The dull glow of the hologram was the only light in the room. Hovering above the black table a battle replayed over and over again. The massive battleship was unique in its shape and its capabilities. The twin white hulls resembled swords and where attached to each other by a bulbous shape at the hilt. Thousands upon thousands of beams fired from the beast, striking down its foes with ease. Occasionally the target would strike back trying to claim some final bits of glory, but shot and shell beam would peck harmlessly at the shield and armour. The most terrifying property was not its armament, nor its shield. A ship that size performed impossible maneuvers; zig-zagging through the deep black velvet of space. It moved like a fighter if not faster. With that ability, the twin-ship was able to unleash devastating barrages giving its prey little chance to escape.

"A battleship that can maneuver like that," said a male voice, "This clearly demonstrates that the Galactic Empire is no longer interested in allowing the frontier to maintain its autonomy, as limited as that it may be. If we do not act soon, we will become nothing more than servants to an Emperor thousands of light years away. We must press forward with our plans immediately!"

"Analysis complete: ship known as Grand Cross. Our chances of victory, near nil. Recommendation: capitulation," said a voice that was neither male nor female.

"Capitulate? You mean surrender! No, that is not an option! If conventional weapons will not serve than I propose we develop our own super weapon. Fight fire with fire!"

"Resources insufficient. Time required extensive. Projected time to super weapon completion and production in sufficient numbers: 200 years."

"This council has waited over 100 years, two hundred more is nothing!"

"We are inclined to agree with our mechanical compatriot," said a female voice, "My government supports the endeavours of this council, but waiting for a super weapon to be completed is not appealing. Since a military solution is no longer a viable option, we propose a diplomatic one. Dialogue –"

"Dialogue?! The Stellar Alliance promised dialogue and they gave us the war! What makes you think the Galactic Empire will listen? No, these barbarians only understand force!"

"Odds of diplomatic success: nil. Military success: nil. Recommendation: capitulation."

"My dear representative, while your analysis is greatly appreciated, this council simply will not capitulate. We respectfully request that the representative please propose an alternative course of action."

"Analysing."

"As I have said, force is the only way to achieve our goals! If we cannot build a super weapon, than I suggest we steal one!"

"Explain."

"Yes, dear delegate, please explain your plan."

The holographic image flickered as it changed into a star system. A massive red star was at its centre. Orbiting around were several small planets habitable for life but what drew their attention were all of the old observation posts and unmanned stations. In the empty space between planets lumbered an old ship.

"Old ship. Not valuable."

"We concur. A relic from the War of Independence is hardly worth stealing."

"Not the ship, the star. Garnet A was the last ditch effort of the Stellar Alliance. They created a supernova bomb."

The room gasped.

"Currently, Garnet A is the only one in existence. If we learn its secrets and make more of these weapons, we will be able to strike at the heart of the Empire itself. Unimaginable power means unimaginable possibilities. No one will dare challenge us."

"Dear delegate, how did you manage to learn of this weapon?"

"I have friends in the intelligence services. That is all you need to know."

"Potential destruction of supernova bomb: 30 lighters annihilated, 50 light years damaged. Supernova bomb will shift balance of power. Error: Supernova bombs banned by intergalactic conventions."

"Going against the law has never stopped us before."

"We concur with the representative. A supernova bomb is not the solution. While its destructive power may shift the balance of power in our favour, it will surely create many enemies in addition to the Galactic Empire. This council, while our goals may be noble, cannot afford both enemies with out and with in. Again, we urge this council to seek a diplomatic solution."

"Political solution: favoured. Timeline to success: indeterminate, likely very long term. In excess of 50 years."

"If we are unwilling to wait 200 years for certain victory, why should we be unwilling tolerate a delay of fifty for one that is uncertain. I call for a vote! Military or diplomacy!"

"We would like to remind the delegate that no action may be undertaken by this council unless a unanimous decision is reached."

"Then we shall remain here until a decision is reached! Soldiers, lock the doors! No one enters or leaves!"

"This is unacceptable! Forceful imprisonment of a government representative is tantamount to a declaration of war! By order of her Royal Highness, I demand you open those doors!"

"Coup d'état in progress. Probable victory with dissenters. I declare for dissenters."

"Cyborg coward! If you continue with this, my government will withdraw its support and reveal this conspiracy to the Galactic Empire!"

"You will be incriminated as well! I doubt your government will be pleased when bombs rain down on their capital! We will come to a decision tonight!"

The three groups shouted and yelled. The discussion of plans and actions was no more. It had become an insolent noise of insult and injury. None of the three would relent nor compromise. But, as they argued and bickered the hologram flickered and formed. The Grand Cross appeared again, but it was accompanied by several new images. Three Grand Crosses battled a fleet of assorted ships. As the lasers flew and the missiles soared, the super battleships fell one by one. The hologram froze, then rewound, then froze again. Over and over the reel would play unbeknownst to the three. The hologram returned to Garnet A and focused on the abandoned ship. The camera panned over the hull. The name of the ship caught the observer's eye.

"Lady and gentlemen," said a deep authoritative male voice, "I have a solution to our dilemma."

The three immediately became silent and returned to their seats.

"I have considered your arguments carefully and have determined that none of them will advance our cause with any effectiveness. Needless to say, surrender is never an option. The Supernova bomb as proposed by our more, aggressive, delegate will shift the balance of power but as you have said it will draw the ire of all parties, Empire and otherwise. Diplomacy will not suffice either. Our history clearly shows that those with power will not listen to those without. Our words will fall on deaf Imperial dog ears."

"Then what is the solution? You string words well, but you have said nothing."

"Indeed, we would like to hear your proposal."

"Our solution lies in our nature."

"Data incomplete. Request: Expand nature of plan."

"We are shadows, comrades. We are hidden in plain sight. We are vigilant watchers. We are illusions, tricks of the mind. We are the darkness. We move with purpose. We strike with fervor. We are the collapse of empires and the rise of freedom."