” In every government, in every sector, on every planet
there’s somebody who is un-satisfied with there current leaders.”
Setting the Stage
Arliss Towers – Muunilist
“THAT WRETCHED @#%$!” screamed Jenice Arliss and the hallways outside the leading office of the Tower’s Executive Director suddenly became quieter than a Jedi’s meditation ceremony.
And right now that director was not happy. Her cold blue eyes radiated a wrath that suddenly reigned in itself under the guise of control. Her blonde hair pulled behind her head made her look younger than she actually was. Very young..
But that did not fool Mr. Conrad, Seamus Arliss’ (Jenice’s father, Director of Arliss Industries Offworld and founder of the Towers) company accountant.
“Whatever the woman’s animal disposition, Ms. Arliss, you can see that Construction Yard contracts have been unbalanced lately, favoring Admiral Bhindi Drayson’s little piece of the Imperial pie.”
“What was in the Grand Marshall’s mind when he handed out protectorates like children’s candy?!”
“Whether it was his idea or not, I would assume that the move contributes in making sure politicians do not gain control of the Empire. After they fled to Bastion splitting off to form the ‘New Empire’, I think that Regent and Empire will be leery of politicians.”
“You think?” Jenice shot back. “Still, this upstart woman..”
“You are angry at the Admiral’s father who attacked the Towers before his downfall with the Republic.”
“I could have been killed, Mr. Conrad.”
“Yes,” Mr. Conrad paused (dramatically?), “and we all know what a shame that would have been.”
Jenice’s blue eyes glowed red hot at the accountant’s casual manner. It was not because the accountant didn’t care (hell, she knew he didn’t care) but because he deigned not to hide it.
“Besides,” Mr. Conrad continued, “Do you really wish to hold the sins of the father against his daughter?”
Jenice looked up sharply and Mr. Conrad saw that he’d hit a mark. “The production capacity of the Empire and it’s distribution of said capacity is something the leaders of the Empire will contend with, we need not worry.”
“Those decisions affect our subcontracts, Mr. Conrad.
“Be that as it may, I am sure the Towers will know how to respond in due time. However, why I am here is to plug leaks.”
“Leaks?”
“Yes, Arliss offworld communications contracts have noted the following trends.. look here.”
And the blue eyes turned puzzled as Jenice picked up the report and scanned it. Puzzlement turned to incredulity and then to anger.
Imperial Center
“The Grand Marshall is here, Lord.” The attendant spoke softly, yet clearly enough so that the Regent waved the man away quickly and set his eyes onto those of Grand Marshall Kaine.
Before the Regent was a galaxy map as well as asset and inventory listings for deployments. The Empire was sectioned off in gray with red portions indicating battle areas and blue areas representing possible battles.
“Come, Kaine. Look here. The enemy has retreated from the twin worlds in the Corellian Sector.”
Though Simon had at his fingertips this information, he knew the import of keeping the Regent abreast of the situation. “Yes.”
“Analysis?”
“Admiral Ckeller’s forces were minimal and not enough to even dent the numbers she’d reported. So one can only assume that there was an emergency with the enemy. The Admiral’s report indicated the exit trajectory heading toward Corellia.”
“So our forces are giving them hell.”
“An reasonable assumption, Lord Regent, though the area is still devoid of outside communications.”
“The Tholatin Forces at Carida have been beaten back?”
“Admiral Drayson is enroute to Mechis III to reinforce Governor Trachta’s forces. A general distress signal was received some time ago.”
“Outer Rim Sovereignty..” Daemon Hyfe mused, his dark eyes glittering has this thoughts remained secret. “very interesting..”
“Our attacks are going as best as can be expected. ORS intervention is not surprising nor completely unexpected.”
“Yes…And the Bastion Protecorate?”
“Holding. Their deployments over these areas,” Kaine took the liberty of inputting a new asset allocation resource into the Regent’s personal map and it suddenly changed showing all the operations and known battles currently being waged, “optimizes what he has available.”
“Stubborn man.”
“A capable man—“ started Kaine but the Regent waved him silent. “I’ve read your report Kaine. I know what is going on. Let it be.”
“May I ask the Regent why?” Kaine’s eyes narrowed.
“You may, but I reserve the right to dismiss your questions without answering.” The Regent smiled (not a pretty sight) predatorily.
“As you wish.” Kaine relented. Not an easy thing for the younger man who’d risen the steps of Imperial Hierarchy.
“You are not force sensitive, are you, Marshall?”
“No, Lord.”
“Interesting. Events are unfolding as I have foreseen them and those events involve the Commodore. Make no move.”
“As you wish, Lord.”
“With these attacks by the aliens and Outer Rim Sovereignty, a concern is brought to mind.” The Regent highlighted a planet and Simon Kaine suddenly felt himself transported back in time..
taken from Emminent yet Irratic…
The Victory hurled out of hyperspace in time to see the Jenova's final shot.
"NO!!" General Simon Kaine shouted as he lept off his command chair, as if somehow he could pluck the Rebel ships from space...
The Imperial ESD was no longer visible against the backdrop of Muunilist's shadow.
"My God... that looked like a direct hit." Captain Chandler softly spoke as the bridge crew watched multiple smaller flashes appear in the path and near the laser blast.
A bright flash occurred...
"The reactor core just exploded. Damn that shot must have pierced the heart.", someone lamented.
And suddenly many, many smaller flashes occured...like a chain reaction..and the bluish, marron haze disappeared.
"Looks like she's detonated."
Before Kaine could utter severe curses at the Rebels and bring his guns to bear in hatred, the enemy fleet, as quickly as it came...left.
"Pursue, General?"
Kaine was tempted.... beyond measure, oh he was.
"No." he said, with icy calm. "Let's tend to our wounded."
The Victory moved closer to Muunilist, noting the collapsed shipyard crumbling pieces drifting toward the planet.
"Bridge module on a direct course for the Muunilist's atmosphere. Should we?"
"Leave it.." murmured Kaine.
The Victory's bow pierced the floating mass of debris bits that glittered as they floated into the sunlight horizon that divided the "day" side and "night" side of the planet.
Finally, someone tore their eyes from the windows at the debris and toward the scanner consol. The officer's eyes went wide and he let out a yell.
Kaine turned in sharp displeasure, ready to reprimand the officer when his eyes too fell onto the holographic scanner.
"Hold position. External lights! Off the bow, about a thousand kilometers!"
and there, beyond all expectation, slowly rotating,
she was..
Kaine's eyes misted a bit and he turned sharply to Ciscero, standing nearby. "I want Intelligence on this immediately. The Eclipse died. Remember that. It's survival is classified at the highest level..that being, the highest levels are not told. Until we find the mole that betrayed us the first time."
The Imperial Intelligence officer nodded in understanding.
"Captain. Get Admiral Hyfe and Moff Cronus on tight encryption and get them over here. Activate our tractor beams to hold it's position and when they get here, we need to tow it to someplace safe..."
"Cicsero... find us that safe place.."
"Yes sir." he simply replied quietly.
“I will NOT have my Flagship once again struck at unprepared!” the wrath in Daemon Hyfe’s voice was very very real. “If these …these . .aliens consider themselves the ‘Children of the New Republic’, I think they may try something similarly foolish again. I demand that these reinforcements be sent there NOW!!”
Kaine looked at the list and sighed. There was no stopping an implacable Regent when his mind was set.
“The orders will be relayed at once.” His mind was already racing. That the Ebony Vigilance II would be hit was a very real possibility and so he revised the final preparations schedule to coincide with the ESD’s formal launch.
Assets were on their way…but just not exactly what the Regent wanted. Complying would not be that much of a difficulty.
As he left the palace, he went straight for Operations Command at the IHC Tower, one of the most secure locations on the planet rivaling the Imperial Palace and Imperial Intelligence Directorate.
Taken from…Empowering the Weak - TNO Takeover of Agamar..
Calna Munn City
This place is a powder keg!
Ciscero had seen the extreme poverty the general population experienced with the stoicism that went with being in Imperial work.
"Mosti, what have you gotten us into?" Carlotta's retainer angrily said, as they made their way to the plush buildings near the center of town.
"The future," Ciscero responded, noting that even a blind man could sense the dispair that hung over everything.
Two men and a woman were fighting over the halves of some domestic pet with great determination.
Carlotta looked on with silent curiosity, her spoiled nature quieted by the sights.
Yes, take a great look you fool of a girl. This is what the future holds for most..
They passed through a fancy checkpoint and into a gated community. A community for the privileged of Agamar.
Soldiers lined the walls in growing numbers, as if the rich on the planet were aware of the powder keg about to go out.
But it's hard to empathize when you have everything at your grasp. It's only when you have it stripped from you when one starts to truly see the horrors of having to do without.
When they were situated in their rooms, the chill in the room a refreshing experience from the lurking humidity and stench outside.
"I feel like I must shower by walking outside," the Naboo retainer commented, and then turned to Ciscero.
"Now.. Uncle Motsi. Could you provide an explanation as to why you brought us to this godforsaken planet?"
Ciscero only smiled as he picked up a piece of fruit off the table before answering. "Quite simply, Sir, because the family now owns a great deal of stock in this world's major export industries."
"WHAT???" the retainer shouted?
"Are you mad? Do you see what's going on out there?"
"Class struggle. The worker will get his due," Ciscero said, slightly grinning knowing he was egging the family guardian into a frenzy.
"This planet is going to experience a civil war between classes alright. The productivity of this planet is almost nonexistent! If the rich win, it will remain so..and with fewer workers."
"And if the poor win?" Carlotta asked, which surprised Ciscero.
"Then, my dear, I am sorry to say they will not know how to govern themselves with any semblence of order." The guardian looked straight at Ciscero.
"And Motsi just tossed away a great portion of our money. Money, I might add, that we will need for your coming election."
"Motsi? Is it true you do not want me to win?" the little girl asked.
Ciscero's eyes grew serious. "On the contrary, Carlotta, I would like you to very much win. But winning isn't everything..if you cannot hold onto it. The leaders of this world think of themselves as winners but tell me, are they really winning?"
"No.." the girl answered looking out their highrise building.
"If your people are not happy, how long do you think they will put up with it?"
"Naboo is not like that!" the guardian snapped.
"Everybody who grows hungry eventually becomes desperate, no matter their race." Ciscero said with a conviction born of experience.
"Quite an expensive lesson, wouldn't you say Motsi?" the guardian said.
"You have front row tickets to a government's greatest disaster."
"We have the Jedi.." the girl started.
"Yes. That is one strength we have. But it is one we cannot rely on."
"But..?"
"Reason it out, darling. The Jedi claim to be the guardians of peace and justice not only on Naboo but in the galaxy. But there are too few of them. They cannot be everywhere at once."
"They certainly are not here.." the girl concluded.
"No.." Ciscero said, "The Jedi will fight to protect you. Or at least I do hope they will when you get elected. However, Carlotta, think. We cannot rely on the Jedi to always solve our problems. You cannot always rely on others to give you the answers."
"That's like cheating.." the girl said, and Ciscero's eyes brightened.
"And cheating is not only morally wrong." the guardian started, not wanting Motsi to get all the credit for teaching something to this aspiring queen, "It does not help you learn the lessons you need to learn."
"But... Why did you throw our money away, Motsi?" the girl asked and the guardian smiled, his eyes saying... Yes, I'd like to know that too..
Ciscero's eyes grinned for he knew the guardian would not like his answer. He walked over and stood near the window to look out with the young girl.
"Because I think the poor will win this fight. By buying shares of stock in certain companies, it keeps the poor in work a little while longer. That is something a poor man appreciates. Steady work and steady pay.... and because I think that the poor will have other's help them."
"Who?" both the girl and her guardian chimed in unison.
Ciscero pulled out a flyer he had taken from the side of some building. It was old but still distinguishable.
It held the words, "FREEDOM!" and a faded symbol of the Empire behind it. "They may be talking to the Empire to gain outside recognition."
"If they gain Imperial recognition..." the guardian started.
"The market will remain steady and grow. The family will make more than enough money to win an election."
"But.. but.. the Empire?"
"Another lesson, Carlotta. Sometimes, one has to go with their gut and take a risk. I don't love the Empire, but I respect the stability it stands for...and this world could use stability."
As if to punctuate his words, weapons fire suddenly erupted down below.
"WAR! It's war!" some shouts in the hall of the highrise building came through the room.
From the news reports it looked like no one knew what set the conflagration off, but both sides were determined to finish it.
The people taxed beyond their means struck with a savagry previously unknown to Agamar and the higher citizenry fought with grim determination to protect their crumbling, privileged way of life.
For days the fighting when on, the building struck repeatedly forcing Motsi, Carlotta and her guardian to go to lower levels.
"Wh..when will it stop, Motsi? Why .. why can't they find peace?"
"They hate too much... Carlotta. They hate to much."
"Look!" the guardian shouted.
In the distance, shuttles were descending. Ciscero snatched some nearby lens and zoomed on the ships.
"Their Imperial!" he said rather excitedly.
The girl was going to shout in exclamation when Ciscero clamped down on her mouth. "Remember whose camp you are in." he whispered. Even the guardian nodded at that.
Inwardly, the Imperial agent smiled.
The markings on those shuttles show General Ming's division. The old goat finally got himself out of Carida. Well bully for him! This fighting will be over quickly enough if he has anything to say about it..
The Wrath virus had put a stop to the official government on Agamar but the Imperial infrastructure still remained. There were those happy to see the Empire go, there were those sad to see it go remembering the Class wars rampant between the rich and poor before it had come.. and there were those that just didn’t give a damn one way or the other.
And though, there was no real military presence, the Empire still had it’s intelligence connections.
And those connections showed something recognizable.
A pattern.
A pattern of control.
A pattern of influence.
That’s what intelligence officers looked for. Patterns. It was one of the first things that clued ISB and Imperial Intelligence to the Black Hand Operations.
And once a pattern of influence and control was recognized, they became easier to spot. This is not to say that the Black Hand was an amateur operation. No, they looked to be the inheritors of the New Republic Intelligence status providing a competition unmatched by any other agency against the Empire.
One pattern that was easily recognized was the “control” group if intelligence operations, a control group that is also analyzed by Imp Intel and ISB.
For each officer controlled huge networks of dissidents recruited from among the native populace.
The advantage to the Empire was they were already there, albeit without official or military teeth.
And though they couldn’t catch all… they either captured most Black Hand agents within their sphere of influence and identified others outside.
Muunilist
“New orders from Grand Marshall Kaine.” The Presiding Captain of the gargantuan vessel said as shipyard personnel and soldiers continued to put the finishing touches on the warship.
“It seems that we are to begin trial runs immediately. Also the Task Force assigned to monitor the run can expect to be augmented.” He continued glancing at a list of warships to defend the venture that followed.
The bridge of the
Ebony Vigilance II looked pristine and ready. They were mere days away from the official launch date but before the official launch could happen, a series of tests needed to be run. Engine Trials was the technically official term.
Basically it was a way to run the hell out of them and break the warship in before being retuned and refined, and final operating specifications checked off on.
For the most part, the warship was complete, it’s hull having been completed months ago along with the shields and weapon systems.
About three months ago the ship’s hanger bay became operational and the need for the fighter corps flying from the planet to cover the construction became unnecessary as the ship itself took them into it’s bays.
The naval yard was, of course, positioned away from normal traffic since civilian operators and military operator kept their influences separate. Such was the standard when Kaine’s own 256th 2nd Sentinel Fleet made it’s birth in Muunilist yards and though the times had changed, the massive constructs had not.
As his YT-2400 Light Freighter Happy Sunrise cleared atmosphere John did as he always did and glanced at the Imperial Naval Complex in orbit.. Just as he was about to jump to hyperspace something in the shipyard caught his eye. An image seen in news broadcasts.
Dock Control - Shipyard – Designation: Empire Proper 5.0
“That’s a big sonofabitch!” the Docking Master exclaimed as the massive tractor beams of the shipyard as well as the tugs began to take hold of the ESD’s mass, pulling it out of the shipyard.
Military Tracking Station 32
“Sir, we have a civilian freighter deviating from it’s flight path slightly.”
“What?”
“Nevermind, sir.”
The Empire was building an Eclipse-Star Destroyer. Slowly forcing himself to return to the task at hand John turned away from the site of the massive terror weapon. Slowly John pulled back on the hyperspace levers. As his ship entered hyperspace his mind was consumed with one thought. Something must be done.
“That was damned odd.”
Arliss Towers
“You think our transport agencies have been compromised?” Jenice asked as the representative from ISB sat in front of her.
“Their systems, minor ones at that, we believe.”
“And you base this on?”
“A lead from Imperial Intelligence operatives. Notable, and unscrupulous slicers having been tapped..very hush hush stuff.”
“Spare me the Intelli-speak, Agent ?”
“Fash”
“Agent Fash. But why us? Why Muunilist?”
“We’ve received an order from the Regent himself to double our security..”
“Again, Mr. Fash. Why?” Jenice’s voice cut through whatever platitudes the man would start to spill.
“Because Muunillist has come under attack before.”
“I know.. Admiral Drayson’s ill conceived –“
“Before that, Ms. Arliss. An attack perpetrated by the New Republic.”
Jenice’s eyes widened in recognition. “I remember that attack. It came out of nowhere. Our INS affiliates would have had a field day with that. They attacked the Eclipse.”
“It seems that the Regent does not want history to repeat itself.”
“Which would mean that the Empire is building a…?”
“Yes.”
“If memory serves, Mr. Fash, the New Republic’s attack seemed to coincide with the ship’s launch date?”
“Yes..”
“If you are preparing for an attack then…?”
“Yes..”
“I know.”
“I thought you might.” The ISB man countered and Jenice flashed a wicked smile.
“But a fear that history would repeat itself does not really mean that our companies are being compromised.” Jenice felt victory approaching but suddenly saw it disappear when the agent pulled out a datapad.
“Then what is this? Intel flagged it immediately”
Jenice took the pad and noted that it was a typical shipping schedule and manifest. It seemed standard enough, two bulk transports Starfarer's Delight and Starfarer's Sunrise to drop off a load of Melenium out of Ord Trasi.
The first thing Jenice saw was that Ord Trasi seemed to sit on both the Conclave Border and Ubiqtorate spheres.
As well as Towers..
But what really caught her attention was where the material was slated for.
“EP-5? Civilian transports are not allowed into Military areas.”
“Yes, That’s where Arliss makes a killing in the Import/Export Fees since you control the planet-based docking. Civilian shuttles bring the materials in, you subcontract planet-based carriers to ferry the materials to exclusive loading platforms contracted by the Imperial Government. A sweet setup.”
“A girl needs to eat..” Jenice quipped, her laugh taking on a slightly aristocratic tone.
“That error aside, what the manifest does not take into account is that the ship is not lying in pieces on the shipyard floor. It is practically finished.”
“So what do you need the Melenium for?”
“Exactly.”
“Now either Arliss has incompetents running their shipping logistics which means a major infraction of Imperial Protocols and a hefty fine,” Jenice glowered at the man to no effect, “or a skilled slicer inserted it in. If it was not headed for EP-5, we might not have caught it but whoever sliced the program and whoever planned this are not the same people.”
“I’ll have to change the Corporate encryption systems.”
“And invest in a new Security Department.. at least for your commercial software systems.”
“Agent Fash, I would like to know who’s responsible for this if you do find out.”
“I’ll be sure to mention your request to my superiors Ms. Arliss.”
Arrogant prick!
“Thank you, Mr. Fash. I do appreciate your report.”
“You’re quite welcome, Ma’am.”
I don’t give a @#%$ who you slept with wench, Mr. Arliss pays me more to keep his business safe!
ISB Offices
“Well Fash, what do you think? The Regent being his paranoid self?”
“With the war on, he can’t afford to take things lightly.”
“Bah! So you think that anomaly with the transport was something?”
“Probably not. But the slicing IS something.”
“It could be crime related.. you know that Arliss @#%$...”
“True, but I don’t----“
“Report from Intelligence. That transport showed up at Agamar.”
“—see what else we can do but be prepared.”
“Agent Fash! You’ll want to take a look at this!”
“What?” the agent ground out irritably. All this intrigue was getting on his nerves.
“Intercepted transmission. Compliments of Arliss Industries Holocom Center.”
The transmission was a typical news report:
"So have you been alerted to the construction of another terror weapon by the Empire?"
"As of this moment no, I have not been alerted to the construction of another terror weapon. However it is likely that the Empire has designs to create such a terror weapon and it would make no sense to wait until it's been constructed to destroy it. We must be proactive in our defense against such weapons. The galaxy does not want to see another Eclipse Star Destroyer, it's already seen enough of them. Thank you."
“That wench!” Fash bellowed.
His superior grinned. “So now you owe her eh?”
“Dammit!” But the Agent’s eyes narrowed. “But it does confirm our suspicions.”
*
INS Analysis to ISB
MEMORANDUM
Security File 42145.23
"So have you been alerted to the construction of another terror weapon by the Empire?"
Please confirm what our paid informants in your military have told us? Pretty please? – common reporter trick
"As of this moment no,
Hell yes!
I have not been alerted to the construction of another terror weapon.
Where do I start?
However it is likely that the Empire has designs to create such a terror weapon and it would make no sense to wait until it's been constructed to destroy it.
Their weapons terrify me. One in particular. We need to destroy it before it is completed!
We must be proactive in our defense against such weapons.
Strike First! Strike First!
The galaxy does not want to see another Eclipse Star Destroyer, it's already seen enough of them.
This is the terror weapon I know about and can confirm but not officially as it will let the enemy know that I know.
Thank you."
Pray for us
Dissemination done by: Groder Stu – INS
*
Editorial Post: Muunillist News
I’ve heard mention on how the Empire is “no doubt building more weapons designed to infringe upon the basic human rights of galactic citizens.” My question is: Isn’t that what the Empire is trying to do? Make sure “human rights” are not infringed upon by the myriads of alien invaders?
Thank you and Good night.
- Groder Stu
Ebony Vigilance II
Moving away from the shipyard, under it’s own power and in the opposite direction of the civilian shipping lanes, the black warship began to live. The mighty ESD’s engines came on line as the scores of systems and system links were checked by the engineers and specialist.
The warship’s weapons and shields though were unpowered and would not enter into the reactor startup matrix until after the engines had been initialized.
On board were several legions of the soldiers though not full crew compliment by any means. This was, of course, just a test run and not the official maiden voyage.
Also along were 12 Shrouds for not only protection but to monitor outside stress factors and the active hanger bays contained a squadron of Tie Defender Fighters.
“Helm, set a course for Bastion Salvage Fields.”
“Course set.”
“Engage at lowest sublight speeds and bring us to max. Once a positive confirmation of engine initialization has been given, prepare for lowest hyperdrive setting.”
“At your command.”
“Give me some thrust and monitor all systems. I want to make sure inertia dampeners are IG88 on the spot.”
“Aye.”
And the ESD began to move away.
Muunilist.. Now
Two Neutron Star-Bulk Transports reverted out of hyperspace within seconds of each other barely a thousand kilometers from the Shipyards….
“That’s damn close.” A Captain murmured at the audacity of the enemy.
In front of the yard was one Reign Class Star Destroyer and two Belarus Cruisers. Inside the yard was one Reign Class Star Destroyer. Their shields were raised and weapons charged.
"Muunilist Control this is the Transports Starfarer's Delight and Starfarer's Sunrise. We're requesting an orbital dock with Shipyard EP-5. We have a load of Melenium from Ord Trasi onboard."
“They obviously do not know Imperial Procedures though the idea was clever. Target the ships and the moment you see sudden movement, open fire.
“Open a channel.”
“Channel open, Sir.”
“This is Captain Jaeder of the Empire. Power down your vessels and prepare to be boarded.”
OOC Assets at Muunilist Yard:
2 Reign Class Star Destroyer
12 Shroud Class Attack Cruisers
2 Belarus Class Cruisers
120 TIE Defenders
OOC Assets running with ESD on Engine Tests
1 ESD – Ebony Vigilance II
12 TIE Defenders
12 Shroud Class Attack Cruisers
OOC Assets Enroute from Imperial Center
1 Reign Class Star Destroyer
24 Shroud Class Attack Cruisers
12 Constrainer Class Interdition Pickets
2 Mk.II Victory-Class Star Destroyers
