about it, Zell. It is unpleasant business but business every government needs to address. Internal pacification."


"Underground incineration." Zell snapped back.


"I beg your pardon?" Moff Jaeder turned to the aging Grand Moff.


"Underground incineration. We set this up large scale..." Zell started.


"Wait. How would you justify the initial construction?" Mr. Conrad asked.


It was Seamus that answered, "Terraforming. We call it terraforming equipment and make them massive turbine-like contraptions that can generate super-heated temperatures."


"And you do not think that these people disembarking won't notice the ..." Admiral Chandler asked.


"Not if the facade is correct." Zell finished. "We erect a largely uninhabited settlement in a picturesque valley. Then we put down the largest medical facility ever seen capable of handling the numbers on the transports. They are checked 'to be given authorization to move into the settlement disease free'. As the people lay on the medical beds, they are given a super tranquilizer or something and then carted to the incinerators. Have droids carry out the work!"


Kaine turned to the old Moff, "You've thought about the logistics of this haven't you?"


Zell grinned, "I don't screw women all of the time."


A chuckle went around the table.

"So a suitable world for our little 'terraforming project' needs to be selected. Various settlements built for the facade as well as the control facility that will look like a large Medical facility. The Control Facility will maintain and house the worker droids to carry out operations. We will need hard numbers regarding efficiency but I believe we can process the transport's numbers fairly quickly if the facilities on the planet are large enough to handle their numbers and we have enough droids and equipment to move the bodies.
Incinerating the bodies themselves will take little time."

Seamus leaned forward. "If we begin having large numbers of resulting ash from the incineration, perhaps we can market it as top grade fertilizer?"

"We might turn a tidy profit." Mr. Conrad followed up.

"Enough to fund further expansion projects." Admiral Chandler inserted before the greed of the corporate representatives took over.

"Well then," Kaine said, "It seems we have a working outline. Each of us will have our assigned duties to this project and we are all encouraged to keep this project classified under New Order Protocols. Perhaps in the future, we can tailor this project to encompass force users. Perhaps for the Jedi and Sith. Those beings with abilities they claim makes them higher up the evolutionary ladder than us."

"It'd be nice to kick them down a rung." Admiral Jaeder spoke out.

"The Jedi and Sith will get what is coming to them soon enough. First we have to monitor them before we can corral them." Kaine completed.


He stood, "I appreciate your input, ladies and gentlemen. We will convene again at an appropriate time but I feel very confident in the progress we've made so far. Your dedication to Imperial Supremacy and Security is to be commended. I invite you all to dine with me aboard the Galactus if you are able before leaving to your respective stations.

With Imperial Center retaken we are definitely living in an Imperial Era once more."


And with that the meeting ended.









"Do you think people 100 years from now will understand what we have just set in motion?" Jenice asked, walking up to Simon as he stared down at the planet from an observation deck.

"Jenice, we live in a galaxy with millions of different species, with a million different agendas and will a million different goals. It is folly to think that all can live side by side in a unified voice. There will always be those who feel they are better than the whole." He turned, "The Empire is the whole."

"It is not something I want to do. It is not something I like doing but I do agree it is necessary. My loyalty is the Empire. My service is to make sure the Empire remains and never again undergoes a devestating Civil War. We've had two."

"So you are saying if the Rebellion had not happened, there would be no need for projects such as this?" Jenice asked.

Simon raised an eyebrow. "How could there be a need? There would have been no internal strife or conflict. No, the Rebellion only inspires other inferiors to think they have a chance at defeating us. I intend to show them the error of their ways."

Simon sighed. "It is a common failure of evolutionists. To count the cost of their belief. They look at evolution as merely scoffing at the existence of a God but they do not look the other way and see their belief to it's rightful conclusion."


"And that is?" Jenice asked perplexed.

"That there is no longer right and wrong. That we are here because of a great cosmic accident. That we survived this long because we are strong. Survival of the fittest is what it has always been about. Natural Selection.
There is no moral outrage over the slaughter of anyone, young or old, if the goal is to ensure the survival of your species and continuation of dominance.

There is no such thing right and wrong."


Simon grinned, "Except what right might brings. The only axiom of evolution that really matters."