CHAPTER 3: A Surprise Visit
Nandooith. A planetary system comprising a forest giant planet, class two rings, and 7 dead moons. Located in the farthest reaches of the outer rim, only a few parsecs away from the Ordan Nebula. The vast overgrowth of floral life is frequently bombarded by meteors drawn from somewhere in the Ordan Nebula. This bombardment seems to keeep the plant life in check. The meteors also provide additional mineral nourishment for those plants. This is the alleged resting place for the Frah-Zhahan Codex. And it is that allegation that has brought the attention of the Restored Imperial Navy.
Of course, the presently unenlightened still have the audacity to refer to us as the Remnant. We are no longer scattered, unorganized, lost. We are united, strong. And once we have the Codex, we will be unstoppable. At least, that is what Emperor Calmir assures me.
What an enigma, Emperor Calmir. He is so unlike Emperor Palpatine, yet both were great leaders of men. He promoted me to Admiral and gave me charge in this space station to oversee the search of Nandooith.
Sadly, the search has not gone well. The constant meteor activity seems drawn to the planet's gravity. It continually changes the landscape and severely hinders our search efforts. If we only knew what we were looking for. Weeks upon weeks of fruitless searching in endless, ever changing jungles. And it's for these reasons, I fear, that Emperor Calmir himself has decided to pay us a visit.
I look out the window here on the bridge. His Super Star Destroyer, flanked by two star destroyers, draws ever closer. He is coming closer. What is it that he wants? Does he think I've failed him? He'll probably want my head. And that smile of his. His charming, disarming, wicked smile. He would have the same smile at a carnival as he would at an execution. There's something sinister in his smile. Just thinking about it gives me chills.
"Admiral."
My commanding lieutenant's voice snaps me out of my trance. I see his reflection in the glass, standing behind my own. I acknowledge him with a slight nod. Pleasantries, formalities. All the pomp of the old Empire is still exhibited. A comfort. Probably a ploy of the Emperor's to inspire familiarity. It's working. Morale in the Restored Empire is up, overall. Our long, unsuccessful mission is probably wearing down the morale of my troops. Is that the reason he's coming?
I make the long, slow walk down to Docking Bay One. Thousands of troopers, soldiers, and officers stand in glorious presentation of arms, an Imperial show of strength. All this to impress our mysterious new leader. Still, I expect he would give the same smile he always does. I wonder what would impress this man.
I stand at the end of the avenue between ranks of armored stormtroopers. I appear to be standing at attention, a shining example to all those under me. If I truly were an example, these men would be quaking in their boots. I wish I could. Paralysis through terror. I'm scared stiff.
Though the docking bay opening I see a procession worthy of the Emperor. Scores of TIE fighters in perfect formation escort the Lambda class shuttle carrying the Emperor and his entourage. I can do nothing but wait while I watch it approach, drawing my fate ever closer.
The various squadrons break away from the formation as they continue to approach my station. The lambda shuttle's wings fold as it enters and lands in its designated place.
I try to move my legs. Jelly. My stomach churns. Every instinct in my body screams at me to run and hide. Now I'm willfully trying to walk down a path that will undoubtedly lead to my execution. Somehow, my feet carry me step by step towards the awaiting shuttle.
I stop at the designated spot. Once I've reached it, someone inside the shuttle begins lowering the ramp. I bow my head and drop to one knee. Protocol. Habit. Pomp. I might as well have a vibro-ax hanging over my neck. The ramp extends completely.
The feet of five individuals descend the ramp. Emperor Calmir and his four Ramirs, his Apprentices. The first faces I see belong to Isis and Osiris. Isis' ice blue eyes seem to pierce through my soul. I'm chilled just looking at him. How the Emperor keeps that monster in check, I'll never know. And Osiris. A black blindfold covers his unseeing eyes, but that doesn't stop him from looking right at me. I'm afraid he might be able to see me better than anyone.
Behind those two are Kael and Sett. Kael doesn't seem to be walking. I can see her feet hovering mere centimeters above the ground. I don't know if anyone's even seen her face. She always wears this mask, beautiful yet haunting. Towering over all the others is Sett, his face covered by dark violet and black tattoos covering battle scars that run deep into his face. I could swear I saw his skin slither and move across his cheek.
And standing in the midst of all of them is the Emperor himself. Adorned in splendid battle armor, he looks like an Emperor. His smile is warm and welcoming. I'm going to die.
"Admiral We'Sel, you may rise." More protocol. I obey. What else could I do? Disobey him? Disobey, and destroy any chance I might have to save myself. Perhaps I can salvage this mess. Standing I face his smiling face.
"It is my sincerest pleasure to welcome you're Excellency to Nandooith Station." Yet more protocol.
"Perspiration, Admiral? Does my visit trouble you so?" I was right. I am going to die. I might as well die with grace.
"Of course not, you're Excellency." I lie.
"Thousands of ships are combing the sector for buried treasure, Admiral, and I stop hereā¦" What does he know? Does he know more than I do? Am I about to be executed for something I'm ignorant of?
"I assure you, we are using every available resource to-" He raised his hand. A subtle gesture made profound by his presence. No more protesting. No more objections. Here is where he pronounces sentence.
"Admiral, cease this pretense. It is time to restore the Imperial hierarchy. Mine is the glory of the Empire, and you will stand by my side. Grand Moff We'Sel."
Grand Moff? Did he just say Grand Moff? I've just been promoted? How did this happen?
While I was pondering this turn of events, I notice that Emperor Calmir is laughing and passing me by. I double pace to catch up with him.
