The Rebel Faction

The various dignitaries had introduced themselves each measuring the other seated across the glossy black table.


A Spartan had walked up handing the Grand Marshall several data pads, turned, and left the room securing it. Pushing a button flush with the table, the room began to take on a faint bluish tint.


“This room is secured from eavesdroppers. Our ships in orbit will make sure we remain undisturbed for the duration of this meeting.”


“Pardon me, Marshall, but what is the purpose of this meeting?” an aging woman, Admiral Gatticus, of Imperial Military Command, interrupted smoothly.


Simon paused for a brief moment to collect his thoughts, his eyes measuring the looks on the others.


Some were expressionless while others held intense curiosity. And yet others, Moff Zell for instance, looked utterly bored.


It was an act.


“Gentlemen.. and women, despite the mounting victories of our fleets and the creative capabilities displayed by our soldiers, analysts have predicted we have roughly 25 years left of life before our government begins to crumble.”


The silence held for an entire minute…



..and then pandemonium broke out.


“Lies!”


“Prepostorous!”


“.. we are stronger now than we have ever been!!…”


“Shoot those traitorous analysts!!!”



Grand Marshall Kaine simply sat there quietly, patiently waiting for the excitement to die down.


To bring a group of dedicated, though vastly different officials together, one must smash through haughty preconceived ideas. That the Empire should fall in a quarter of a century seemed to do just that.


“Grand Marshall Kaine,” Seamus Arliss, CEO of Arliss Industries, started, curiosity eating away at his reserve (he was one that did not break out with emotion at Kaine’s statement), “On what do these analysts base this.. this prediction?”


“A variety of factors, Mr. Arliss, that we will discuss in detail.” Kaine answered. In front of each seated, a report began to display and the Grand Marshall's voice carried over the information as each person's eyes scanned.


“Every success made by our Imperial Armed forces has expanded our territory dominion. Each victory brought us that much closer to total galactic domination. And yet, each successful military operation as undermined the security and stability of the Empire.”


His voice was firm.


“So, correct me if I am wrong, but what you are saying is that the larger the Empire grows, the shorter it’s lifespan will be? Is this correct?” Moff Khendon asked.


The Grand Marshall nodded, “That is correct, Moff Khendon. The analysts have found underlying correlations between the two variables.”


“Every action has an opposite and equal reaction.” Admiral Ckeller said.


“In a sense, Admiral. However, what we are looking at is that the social inertia of that 'opposite reaction' is growing in momentum at such a rate that it will eventually override our own military activities to expand, solidify and grow.”


“Are the variables, such as the two mentioned be mutually inclusive? Meaning, is it a foregone conclusion that no matter how great or at what rate we expand, we will still be faced with a shortened lifespan?” Moff Handler asked, cutting to the meat.


“If that is what you are saying, I will say: Rancor shit Marshall, that is just plain Rancor shit!!” Moff Zell interrupted forcefully.


Simon hid a slight smile.


“No. The two are not inclusive. One does not necessarily mean that the other will, inevitably, happen. It means, the Empire, as it stands now, is being faced with this predicament.”


“Why now?” Jenice Arliss, Executive Director of Arliss Towers, Muunilist, asked. Several others voices that same question.


Simon looked at the others for a full minute before answering.


“Because, Ms. Arliss, of the fact that while we are the Empire, we have yet to establish our ‘New Order’. We have lost our definitive motivation.”


The room was silent.


"Annex the rest of the galaxy tomorrow and the Empire will shatter within a month!"


There was a stirring at this as the military leaders, politicians and leading corporate executives actually thought about the claim.


Simon caught out of the corner of his eye as Moff Zell hid a smug smile. A similar look of understanding creased Seamus Arliss’ face as well as that of Admiral Gatticus'. Admiral Chandler looked a bit troubled but said nothing.


Moff Handler was unreadable and confusion played across Moffs Khendon, Borien, Admiral Jaeder and everyone else.


Now we discuss the underlying differences in the doctrines of the Empire of old and the Empire of now. The very roots of Republican ideology will be expunged once and for all.


“This is preposterous!” An Admiral off to Kaine’s right started hotly. “I will not sit here and listen while the Empire is maligned so.” The Admiral drew himself up to sit a little straighter in his seat and stared directly at Kaine. “No matter what rank the speaker is.” He added with no little bit of relish.

Moff Zell scowled at the Admiral but said nothing and the others stirred nervously. Eyes darted here and there, each wondering what the other was thinking.


Kaine leaned forward to really look at the sputtering Admiral. “Tell me, Admiral, then why, after Palpatine dissolved the Imperial Senate, did it rise once more in Imperial Politics after his death? Why did Imperial Policy shift from what Palpatine envisioned?”


“Why don’t you ask someone who’s interest is Imperial trivia, Grand Marshall!” snapped the Admiral. “The example is pointless because whether we have a Senate or not, the Empire as a whole remains unaffected!”


“Were we unaffected by the New Empire?" Interrupted Moff Zell, "Tell me Admiral, was the Empire unaffected by the Wrath Virus?”


“The Senate, as a political body, was dissolved during the conquest of Coruscant but the politicians who made up the Senate still retained their individual influences and power within the Imperial hierarchy.” The Grand Marshall’s eyes went regretful for a second, “The emerging of the New Empire interfered with the planned purge and was the shield former Senators used to escape and betray the Empire.”

He sighed and looked up at the Admiral, now quiet. “Be that as it may, Regent Hyfe believes what is being predicted. He understands the grave dangers posed by our ideological instability. We may not come to believe in that danger right now. We may fail to wholly grasp the big picture. But our Regent, however, has not! For his responsibility is to the Empire! Our responsibility is to the Regent and I should not have to remind you of that fact. In fact, it should prompt us to give nothing less than our full support!”


The Grand Marshall paused.


“And with our underlying motivation now firmly in place, we can all agree to move this meeting forward in its purpose to address the wishes of our Regent and make those wishes law.” Kaine clasped his hands together and leaned in a bit, “You see, during the creation of the New Order, Palpatine issued a series of decrees designed to separate the old, degenerating ideology of the Republic into something that would infuse in humanity new life. And therein lies the key.”


He leaned back, setting his palms flat on the table, “Gentlemen, Admirals and Moffs, when we are finished today, Imperial policy will be irrevocably changed.”


“Without consultation with the Ministry of Justice? Without consultation with any judiciary branch?” Moff Khendon asked, surprised.


Before Simon could reply, Moff Zell slammed his hand down on the table. Leave it to Zell to be dramatic and soak up the limelight. “The Regent asks no one’s leave to set right the Empire. Would Palpatine have? Stop quibbling over Republican ideals and serve your Regent!”


Zell couldn’t have gotten an angrier response from Moff Khendon if he had called him Princess Leia Organa Solo in disguise. Khendon’s face grew red hot with fury.


Before a retort could be verbalized, Kaine pulled up a datapad and set it on top of the others. The data from the pad began to upload and display itself on each person's monitor before them. “Make no mistake my fellow Imperials. The Policy has been set. What is needed today is to figure out how efficiently and effectively we all can carry out Regent Hyfe’s wishes.”


Seamus Arliss raised his eyebrows, “If it has already been set, Grand Marshall, why didn’t you just send us a memo? Why this?” he gestured to the room and everyone in general. “Why go to these great lengths?”


Simon Kaine looked up and stared directly at the CEO of Arliss Industries, “Because, Mr. Arliss, we are all servants of the Empire. While Policy is set by our government, we are who carry out that policy. So, if it is to be carried out and carried out successfully, then nothing less than the best minds, the best motivators, those best to see the implications of this new policy and how it relates to the different facets of our day to day lives would be required. Nay, would be critical! That and because of what this Policy relates too, is why you are here Mr. Arliss!"


“Which is?” prompted Moff Jaeder.


“The total divorcing of the Republican ideology from the Empire.”


Moff Jaeder drummed the fingers of his right hand on the smooth glossy surface of the table as he listened to that response, his eyes scanning the monitor. “I am afraid you will have to be more specific than..—“


“The Alien Question.” Kaine interrupted, the clarification causing no change in his firm, unwavering voice. His eyes began to measure everyone in the room silently.


The room was deathly quiet as the implications began to set into their minds.


Only Moff Zell wore a smile, as if he had been privileged to the information beforehand (which he wasn’t).


Into that quiet, he chuckled softly, “Bout damn time.”


Kaine turned to the old former Grand Admiral with no little admiration. In any other, the outbursts would be indications of a fool, but Zell was both as cunning and ruthless as they came.


"I think it is time for a small break. I believe you know where the refreshments are."

“Marshall Kaine, your ambiguity regarding the topics at hand and the purpose of this meeting still leave much to be desired. You indicate that the reason we are here is to discuss the ‘Alien Question’. Tell me Marshall, what question is that?


You seem to indicate that this question is linked to some shady part of Republican ideology that has taken root within Imperial Society but you do not specify exactly what that ideology is.”


Moff Jaeder seemed to take a more aggressive stance when everyone had once again resumed their seats.


The Grand Marshall answered in a disarmingly quiet voice. “First of all, Moff, are you saying that I need to spell out for you the New Order’s Policy on alien influence within the Empire?”


A murmur rose at the Marshall’s question but the Moff was ready for it. “We all know what Palpatine’s Policy was regarding aliens. What I am asking for is the current administration’s interpretation of that Policy.”


Kaine smiled. “You want to know if I am going to order your soldiers to irradicate all alien citizens found on Corellia?”


“It is a practical question, Marshall. We have taken Corellia and put down the last of the insurgents but the planet does boast a very large alien population presence. Compliments due to the planet being the Republican capital for so long. To act against that population now would be a foolish move in my opinion. It would needlessly stir up resentment and rebellion in an already controlled and occupied area.”


“An unnecessary risk.” Admiral Chandler commented.


“Exactly! Right now we need our military units put in areas where they will do the most good for the advancement of the Empire. Not create areas of trouble within our more submissive sectors of the Empire.”


Jenice Arliss spoke up. “What about business contracts, subcontracting agreements and the like? The Towers hold very large contracts with alien organizational bodies, or organizations comprised of or powered by the alien presence. To eliminate those bodies is to negate our contracts and business opportunities. Money knows no partiality. To negate our contracts would effectively kill our growth.”


“At least for the next ten fiscal years.” Mr. Conrad added trying to pat the top figure in case there were future talks of compensation for losses incurred due to a more aggressive interpretation of the old Palpatine Policy.


Seamus Arliss smiled at that.


Moff Khenon spoke up when Kaine seemed to hesitate, attempting to use the momentum. “These aliens, especially the ones on Corellia are our citizens now. We should be helping them get back on their feet to become productive members of Imperial society. They know that the Empire is here to stay. If we treat them as we would want to be treated…”



“The little alien shits would be so appreciative of our…our ..virtue,” Moff Zell interrupted, gesturing grandly, turning the word into a mark of scorn, “that they would all drop to their knees sucking our very large penis?”


Moff Khendon gaped at first and then sputtered something incoherent.


“If only the aliens had knees..” Commodore Hessien remarked dryly.

“If only I had a penis.” Admiral Gatticus sighed dramatically, tossing her gray hair back.


A round of laughter went around the table breaking the tension but a clear demarcation line was forming.


So the division of ideology has begun already. Kaine mused. I could come down hard now but that would do no good. The ideology would be buried, not destroyed. The former had to be unraveled first.


“Moff Khendon, you are for the equal treatment of aliens are you not?”

“I am, Marshall.”

Kaine leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “Why?”

“Because even aliens have rights. They have the right to live in freedom. They have a right to live.”

“You mean the rights to exercise this..this freedom to defy the Empire?!!” Zell started indignantly, but Kaine’s hand went up which surprisingly restrained the Moff.

“Continue, Moff Khendon.”

“Grand Marshall, every sentient being has the right to happiness.”

“Even the methane breathers on Coran III, whose psychological makeup is reminiscent of a planet full of serial killers?”

Moff Khendon’s speech stopped dead. “Well… I know not the alien race you are talking about.”


“Or perhaps the sentient creatures who live to form …or force, rather, a symbiotic relationship with unsuspecting hosts? Their skeletons are on the planet Arcadia, Moff Khendon.”


“Sentience,” Moff Borien commented, “ Sort of a broad word isn’t it, Moff?”


Moff Zell’s eyes narrowed revealing a feral grin. “Nevermind sentience, Borien. Moff Khendon, you say that aliens have rights. Fine!”

His eyes blazed. “Rights granted by whom?”

The aging man's repeated question cut through everything. The crux of the entire issue that stands in the way of everything the Empire has done or will do in the future.


At the very heart of it,




But from ... as Zell put it,... from whom?



Moff Khendon knew that the collected assemblage of the some of the most powerful men and women within the Empire would be no easy crowd. Still, he knew.. He had faith that everything he had been taught had led him to this moment.


This was his chance to actually change the course of an Empire...


For was not the power of God alive?


For did not the power of God exert power?


Those who yearned for truth?


Khendon saw the expectant expression upon Moff Zell's face, the scowling of the corporate moguls and the calm curiosity coming from the Grand Marshall.



He was a follower of the Way. He had faith that the sacrifice of the Son paved the way toward his ultimate salvation. He prayed for the Kingdom of the One to come. He gave thanks for his daily bread and begged forgiveness so as to be spared the merciless fires of hell.


He believed his soul immortal.


He believed that when he died he would see his family in a glorious afterlife.


But, to convey this to the people before him would be no easy task.

But then, they knew not the moral of the Lesson. They knew not what the Lesson teaches.


The One created all men equal. To love your neighbor. Return evil for evil to no one.


He smiled, confident in the sustaining power of his faith.


If I have but the faith of a small pebble, I can move mountains!


He picked his words with care and opened his mouth.



I can move mountains!

THE LOGISTICS OF A NIGHTMARE

"Gentlemen and ladies, the discussion from this point on is classified: New Order Clearance." A slight reddish hue became visible in the room. "As you can see, there is no one here from COMPNOR nor Imperial Intelligence. The New Order Policies that are expressed by Regent Hyfe and streamlined in this meeting will shape the Empire for the next one hundred years. COMPNOR's job will be to protect that Policy but it is a job that in no way requires them to know the particulars of this meeting. In truth, the fewer who know the better for secrecy is critical to success.

With INS, we will control what the Empire and galaxy see and hear and will build a facade so thick that when we move to impliment policy, there will be no hindrence. From any quarter.

Now as stated before, this may seem inherently cruel.."


Grand Moff Zell scoffed at this but Simon shook his head. "No, Zell, it does seem cruel. But then so does striking a child in order to discipline it. And that, my friends, is what we are doing. Disciplining the Empire. Make no mistake, we are in a biological war whether we recognize it or not. Sooner or later, there will be clashes between various alien races and cultures and humanity.

Some would have you believe some all encompassing power created us. If so, where is it? No. It seems more likely that the existence of life is the result of a simple cosmic accident. The existence of our species, as a race, however, is the result of an evolutionary imperative.

Evolving to survive in a changing environment.

Survival of the fittest.


And it is this foundation that our policy will now be laid upon. Remember, there is no such thing as good or evil. Those are religious designations.

Anyone who tells you that they don't believe in god but does believe in evil is lying.


What we do is not evil but expedient. What we do is not so much cruel as it is necessary. Today's pain staves off tomorrow's heartache.


I will not see all our work, all that we've fought and bled over pulled down because of some jibbering, incomprehensible alien pysche!"


"So how do we do it?" Admiral Jaeder asked. "So as to stave off open rebellion and outright insurrection and to maintain secrecy during implementation. Just how do you propose it be done?"


Kaine smiled as everyone seemed to sit a little straighter. "What is the first thing any secret policy needs?"


Seamus Arliss spoke up. Being a part of several secret corporate policies, he would know. "Policy-specific information."


Kaine nodded. "Exactly. It's easy to classify all aliens as enemies or potential slaves but as brought out before, there are those that are actually beneficial to the Empire. Unlike Palpatine who led with his emotions and without hard data for his policy initiatives, we will not be making the same mistake.


Therefore, Regent Hyfe has approved the funding for and creation of the Census Bureau. While it's name is synonymous with head or snout counting within the Empire, which is important for conscription, education, and taxation purposes, this organization will be the heart of our alien intelligence network. I want to know what races are within our sphere and how many there are. How many are on Imperial Center and how many on Corellia?

And once this information has been gathered, then we have a better idea as to how to proceed. What Policies to impliment and upon what alien race."


Admiral Gatticus steepled her hands in thought. "Define 'policies'. As they will be race-specific, I'd imagine?"


Kaine did not miss a beat, "Once each race is classified, Policies would include coexistence initiatives, culling, short-term sterilization, long-term sterilization, enslavement and/or irradication."

Grand Moff Zell chuckled, "It's time we kicked those high-minded alien pricks in their balls!"

Jenice Arliss, irritated at Zell's unsophistication, asked, "So the Census Bureau is really tasked not only in counting and placing those numbers in specific areas within the Empire, but in setting the policy classification. Therefore, as an observer, you will have need of specialists, accurate information regarding alien biology, psychology, etc... ."

Kaine nodded. "We have several xenobiological departments slated for absorption within the Census Bureau and not a few off-site undisclosed locations being prepared. The necessary skills will be attached to the Census Bureau."

Admiral Chandler, who had remained silent for quite a while, stirred. When he spoke attracted quite a bit of attention as everyone was interested in how the others would react to the purposes to be put into action.

"So we know under what umbrella we are operating from but what about the logistics of the policies themselves? As I understand this, the Census Bureau will not be the agency tasked with carrying out our olicy initiatives so my question is: who will? Who are the ones that will be tasked with implimenting policy across the Empire, discreetly of course?"


Admiral Ckeller, "It would also be good to review any precidents in Imperial Law. We do not need some overzealous patriot in the Ministry of Justice hindering our policies, however unknowingly, because we did not do our homework and take the appropriate measures." She smiled encouragingly, "I believe we can find the flexibility within the Law to back the New Order Policies."

Another Commodore spoke up, clearly warming to the subject. "All we need to do is determine classification! If we can classify correctly, then the Law takes care of itself! The Law will actually work for us!"


Simon leaned back as several members went back and forth on the subject. He turned to Zell and raised an eyebrow. The Grand Moff's grin was predatorial.

"Well, as I see it, sterilization is the answer for the long term issue. But what do we do about contamination now? We can segregate, separate and relocate but these creatures have familial ties that are not easily hidden.."


Simon Kaine leaned forward at the observation. "The main goal here is use. What use can we obtain from our racial diversity now? Can we indoctrinate them to our service and use them as infiltrators? That would be an idea to propose with Ysanne Isard."

"I wouldn't trust any of those bastards aboard a military ship." Azrael Zell shot back.


"There are few and most are in the Imperial Guard, under Telan Desaria's command." Admiral Gatticus commented.


"Desaria." Moff Jaeder smirked.


"As long as they remain in the defense fleet and off offensive actions for now, they can remain." Kaine said. "Admiral Desaria will scour his fleet for any traitors and if gives me a clean bill of loyalty he has free reign over his command. In short, I trust his judgement over the fighting operational capacity of the soldiers under his command."


Seamus Arliss spoke up, "Then you remove the defense fleet off the roster for transporting alien races for 'relocation'?"


"Of course, Mr. Arliss." Kaine spoke up. "Remember, we are talking about medical issues that these races will have to be relocated in response too. Therefore, they will be transported by automated means."


"What do you mean?" Jenice asked.


"Well, to remove or limit the 'human' element in an operation like this, several designs for large robotic transport carriers under quarantine would be used to transport or we would have one crewed ship with the rest slaved to it."


"Why tax the conscience of our citizens any more than typical?" Admiral Ckeller grinned.


"The work is necessary but difficult. There's no need to complicate it any more than we have too."


"So we have reasons and infrastructure in place to relocate those races classified by the Bureau of Census. But what do we do once they arrive at our relocation facilities? I am assuming these locations are going to be classified?"


Kaine nodded, "At the highest level. New Order Clearance only. Remember, if this system shows itself to work well with alien classification we may look to handle political prisoners, ideological prisoners, perhaps problem people conquered... there is no end to the possibilities."


He paused, "But you do bring up a very good question. When these classified traitors are relocated, how do we make the necessary space for future arrivals?"


Zell barked out a laugh. "Why don't you just come out and say it? What do we do to eliminate them to make room for more?"


A shadow of a smile formed on Kaine's lips, "There's no need to be brutal about it, Zell. It is unpleasant business but business every government needs to address. Internal pacification."


"Underground incineration." Zell snapped back.


"I beg your pardon?" Moff Jaeder turned to the aging Grand Moff.


"Underground incineration. We set this up large scale..." Zell started.


"Wait. How would you justify the initial construction?" Mr. Conrad asked.


It was Seamus that answered, "Terraforming. We call it terraforming equipment and make them massive turbine-like contraptions that can generate super-heated temperatures."


"And you do not think that these people disembarking won't notice the ..." Admiral Chandler asked.


"Not if the facade is correct." Zell finished. "We erect a largely uninhabited settlement in a picturesque valley. Then we put down the largest medical facility ever seen capable of handling the numbers on the transports. They are checked 'to be given authorization to move into the settlement disease free'. As the people lay on the medical beds, they are given a super tranquilizer or something and then carted to the incinerators. Have droids carry out the work!"


Kaine turned to the old Moff, "You've thought about the logistics of this haven't you?"


Zell grinned, "I don't screw women all of the time."


A chuckle went around the table.

"So a suitable world for our little 'terraforming project' needs to be selected. Various settlements built for the facade as well as the control facility that will look like a large Medical facility. The Control Facility will maintain and house the worker droids to carry out operations. We will need hard numbers regarding efficiency but I believe we can process the transport's numbers fairly quickly if the facilities on the planet are large enough to handle their numbers and we have enough droids and equipment to move the bodies.
Incinerating the bodies themselves will take little time."

Seamus leaned forward. "If we begin having large numbers of resulting ash from the incineration, perhaps we can market it as top grade fertilizer?"

"We might turn a tidy profit." Mr. Conrad followed up.

"Enough to fund further expansion projects." Admiral Chandler inserted before the greed of the corporate representatives took over.

"Well then," Kaine said, "It seems we have a working outline. Each of us will have our assigned duties to this project and we are all encouraged to keep this project classified under New Order Protocols. Perhaps in the future, we can tailor this project to encompass force users. Perhaps for the Jedi and Sith. Those beings with abilities they claim makes them higher up the evolutionary ladder than us."

"It'd be nice to kick them down a rung." Admiral Jaeder spoke out.

"The Jedi and Sith will get what is coming to them soon enough. First we have to monitor them before we can corral them." Kaine completed.


He stood, "I appreciate your input, ladies and gentlemen. We will convene again at an appropriate time but I feel very confident in the progress we've made so far. Your dedication to Imperial Supremacy and Security is to be commended. I invite you all to dine with me aboard the Galactus if you are able before leaving to your respective stations.

With Imperial Center retaken we are definitely living in an Imperial Era once more."


And with that the meeting ended.








"Do you think people 100 years from now will understand what we have just set in motion?" Jenice asked, walking up to Simon as he stared down at the planet from an observation deck.

"Jenice, we live in a galaxy with millions of different species, with a million different agendas and will a million different goals. It is folly to think that all can live side by side in a unified voice. There will always be those who feel they are better than the whole." He turned, "The Empire is the whole."

"It is not something I want to do. It is not something I like doing but I do agree it is necessary. My loyalty is the Empire. My service is to make sure the Empire remains and never again undergoes a devestating Civil War. We've had two."

"So you are saying if the Rebellion had not happened, there would be no need for projects such as this?" Jenice asked.

Simon raised an eyebrow. "How could there be a need? There would have been no internal strife or conflict. No, the Rebellion only inspires other inferiors to think they have a chance at defeating us. I intend to show them the error of their ways."

Simon sighed. "It is a common failure of evolutionists. To count the cost of their belief. They look at evolution as merely scoffing at the existence of a God but they do not look the other way and see their belief to it's rightful conclusion."


"And that is?" Jenice asked perplexed.

"That there is no longer right and wrong. That we are here because of a great cosmic accident. That we survived this long because we are strong. Survival of the fittest is what it has always been about. Natural Selection.
There is no moral outrage over the slaughter of anyone, young or old, if the goal is to ensure the survival of your species and continuation of dominance.

There is no such thing right and wrong."


Simon grinned, "Except what right might brings. The only axiom of evolution that really matters."