A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Episode 0

The Sith Empire

Like the passing of day into night, so was the transition of Republic into Empire. With his rise, Palpatine and his chief agent brought about the end of the Jedi and a drastic change to the face of things. There then came unrest and eventual rebellion against the dark regime. As these forces began to face one another, others with objectives more secret arose who might hold the key to victory or defeat...

Book II: The Force of Shadows

Chapter I

There was a chill in the air as the turbolift doors opened and the familiar tread of the cloaked figure filled the sudden silence that permeated the bridge of the mightiest ship in the Imperial fleet. This was not without reason, for few dared to enter the presence of Darth Vader without fear. Admiral Ozzel didn't seem to notice the change that had come over his crew at the arrival of his superior, while Captain Piett followed Vader with his eyes until the admiral's sharp gaze brought him back to the matter at hand. "You had something to report, captain?" Ozzel said with the normal amount of impatience.

Piett nodded and said, "The Iron Fist has just entered the system. They are looking to replenish their supplies." Ozzel scowled at him, then said, "This is not the first time Captain Zsinj has used the facilities here without going thru the proper channels. Tell him..." The admiral broke off at the expression on his subordinate's face, realizing that a third person was listening in. "Open a channel to the Iron Fist," Vader said, "I will personally remind the captain where his loyalties lie." Ozzel nodded, then executed the order. Moments later, a face appeared above the nearby hologram pod. But it was not the one Piett expected to see. Ozzel muttered something under his breath, and the captain had to agree with his superior's sentiment. "Admiral Il-Raz," the dark Lord intoned, "Your presence here is unanticipated."

"A pleasure to see you as well," the other said, "Captain Zsinj was kind enough to lend me the use of his vessel when my own was disabled in service to the Emperor. I'm pleased to report that I have finally completed what you began years ago." "I'm certain your account will be riveting," Vader said dryly, "However, even you are not above Imperial decree. There are express orders controlling the ships allowed into this system."

"I am aware of the situation," Admiral Il-Raz said, "My mission cannot be completed, however, until I report to the one who has been overseeing it since the beginning." "Explain yourself," Vader said. "I will make my full report to the commander of the Star Empire. You may join us if you like," the other told him. "You may expect my arrival shortly," Vader said. The hologram faded away, and the Dark Lord turned and left his subordinates.


Han Solo checked the charge on his blaster for the hundredth time and glanced down the streets of Commenor. No one was in sight, but that didn't make him relax. He'd come here to rendezvous with a contact who had information to sell to the Alliance. Instead, Han had run into real bounty hunters out to collect the price Jabba had put on his head. He had to pay back the money-grubbing alien before some jerk with half a brain decided to fry him.

So far, Han had come out ahead, but his luck could only last so long. Especially if I keep looking for trouble, he thought. "Chewie," Han murmured and was answered by a low rumble from his Wookiee partner. Chewbacca didn't smell anyone following them at the moment, but that of course didn't mean that no one was. "Come on," he said, "Let's get back to the Falcon. The sooner I get off this rock the better."


As the shuttle from the Executor came to rest on the still unfinished deck of the Star Empire, Captain Kyle Rashan resisted the impulse to nervously shift his feet as the ramp lowered. Though he was uncomfortable with the present situation, it was not wise to show it in front of a man with the sort of temper Vader often displayed. From the way the Dark Lord stalked onto the deck, Rashan could tell that Vader was also far from pleased with recent developments. "It is a pleasure to have you join us Lord Vader," he said, "If you will accompany me."

"Is there some reason why your superior could not be present to explain matters to me himself upon my arrival?" Vader growled as they headed for the turbolift. "He is interrogating Admiral Il-Raz now, my Lord," Rashan told him, "Don't worry, we will get to the bottom of this matter." "Where then, shall we confer?" Vader asked. "I am to take you to the secondary bridge. The others will join us shortly," he said. "I don't like to be kept waiting," the Dark Lord hissed.

"This matter is delicate, especially considering the position Il-Raz holds," Rashan said, "The Emperor has decreed that all matters regarding him are to be handled with great delicacy." "I am aware of my Master's decrees, Captain Rashan," Vader said, "Nevertheless, I do not suffer fools and zealots easily save where they can be used to further the interests of the Empire." Rashan swallowed nervously as they stepped into the turbolift and went on their way.


In orbit above Commenor, Luke Skywalker considered the trail of information that had led him to this planet. Han and Chewie had been sent on a mission of great secrecy, but Luke had known the right persons to ask in order to track them down. And the right arguments to use as well, he thought, remembering that last exchange with Leia. Eventually, she had agreed that Han simply knew too much about the Alliance to fall into enemy hands. As he made his landing and cleared himself thru the local customs, he had Artoo access the local database and do a search for the Millennium Falcon.

Noting where it was berthed, he turned to his droid and said, "Stay here for now, they could be anywhere." Leaving the spot where he'd landed, Luke soon reached his friend's ship. A brief inspection of the bay revealed that neither Han nor Chewie was guarding the freighter. Stepping outside onto the streets of Commenor, he wondered how he would find them. From one of the nearby roads, Luke heard the echo of blaster fire, followed by an all-too-familiar roar.

Realizing who must be producing those sounds, he shook his head in exasperation and drew his own blaster. His father's lightsaber rested on his hip, ready if he needed it. No need to draw attention to us yet, he thought as he jogged in the direction of the sounds he'd heard.


Vader surveyed the interior of the secondary bridge calmly as he waited for his host. It was difficult not to pace, the Dark Lord was not a man known for patience. Still, in this case the delay was being caused by the Emperor's commands. Thus, it pleased Vader to wait however long he might have to. The door opened, admitting Admiral Il-Raz and the true commander of the Star Empire. "I trust you will now tell me what is going on," Vader stated. The other nodded, gesturing to Il-Raz. Smiling faintly, the admiral began to speak.

"It is my pleasure to report that I have captured one of the key surviving members of the rebel group responsible not only for the theft of the Death Star plans, but also for the assassination attempt upon Grand Moff Tarkin," Il-Raz said. "I hardly see how that matters to the Empire now," the Dark Lord interrupted, "Tarkin died at the same time as his battle station. Whatever crimes may have been committed against him are long past." "What you say is true," the admiral said, "That is probably why the search for the perpetrators ended soon after the death of Gavis Ideji."

Vader nodded absently. He remembered well the events Il-Raz spoke of. His host had been involved also. "Who is it that you have captured?" the dark Lord asked, "Why is he of such importance?" "I believe you will recall why this person is important shortly," said Il-Raz with another smile, "His name is Rkvzlnmara."