Author's Notes

Thanks for taking the time to read!

One thing I wanted to clear up is that I will be posting links to youtube for a musical effect. Of course this is optional and you can enjoy reading in peace. I will place the links in parenthesis and add a time as well if necessary such as (www .you tube watch?blahblah Time:Time). Thanks!

Chapter 1

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Admiral Haydrean's boots clicked on the dark pristine floor of the command bridge of the Imperial warship Demise, avoiding the mouse droids that were dashing around the floor in a flurry. There was chaos on the bridge as officers melded in and out of offices and battle stations attempting to assess the situation at hand. He quickly shuffled toward the large silver door of the main bridge. As the door opened and he passed the guards, Haydrean could see a tall, well kept, balding older man in his 40's. He was surrounded by a mass of boisterous and inquisitive officers and a silent, single white stormtrooper captain. The older man dressed in a sleek black officer uniform, remaining unfazed as he stared through the glass of the star destroyer and looked out at the darkness of space. Only the distant imperial starships glistened brighter than the stars.

"Excuse me, sir! This is an urgent matter!" he quickly as he wrestled and wiggled through the bellicose and boisterous crowd of officers to let him through. The old man slowly perked up his head when he recognized Haydrean's voice.

"Admiral, have you got word?" he replied sternly as he retreated his gaze back to the fleet.

"Yes. The situation is nearly…catastrophic. We need to meet in person, sir. Now." replied the Admiral as his voice cracked. Suddenly the heckling officers became deathly quiet and stared at each other silently. Even the officers stationed at the navigation stations stole a stare, attempting to figure out what had gone wrong.

"I see. Follow me Admiral. The rest of you, return to your designated positions and instructions will be given to you all very shortly." replied the old man as he began to walk off toward his personal command room. He looked back for a second and flicked his finger, beckoning for Haydrean to follow along. They remained silent throughout the walk over until they reached the private elevator.

"Fill me in, nobody knows anything…not even a single Moff" he said quietly as the elevator door opened to the command center. I finally managed to make contact with the Imperial Intelligence Agency and they gave me their secure channel code," said the Admiral.

A blue hue blanketed the room as the holoprojector activated and an Imperial officer appeared. The old officer walked over to the holoprojector.

"This is Grand Moff Hano, currently in the Bogden system. And you are?"

"This is the Imperial Intelligence Agency, we know you and your location already, no need for an introduction. Speak quickly," replied the officer snarkily.

"Watch your tone with me. I'd keep that in mind when talking to a Grand Moff. We can deal with your lack of respect later, let's get back to business; what the heck is going on out there?! We've lost communication with the fleets in this sector. Whenever we attempt to contact fleet command on the Death Star, we don't get a response. We've been sitting here for weeks!" said Hano impatiently as he crossed his arms in frustration.

"Grand Moff, we will be taking command of you and your fleet for the time being, is that clear? This is critical for fleet cohesion and more importantly, for central command to keep track of everyone during this communication blackout. What I am about to tell you is extremely confidential. This must not leave this room. Is that clear Grand Moff? Admiral Haydrean?"

Both Hano and Haydrean looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"It is very clear. I'll lay my honor on those words," said Hano as he stared at the figure at attention.

"We know what happened to the fleets in this sector. We also know what happened to fleet command.", said the figure.

"What do you mean what happened to fleet command? Aren't they on the Death Star?!" replied Hano in confusion.

"Correction. WAS. The Death Star was destroyed above Endor and the Emperor's plan failed to encircle and wipe out the Rebel Alliance and now to make matters worse, the victory has led to numerous desertions and rebellions across Imperial Space."

"Wha….why weren't we told about this?! And Lord Vader?" said Hano angrily as he gripped the holoprojector.

"Vader has not been heard from since, not even we know his whereabouts. The Emperor has attempted to maintain control over the populace. He did not want any unruly Moffs to usurp him during these testing times, which brings us to what happened to the fleets near your sector." Said the figure calmly.

"What of them?" asked the Admiral inquisitively as he stepped forward," I checked the fleets scanners…nothing. It's like they vanished! Could it be the Rebels? General Organa…"

The figure on the holoprojector looked baffled "What?! Why would you give that ragtag army of cavemen so much credit? Think, Admiral! The fleets did not disappear out of thin air, they CHOSE to disappear. When word leaked out to some of the Moffs, these greedy warlords turned their backs on us for their own profit and took their fleets with them! That is what happened to the fleets near you…and that is why we contacted you. We have a very important mission for you both. We need you to sever all communications with these fleets so they do not track the rest of us and we need them eliminated. On our hit list is three rogue fleets: Moff Juna's flotilla, Moff Hencrux's support fleet, and a third supply fleet led by Admiral Penko Val. These fleets have amassed near Tanaab in an attempt to strengthen their fleet, but they are still relatively weak so your invasion fleet should outmatch them very easily. Remember the modus operandi, no survivors or prisoners."

"T-take out our own fleets, sir? Shouldn't we reason with them first?" stuttered the Admiral.

"You cannot reason with criminals. There are no second chances in the Empire. These are the Emperor's orders, now do what is needed. We will end communications with you now and we will contact you once the task has been accomplished, " said the figure before the holoprojector went dark.

The Admiral looked at Hano silently and they both knew what they had to do. They quickly went to the elevator and split as soon as they reached the bridge. The Admiral hastily grabbed all of the officers at attention at the main communications relay center and ordered them to cut all communications to the rogue fleets at Tanaab. He then sent out orders to the battle groups to move to battle positions and get ready on their guns.

As Hano returned to the bridge, the officers at the bridge waited anxiously for an announcement. Hano went to the bridge and returned to the position he had earlier and stared out at the window. Suddenly in a reverberating voice, Hano announced to the officers of the bridge to set up a fleet wide announcement as the bridge holoprojector was activated.

Hano cleared his throat and began his speech.

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"Men and women of the 6th Inner Rim Fleet, we have been given orders directly from the Emperor himself. We have traitors within our ranks that have abandoned their duty and honor. These barbaric warlords who we once honorably fought alongside have decided to side with the Rebellion. We will move swiftly and forcefully to the Tanaab system and wipe these heretics out. No survivors, not a single enemy TIE fighter will be left. Fleet, prepare for hyperspace to Tanaab and engage at will. I wish you the best of luck and remember, no mercy for criminals. "

With that, the navigation bridge reactivated into a lively frenzy as preparations were made before the assault. Finally, after weeks of being stagnant on Bogden, Hano and his fleet was ready for war once more. He once again reassumed his position at the bridge and stared out at the darkness. One by one the fleet disappeared into the empty darkness.