The Rebel Faction

The First Assault Flotilla was a force composed entirely of Star Destroyers. To see it orbitig a planet would invoke images, either from memory or imagined, of the Battle of Endor. Several grey wedges in formation, small from a distance, but close would fill one's entire view of the stars. These massive durasteel beasts carried enough weaponry to slag an entire planet-without opposition, of course.

The task of this awesome force of behemoths was now a routine patrol mission near the Galactic Core.

" Colonel," came the voice of Line Captain Aerin.

del Forza opened his eyes and pivoted on his heel, facing the slighly shorted officer on the catwak. " Yes, Captain?"

" We are approaching the Borleias Planetary System."

" Perfect."

Blackmoon. Borleias. Either name inimated vile happenigs in the annals of history. While Lieutenant General Evir Derricote had,in fact, held off the Rebels from taking the planet during ther first offensive, his removal beforehe coming of the second spelled disaster forthe planet, and one might say, the Empire itself. Reasoning: if he had been in command, he would have, undoubtedly thrown back the last Rebel attack, allowing Imperial reinforcements to arrive-thus preventing the fall of the Empire and the loss and rape of Coruscant.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Had this planet not fallen, there would be one Empire, one true form of government. One power unto and over all. Order and perfection would reign. Now, we have only disorder and chaos. Imperials fighting fellow Imperials simply because they salute different battle standards.

But, this is my lt, and I shall play my part.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

His mental tirade complete, the Grand Inquisitor turned to face the approaching world. It was a small sphere of swirlling clouds and a green surface.

" Captain, what is the population of Borleias?"

The Captain raised an eyebrow and turned to the Computer Analyst situated near the aft of the port crewpit. After a moment of checking the Rogue Imperial database, he beamed a number to the Captain's datapad.

Raising it, he quoted," two million, four hundred thousand, three hundred eighty. Semi-democratic governmental system. Currently lead by a Prefect-General. Markus Havesaan."

" Military situation?"

Without orders, the analyst relayed the additional query to the Captain.

" A planetary militia, known as the Black Fleet. Just over a hundred thousand soldiers and four Corellian Corvettes. No fighters or capital ships to speak of."

" Planetary defenses?" the Viscount clasped his hands behind his back, thinking of several things at once.

" One planetay turbolaser that has some severe maintenance problems. Estimates are that it will overheat after one shot."

" What do we know of the militia commander?"

There was no data on this one-the Captain drew his answer from his own mental database.

" He is a former IMperial officer. He served at Derra IV and later under Admiral Isoto. After that greivous defeat, he felt he was no more able to fight under that banner. He lead a small mercenary group for a few years, then left it under his XO's tutilege. He went to Borleias to try to commad something of value. To fill a void."

The new found Inquisitor's spirit that was beginning to grow in the Viscount was unable to resist asking a question on that one. " You know a great deal about this man. may I ask how, Captain?"

" Certainly, my Lord. He was a friend. We both served under Isoto, as gunnery officers. We graduated the Raithal Academy together. But, he went his way and I mine."

" It is good to possess knowledge-of all things." Del Forza turned to the communications officer.

" Get me the Prefect."

" Colonel. We have a priority transmission from Admiral Blackblade."

Del Forza turned. " In my office please." Before he left the bridge, he added: " Captain Aerin, please join me."

The pair made the brief trek to the Inquisitor's office, flanked by the Guards of the Inquisitoriate. Arriving, they waited outside, pinnacle's of Imperial discipline nd order.

Inside, the Viscount and the Defiant's commander stood near the full hologram of the Admiral.

His transmission was most disturbing, considering standard practice for any fleet under Condition Yellow was to maintain radio silence. Thus, some one in the crews of the flotilla had disobeyed protocol. Making a note to deal with that problem, he watched the end.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Do you have anything to say for yourself?"<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" I most certainly do."

The Admiral waited, as did the Viscount.

Finally, he responded. " I do not rule through fear, for I am in no position to do so. However, I command respect, which comes from the office the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Emperor<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> bestowed upon me. It is my job to seek out those disloyal to the Rogue Imperial way of life and...deal with them. I was not given this job for my inactivity. Nor my level of incompetence, nor my innocence.

" I am a command level officer, and duty and diligence are my top prorities. I will, however, follow my second set of orders to the fullest extent of my abilities. I will seek out traitors and thse of ill will and mind, no matter their rank and station. The only one above suspicion is the Emperor himself!

" I, however, have no reason, using the files given me from Intelligence, to suspect anyone above the rank of Line Captain.

" I am merely doing my duty. I have no intention of spreading fear or intimidation, but as I said, that which the crew feels existed before me and was only transferred to me as the person in this uniform.

" I do not preach a doctrine of fear, I do however espouse the practice of loyalty. I will follow the Emperor's orders.

" I wish us all luck in our tasks. But, as the Grand Inqusitior, I am given much discretion in the practices I will use as the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Grand<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> Inquisitor."

Line Captain Aerin interjected. " Sir, the Borleian Prefect is waiting."

" He can wait a minute."

Aerin nodded.

" Admiral, I have a planet to liberate. Anything else"

(This message was left blank)

There was over a kilometer to the launch bay, and to the dismay of Captain Aerin and the trailing guards, the Inquisitor had deigned to walk. But not for exercise.

When their current corridor was clear, the Viscount spoke for the first time in a hundred meters. " Captain, what do you know of Jileack Station?"

The Captain took a moment, and replied. " It's a massie place, over a hundred kilometers in diameter. Enough TIEs to slag a planet."

Del Forza smiled. " Tha's somewaht correct."

Nervous now, the Captain said," why do you ask, my Lord."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Understandable,<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> del Forza thought. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Secrecy is the utmost. Or it was.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" You see, Line Captain, I have been invited there when our business here at Borleias is compeleted. There is going to be a massive diplomatic gathering,and I have been appointed to head the security detail, which is very important, as we know not whether an Imperial reperesntative will arrive. We know not, if they did, what they might...bring."

The Captain, at ease now, smiled as well. " Yes, sir. How many diplomats?"

" I am not sure. I know some Hapans will be there, and some others from non-aligned planetary systems. Many inependents...the welcome mat has been thrown out to everyone."

" What's the purpose of the conference, if I may ask?"

" ah, captain. The rule of command. I do not need to know, it does not affect my duties, so I was never told."

" I see."

" Now, you want to ask why I told you. I'll save you the trouble. I am going to be taking the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Nebulae.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> I need you to remain here and watch over Borleias until we receive orders to the contrary. "

" as ordered, my Lord."

" Don't gorget, after me, you are the highest ranking officer in the fleet."

the two continued their walk, until the launch bay was upon them. A bone white Imperial lambda-class shuttle was waiting, with a squad of Fleet troopers waiting, and two more Inquisitoriate guardsmen.

Biding farewell to the captain, del Forza boarded, and departed.

The walk back to the shuttle a good for one. The Prefect suggested that the Viscount take a stroll through the Gardens of Parlenia. A man of the finer things, the Viscount agreed.

The gardens were wonderful things. In all, it was eight square kilometers, all open to the public in Bor City. Hundreds of varieties of plant life, almost everything that would grow in the Borleian climate. To the left could be a sea of red, the right, awash with shades of white. Most certainly, a comforting place. And more so for any combat line officer with the weight of command on his shoulders. The decisions between who lives and who dies burdens the conscience of any authority figure. To escape from that...even ifthat escape is fleeting, is a blessing.

Unfortunately, the presence of a detail of Rogue Imperial guards did not help the intended relaxation.

The Viscount ignored their figures and strode about, glad to be away.

His temporary visage of peace ended in a flash of light and a scream.

From behind a large favall tree emerged a man of great height and build, and with fire in his eyes. A vengeful anger was indeed in the man's psyche.

His emergeance went unoticed, for there were thousands of people in the. Then he drew a blaster pistol of old Imperial issue and let out a blood-curdling wail as no banshee of legend could. He raised his arm to fire, whilst around him the nearest people either dove to ground or fled.

Before he could aim, a neon bolt of energy hit him in the thigh. Within milliseconds, the skin burned, blood pulsed, and he dropped to the ground. As he went down, a lone report issued from his pistol, rocking the limbs of the tree. Then, silence. By the time he hit the ground, the Viscount's hand was on his own blaster, but he would not have been fast enough. His backwrds glance revealed the leftmost of the Inquisitoriate guards with his arm locked into position, his Blastech rifle on his arm. The remainder of the detail was still maneuvering their weapons into position.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I am very gald that this was what it was. Or my mission would be in great trouble. Shooting first. Saved my life, though. hmmm...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

All thoughts of tactics and battle surged back into the Inquisitor's mind, their only barrier now surmounted.

An odd streak of emotion did, as well.

The Viscount stepped into the garden proper and moved to where the large man had fallen. His guards rushed over, one pointing his rifle at the injurd man's head, the remainder creating a small perimeter.

del Forza kneeled. " Why did you d that? You could have easily been killed."

Coughing and regaining the massive amounts of pride the Viscunt surmizedd the man possessed, he spoke. " I am Commander Trevan Arrin. 14th Imperial Battle Group, Twelveth Defensive Flotilla. My station was on Borleias."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> An Imperial. But the Twelveth Fleet has not existed for many years.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

" What does that have to do with your trying to kill me?" the Viscount asked with as much emotion as he could muster. It was not much.

" I was here during the Republic's conquest of Borleias. They were villans, and had open disdain for any Imperial citizens...and former soldiers. I do not want to see that *cough happen again."

An eyebrow was arched. " What do you mean. No one is aware of my intentions here."

The man managed a painful smile. " I was an officer. It is not hard to guess. This planet is in the Core. You need it."
He coughed again.

The Viscount grinned. " You are astute, Commander. And correct. But nothing like the past will repeat itself during the Borleian membership in the Rogue Empire. If this hand o friendship is accepted."

" Sir," said the accurate Inquisitoriate guardsman. " I must advise you to leave this world. Immediately."

The Viscount nodded. At that, the guard primed his blaster. His commander quickly put a hand on the weapon and depressed from harm. " He will not be harmed. As a Commander of the Imperial Navy, he will be given every privilige and accomodation befitting a Prisoner of War for tat rank. After Borleian authorities put him in hospital."

The guard nodded and removed his comlnk, signaling Borleian police.

Several minutes late, the Viscount's shuttle was returnig to the fleet...and the Imperial Star Destroyer Cyclops.