The Rebel Faction

Regrad stood in an open field of long grass. Surrounding him, as far as the eye could see, were the soldiers of the First Grand Regiment of Azguard. Ancient warrior traditions, which had been buried for hundreds of thousands of years, had been reemerging ever since the Azguards joined the Galactic Community.

With sword in hand, Regrad went through the motions of sword-combat, and dilligently his soldiers followed suite. Like liquid, each warrior shaped himself over time to fit his new role. They were adequet shots, and trained in the nessecary details of each weapon their role in the military required, but it is up-close that an Azguard became a terrible and unstoppable force.

Gifted with natural abilities, Regrad and his soldiers practiced in silence, their considerable wills and determination giving them what would seem like supernatural strength to most other races. Finally, as the sun set, each one of them sheathed their swords, and spent a moment in respect to their own god.

Regrad left the site of training, and returned to the Coalition Command Tower. There, he waited to meet his loyal military second-in-command, Yolem.

"You've heard of Dondana's plan to revitalize and rebuild the military?" he asked, as his lieutenant hurried up the entry ramp. He nodded.

"I think it's a good opportunity. We have gone too long without a proper defence force to protect the Coalition. We were obviously occupied with other matters, I know. But now is the time."

"It may be a hard idea to sell, sir." said Yolem. "The member planets might think it offensive to their sovereignty if you replace the regional fleets with a single organization."

Regrad shook his head. "As it stands, only the blind, deaf, and dumb will think we're capable of handling the Empire and the Black Dragons in our current state. If the Representatives really think protecting a technicality right of little significance is more important then gaining a basic level of security, they can't possibly be correctly representing their people."

Yolem nodded. "That makes sense. But how will you do it, sir? It's not like you can call the entire military together at once."

Regrad smiled. "If they cannot go to us, we shall go to them. Weapons and ships can be sent easily, but to train them, experts will be needed and facilities set up."

"That sounds quite costly, sir."

"We can manage it, we just need to be patient and gradual. The Coalition Economy is entirely self-sufficient and contained, within our own nation we have everything we need, and so money spent by the government stays in the nation. Thus, time is the only factor."

Yolem paused to consider this further. "You'll have to be very careful, sir, in your planning."

"Don't worry, I will be."

Regrad went to his quarters, and began to work. For ages, the military had been a nagging doubt, something that needed to be addressed. For what good was freedom and liberty if you did not have the means to protect it? This was certainly a time of need, and it would take powerful guardians to ensure the survival of the Coalition.

Calling a variety of assisstants, experts, representatives, and agents, he eventually found a company whom he trusted to arm the Coalition. Until now, each regional force would equip itself in the way it saw fit, but Regrad knew they would need a force above and beyond that which existed now, one which could surpass in strength any force it would face, for they would be outnumbered. They were Second Wave Technologies.

Second Wave Technologies was a relatively small ship-designing company that was making a name for itself with interesting new styles and technologies. Regrad took down some information on them, and settled in to study the details of space-combat and spaceships. He poured over designs and made notes. Being no technical expert, he had still commanded a number of ships and knew their strengths and weaknesses. Slowly, he created a portfolio and set it to one side.

Finished this task, he set the portfolio aside, and went to sleep, planning to meet the House of Reps in the morning and begin his plans. The Coalition would Restore the military would be accomplished, and through it, the Coalition itself would be Restored.

There was muttering amongst the members of the House of Representatives. Since they had first convened, in hardly a year, there had been changes in membership, passing of countless important and life-altering bills, and the lifting of an alliance of free people out of the dark ages and into a light plateau that they found they could - with difficulty - inhabit for years to come. All this without petty political divides or c-span.

With a bang of the gaval, they fell silent. Regrad rose to his feet.

"I hearby declare this session of the House of Representatives open. Our first order of business is the Debate and Discussion on further military improverments. I would like to start the debate by releasing my proposed bill, a copy has been presented before you."

Regrad silently counted down in his head, until the first exclamations reached his ears.

"Why, your plan will cost the government an arm and a leg!" exclaimed one.

"Our economy is only just starting to improve!" said another. Gradually, what could be called an uproar could be called, but Regrad cut them short.

"Page forty-two." he said. The sound of many hands flipping through pages could be heard.

"This plan will not, over the long term, cost us one cent." he said. The representatives split between looking at him with surprise to pouring over the various pages of the bill. "Our economy is bursting with resources, thanks to a relatively low population combined with efficient technology and vast regions yet to be staked out. We have the capability to pay for it because employment will raise from the new soldiers, new military coordinators and engineers. We can start new mining ventures and new scientific endeavours to learn more about what we possess and ways to use it.

"With the increased economic activity, the government will be paid back in the form of more taxes, and a more vibrant economy will naturally produce more revenue. Such a large project, and one people can become excited about as it is patriotic - assuming, of course, our esteemed Minister of Ethics decides upon a fair way to present such beliefs - promises national activity unseed throughout member states."

He sat back, and patiently allowed each representative time to read through the proposals, and quietly discuss it amongst themselves. After a time, one stood and asked "This is all quite interesting, Mr. Prime Minister, but what's this near the back about a 'Project White Knight?' From what is provided, it comes off a bit like a Republican guard."

Regrad rose again. "It is not my intent to create such a private army, good sir, so much as create a force for the elite protection of the Coalition in general. You will agree that it would be impossible to train such a massive, galaxy-spanning force as the Coalition requires without massive expenditures of time and money, neither option sounding favourable.

"Thus, it appears to be in the best interests of the Coalition to create a force above and beyond the military, disciples of the Coalition in times of war, who may first be trained together at the most acclaimed facilities, then disperesed amongst the rest of the soldiery to bring up their ability personally. They would not just serve as teachers and leaders in battle, but also as symbols, paragons of those virtues the Coalition holds dear. It would of course be open to review first by the Ministry of Ethics, and later by the Judicial branch and ourselves."

Satisfied with that explination, the representative sat down. Finally, the meat of the argument appeared, as one determined man rose from his seat. "Mr. Prime Minister, I have reason to suspect this move. Although the Military is a vital institution, regrettably, and I would support moves to equip and train them better - even create your elite force - I fear that this consolidation of forces will cost member-states a vital part of their anatomy. Does this mean that if a planet leaves the Coalition, it will lose the service of its' own people to a government it no longer is a part of? It seems you would hold hostage loyal defenders to ensure none left the Coalition."

Regrad had been prepared for such an argument, and knew it would not be settled in a day. Nevertheless, he rose, to make his opening statements.

"I am aware that some of you will fear this to be a gross overstep of the Coalition's bounds to dictate things to its' members. Let me tell you now, however, that over the time it takes to pass this bill, I will be willing to work with each and every one of you to make sure you are all satisfied with the nature of the bill. The military is not going to be taken from the states, volunteers and contributed materials will be carefully marked as to ensure that a planet which departs will be able to ensure they do not lose anything to the federal forces.

"It is true that the military will be under federal control - but not utterly, simply when it comes to the matter of maintaining and directing it. States will still control the specifics of enrollment, sovereignty of their space, and the power to veto foreign forces in their area. Should they choose to make changes or indeed leave the Coalition, they will be allowed to do so with their military forces removed from ours.

"I seek complete transparancy with this bill, and I mean it. Anything that troubles you, bring it to me and I will be glad to work with everyone to ensure it works. The Coalition cannot afford to go without defence, and this is what we are here to deal with today."

There was still much uncertainty on their faces, much anxiety in their movements, Regrad sighed. "We have a lot of work ahead of us."

House of Representatives


The older orator was speaking, repeating the words of opposition he had spoken the other day regarding the 'militarization' of the Coaltion. Trajan Vespian, Captain of the Iron Mantis and the newest initiate into that organization's fledgling military, would not normally have been present but he was seated as a representative of the Coalition Military and because, quite frankly, he had the commendations from both Lando Calrissian and Han Solo who were far off working to rekindle the peace and justice everyone yearned for.

"I have reason to suspect this move. Although the Military is a vital institution, regrettably, and I would support moves to equip and train them better - even create your elite force - I fear that this consolidation of forces will cost member-states a vital part of their autonomy. Does this mean that if a planet leaves the Coalition, it will lose the service of its' own people to a government it no longer is a part of? It seems you would hold hostage loyal defenders to ensure none left the Coalition."


After hours of this kind of talk Trajan finally stood. A move with surprised both his superiors, himself and the Representative.

"The Floor recognizes Captain Vespian, of the Coalition Military."


Vespian took a deep breath before walking to the center. "Esteemed Representatives of the Coalition. I see that this debate is something all in attendance and all in observance hold to be of great importance. This is a testament to your great love and concern for your people.

But I do not understand the positions, especially lately, that have been spoken.

It was my understanding that the "Coalition" is not something that conquered each of the worlds it holds as it's members. I was my understanding that each world, of it's own volition, entered the arrangement by which this all-encompassing government, termed: The New Galactic Coalition, would be given the responsibilities of overall management of trade, law and defense to name just a few.

Mr. Representative, the Prime Minister has every right to front a bill for the reorganization of our military forces because 1. The Coalition was given that right by your own world government with it's entry into the Coalition and 2. As Prime Minister, he was given the responsibility of being the front man on this by your voting him into the office!

Now that he is trying to carry out that duty to the best of his ability, a duty you voted for him, mind you, and now you seek to tear him down? You throw out the hypothetical of the planet wishing to leave the Coalition but you give no reason. The Coalition was to provide for the common defense of all members. All planets within the Coalition would equally support these endeavors. It's in the Coalition Charter signed by each and every member world!

Within that Charter, member worlds are encouraged to have their own system defense fleets and reserves. But the Common Defense Clause also lays the outline for a Coalition Military Command. This is good common sense and your leaders knew it when they signed the charter.

Why would they pull out when they are being asked to tow their part of the line for the good of all?

In my opinion, we should not be arguing whether the Coalition has the right to keep a 'national' military. Nor should we balk at the Prime Minister's efforts to see this into reality. These things have already been voted and decided on!

What we need to discuss is now the Prime Minister's implimentation of this plan that all member worlds approved of by their entry into the Coalition to begin with.

And, from what I understand, more than anything, these Elites he is describing really seems to be more for the Educational Referendum than the Military. But then, these Elites would be elites in military tradition and studies. They would be the stones that sharpen the blades of our military and believe me, in the galaxy we live in, our blades must be sharp.

We do not necessarily like to use our blades but if forced too, we would do well to have it in the best possible condition.

There has been some derisive comments of our losses at Corellia. It is true. It was not our finest hour with regards to combat tactics and implimentation. Our people were half trained and inexperienced. But you know what?

Corellia was our finest hour because it showed the mettle of our soldiers. Even as inexperienced as they were, even if not as trained as the Imperials, they went toe to toe with the most fearsome military machine in the galaxy and actually held their own! Did our soldiers want to be there? No. They had families of their own, they had lives of their own but they put that aside to protect the ideals that our great Coalition espouses.

That we will not be the puppet of evil! That we will not simply lie down and die in the face of overwhelming odds. Even as untrained and inexperienced our soldiers were (and they knew it!) they still put their boots on in the morning and did their duty!

They did not break!

They did not falter!

And if there is anything they lacked that only added to our eventual capitulation, IT WAS THE LACK OF SUPPORT BY THOSE OF US WHO SENT THEM THERE!


It was not Regrad for he was in the field!

It was not even Jan Dodonna for he too was in the field!

Joren Logan was fighting along side us and in the field as well!

So tell me. I implore you!


When our sons and daughters and fathers and mothers came back from the war, did we even give them a hero's welcome?

Or were they the scapegoats of a political system DANCING TO THE TUNE OF IMPERIAL PROPAGANDA!?

The Prime Minister wants elites! He wants heroes!

I suggest he look to our armed forces! The military is full of heroes from each and EVERY member of our great Coalition!


Why do we wish to spend more money on our defensive ideas? Because when an enemy fleet is in orbit around your world." he pointed to a section of the House, "or your world..", he pointed to another section, "we will have the strength and skill and ability to respond!

For is that not why you joined the Coalition?"


As Trajan finished, a voice rang out, "But Jan Dodonna would have sold us out..!"


And Trajan turned and looked at the Representative pointedly. "Tell me sir, is Jan Dodonna part of the military?"

"Yes, of course!" snapped the Representative.

"And doesn't the military answer to the Coalition civilian government?"

The man remained silent.

"As much as everyone screams about Jan Dodonna's actions, one thing you know about soldiers is that they do follow orders. And another thing you know about the Coalition is that it is NOT a military dictatorship but a civilian one. And if the military answers to the civilian government, then it stands to reason that this action Jan Dodonna would have taken would have been supported by certain members of the House. The majority of the House and if that's so, my question is: Where is your official indictment? Where is your official inquiries into the conduct of this Civil Government?

For it is this civil government that tried to sell it's own people (on Mon Calamari and others) to the Dragons! Jan Dodonna is not the representative of the poeple. I am not a representative of the people! We are soldiers. We have teh awful capacity for killing our enemies and making sure they do not hurt you or us.

If there is any talk of betrayal of the people then, it would be members of the House who actually represent the people, seeing as you were voted by those majorities on your homeworlds.

Everyone points the finger at Jan Dodonna but no one ever seems to ask: During all of this, where was the Civilian Government?!"

The Representative fumed where he sat.

Trajan sighed and quietly concluded: "Everyone wants skilled soldiers. Everyone wants the best and everyone wants experienced. Well you don't get experience sitting in homeport. It's a harsh thing to say but it needs to be said. Simulation only prepares you so much. No one is sure how they will react no matter your classroom training until you actually get into battle and take lives.

The Empire excels at it because it remains in perpetual war. We do not.

And so Corellia, though devestating, was good experience. Objectively looked at, it showed us where we were difficient.

Is the loss of life acceptible? No, it isn't.

But sometimes, in war, it is necessary.


Now honor those that sacrificed for you. Give them the training they deserve. Give them the skills to overcome those difficiencies. Give them the tools to better their craft to better serve you. Show them that this is a Coalition worth defending, worth dying for.

Help them to get organized and allocated the needed resources to ensure that our people get the best, with the best.


In a phrase: help them help you!"

Regrad was waiting for Joren off to one side, as the Representatives debated.

"Joren, good to see you. I am here to tell you, that once the discussion dies down and the bill is tabled, you will be granted a Consulship. This means that you will lead a special division of the military, encompassing both naval and ground forces. This force - which I will leave to you to name - will be highly equipped, well trained, and will receive some of the best and brightest from across the Coalition.

"You will be granted a charter to set up operation in the Onyxian region, and should the representatives of that area agree, you will provide all defence, exploration, and membership-seeking efforts for them. Your forces are to be an Elite tip of the lance, and something to counterbalance the second Elite Force, the White Knights, who will be more internally-aimed.

"I understand that this role is still a roughly defined one, and it will likely go through a number of alterations and reshapings before it passes the House, but should you accept it could be an excellent opportunity for all of us to defend the Coalition, and an efficient use of our tactical options.

"Of course, the entire military will be improved upon, but your force would be set a level above, and as such take on the hardest missions. There will be a certain amount of PR associated with the job, something others can handle if you wish, as such a force would of course be heavily touted by many as a symbol of Coalition unity and strength - which it will be, in a way, but touting it as such might seem to you unnecessary at times."

Further off, the discussions were becoming more indepth, as various differences were reconciled and agreements made. It appeared as though the House was now prepared for the Bill, and Regrad guestured for them to give him a minute.

"So, what do you think?"

Regrad smiled, and patted Joren on the shoulder. "I knew I could count on you, Joren." he said, and lingered for a moment, before returning to the centre of the House.

"The bill of Military Restoration ICF/1,2 shall now be uploaded in its' fully revised form."

Each representative lifted a datapad, and read the contents that rapidly appeared before them. "The bill, as you can see, has been modified considerably. We have realigned funding and filled the gaps by selling off old and obsolete technology to various museums, research institutes and the like to ensure there would be no financial hit to Mr. Quell's elaborate structure of health, welfare, and development programs.

"We have clearly defined the role of the White Knights, and their role, as well as the exact plan for construction of new facilities, the nature of those facilities, our new equipment, and finally a long-term plan to ensure the continued relevance of our armed forces in the future. Now, all of this we have agreed upon.

"However, there is one more thing I am uploading to you now." and with a nod to Joren, he tapped twice on his own datapad. "Mr. Logan has graciously agreed to head up a second force, one to offer a counterbalance to the White Knights, and assuage your fears of a 'Republican Guard'. Logan's force will be given the same upper-tier treatment of the White Knights, including additional equipment and their own series of facilities. We've already set aside a large portion of budget we were able to scrape off of natural-resource projects to equip and train them.

"Wheras the White Knights will concern themselves about the internal affairs of the Coalition, by training others, seeking criminals and bringing them to justice, and serving the interests and concerns of the common people, Joren Logan's force shall be called on to drive back foreign enemies and thrust into their hearts should we counter-attack. We have yet to finish fully defining the details of this Consulship, but I'm sure we can do this now.

"It is worth saying again that thanks to our recent efforts to bring in money, we should be able to cover all costs without increasing any taxes or damaging the nation's economy. The money will all be going to companies based in the Coalition and who have only internal interests, to ensure our money does not drain away and out of the country. We carefully chose our contractors based on a combination of technical ability and the character of their organization, to ensure the entire thing would be done in the most reputable way. It has been cleared by the Ministry of Ethics and requires now only your approval."

Regrad waited for a few seconds, eyes closed, and opened them to see the representatives raising to their feet to be counted. As each one rose in turn, he smiled again.

"It is settled. The bill shall be passed, after much work from all members, and all of the details shall be immeadietly sent down to the Ministry of Implementation, where the calls will be made, the orders confirmed, the press briefed, and all the wheels shall turn. I thank you for your support, all of you, from the brave men such as Trajan and Joren, to the wise men such as Viryn and Dondana, to you all as a whole, the united front of the Coalition, and I shall personally ensure your support is not betrayed."