Author's Note:This is the first part in a story I'm writing which is inspired by a certain historical anniversary, I challenge you all to guess which one.
Chapter 1: The Planet
Through the impenetrable windows of his newest spacecraft, a Gladiator II-class Star Destroyer, he gazed at the dense atmosphere of the white planet, known as Glacian. It was large, but with far less technological capabilities than a typical rebel stronghold and located in the furthest depths of the Outer Rim Territories. He did not understand why his master had sent him to restore order to an insignificant wasteland, but was eager to demonstrate the might of the Galactic Empire.
The holoprojection pod came to life. He stared along the sleet coated roads of the towns where his personal stormtrooper legion patrolled in pairs, their blasters raised. Cameras placed throughout the planet provided him with hundreds of views to select from. Each featured the same dreary hovels, so encrusted with ice they may have been constructed from it. None of the residential structures had more than two levels.
The streets were free from civilians, but in every image the same flag hung from several balconies. Despite the colour distortions created by the projector and his own optical sensors, which together gave the scene a violet tint, he recognised the cursed insignia. The Alliance to Restore the Republic had planted its roots deep. It was his mission to wrench it from the frozen surface of the planet and crush it to ashes.
The stormtrooper leading the soldiers on the ground contacted him via his comlink. "Lord Vader," he said, "what are your orders?"
"Command your units to find the rebels hiding in the urban regions," said the Sith Lord. "Question every resident and leave no space unsearched. Our enemies are deceptive and have many allies here. Transport anyone who attempts to conceal them from us to the town centre where they will be visible from the surrounding buildings."
"What of the rebels themselves, Sir?"
"Bring them aboard the ships. I will deal with them myself." His burnt lips twitched behind his black mask.
"Understood, we will inform you of any delays."
"Glacian is weak and our control over it is firm. If troopers are competent, you will face no serious obstacles in your mission. I look forward to our triumph."
"Sir, what if the surviving Jedi interferes?"
"He is an invention of the planet, meant to serve its interests." The rumours of a man evading twenty-two years of Imperial raids with the aids of its brave citizen had no doubt given Glacian more fame than it merited. "He poses no threat. You are to act against the rebels and their sympathisers without hesitation."
The stormtrooper accepted his instructions and transmitted them to his fellow soldiers.
The hologram switched to one of a cobblestone square featuring a clocktower with an analogue face and a red banner stretched beneath it. Though incapable of laughing, in his mind he mocked the primitive planet. Then he processed the painted words. Anakin Skywalker Lives, he thought, this day will at last prove those words false.
I hope you enjoyed this first part!