Ziost

The planet looked vile from orbit, and it was even viler from the ground. Icy and cold, Ziost’s history spanned many millennia. The ancient Sith Empire had called Ziost home, but after the Sith all but destroyed themselves, the planet fell into oblivion, lost within obscure data banks and spoken of underground in third-rate worlds only pirates and smugglers occupied. However, decades ago, a new breed of Sith came around and acquired the planet, following in their ancestor’s footsteps. The Ziost Empire were these Sith, but they were a band operating quietly.

Despite the obscurity of the planet, they attracted a good number of new Sith brethren. The gathering of Sith souls awakened the spirit of Sith Lord Poreon, who had been presumed dead ever since a fatal fight with Snack and Aaron Astrin on Aaron Astrin’s private asteroid base. Poreon’s spirit organized a rebellion in the ranks of the Ziost Empire. Gathering the services of Snack and Vahkar Azkarel, two powerful Sith Lords, and their apprentices, Poreon inspired the renegade Sith to reform the Naboo Sith Order, the powerful Sith group that once was.

After toil The Naboo Sith Order reformed on their home planet, Xa Fel. The masters Snack and Azkarel worked hard and revived Poreon from his spirit state. Soon, the Naboo Sith Order, on a quest to reclaim power and dominance in the galaxy, set out to destroy the Ziost Empire. The Order succeeded and added Ziost to their acquisitions as a spoil of war.

Now, Ziost provided excellent training grounds for Sith Apprentices and Sith Lords alike. Ziost also provided the secluded location necessary for operation Devil’s Sapphire. In the Ziost shipyard, operation Devil’s Sapphire was nearing completion. It had been in the works for 120 days, and now Sith Lord Poreon was making a surprise inspection of the operation, just twenty seven days before it ended.
He had caught the workers off guard, but even if they had been warned, they couldn’t have been doing much better of a job. The operation was running smoothly and as planned. No major setbacks had arisen and nor should they. Only the Council of Elders knew that a 30-kilometer starship was being built around Ziost, and it would stay that way until the Council revealed the ship as a new mobile operations headquarters.

A new era would also be revealed to the citizens of the Naboo Sith Order.

Xa Fel

High Admiral Josh Fivies, the same Fivies who had once been a Human Replica Droid, sat in his conference chamber stunned. “Lords, allow me to be blunt: this decision has been made rather spur of the moment.”

Poreon, after returning to the Sith capital after visiting Xa Fel, fielded the question before his companions, the Lords and Knights of the Order, could stage an answer. “Admiral, there you are wrong. We have been planning this for the better part of the past few years.”

Waiting for Poreon to pause, Snack intervened and addressed all of the Naboo Sith Order’s fleet Commanders (11 High Admirals), “We have debated this front and back for a long time, and we have concluded that this will in fact be the best course to fulfill the Naboo Sith Order’s mission statement. This new era we embark on will lead us to our ultimate goal of restoring order to the galaxy.”

Poreon sensed an uncertainty in the minds of the Fleet Commanders. “If you are worrying where you and the Royal Sith Fleet will be heading, there are four options. First: you can retain your commission and most likely your command within the hierarchy of the new Empire. Second option: you can accept a command aboard the Devil’s Sapphire and be in tactical command of our Mobile Operations Headquarters. Third: you can take your pension plan, shack up on any planet in the galaxy and live peacefully forever. Finally, your fourth option is to leave this room, spill all of this information to the opposition or the HoloNet and be hunted down by me personally. And when I find you, I sliced your head off with my lightsaber. The options are yours. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Seven of the High Admirals stood up immediately and in unison said, “We’d like to activate our command aboard the Devil’s Sapphire.” Among those High Admirals were Odell of the Star Destroyer Units, Allen of the Kryat Divisions, Mann of the Super Star Destroyers, Allger of Star Fighter Command, Johnson of Construction Capacity, Scorpio of Ground Defense, and Left of the Merchant Marine.

Three more High Admirals stood up and expressed their interest in joining new Empire’s fleet hierarchy. Those High Admirals were Stuttgart of the MACC Fleet, Mackely of the Interplanetary Defense Command, and Reed of Support Regime.

Fivies retired his command.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Battle of Dantooine... months ago..<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Galactus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> was starting to list to port slightly as the vacuum of space pulled at the the deck plating of the mighty Reign Class Star Destroyer. Outside, the scars of the recent battle tore huge impressions throughout the vessel's exterior.

With more than half his crew dead, Kaine had been busy hooking up redudant power sources in one corridor after another hoping that the vain attempt to keep medical equipment running. Bacta treatments (what little of it remained untouched from the New Republic's weapons) were in large demand as various screams of those gastly wounded in the fighting echoed down empty walkways and sealed off rooms.

The death toll was staggering.

Kaine walked emotionlessly down each hall, commending those he could, reassuring those who were confused, offering hope to even those who held none.

His eyes burned with an intensity as communications relay packets were intercepted and deciphered by the onboard cryptologist (the one who wasn't killed).


Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were being put together and the picture spelled one word.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Treachery<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


In their aim for the common goal of order being established within the galaxy, the Rogue Empire had instigated a war between their alliance and the quasi Jedi/Republic factions.

Once the New Order was committed, however, their ally had done the unthinkable, despite protestations of fidelity, integrity, and honor.

They had abandoned their Imperial brethren to the wolves and a viscious surprise attack against the Imperial world of Dantooine brought home their folly of having trusted.

The bridge was nearly abandoned, as the flagship of Searthen Jiren as well as his fleet had rendered the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Galactus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> inoperable and adrift.

The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->'s shadow seemed to cast itself over Kaine's flagship as it stood ever vigilant.

Preliminary reports from the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> suggested the Rogue Empire's leader claimed to make their treacherous decision at the behest of high ranking people within his faction.

That in, itself, hinted at the internal troubles that could only brew as time went on.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> For impotence in power breeds inferiority. Infeiority breeds aggression... And aggression must be crushed..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Kaine settled into the dark command chair as he contemplated.


Soldiers, crewmen, civilians would be looking to him, to other Imperial leaders for answers.. for confirmation that their faith was not in vain.


Sometimes, it seemed to the General that despite the fighting he'd done all his life, despite his duty, chaos would continue to laugh at him as he marched to his grave.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> First Muunilist, now Dantooine..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


And yet, something didn't seem right. Something subtle and yet important.


He settled back in his chair and closed his eyes, replaying events in his mind for some clue, any clue that would lead him to that enigmatic tugging of his perceptions.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Maybe I am just tired...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Present Day..<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



"Reversion in 5....4....3....2....1... mark.."


The black ships of Sentinel's Second Division exited hyperspace near the small moon that hid the yards and the military dry docks of Muunilist...far away from civilian and trade lanes.

Ever since the New Republic's surprise attack targeting the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Ebony Vigilance<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, monitoring stations were increased hundredfold.

Muunilist Military Command detected the incoming fleet immediately upon entry in-system.

Kaine's tactical holographic projection of Muunilist showed the civilian lanes heavy with traffic which was no surprise, for Muunilist held the economic power of the expanding Empire..


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Moneyland<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


"Imperial Log - Satikan Campaign:

The Fleet has arrived home. After two months of action, Asation, Gree, and Freughte are firmly controlled by the Empire. The first steps to expansion in the Unknown Regions have begun with minimal losses and excellent positioning. Commendation to Brass Protectorate under Desaria's command.

The information captured by the Chiss will refine the Academy's cirriculum for years to come. All pertinent information is being sent to Carida, flagged for review by General Ming."



<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> flash..<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font color="yellow">Kaine stared at the somber faces of Admiral Hyfe and General Ming as their information sunk in.

The construction of Ebony Vigilance was overseen by a committee headed by Senator Lord Gion of Lenth Quadrant.

Kaine winced.

The senator was not a favorite among the Imperial Military Command. With the retirement of Moff Handler, the military mourned the loss of strong political support.

Moff's Cronus and Khendon, though capable, seemed to lack the fire that set Handler apart from others.


If there was a senatorial conspiracy...

...the assassination attempt on Moff Handler was never satisfactorily concluded.


Finding a weapon linking the New Republic on a rooftop seemed simple...

too simple..


"So the Imperial Senate is to have their powers suspended." the Admiral had stated.


"For how long?" Kaine asked, his eyes narrowing.


"Indefinitely," the Admiral answered cryptically.


"Can we do this?"


"War Powers Act. 'Any Agency or government organization compromised is to be immediately suspended pending a quiet, internal investigation by Imperial Intelligence.' General Ming explained.


"But," Kaine continued, "we aren't at war...ahh."

His mind clicked. "The attack created a defacto war situation without actual declaration.." He smiled at the ingenuity of it.


"The Rebels struck first." Ming offered.


"Therefore," Admiral Hyfe cut in rather impatiently, "The Empire comes under Martial Law...in effect, controlled by the Empire's highest military leaders."


"That's us." Ming explained, helpfully.


Simon, the youngest of the three, contemplated this. "A Triumvirate rule?"


The ramifications were... astounding.


Kaine found his voice, "What about Grand Admiral Zell?"


Did he know?


"What about the Regent?"


Chau Ming looked slightly wounded and Hyfe's eyes turned cold.


"Lord Gion reported directly to the Regent..."


Kaine's eyes widened, his hand beginning to uncontrollably shake. That information was unwelcome indeed.


But Hyfe continued speaking, "..and Zell? He's... gone."


Gone?</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->




<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Final Approach...Haven, Port of Sentinel Division II (256th)<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Log Continuing<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


"Officers and crew performed admirably. The fleet expects to be fully stocked and provisioned by the end of the week."


END LOG





"Sir?" the General turned to the Comm. Officer.


"Yes?"

"There is quite an abnormal amount of comm traffic..."


"Something's up." murmured Kaine. "Let's hear it.."



The bridge speakers suddenly reverberated with voices...


The massive attack fleet entered port amid much fanfare and
celebration...but not for their arrival for their operations were top secret.


In fact, many on Muunilist did not realize Kaine's fleet was not in port since the General preferred the fleet's actions and movements to remain as inconspicuous as possible.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Except for system entry.... That's when everyone notices...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


And notice everyone did as the comm traffic shifted to include comments on the fleet's arrival as it moved closer to it's berth.


"Sir?" the Docking Officer's voice cut through the lowered chatter of the communications, "we are receiving orders from the Grand Admiral's office:

Port crews have orders to restock and ready us for immediate departure. R&R reduced to 24 hours."


"What?" Kaine exclaimed, standing and walking over to confirm the report the officer just read.


He sighed.


"Very well. Inform ALL ships and crew of our new orders. 256th Operation Quarantine and Blackout holds for all members. Tell them they have standing orders from their "General" to make the most of their 24 hours."


The Officer grinned. "Yes Sir."


"Moorings attached."


Kaine nodded, "Very good. Evacuate the bridge and start enjoying yourselves.


"And you sir?"


Simon smiled, "I am going to sleep."



*


General Simon Kaine was the last of the Galactus' crew to leave, the voices over the holonets being louder as he moved out into the Military Compound of Haven. The voices seemed familiar...


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> What was it?


Sounds like speeches..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



Kaine turned and noticed a monitor providing grainy images of something that happened some time ago.



<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Flash..<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font color="yellow">A short man in Moff's clothing was speaking...

"..a danger far greater than any faced during the Emperor's reign..."


"..they have established themselves..."



A younger looking High Admiral Hyfe, his cold eyes surveying his audience not betraying the nervousness he must have felt.

"As... small factions of varying sorts fight for power... the need for us to exhibit our true dominance is imperative!"


The people cheered.


A younger Azrael Zell took the podium as he was waving to the crowd.


"During the battles to come it will be revealed that our own best friends have become our own worst enemies..."</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->



"Truth." Muttered Kaine as he thought back to Dantooine, Zell's speech coming through most holonet locations.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> What was going on? This speech was a long time go.. One of our most famous Imperial Addresses..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font color="yellow">Zell continued speaking..

"...we will stand together through trying times, we will walk through victory hand in hand."


The Grand Admiral, in a dramatic gesture, raised his hands high..


"We will rise above the evil, the treachery, the false sense of
security..."</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->



<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> He really got into that speech. <!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


Kaine smiled.



<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font color="yellow">"We will crush the hinges of the murderous Jedi Order from within. We will demolish the numerous so-called "Imperial Factions" that falsely rise up in the name of the glorious Emperor. Ladies and Gentlemen of the New Order...


WE WILL PREVAIL!"


The applause was thunderous.</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->


The words echoed down a silent corridor that Kaine had found himself in.


He stopped before a familiar door and punched in a code, the darkness of his quarters staring back at him, beckoning him..


He moved in reaching his right hand across and unbuttoned his battle uniform.


With a sigh, he fell against the bed, his head hitting the pillow taking in the stillness of his room.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Barely lived in.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


If the light were on, it would reveal his quarters as spartan. The room was cool and the hum of the air circulators kicked on..almost whispering.


His mind began to unravel his decisions of the past two months trying to locate something, if anything, he could have done differently..better..


He began to drift.


Between sleep and consciousness, his senses began to recognize the faint scent of a woman.


The stillness was disturbed and Simon felt the soft, moist touch of lips against his.


Someone was climbing into bed with him.


"Jenice?"


He felt her breath against his ear and distinguished the smirk in her voice, low as it was. "Welcome home, sailor."


The chant was being repeated outside on the holonets and Zell's voice crept into his head like an unwanted intruder. His forceful words scrolled across his mind..


<!--EZCODE HTML START--> <font color="yellow">"WE WILL PREVAIL!"</font><!--EZCODE HTML END-->


Simon gave a tired laugh, the address taking on a suddenly absurd new meaning and he turned to the woman next to him.

In the darkness, his hands began to stroke her hair and he found himself moving closer.


Soon all thought left him.

Giving a solemn bow of his head to the Fivies, the man made his leave. Snack looked at the rest of the officers and admirals alike who were standing and smiled.

"Your loyalty to the Order is looked high upon. You will all be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

"If there are no more further questions, you are all dismissed. Enjoy the night, and be ready at thirteen-hundred hours tomorrow. Sleep in."

He sat down in his chair as the fleet commanders exited the room, sighing to himself. He glanced over at Poreon, who took a seat as well.

"This is the way it should have been a long time ago," Snack said. "The Sith of the Old were blinded by this and that blindness plagued our kind for millennia. Now, our vision will return."

It was the next step. The order had been brought back from the grave, along with Lord Poreon. Vakhar and Snack had brought the once stiff Sith Lord to life, and with that, their Order... The Naboo Sith Order.

When it was reformed, there was a vision of what this New Age of the Sith should be. It followed the structure of the Ancient Sith of over four thousand years ago, and added in the experience, wisdom, and knowledge gained over those years. As it stood now, they were on the right track, yet had a long way to go to meet their goal. This step was a step up, one to the next level. And with this large step came a hesitation.

His eyes returned to his comrade, his face and eyes showing no real emotion save for concern.

"This is the only way to achieve what we have wanted all along," Poreon assured his friend.

"I know," Snack replied. "I just hope the galaxy is ready for this. There has been a shift in the Force, and what we are doing could cause a violent backlash."

"A backlash that we could use to our advantage."

Snack nodded. This was the way. And ready or not, the galaxy would become one once more.

In the shadows standing off to oneside of the room was the demon sith knight Malice Draclau. He had heard of this alliance and was interested in seeing it take place. After all, it wasn't common to see sith ally themselves with any other group. Indeed TNSO was a new age group of sith, a group which will crush all opposition who try to stop them in their race for power.


Walking out of the shadows he bowed to hos master Snack, and to master Poreon.

*Greetings, is all going well*

The question hung in the air for a few moments. Poreon rose from his chair and fielded the question, “Come, follow me, and see how things are going.”

He left the conference chambers at a slow walk, leaving Malice and Snack to fall in line behind him. Poreon led them through the twisting and turning hallways of the Central Command Structure of Xa Fel. This military instillation was buried under thirty levels of Xa Fel topsoil, so the trio rode in numerous turbolift shafts to get to their destination. In one of the many turbolift rides, Poreon sent a message through the Force that they were almost there.

The turbolift’s doors opened with a hiss, and now the trio was in a chamber far larger than the bridge of an Eclipse Star Destroyer. “This, my fellow Sith, is the Tactical Command Operations Headquarters of the entire Royal Sith Defense Department. Inside these chambers, officers track and monitor the exact location of all Three-hundred something Capital Ships and the thousands of support craft that make up the Defense Department. Follow me to this particular screen.”

“That video image on the screen is the real-time image of our Deep Space Expeditionary Force. As you can see, this fleet consists of about roughly 1/4 of our total fleet. Normally, they would never assemble all together in one general area; but today may be the last day they are under the same fleet banner.”

“I could switch this image over to the Defense Fleet or the Attack Fleet and you would see a very similar image.”

“Our material possession won’t be in our hands. In this galaxy, power is valued in your material worth. I can’t help but feel that by giving up our direct command of ships, we won’t have the power in the galaxy we command now.”

“The respect for the Sith only strikes fear in Mos Eisely cafes nowadays, and that fear is minimal. We need to redeem the name of the Sith the old fashioned way by using three things: brute force, lightsabers and the force.”

General Simon Kaine awoke early which surprised him given exhaustion felt the night before.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> But was it the campaign or the night's activity?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


A quiet smile tugged at his lips as he sat up and moved to the fresher, Jenice curling up tighter now that the sheets were free.


After taking care of his morning routine, he dressed himself in a rather casual, fleet uniform. It was a bit oversized, but he was off-duty.

He turned to stare at the woman lying in his bed. He and Admiral Hyfe had been instrumental in her rise to power over her father's corporate conglomerate. She was smart, very sharp, very ruthless, and beautiful.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Everything a meglomaniac could want..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, he thought wryly.


Kaine was not given easily to the "softer" feelings. He was no poet, no lovestruck fool.

So, as he looked at his companion, he wondered: <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Who was manipulating who?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


*


He exited his quarters just as two stormtroopers came up.

"General Kaine?"

Simon nodded and the troopers indicated a direction, "If you would follow us please, Sir. Admiral Hyfe would like to meet with you."


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Hyfe was here?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


"Something's up indeed.." Kaine mumbled to himself, as he followed the troopers to Admiral Hyfe.


*

The first thing Kaine noticed was Hyfe's irritated scowl at the General's rather casual attire (even if it was approved off-duty apparel).

Simon grinned slightly making the scowl deepen even further. Even so, Kaine stood at attention for his senior before Hyfe grumbled out an "At ease."

Simon's eyes searched the stone-faced Admiral in sudden suspicion at the relative ease the Admiral's grumbling came out.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The man's actually pleased with something..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, he thought in wonder.

Kaine's grin widened even further and then the Admiral's irritation did seem genuine at being found out.

"I've read your report from the Unknown Regions, General. Trying to outdo Grand Admiral Thrawn?"

"No sir. Just our enemies.." to which the Admiral grunted a response.

"Damn fine job with those Chiss..."

"Colonel Desaria deserves the credit for Freughte Sir."

"Will you be returning to Satikan?"

"Eventually, Sir. Next week, we were headed for Drake's Planet to meet with Director Issard."

Even Hyfe cringed at that a bit. "Issard is a @#%$."

"Among other things." Kaine grinned again.

"Well, as much as you were looking forward to that meeting, it might be put on hold for a bit."

"What's going on?"

It was the Admiral's turn to raise an eyebrow. "You don't know?"

Kaine shrugged. "I got into port last night. Not much time for anything.."

"Indeed, though time enough for other things." Hyfe responded cryptically and Simon's eyes once more were searching the Admiral's face.

"General, I need your fleet to leave in 12 hours. Emergency provisions and supplies are being restocked."

"Where too, Admiral."

"Xa Fel"


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Xa Fel?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Trouble with the Sith, Sir?" Kaine felt a headache coming on.

"Let's just say that the Empire has doubled in size while you were gone."

"Unification." Kaine stated.

"Precisely."

"Vice Admiral Drakiss is currently returning to the Empire from his Geonosis Campaign. Do you know where that is?"

Simon shook his head, "No, sir. Should I?"

"No.. it's no matter. This meeting with the Sith is official and a necessary formality. Their people, their military, their leaders may have questions."

"I know I do." the General commented.

"A package has been prepared for your review detailing everything, General."

"Very good, Sir."

"General," The Admiral placed his hands on his desk. "What are your feelings regarding the Sith."

"They are a tactical necessity, Sir."

"That's rather ambiguious, General."

"Yes, Sir."

"You will extend every sort of courtesy and respect these leaders deserve, do you understand?"

"Of course, Sir."

"They are, though, a necessity you'd rather not have?" Hyfe prodded.

"I've never been a religious man, Admiral. I don't believe in fate. I believe we make our own destiny."


"Make TNO's and TNSO's destiny a healthy and strong one, General."

"Yes, Sir."

"Good man. Now enjoy the twelve hours you have left..because come this evening, I want your fleet gone."

"As fast as a retreating Rebel, Sir."



Kaine exited the office, his mind churning.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Unification!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Lei Lebron looked around his bridge. If you call it that. The Shroud attack cruiser bridges were fairly small, even for a ship of its size. The flagship of the Shroud fleet, the M-350 Paltus was in the center of the formation with the Udaloy and Kynda on flank positions with the Kresta above and behind the Paltus. All four ships were brand new and had young but experienced crews operating them.

The pack was out near Ralltiir going over battle manuevers. At the moment they were engaged in a search and destroy tactic over another pack of Shrouds. This game had begun a few days earlier and so far no contact had been made with the opposing team as Shrouds bring a new meaning to stealth.

"Leuiteniant, have the Udaloy and Kynda push forward two hundred meters and over fifty. Have the Kresta come to a position directly above us sixty meters." Lebron ordered to his communications officer to distrubute to the correct ships. He did so. On a small holo-projector in front of him, Lei readjusted all the ships to their new locations.

"Sir, the fleet has moved into position." informed the leuiteniant manning the communications post.

"Excellent. On my mark have the Kresta and us shut off our scattering grooves on our topside. Have the power re-aligned to forward and rear grooves."

"Yes sir." A pause "Orders acknoledged."

"Mark!" Lebron said sternly. Moments later the communications officer interuppted Lei's game.

"Sir. Message from Ralltiir. Says end games now. Return to Ralltiir."

"Understood, order the ships to do the same over the public channels. To Ralltiir!"

An aide handed the daily intergalactic briefing to Moff Handler. Handler glanced down at the briefing, one of the few things left in the galaxy that was still printed with ink and paper. Nothing extremely interesting met Handler’s eyes as he scanned over it. It was all just mostly military reports—“TNO forces continue at Geonosis with TRE,” “the Third Stygat division has moved its relative position thirty degrees,” or something like “TNO Admirals’ communications has increased thirty-seven percent this past week.”
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
That was an odd little fact to be placed in a briefing. It showed that the divisions may be working closer together, but still, it hardly belonged in a galactic report. However, Handler tossed the notion aside and moved on in the report to the intelligence briefings on other factions—most of which posed little threat to the mighty Empire. Yet, one of the little snippets of information worried the Moff, “Sith forces mobilize around Xa Fel and Ziost.”
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
The Sith were mighty warriors, and among their organized government they had assembled an able fleet and sphere of influence over some eleven planets, including the major production worlds of Kuat, Rendili, Duros, and Bothawui and not to mention, they controlled the Noghri homeworld of Honoghr.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
Yes, this little fact worried Moff Handler. If the Sith were posing an assault on the New Order or even another government, the galaxy would be in disarray. Mayhem would result. The galaxy could result in tatters. Why hadn’t the people been notified or warned against probable attack?
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
“Open me a communication’s line with one of the Admirals,” Handler ordered.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
A second later, a holo image of Admiral Kaine’s briefing chambers was up, but Admiral Kaine wasn’t present. Instead, an undersecretary of the Admiral was in the scope of the holo communication device.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
“Moff Handler, how good it is to hear from you,” the female secretary smiled congenially, “I am Secretary Linda. What can the Admiral and his staff do for you this morning?”
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
“It’s afternoon, Bastion time, Miss,” replied Handler curtly.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
“My apologies, Sir.”
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
“The Admiral must surely know what is going on. The Sith forces have mobilized. Are they at war?” Handler got straight to business, not making any political ploys to lure the naïve secretary into a trap.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
She answered, “My rank and duty do not allow me to give away that information, except to a ranking military officer. As a civilian, it is up to the Admiral’s discretion whether or not this information is disclosed to you.”
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
It was a shame Handler didn’t have much influence over the New Order anymore. At one time, Handler had been second in the hierarchy only to the Lord Regent himself, and no one would have withheld information to him at that time. But after the assassination attempt on his life, Handler had sought shelter in a life of recluse. He had retained his civil servant position of Moff. However, his aides had taken over most of his duties, and Handler rarely made public appearances anymore.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
Handler sighed. There was nothing he could do. He barely had enough power to control a termite infection in his beautiful maple-wood desk. At leas the Empire was flourishing.

"Impressive," he mouthed with some barely audible sound. He had never been on an ESD's bridge before, but he figured this area had it beat, or gave it a run for its money. Absolutely astounding. Snack's eyes were quick to jump from terminal to terminal, taking in all he could from this strategic war room.

He listened intently to what Poreon was saying, and followed him over to the screen which showed a crap load of ships. It was amazing at how big their fleet had grown over the years, and that they were a powerhouse in the galaxy. In a full out attack from the Sith, no real system or defense could have won. And to the galaxy, that was power.

The final few thoughts spoken by Poreon were very true. Everyone now-an-days feared the sight of these monster ships, of fleets, of technology. The role of the Force wielders had diminished greatly. Snack had not seen a hair of a Jedi in far too long, and the Sith were no longer feared in the proper respect. They were feared because of their fleet, not because of their actual power and sorcery.

"When the transaction is done, people will forget that there are even Sith in this galaxy. We are the last of our kind and we are dwindling. To the rest of the peons in the galaxy, when they get news of what we are doing, they will celebrate that the threat of the Sith is no longer. The Force, at that time, will tilt heavily towards the Lightside, if such a thing exists.

"I have had my doubts, but this is the only way. The balance was changing already and there was nothing we could have done. By doing this, and in only doing this, will we regain our lost way of life. Our essence."

Snack glanced over to Malice, nodded, and returned his gaze to the screen that showed the fleet.

"Were will the talks commence?"