He sat at the table, hands folded over his chest. The room was lavishly adorned with tapestries of bold symbols that his armies bore on their armor and warship hulls. Servants milled about, waiting for his request. Around him at the table sat numerous dignitaries and ambassadors from allied empires and galactic nations. Four stalwart guards stood in every corner of his chair. Only they were more for show. He didn't need guards considering how powerful he was. But the guards were far from just for show in the way that they fought. He was worthy of such fighters standing at his side with their skill being limited strictly for show. No one had the ability to challenge that statement anyway. At least, almost no one. There was one major obstacle in his way. And he intended to deal with it with one fell stroke.
The metal doors at the other end of the room opened and a massive Tridonian warlord walked in, flanked by a squad of guards. The warlord came of his own will and the guards were present only as a show of good faith and competence on behalf of the man seated at the table. Only he was far from any mere man. He was Emperor Rhathan. Feared throughout the galaxy for his conquering and underhanded swindling. But even more feared was the power with which he wielded. No other being rivaled such power other than his traitorous sons. The youngest was the only one actually faithful. Shafeth and Carda were a story of their own. When the Tridonian had seated himself Rhathan stood and folded his hands behind his back.
"You all know why you're here. This meeting is to answer your questions that were bound to surface when I sent the messages. To explain terms of a combination of strength in order to snuff out the Neo-Catharian Empire. The reason for such is obvious. They are the only thing holding each of you back form pillaging and ransacking the new system governments rising up on the borders of your domains. This galaxy is far too small to allow for such interference. So I made my proposition. The Coalition of Tyranny. Though to some it may still sound like a dirty word, in truth it is the essence of true power. Tyranny. Each of us whether we accept it or not has executed such to satisfaction. Now is the time to redefine such and show this universe our true power. Under a united banner we can wipe out the weak. Slaughter the masses of incompetence. And promote the survival of the fittest. Let me answer a common question and state that this alliance is not a treaty. We are more than allowed to sabotage one another, raid, sack, pillage, and massacre as we see fit. But if one of us is threatened by an outside force, we band together to repel the threat. Because if they aren't a threat to you today, tomorrow you'll be signing peace treaties. This alliance is designed to prevent such." Rhathan continued pacing around the table of tyrannical rulers and warlords.
"Understand that the primary objective of this alliance is to repel threats against the means of acquiring power through domination. This alliance is not designed to look out for one another although it is encouraged." Rhathan added. The fellow rulers nodded and a warlord at the far end of the table raised his hand.
"How do you propose to crush the Neo-catharian Empire? Although to some gathered here that this alliance is all a charade to get help to crush your 'rival' shall we say, I've been getting pummled by their warships on a daily basis. Can't seem to do anything without one of those royal blues knocking down my moves towards expansion." They said irritated. Rhathan nodded and addressed the whole group in his answer.
"There is an isolated system that has been discovered. Surprisingly enough, according to intel reports it is relitively close to the galactic core system of Naleran." He said as the lights dimmed and a projection expanded from the center of the table.
"As many of you know, Naleran is a major cornerstone in the Imperial defense network. It supplies all of the surrounding Militias and micro governments that have been preventing us from breaching the Border defenses to the Empire. If it were to be shut down, it would spell a major victory and force the Empire to head into damage control trying to rally their losses. Now although none of our attacks have ever reached Naleran, this core-world system has been left undisturbed in the hopes that it will reach the stars in it's own due time and make contact when ready. Such desire to leave them undisturbed was ill-calculated. We have it in our means to take advantage of such courtesy and claim the system erecting outposts on every hospitable planet available. Once the system is secure, we can begin to move out and conquer Naleran. However one factor will assist us in that move. I will be making contact with anarchist factions currently residing on the planet known as Earth and establish a deal with them. If they succeed securing the surface, they will be rewarded with ample weaponry and supply means. This force will then be directed to invade Naleran and cripple the defenses. After that, they will serve my purposes if necessary."
"What if they fail and we are still unable to conquer this planet called Earth?" asked another.
"Then we must rethink our plan of attack. Allocate our forces and prepare a strike on a more vulnerable target. As for the earth whelps who failed us, we'll abandon the incompetent curs where they are and wait a few centuries to see if they learn how to amount to anything." Rhathan said shrugging innocently to which laughter filled the vast chamber.
"Right, and what of Carda? Rumor has it he escaped your jurisdiction." The Tridonian asked arms folded.
"The rumors are true. To where, we are not certain. Maldia is currently following some leads on his whereabouts and tracked him to Earth itself. While our invasion forces sweep the ground and attempt to rendezvous with the group who call themselves the 'Brotherhood of Evil', Maldia will use the confusion as a diversion to pursue Carda. Once he is secured, Maldia plans to finish off the remaining forces present resisting us on the surface. All in all, the whole attack should prove to be successful. And a major military cornerstone shall be removed from the integrity of the Empire." Rhathan sighed contentedly.
"Have any plans for him?"
"If he is willing to re-unite with me, I will accept him back."
"What if he lies and tries to back-stab you?"
"I would know. His powers have dulled from never being used. Suppressed to the point that I would be capable of understanding his will and desire in one meeting face to face. If he truly wishes to return to my favor, I would know and accept him. He is my son."