Tagge Manor, Tepasi Countryside

Edipus Tagge looked out at the beautiful countryside that the House of Tagge owned around their massive home. He would more call it a fortress than a home, but he wasn't one to complain. His family controlled the galaxy-wide Tagge Company which owned a massive number of corporations, some baring the Tagge name, some not. It didn't matter though. No one trifled with the Tagges because they were so large in the first place. Business was good when one can control and produce so much.

"Its very beautiful," Rico Belgardi said very calmly as he stood the the side.

"Ah, Mr. Belgardi, might I ask what you are doing here?" Edipus asked coldly as he turned to face the head of TaggeCo's major competitor, Belgardi Ltd.

"I'm here on behalf of the Committee. The Chairman has elected to grant you your request. In exchange, you will become a member and answer to the Chairman. Are you still willing to have us do what you asked of us before?" Rico asked now as he walked towards Edipus.

"Of course, my father has to go. TaggeCo. has been suffering due to his bad investments lately. We're only lucky that we are so large that we can take such losses. The situation must be remedied. With him dead, I will become the head of the family as well as President of TaggeCo."

"Heh, nepotism," Belgardi muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Edipus asked as he glared coldly at who should be a business rival, but was now an ally and representative of something hiding in the shadows.

"Nothing," Belgardi replied with a smile.

"Very well, so how will you be taking care of my problem?" Edipus asked very calmly.

"Leave that to us, the less you know, the easier it is to deny your involvement in his death. After all, what son would kill his own father?" Rico asked with that same smile.

"Why exactly did the Chairman send you, anyways?" Edipus asked.

"Because, we've been rival throughout the time of Belgardi's founding. I'm here to make it clear that we are a family. What makes you stronger, makes us stronger. And we will both be Directors, which is a very high position. You should consider yourself lucky that the Chairman is being so benevolent in letting you have such independence as me," Rico said calmly.

"Oh? Why is that?" Edipus asked curiously.

"Because, we could have just killed your whole family and then staged a hostile takeover by my company. However, the Chairman sees it as much safer to have more than one... front for organiztion activites. Besides, it will be nice having some nobility amongst the scum on the Committee."

Edipus nodded at this, realizing just how vicious the Union was. He was happy he had contacted them first and was becoming a member as he'd rather not be a victim. This was for the greater good of the family and company anyways. His father had done too much wrong and now was the time to clean it up and fix what he had done. Edipus planned to put it TaggeCo back on track, even if it meant that he would become a servant of the Union.

"My father often resides at his office at Tagge Towers in Unlos Tagge. Whatever you're going to do, you should do it there. That way it will be harder to pin on me since I'm more often here and off taking care of business elsewhere."

Rico nodded at this information, though he didn't do anything to record it. The Union was already aware of Uthur Tagge's movements since they had been planning the hostile takeover plan for some time before Edipus had finally contacted them. Now they would still have TaggeCo, but with Edipus as the head for a massive conglomerate that could pour even more profits into the Union's coffers. The Chairman was most pleased with the idea.

Now to make sure Deraggo gets rid of Uthur with little effort or else they might be facing some problems with the whole situation since the board of directors of TaggeCo might try to pull something afterwards, which might lead to some more untimely deaths since the Chairman would most likely order them himself. Rico shivered at just how vicious and merciless the Chairman could be, but he expected no less from the man who had organized the Union. What mattered now though was not failing. The Chairman was forgiving, but to lose something like the chance to hold sway over such a massive conglomerate would mean someone would be punished and Rico hoped that it wouldn't be him who would feel the Chairman's wrath.

"So, when can I expect this little enterprise of ours to take place?" Edipus asked as he looked back out at the landscape.

"The Chairman has ordered it to take place very soon. Don't worry though, the man doing the job will take care of it all. This couldn't be linked to you if all the intelligence agencies in the galaxy combined forces to investiage it, which they won't. They're all too busy trying to rip one another's throats out as well as trying to deal with the Galactic Liberation Front," Rico said with a bit of amusement.

"Ah, those crazies. I hope they don't start targetting TaggeCo.," Edipus said a bit worriedly.

"Who knows," Rico said with a knowing grin, though Edipus couldn't see it.

"So, exactly how messy is my father's death going to be?" Edipus asked very calmly as he stood there.

"The only blood that should be spilt is when we slice his throat. However, not everything goes as planned. Our man is an expert though, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem. If all else fails, expect to see your father as a grease spot on the wall."

Edipus nodded stood there for several more moments before turning back towards where Rico was standing now only to find him no longer there. Edipus silently cursed, wondering whether he'd survive this ordeal with the Union and only hoped they would choose to keep him around for good.

Unlos Tagge, Tepasi

Deraggo stood quietly and watched from his apartment window as Uthar Tagge arrived at the Tagge Tower in Unlos Tagge. A cold smile crossed his clean shaven face as his icy blue eyes watched the the head of the Tagge Company very quietly. He was his target and he need to do what he could to note his movements. So far, Deraggo had gotten information from off duty security guards as well as members of Uthar's personal staff. So far, he was learning a good bit of Uthar's habits including how often he left his fortress of a corporate tower. Some of the time he went to Tagge Manor, but usually it was to go to business meetings at his favorite restaurant, The Red Dwarf.

"Heh."

"What's so funny?" a female voice demanded from the earpiece he was wearing.

"This guy is like a droid. He does everything in such predictable patterns. I thought you said this was going to be a challenge."

"Our client said this was going to be a challenge, 207. However, what the Union wants the Union gets. What the Union wants right now is for you make sure Uthar doesn't survive his upcoming business meeting with the CEO of Gazac Industries. You know what the Chairman wants."

"Yeah, yeah, nice and quiet."

"And no explosives. The body needs to be IDed if Edipus is to be named the new head of the company."

"No explosives," Deraggo said, almost sounding disappointed.

Deraggo watched for a bit more before leavinig his room and traveling to the building's roof top. He creeped quietly towards the edge and then pulled our his electorbinoculars. He then aimed then at the windows of Uthar's penthouse. A faint blue shimmer reminded Deraggo of the powerful defense system protecting the head of the massive intergalactic corportion. Deraggo just chuckled again because the man's habits would be his downfall. Even now, everything had already been set in place to bring about his downfall. Deraggo was currently a temporary employee of the Red Dwarf which put him close enough to carry out his dastardly and enjoyable little deed. Most people might not consider it enjoyable, but most people weren't ruthless assassins hoping to become integral parts of a growing organiztion in the shadows of the galaxy.

"Better get a move on, 207. The meetings is scheduled to happen in two hours and you need to report to work."

"Alright, I'm on my way," Deraggo replied calmly.

"Good luck," the female voice replied and then cut off.

Deraggo smiled and walked back to the stairs and went to his room again where he dressed in his server's uniform and then made for the turbolift. After a short ride, he made his way to the garage and got into his black speeder. He casually started the engine and made his way towards the Red Dwarf. Soon he spotted the large and very extravagent restaurant with its bright red star emblem blazing brightly. He pulled his speeder into an alley, activated the custom lock on it, and went to punch in for his shift. Soon, his manager was standing in front of him.

"You're five minutes late!" the angry looking duro shouted.

"Sorry, sir. Got stuck in traffic," Deraggo answered innocently.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I've got a special job for you tonight since Aeldov has gone missing. I need you to wait Uthar Tagge's table tonight."

Deraggo mentally smirked, knowing full well know one would find the Aeldov, who he'd just recently dealt with, until the entire incident was over. By then Deraggo would be gone and uthar dead.

Two hours later

Deraggo stood quietly in his uniform as he stood out back of the restaurant. A black speeder and tinted windows arrived shortly. Its driver's side window slid open and a female hand extended from it, handing Deraggo a bottle. Deraggo simply smiled and took it, pocketing it for use in his little assassination plan. He then proceeded inside just as Uthar Tagge and his entourage of bodyguards arrived. Deraggo stayed out of sight during that time. After Uthar and his men had gotten situated, Gazac Industries' CEO arrived. He was a plump, balding little man with a laughable comb over. Deraggo couldn't held but chuckle when he saw him. He then waited for the orders to be placed. When they came, Deraggo maned the repulsor cart and made his way towards Uthar's personal room where he had held these little meetings. As he moved down the staff corridor, he removed the bottle from his suit and emptied its contents into the soup that the CEO from Gazac had ordered. After that was done, he disposed of the bottle in a waste bin and then was stopped right outside of the entrance of Uthar's private room.

"Hold it buddy, we gotta check you for weapons," the burly, black suited security guard said coldly as he gripped a high powered blaster rifle manufacter by one of TaggeCo's subsidiaries.

Deraggo stood in a relaxed stance and waited for them to start. When they did, he made a few sharp remarks of protest on searching some areas just to sound inept. Once the guards were satified, they allowed him in where Deraggo positioned the cart to the side and served the two businessmen who didn't even look up at him as he served them. Once that was done, Deraggo stood to the side and served drinks from the small peraonal bar in the room as well as do any other needs of the businessmen. Halfway through the meal, the Gazac CEO started looking uncomfortable and began shifting in his seat as the laxative Deraggo had put in his soup began to take effect. Very shortly afterwards, the plump little man excused himself, leaving Uthar alone with Deraggo just as desert arrived. It was a thick frozen mint cream cake that Uthar always ate, as Deraggo easily knew.

"Would you like some dessert, sir?" Deraggo asked, knowing the answer already from the very predictable man.

"Yes, get on with it," Uthar said calmly.

Deraggo nodded and then took the knife from the cart and cut a slice for Uthar. He then placed the slice on a plate and brought it to him, the knife now hidden behind his back. Uthar soon dug into it after being served as Deraggo shifted behind him. After Uthar had taken his first bit and swallowed, Deraggo reached around and clapped his hand over Uthar's mouth. He then brought the knife around with the other hand and put it to Uthar's neck.

"Consider this your last meal, mister Tagge. The Union sends its regards."

With that said, Deraggo quickly drew his knife across Uthar's throat, slicing it from ear to ear. Shortly afterwards, Uthar relaxed and died just as Deraggo released his grasp and laid him down gently to keep the guards from hearing anything. He then wiped himself off and exited the room telling the guards he would be right back with Uthar's check.

As Deraggo made his escape, he based the bathroom and simply chuckled at the plump little man most likely still stuck on the can thanks to Deraggo's excessive use of the laxative in his soup. However, that didn't matter. What mattered was getting out before Uthar's body was discovered. Deraggo easily did that as he made as if to go out back for a break. Once outside, he went down the alleyway to his speeder and started it up. He sped off back to his apartment and as he passed the restaurant out front he could see paniced movement inside, telling him that they must have discovered Uthar's body. Deraggo just laughed as he drove on. They would never suspect Uthar's demise had been commanded by something so secret and sinister as the Union. Now all that mattered to Deraggo was waiting for this all to resolve itself so he could get off this boring planet.

Tagge Tower, Unlos Tagge

As Edipus Tagge sat quietly in the boardroom situated high at the top of Tagge Tower, he swirled a glass of fine wine in front of him in secret celebration of his father's demise. With Uthar Tagge out of the picture, the Tagge Company could return to its original business operations. Uthar had tried to distance TaggeCo from any connections with the Empire, but Edipus saw this as foolsih. The Empire ruled now and there was nothing anyone could do about it accept bow their heads and make tremendous profits while doing it. The only problem now was that the board of directors had to name the successor to all of the holdings of the Tagge Company. It had always been a member of the Tagge family, but this current board thought like Uthar Tagge and knew how Edipus thought.

What if they choose someone else?

The thought terrified and enraged Edipus at the very same time. It enraged him due to the fact that this was his family's company and no one else should have it. It terrified him thought for fear of what the Union might do in retaliation for the Board's rebelliousness. The Union so far had proven to be immensely vicious in its business dealings and he knew what they were capable of. If they could reach his father, then they could easily wipe out the current board of directors. He was sure they needed him alive, since it was always a Tagge who sat at the head of the company and held absolute power. Now though, that Tagge would be nothing more than a member of something else. Something that would become even more wealthy with the aquisition of the Tagge assets.

I'll worry about that later, what matters more right now is that I am named head of the company by those fools on the board of directors or else the Union will decide to step in.

Edipus shivered at that thought after a very short discussion with the mysterious Chairman whose identity was a closely guarded secret even within the Union itself.

Several Hours Earlier

An image of a seated figure appeared before Edipus Tagge within his personal offices at Tagge Manor. The figure while obviously wearing a very nicely tailored black suit remained hidden in the shadows, its face consumed completely by the darkness from where ever the transmission was coming from. Its stern stance indicated immediately that this was the Chairman, the mastermind who ruled the Union with an iron fist even as he remained contently in the shadows.

"Good afternoon," the figure said calmly as it seemed to regard him.

"Good afternoon.... sir," Edipus said hesitantly as he was unware of how to address the Chairman.

"Are you pleased with what we have done for you? I dispatched one of our best men to handle the job for you," the Chairman said.

"Yes, I am very pleased especially now that things can be set back on track," Edipus said eagerly.

"Good, then you also remember the other part of the agreement? Your allegiance?" the Chairman now asked in a deadly cold tone.

"Yes, I remember and I will of course stick to it," Edipus said as he tried to hide the reluctance in his voice.

"Very wise. Loyalty is greatly prized with us. Remain loyal and you shall prosper. Betray us and pay the price. Remember, no one leaves us; no one."

With that said, the Chairman's image shimmered and faded as the transmission ended. When Edipus was sure the connection was fully severed, he raised his sleeve to his forehead and wiped the sweat from it. He then shook for a moment realizing just exactly he had truly entered into. He was now a member of the Committee and would be probably until the end of his days, whenever that might occur.

The Present

Edipus Tagge now sat before the board of directors who helped run the Tagge Company as well as held stock in it. They were all very wealthy men thanks to their investments in this now galaxy-wide conglomerate. Most of them however also held tendencies of neutrality which was bad for business in this case.

The Empire is the dominant force in the galaxy and they'd rather try to not choose sides. Fools. I will fix that when I become head of the company.

"Gentlemen, let us now begin to discuss the necessary needs of choosing a new head of the company," said one of the oldest men at the table, Grol Knovic.

Silence fell over the room as all the board members turned their attention to their wouldbe leader. The old man had been with the company for some time and it had paid off. He held a tremendous amount of stock in the company.

"As you are all aware, we must now select a new head to the company. It has traditionally been a member of the Tagge family and since I am confidant in young Edipus, I shall throw my support behind him," Knovic said proudly.

The board members all clapped politely which disturbed Edipus immensely. Something didn't seem right with they way they responded. It was almost as if they expected something to happen. It soon became very clear though as another board member stood up and caught their attention with a cough.

"Esteemed members, if you please, I would like to throw my support behind Grol Knovic who I believe deserves this position of great esteem," the young board member now said.

Edipus' eye actually twitched slightly as he realized what had just happened as the board room exploded in true applause. He looked coldly at Grol Knovic who sat their calmly accepting the obvious victory.

He planned this, that wretched old bastard. He did that action on purpose to make it look like the board had made this decision all on their own while he had supported me...

Edipus looked up and down the table at the board members with cold hatred and utter disgust. This was the first time ever a Tagge had not been the head of the company. He felt like jumping on the table and stabbing Grol Knovic with the letter opener he now clutched in his hand. He subdued the urge however and calmly sat the would be murder weapon back down on the table. He then surprised the board by also applauding with a cold smile on his face.

Knovic may have won this round, but the Union will deal with him. Oh yes, I shall see him dead by the end of this week.

Two Hours Later, Tagge Manor

Edipus entered his office and found a man lounging at his desk with his feet up on the table. Enraged by this intrusion, Edipus flipped on the lights to find a pare of icy blue eyes staring at him. They were the eyes of a killer.

"The Chairman isn't happy," the killer said very calmly as he remained seated.

"How did he know? I haven't even informed him yet..." Edipus said in surprise.

"The Union takes business like this very seriously, the boardroom was bugged. As such, I have my orders," the killer said very calmly as he now stood up.

"And those are?" Edipus asked now as a streak of panic ran through his mind.

They aren't going to kill me over this, are they?

"To kill whoever you order me to. You are a member of the Committee afterall, sir," the killer now said with a mock bow.

"What is you name?" Edipus now asked the killer.

"Deraggo..."

Unlos Tagge

Deraggo calmly walked along the street as he followed a somewhat young man who happened to be a member of the Tagge Company board of directors. His orders were very simple; kill the target and make it look like a mugging. This would be very simple to do since the man obviously had an affinity for using alleys as short cuts during his daily journey to Tagge Plaza at the center of Unlos Tagge.

Why is it that I get all the easy assignments? These corporates yuppies don't know the first thing about security or self defense.

Deraggo sneered at that thought as he entered Tagge Plaze and bought himself a nice quick lunch. He went through it very quickly and checked his wrist chrono before departing the way he came. He then quietly slipped into a corner of a very specific alley and simply waited. About fifteen minutes later, he heard footsteps coming and knew that it was his target coming. The young man's pattern of walking had a distinct beat to it that made him easy to identify. As the footsteps drew closer, Deraggo slipped out his custom made vibroblade from its holster in his left sleeve and waited.

As the young board members passed, Deraggo moved at lightning speed, slipping the knife to man's throat. Deraggo quietly chuckled to himself as he pressed the blade in. The yougn board member trembled slightly as he felt the increased pressure from the very sharp weapon.

"Please, whatever you want, I'll give it to you! My wallets in my right pocket," the young man pleaded.

"Quit your whimpering and sign this," Deraggo said coldly as he thrust his left hand out to reveal an official looking piece of paper.

The board member looked down now and his eyes opened wide with panic as he saw what the paper said. It was a legal document that would leave all his stock to the House of Tagge which was currently ruled by Edipus Tagge.

"Are y0u mad! I won't sign this! I'll have Edipus' head for this too if you don't release me right now!"

"Let me put this in a way that you corporate types might understand better. There is going to be one of two things on this paper; your signature or your blood. Which would you rather provide?" Deraggo asked cold heartedly.

The young man paniced, unaware that his fate had been sealed whether he signed that paper or not. Perhaps he also thought he could contest the paper if he was alive. Deraggo just mentally chuckled at that for giving the young man the delusion that he was acutally going to survive this encounter.

"Alright, I'll sign it," the board member said as he pulled out a penn and placed his signature on the paper.

Before he had a chance to date the signature however, the paper slipped back behind in and then he felt the bite of cold metal as Deraggo plunged the vibroblade into his throat and proceeded to slice it from ear to ear in the Union's traditional style of execution. Deraggo then let the gasping and gurgling board member tumble to the ground as he bent down and wiped his knife off on the man's cloths before liberating him of his wallet and anything else valuable. With that achieved, Deraggo slipped the vibroblade back into its hidden holster up his sleeve and walked down the alley cooly as if he hadn't just slit a man's throat and left him to drown in his own blood. When the authorities found the body, all they saw was another mugging victim.

Tagge Tower, Three Days Later

The boardroom was buzzing with activity at the demise of the young board member. Many thought this was an act of corporate sabotage or a more vile business practice. Grol Knovic, who had yet to make the official announcement of his ascenion to head of the company was beside himself with anger that this would happen and also suspicious as to why it had happened right about now.

"This is insane, why would someone be mugged in broad daylight?" demanded one of the other board members.

"Well it was an alley," put in another.

"True, but in broad daylight? That just doesn't seem possible," the first replied.

"Gentlemen, will you please calm down," Knovic said very calmly as he regarded the other board members.

"We must remain calm and we must keep things in control. I admit the loss of Nelb is a sad thing, but we must keep this company running!"

With that said, the board meeting went on before Knovic excused himself to go use the restroom. As he did, a servant pushing a refreshment cart past him and watched him oddly with his icy blue eyes. Knovic dismissed the strange look and went to the restroom and took care of his needs. After washing and drying his hands, Knovic started back towards the boardroom where he passed the servant again, this time though he did have his refreshment cart with him.

Just as Knovic was about to reach the door the the boardroom, a massive explosion occured, ripping out the door and knocking Knovic backwards. When he got back up to his feet, Knovic approached the now charred board room where a number of burnt bodies now lay. The entire board of directors had now been practically wiped out except for himself. As he peered into the room, what was left of the refreshment cart opened to reveal a small holoprojector. The last thing Knovic ever saw was the projector emitting the phrase "Change is Coming" before a blade slipped around his throat and slit it from ear to ear.

Deraggo silently cursed the old man for not being in the board room when the detonite charge went off, but simply sighed and let Knovic's body drop to the ground and ooze blood. It would sitll look like the Galactic Liberation Front was behind this and that would please the Chairman greatly. All tracks were covered, now all that was required was for Edipus to officially seize control of the Tagge Company which he was already prepared to do. Everything was as it should be.

One Week Later, Undisclosed Location

The sterile looking meeting room was an all too familiar sight to the gathering that now sat within it. The men and women at this table held power within the organiztion called the Union and this was why they where known as the Committee. This single group controlled the umbrella of organizations that all served as unknowing extensions of the Union. The few who actually even knew about the Union though dare not betray it for it could do things to them far worse than any interrogator ever could. To betray the Union was to seal your fate.

"Let us congradulate and welcome our newest member to the Committee, Edipus Tagge," the Chairman said very calmly from his position at the head of the table where even now his face remained hidden in the shadows. All lights in the chamber seemed to aimed away from him on purpose.

The many beings that belong to the Committee clapped politely for their newest addition as Edipus Tagge stood their surprised at just what this organization might be capable of. He immediately recognized Rico Belgardi and nodded to him before taking his seat and the applause stopped.

"Now then, Edipus, what exactly are your plans with the Tagge Company?" the Chairman asked, his shadowed figure turning towards the nobleman.

"Well, uhhh sir, I did plan on beginning to reopen Tagge Company relations with the Empire," Edipus said half heartedly.

"Ah, a very good idea if I do say so myself. Especially since the Galactic Liberation Front just wiped out your current board of directors and left you in charge," the Chairman said now with a knowing tone as he seemed to look down the table.

Curious as to why the Chairman was apparently doing so, Edipus turned and felt his heart jump a beat as he saw Brutus Nogoth sitting several seats down at the table. Edipus just gaped in mystified horror as he realized just what he had gotten himself into.

What have I done?

That single thought ran through Edipus' head as he turned back towards the mysterious Chairman, wondering if perhaps the man hid in the shadows to hide the fact that he was obviously a merciless and unfeeling monster who would do anything to achieve his goals and bring the Union even further power and influence. It was no wonder this organization held such power even now. They would wipe out anyone who tried to get in their way. The Union was obviously going to be around for a very long time and Edipus knew that he was now stuck with it until the day he died which might be soon if he disobeyed or severly disappointed the Chairman.

I've made a pact with the devil himself...

"Now then, onto further business," the Chairman said calmly, pulling Edipus out of his thoughts and back to the present as a hologram became visible and the Chairman began to discuss the Union's next moves.