Secrets indeed Joren Logan.
Simon Kaine’s attention was drawn to the holographic map as Logan spoke. His eyes narrowed at the mysterious references to something unknown.
He pushed a few buttons and the planet Wayland briefly flashed and enlarged, technical information appearing around it.
The current alignment of the planet was unknown.
“There was a Sith who has a history regarding Wayland and was on it when the planet was salvaged by the old TNA. A Sith by the name of Perrin Descartes.
Other than TNA presence, he noted nothing much of note which could either indicate that he was lying or that this “lurking” presence is fairly new.
If new, then it is not indigenous to the area and can be dealt with if it becomes a threat.”
Kaine turned to the CEO, “From your words, ComTech is based out of Wayland. Your equipment is on load from a faction friendly to you. However, Wayland is also where this “something” lurks.
My question is, does your friend know what this “something lurking” is?
But you are correct. There IS something out in the Outer Rim territories. Intelligence has picked up on that though there is very little information to go on.
As for them watching us, we are the Empire after all. When you are the largest faction in the galaxy, you cannot help but note you are being watched.”
Kaine’s eyes narrowed, “But you did not say the Empire. You said specifically you and I. So, are you the eyes and ears of this ‘mysterious’ something?”
Turning to the Noghri, “Is Mahk?”
“Are you concerned that a member of your crew aboard the Restoration will report our meeting to this mysterious something? Will the crews of the ships that left?”
Kaine smiled, “If so, then we have until either the Restoration or those other ships make port to report our meeting meaning while ‘we’ may be watched, these ‘mysterious’ people are going to be hours.. perhaps days behind.”
“..but there IS something. Is it a threat?”
The Grand Marshall began entering a series of codes on a flush onyx-like glass panel that lit up when he touched it. The Core and Inner Rim lit up.
“The strongest presence of the Empire is here around Imperial Center. We have been engaged in various operations all designed for one specific goal. To reinforce and control the center.”
“Computer, display operations Center Control summary.”
The computer began to show indications of Imperial movement throughout the Core most notably in the Corellian System.
“You see, Joren, to build the structure we know as the Empire, we need to have a secure and strong foundation. Center Control is designed to bring the entire Core and Inner Rim if not under our direct control, then under our indirect control. It is not an easy task, this reestablishing of our rule. Intelligence has been working feverishly to provide information useful to the Military Command to carry this out.
The rebels and their republic really made a hash of things. All other recognized threats .. the Jutraalians, the Demothesians..these have been brought to heel.
Now we focus on unrecognized threats. Perhaps the most dangerous kind.”
Two planets were highlighted. Planets that Joren Logan would know in greater detail that Simon Kaine.
“Here is the situation Logan. Two planets within our current expansion sphere have been investigated by intelligence and I have a fleet standing by to annex this territory. However,..”
A segment of some digital video feed that was rather grainy showed merchant ships and another that looked like the Restoration though there was no way to be sure.
“We knew there seemed to be some business concern from Wayland going to and fro from these planets. We had a name, yours. But nothing else. There are indications that these planets have some sort of ties with
something in the Outer Rim. We know this through signal tracking, if not signal interception and intercepted ship manifests. Of course, most are cleverly forged but it seems all trails end by the time they reach the Outer Rim. Suspicious to say the least.
But that is all we have, Logan. Suspicions.
And yet, with your mysterious
something watching us, our suspicions seem confirmed.
That there is a power in the Outer Rim and they have some going concern in the Core. Having a power in the Outer Rim beats having that part of the galaxy in anarchy but the Empire will not tolerate (and really, strategically, it would be foolish) another inferior power in our midst. Especially an unknown inferior power.”
Kaine grinned.
“So how to launch our fleet and annex the planets? Hell,
how do we draw this ‘power’ out?”
He paused.
“Sleight of hand.”
Another planet was highlighted and enlarged.
“Bakura is pretty far out there but it’s advantages are 1. It’s a planet we know better than most in the area having garrisoned it and 2. We believe it is currently unaligned with the fall of the Republic.
So we sent an Imperial Agent to stir the pot as it were. To see if regional problems beg the notice of this ‘power’. To see if the planet’s instability, thus the region’s instability draws the notice of
any Outer Rim power.
Then we identify it, categorize it and neutralize it.”
The galactic map went back to it’s original state. “By neutralize, I mean we make sure they are no threat to us. All we need is some backwater republic trying to resurrect republican ideology and stirring up trouble.”
He sighed.
“So, Joren, all secrets aside, with what you’ve heard:
What can you tell me?
Do you know who or what this power is that is watching us?”
