Imperial Order
In the skies above Naboo, a Lambda class shuttle approached the modified Imperial Star Destroyer 'Emperor's Sword'. Markings on the side of this Battleship made it stand out from others in the fleet as Lord Thalnax's Command ship. Three squadrons of Tie Interceptors immediately took formation around the shuttle and a voice broke through the comm. System. "This is a restricted vessel, level 4 clearance required. Identify yourself". A gloved hand reached for the control panel and letters clicked onto the screen. "Transmitting code" whispered a dark voice before locking the control switches in preparation for docking. The figure sat back in his seat waiting for the usual clearance message; taking the time to do a paperwork check. The same voice came through the speakers, "Welcome Colonel, the Moff has been expecting you, you are clear to land at bay three". The Interceptors around him broke formation and continued their patrol while the shuttle was pulled into the docking ring.
As the shuttle prepared itself for landing, platoons of Stormtroopers marched into formation in front of the landing mark. Steam escaped the pressure vents as the ramp descended and immediately metal footsteps could be heard as a tall human male disembarked; he sported a neat officer's uniform with the insignia showing a Colonel rank. Row upon row of Stormtroopers stood to attention on either side of him and facing him was Major Malachon. The major walked up to Aresius and saluted him; "At ease Major" commanded the Colonel, "What news of the platoons in Bestine". The Major smiled and answered, "There have been a couple of hit and run strikes because of the election, there were no casualties".
Aresius stopped at an officer next to him, "Lieutenant, I was concerned when I heard of the saboteur on board", he said with noticeable irritation. "Yes, he blew a power conduit in secondary reactor control, but he picked a wonderful time to reveal himself; the Inquisitor was just arriving." He answered and flashed an evil grin. They saluted each other and Aresius continued to walk towards the hangar bay doors with the Major. "I hear our new commando units have completed training, when will they be available?", the admiral asked. Major Malachon brought out a datapad and handed it to him, "They have been fitted with special armor that can withstand even a particle beam blast, and they all carry T-21 prototype rifles and modified proton grenades, they have proven to be very deadly. The equipment is expensive so they may be ready for combat in a few weeks". The admiral put the datapad away, "I am eager to see them in action, tell the CPO to speed it up". The major saluted, "Yes sir", he entered the lift and two Stormtroopers followed closely.
"TR-34, inform the Moff I have arrived". Aresius announced before walking quickly towards the council hall. The tall doors opened for him as he approached, he walked past the Strategists who were too busy to notice him. The admiral suddenly stopped and barked an order to a Captain standing next to the holotable, "Move the Intrepid to investigate that disturbance 4 parsecs away". He took out his scribe and painted a flashing red indicator on the strategic map. "Aye sir", the captain replied and nodded at his comm. officer.
Aresius continued towards a blast door patrolled by two Dark Troopers. Three turrets came through the floor in front of him; one Trooper scanned him with a small device before saluting and stepping aside. "The Lord has been expecting you sir". The colonel thought "Lord? Surely he means..." The turrets turned away and the blast door in front of him opened with a mechanical din, making him jump. He stepped inside and saw not only Moff Guff, but Lord Thalnax sitting in front of a large black desk. Two hooded figures were on either side of him standing perfectly still. Aresius quickly bowed, "My Lord, I was not informed of your arrival". Lord Thalnax smiled and spoke in a dark voice, "Good to see you colonel, I heard of the victory against the terrorists in south Naboo, Siege is going as planned." He stood up and made a hand gesture to the Guard at the door. The blast door opened again and a large bulky man stepped inside, Aresius recognized him as the 3rd Inquisitor.
He was followed by two Stormtroopers carrying another man in Imperial prisoner clothing. They threw him at the Inquisitor's feet, yelping in pain. "We found this man attempting to steal information and sabotage this vessel". Exclaimed Lord Thalnax. "It is…fortunate that the Inquisitor ran across him accessing data on a restricted terminal". The prisoner tried to climb to his knees; the Inquisitor kicked him over onto his back to face Thalnax. "Had fun have you Inquisitor?" Joked Thalnax. "Very much so my lord, but he refuses to even admit that he is a Rebel scum" He answered, "We all know the truth already, so why don't you make it easy for yourself and tell us who sent you!" he shouted at the Prisoner. The Rebel spat in his face and the Inquisitor kicked him hard to a grovel in front of the Lord. Thalnax sighed at the Rebel, "Very good Inquisitor, I will finish it from here, you may go". The Inquisitor bowed and exited the room followed by the two Stormtroopers.
"Now Rebel, you should have given what the Inquisitor wanted, I find he is far too lenient for my tastes" Growled Lord Thalnax at the Prisoner, who pushed himself to his feet, The Rebel spat at Thalnax's feet "Do to me what you wish, I will die before I betray the Rebellion". Lord Thalnax sighed yet again and beckoned to the two hooded figures next to him before walking towards Aresius; "It is a real pity that these men cannot see the truth of what the Empire brings to this Galaxy", he said quietly, "Come, let us return to the planet". As the two of them walked towards the Blast door, Aresius gulped as he heard the sound of a lightsaber igniting behind him, and a bloodcurdling scream as the two men tortured the Rebel with storms of lightning until finally one silenced him with his saber. The blast door slammed shut, drowning out the laughter. Lord Thalnax had a grin on his face as they walked towards the ready shuttle, "What a waste of human life". Aresius whispered. Lord Thalnax's grin did not falter, he replied, "There are plenty more Rebel scum to capture, it is only a matter of time until one of them cracks."