Balmorra, a planet ripe of the picking, a planet that was "in the way" so to speak. Balmorra was probably the most industrialized and most populated planet within the colonies sector and of course the most useful. The planet was rich with production of weapons, ships, mining facilities and the like it would in essence boost the Empires production of war machines nearly by a quarter and Maim (Lord Shadow Reapers Overlord) had given The Reaper the task to disable the planet and pull it under the imperial banner of The Crimson Empire.

Simply a gift from Lord Maim to his beloved wife.

The planet of Balmorra, although fully alive with the production of weapons, ships and machinery had little or no military what-so-ever, in fact so far Lord Shadow Reapers fleet, Hallowvien, had met no challenge to delay the taking of the planet or its space. Of course the orbit of the planet was packed solid with trade vessels of every nature, from the Vong right down to the Viashino, but not full support of attack vessels. There of course would be police support craft around the planet to steer the trade and keep trade to a proper standard but Police craft were hardly a threat.

Hallowvien was a small fleet comprised of hand picked officers and crewmen trained for a certain type of order and warfare, Lord Shadow Reapers command was a little different from many other officers and so the hand picked crew members were rained his HIS type of warfare. His way of war would be to completely destroy his enemy without mercy, lack of blood and of course he would not back down to any threat it was the Empires answer to the Nazi Germans Gestapo,to be within the prized Hallowvien Fleet it took a certain type of man...hard as nails.

The Hallowvien fleet was a new fleet assembled to be a section that hit hard and fast and left nothing to be free, Hallowvien Fleet took no prisoners and under Lord Reapers command, the atmosphere was even worse. The small task force today would be no different, first on the agenda would be the small police force that patrolled the orbit and lower sky of the planet, next would be any defense (if any) that the planet had and lastly would be any ground troops and space ports that the planets defense could use to attack or rebel against Lord Reapers forces.

'Jerhan...give me a tactical overview of the planets police and defense force if you will...' Shadow reaper said looking down upon the famous planet.


Hallowvien
Imperial Class Star Destroyer "Pillar Of Autumn" (Flag)
Imperial Class Star Destroyer "Atomanise"

Correllian corvette "Aurablast"
Corellian Corvette "Divine Wrath"
Corellian Corvette "Trojan"
Corellian Corvette "Hammer"
Corellian Corvette "Shadowfist"
Corellian Corvette "Blackbird"

MCE-10 Frigate - Noble Galdra
MCE-10 Frigate - Mysterious Xilen
MCE-10 Frigate - Liberator

Dreadnaught - Galaxy Quest

'Sir, from what we can read, Balmorra as a independent planet with no real army, navy or placed weapons, very little to defend with...' Jerhan (the tactical station captain) said looking up to Lord Reapers throne upon his flagship "The Pillar of Autumn".

Jerhand continued with his evaluation 'Reports indicate that at the very most we have around 20 to 30 police patrol vessels which are only 20-40 meters in length each, ranging from the smallest having only a single Lazar cannon to the biggest with 2 to 3 Lazar cannons and a single concussion missile pod. My guess sir is that they have half that amount below the planets atmosphere as sky patrol as only trade vessels (primarily unarmed) are allowed within Balmorras Space-

'Lord Shadow, we are being haled from a police patrol craft...' shouted out the comm officer to Reapers left.

' On screen...' Lord said in a heavily husky tone.

The view screen turned on and there infront of Lord Shadow Reaper was a human dressed completely in a red and black trench coat with a triangle shaped hat upon his head...an officer no doubt. ' I welcome you to Balmorra space. I am however unhappy that you have broken Balmorra space rules and have brought heavily armed ships into our zone. As you know im sure only unarmed trade vessels are allowed past our territory boys.'

'I am well aware of your pathetic attempt to block attack craft into your territory only to be frank, Hallowvien does not care for your fruitless attempt to stop our division...you will be destroyed....'

' But...but....NO!'

Lord Shadow Reaper slit his finger across his throat ( a signal to cut the transmission). The screen switched back to view the outside of the small police vessel they had.

' Send out a squad of 10 TIE Advanced...i want every last one of those Patrol Boats destroyed..starting with our captain infront of us here....' The Lord laughed to himself...a pathetic lot they were with there stupid pittance for a defense.

'Sir we are being hailed again....-'

' Ignore them corporal....' spoke Reaper, in a hushed tone.

10 TIE Advanced streamed from the hanger of the Pillar Of Autumn and 10 from Atomanise. The first TIE Squad turned and flashed past the Police Captains vessel upon which a hail of green lazer bolts exited the Ties weapons bays and hit the police ship with force sending the ship in a upwards arc before Italy falling to pieces infront of there eyes.The 2nd TIE squad flanked left and headed towards the planets docking bays to scout for more patrol craft.

Like sin from a whore, they arrived.

Dispatched by the Master of Darkness himself, Dark Lord Maim, they had come to finish what Reaper seemingly could not.

Delays were not to be tolerated in such a vast, and powerful empire, and as such... Sovereign Protector Silk had arrived.


------------


"Realspace reversion in, three, two, one..."

Infinite lines of infinite light, into finite points of finite glow, Shadow Force dropped silently from hyperspace in near perfect formation.

Massive and powerful, first arrived the Defenders. Swiftly, they formed into a net of defense, just in case. Soon after the Dark Shard arrived, her fleet in tow.

Over 6 kilometers long, the command ship of Protector Silk was easily enough to rival the forces currently present, however, she was not alone. She came in a swarm.

It was unlikely that their arrival had come unnoticed, but this did not concern Silk. It was also unlikely that such vast numbers were needed, but this did not concern Silk. All that concerned him was completion the orders of his Lord, and dealing with the insolent @#%$ who could not complete such a simple conquest.

Speaking from beneath his helm, the helm of the Royal Guard, Silk addressed his Comm officer. (He came highly recommended by High Admiral Sadow).
"Open a channel to Reaper, inform him he is to stand down and submit to my command. Inform him he is to make contact with me...Now."
"Also signal Abolisher Wing, have them raise their Abolition Voids and deploy the Interdiction pickets."

Acknowledging the command, the signal was sent. Both signals were sent.

Nodding in approval, Sovereign Protector Silk cast his gaze upon the planetoid before his screens. This little globe would fall swiftly to the Crimson Empire, and why it had not yet fallen, left Silk more then perturbed.

Again, he spoke to his Comm officer.
"Alert General Tarcun that he may begin his landing, and deploy two wings of fighters as support. I want them to harry the landing areas and leave it clear for Tarcuns forces. They know their orders."
"Also, counter that order to Reaper. Inform him he is to come aboard the Shard, immediately. No delay will be tolerated."

The Protector wished deeply to speak with the insolent Reaper. Perhaps there was a valid excuse as to the delay of this acquisition. For his sake, Silked hoped there would be.

If not, Reaper was bound for a serious reprimand, though Silk supposed the airlock would be too severe for the occasion.

"Sir," began his Comm officer, "General Tarcun reports that the landing has commenced. Wings two and three entering orbit while Wing one remains defensive."

Again, the Protector nodded.

"Transmit word to the Balmorran officials. Inform them they are free to surrender, and we will accept any tribute they wish to pay."

To his chief gunnery officer, he commanded,
"Stand ready and charged, I want firing solutions for their capitol cities. Target official buildings and fire when ready. Three volleys from the fleet and no more. They are to know we mean business."

Even before word from the surface could arrive, great green and red beams of coherent energy shot towards the surface. In their path was left only destruction and loss.

"Sir, word from the surface. A Governor Baalsh wishes to know by what right you demand their surrender...Damage reports coming in from the surface...Also, more from the Governor."

Silk was given a smile under the confines of his helm.

"Reply with static, be sure they know the only communications we will accept will be word of their surrender."

Questions would have to be answered before he would move any further. So, for the moment, he awaited the arrival of Reaper.








Shadow Force - Commanded by Dioan Silk

Dictator-Class Star Destroyer.- Dark Shard (flagship)

Defender Group

Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Onxy Dragon
Defender Class Star Destroyer - Jade Vornskyr
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Copper Serpent
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Ruby Panthac
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Crystal Rancor
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Platinum Mynok
Defender Class Star Destroyer - Cortosis Pheonix
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Ion Bonegawner
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Gold Vermonk
Cantwell-Class Star Destroyer - Dark Lord

Defender Group Beta

Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Glory
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Honor
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Will
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Might
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Fortitude
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Forgone
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Hardship
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Mourning
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Regret
Defender-Class Star Destroyer - Vengence



Lancer Group

Lancer-Class Frigate - Savior
Lancer-Class Frigate - Enchanter
Lancer-Class Frigate - North Guard
Lancer-Class Frigate - Prince of Diamonds
Lancer-Class Frigate - Honorable
Lancer-Class Frigate - Revenge
Lancer-Class Frigate - Savage Assault
Lancer-Class Frigate - Defiant General
Lancer-Class Frigate - Lonesome
Lancer-Class Frigate - Imperialistic
Lancer-Class Frigate - Strategy of Fate


Abolisher Group

Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Ablolition
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Ablolisher
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Isolation
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Securor
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Gatekeeper
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Barrier
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Holden
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Blockade
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Wall
Abolisher-class heavy cruiser - Defendid


Strike Group

Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Star Forge
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Galactic Rift
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Solar Wind
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Forign Pulsar
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Black Hole
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Comet Flame
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Moon Shade
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Sun Chaser
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Void Run
Loronar Strike-class Cruiser - Burning Nova

Victory Group

Victory Class Star Destroyer - Tarkins Fist
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Palpatines Heel
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Vaders Saber
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Xixors Thought
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Jabbas Tail
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Fetts Armor
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Solos Blaster
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Kuns Will
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Nadds War
Victory Class Star Destroyer - Sings Prize

The hours passed. As did Lord Reaper.

In swift fashion, Reaper had made off on his own, leaving this conquest to Sovereign Protector Silk exclusively.

Shadow Force had arrived only 10 hours earlier, and already the planet below was begging to organize itself for domination.

Heavy troop garrisons were already in place around all major centers of population, while dignitary and diplomats were rounded up and moved into secure areas. Dioan knew that by removing a populous of its leaders, chaos ensued. It was far easier to replace chaos with order then it was to replace organization with a new order.

Already the masses were begging to crumble into disarray, searching out protection and safety. Two things Silk would provide when the time was right. Two things that would give him command over this green globe of Balmorra.

This planet was to be a gift for Lord Maims female companion, the Dark Lady Athena. As such, it was to be taken in such a way that the planet itself was not laid to waste. To accomplish the task in this fashion, the Crimson Empire forces would simply have to wait and bide their time.

Slowly, the would poison the command of the world below and strip them of galactic contact. Through blockade, insertion missions and errands of diplomacy, Balmorra would be forced to accept Crimson Rule.

There was no resisting such a thing. No way to resist the will of Dark Lord Maim.

To this end, Protector Silk had amalgamated Reapers fleet into his own and taken direct command of the situation.

It was a good thing too...

The Royal Guard were trained in surgical precision, and it showed through in their galactic tasks. From melee combat to starship battles, their training made them excellent for such tasks. However, Dioan Silk had graduated from such ranks, and he was now among the most elite of the elite. Imperial Sovereign Protector.

Even his title had sped the conquest of Balmorra. The moment that planetary control had been informed that a Sovereign Protector was in command of the fleet that threatened them, confirmations of submission had begun to flow in.
Though not official, in document, these messages were enough to encourage the Crimson forces. It solidified the fact that this planet could not hope to defend itself.

True, the invading forces had taken losses, yes. But they were minor, insignificant losses. A few fighters had been taken down by the police forces in occupation of the space above Balmorra, and a few dozen soldiers had fallen to guerilla combat tactics.

It would never be enough to stem the tide of conquest, however.

They would plunge on, they would endure and they would win.
Bit by bit, the whole galaxy would fall to the Crimson Empire.

~Excerpt from a HNN Balmorran report~

"What started as a minor situation here on Balmorra has developed into a dire situation.
At zero hour, three police ships reported sighting a small fleet dropping out of hyperspace. Their transponder registered them as Crimson Empire ships, a clearly hostile group. The Empire made no attempts to warn the planet, instead, they simply destroyed what small defense forces this planet had orbital.
Unfortunately, it did not slow from there.
Though the fleet was rather small, officials in the Balmorran government were sure this would be resolved with a minimum of bloodshed. Alas, this was not to be.
Hour 3 came, and with it came a much larger invasion force. Massive compared to those already in orbit.
Without warning, they began orbital bombardment of our cities and military installations. First strike losses were considerable on our part. The death toll estimated at 10,000 in that first attack.
Shortly after the first strikes, the ships began landing their military. In hideous order the shock troops stormed the cities and government sites. Within an hour after the initial landing, 50% of our officials and diplomats were reported missing.
We thought ourselves lucky. A break seemed to come.
After the deployment of their shock troops, no other landing force followed. Instead, the troopers already landed harried and harassed the populous, attempting to prevent us from coordinating.
Though we managed to overcome this difficulty, it was a short lived victory.
Hour 6 saw the arrival of more troops. In massive machines of war, ranging from AT-AT to AT-HT to TIE crawler support, they rode into our cities and captured all major points of defense. The situation was growing ever increasingly grim.
It took them until hour 10. Four hours after the mass landing, to take control of our public and surface areas.
Now, we move into hour 12 of this invasion. We are without communication to other resistance cells. We are held down in various subterranean holds and scattered across the planet.
Without aid, Balmorra will fall. It is only a matter of hours until such a time.
We are able to broadcast out, but not receive transmissions back, and we have no doubt that the planet is heavily guarded by abolition fields.
We can only beg the galaxy at large for aid.
We can only sit, and hope. Pray and wait.









(2300)

"So you see, Governor, it would be in your best interests to comply with my request. The longer you should delay, the higher the toll goes."

Sovereign Protector Silk grinned down upon the figure strapped to the device, "Just do as you are told, Governor, and you will find rest."

The Device. A throwback to the High Admiral Nox Anor-Sadows ancestry, the previous commander of this ship, it much resembled something that was oft employed in the use of the Yuuzhan Vong war, and indeed, their social life.
The Embrace of Pain
This was a machine of Sadows' own creation. In all ways it mimicked the original creature, but this was no creature. Where the Yuuzhan Vong had used biotechnology, he had used machined technology. Where the creature had read the victims pain, a machine now did the same while the long arms of the biological had been replaced with multifunctional mechanical arms. In all ways it resembled the original Embrace save that this was made of machine. It was because it was a machine that Dioan Silk would employ it. He could respect instruments of force from all species.

It now held the Balmorran governor at an awkward nearly upside-down angle. The tall human, fed on a life of bureaucracy, bled from various cuts and abrasions upon his flesh. The pitiful creature groaned and whined, it had not yet learned the way of the Embrace, and so it struggled and resisted.

"Come now, surely if your own personal preservation is not enough to motivate you, then consider the welfare of your people. The ones I have sectioned off in the launch bay...How long do you think they can survive with such a diminished oxygen level?"

The human prisoner heaved, and the Embrace replied, it twisted the man backwards so hard, Silk thought for a moment it may break his spine.

Silk smiled, then turned his attention towards the holoprojector that was cast in the eyes of the prisoner. In its' blue orbit shone the horrid image broadcast from a lowerdeck launch bay. Writhing in misery, blood leaking from eyes, ears and nose, hundreds upon hundreds of innocent Balmorrans that had been shuttled up from the surface, from their homes, grasped for the last breaths. Slowly, their atmosphere had been sapped out of the massive death chamber. Without recourse they had wailed and begged for mercy for the hours that Sadow had been at work with the various leading officials from the planet.

Watching helpless from various rooms for torture through out the Shard, dignitaries, diplomats and leaders begged for bargained for mercy. Each one in turn had signed their share of the planet over, each one had signed into various contracts. The tithed their lands and holdings to the great Crimson Empire. Under duress, yes, but it was all in the wording. Some had resisted. They had used brave words of rebellion and courage and spat at their oppressors... and then, they died.

It was hopeless. Pathetic and hopeless. No one could resist the onslaught of the Crimson Empire, not one single force nor all of the factions together.

Yet this was only a fraction of what was to be.

"See your people die, and with them... yourself."

And so they had. Each of the Balmorrans brought up from the surface, numbering some thousand, were all dead. Those that had been caught as bait, died as bait. They had won him some great prizes. Very great prizes indeed.

The Crimson Empire now controlled some 85% of the planets resources and surrounding platforms.

In this way, he had already won the planet. Every bit of manufacture, a great part of the planets riches, belonged to their new masters.

This planet that manufactured some of the galaxies finest weapons, both standard and shipboard, as well some of the finest equipment that operated thus, it was theirs.

It would be a great asset to the Dark Lord Maims' empire. It would provide the Empires troops with the best possible equipment, and would provide and excellent resource acquisition orb.
And, ultimately, it would make an excellent gift for the Dark Lady Athena.

Wrapped up with a bow, it would be ready for presentation to his Lord within a day. Already Silk had provided the commercial domination of Balmorra, he had also devastated the surface to the point they could offer no resistance... Beyond that he had already deployed one of the prefabricated garrisons aboard to the surface, but he had not yet officially taken possession of the surface.

So, a massive invasion force was now being readied. From one ship to the next, each within Shadow Force held a compliment of officers and crew, but they also carried soldiers.

In all, Sovereign Protector Silk had some thirty five thousand men prepared for the final strike, a strike that would move across the planet in hours. Two, at most. It would be a swift and decisive take down, and it would leave the planet devoid of resistance.

Slaves, shipyards and manufacture... This was the destiny of Balmorra. Dioan Silk had merely to carry it out.


((3134))