Harry Potter: Ficlets File & Sundry Stories

by Emperor Vanquest

This is my vault for Short Story Prompts. May contain Multi Chapter Arcs, but not sure. I may come back to this at a later time and pick up a story for its own stand alone piece, but most are just things that pop into my head as far as prompts. If you like what you see, feel free to adopt a story. Just let me know so i can read how you run with it!

21. HPxSW: Rise of Ziost (4)

Harry Potter x Star Wars (2nd Story)

Synopsis: Harry Potter, fresh after the Battle of Hogwarts discovered that there was more to being Master of Death than anyone knew. This is Harry's story, and that of his true friends.

Setting: In Media Res in the year 2010/2011, when Harry and friends were in their early to mid 20s. Earth, Universe 2006418, Alpha. Milky Way Galaxy.

Characters: Harry Potter, Star Wars, O/C.

Disclaimer: No profit is sought, or accepted, in the publication of this fanfiction. It is purely being written and shared for enjoyment; no remunerations are accepted or expected by the author. All right, privileges, and copyrights belong to their respective holders/owners. I freely admit to having been on a Harry Potter x Star Wars kick the last few months, and will try to give special thanks to authors who inspired me on my bio page. Until then, however, if you see something similar too another author of this genre, please point it out to me and I will check my notes as to whether or not I could have accidentally modeled my characters, names, places, events after another.

This story is without a Beta; chapters are published once they're finished with minimal revision. I welcome the application of a Beta, but keep this in mind: I have both a B.A. and a J.D., and my B.A. wasn't in English. If you want to be my Beta, please have had at least as much, if not more, education with the English language as I have.

Please enjoy and review with your comments, critiques.

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Chapter 04. An Empire at War

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***Korriban***

Over the last six months the Sith Emperor, Darth Pollicem of Malleo, had ramped up the schooling and instruction of Sith Adepts and Acolytes in order to press them for service to the fleets and in preparation for the war in Kanto, and the Kiasko Sector above and beyond his existing efforts from years past.

He was on world today to examine the recent batch of initiates, as according to the Master of the Academy many showed promise.

Darth Krait had been deployed to conquer Felucia and Quell as both held vital resources and slave populations to help drive both Pollicem's Dark Side adepts for the war effort as well as holding great echoes of power in the Force.

Troubled thoughts plagued the Emperor though.

Word had filtered through to him that the Kiasko Sector had integrated into the "Avalon Empire," which were founded by some branch of Jedi which the Republic had long since banned or rejected from the Coruscanti Sect if the reports of their practices and beliefs were anything to go on.

"Initial reports of fleets in this sector have verified a few ancient Harrower Class Dreadnoughts, Terminus Class Destroyers, and starfighters," Darth Malko, Master of War for Emperor Pollicem began. The two had just concluded a review of this class' initiates. "Nothing we can't easily crush though My Lord."

"We've not yet been able to locate the capital of the Avalonians as our assets on Kanto, Katra, and Kiesto have stopped reporting. We assume they were captured or executed," the Nautolan male began.

"What of Assassin droid and bounty hunters," came Pollicem's reply as his council settled in for their meeting in the great, if ancient, Sith Academy. "Have the Slicers made any progress?"

The answer came from two different councilors in addition to Darth Malko.

"We've dispatched ten droids from various points of origin along the Gamor Run, the Celanon Spur, and the Corellian Trade Spire as there have been reports of Avalonian activity or goods being sold in those sectors."

"We believe we've created sufficient evidence for when the Assassins ultimately fail that will provoke a war between these Avalonians and the Republic, drawing out our enemy so we can strike at the opportune time."

"Slicers have so far managed to map many of the transmission channels going to the Kiasko Sector, but they do not transmit along normal galactic channels or by standard galactic means. Our chief slicer so far has requested additional computing resources and droid assistants in order to combat the problem in a more efficient manner."

"Provide him the resources he needs, but if he bears no fruit in three months execute him and move on to as many other slicers as necessary until we have results," Pollicem replied. "What of the fleet composition and crews," he asked of Darth Malko.

"We have just shy of 2,500 Interdictors and various other craft we've managed to piece together or order through shell corporations from Kuat and the Correllian shipyards, in addition to the 120 Supremacy Class Ships we've been building with the mobile yards in Orbit my Lord."

"Most of your System Lords have between 200-500 formidable ships of their own that they will be able to conscript to your cause," Darth Malko said.

"However," he continued, "they are at most heavy corvettes or cruisers."

Darth Pollicem had a number of loyal system lords which gave him a substantial fleet to call forth to fight his battles and secure his empire. He scowled at this information from Darth Malko.

"Call forth the fleets then; secure the Kiasko Sector. Use every means available to discover where these rogue Jedi are hiding and we will..." Pollicem trailed off as suddenly the feed to his council ended, before the room he was in shook violently.

Reaching out in the Force he suddenly snarled with rage before screaming as he sensed a powerful presence of multiple force users in orbit which shone like a beacon in the Force.

"SOUND THE ALERT," he screamed as he stormed from the conference room with Darth Malko at his side as both attempted to coordinate the fleets and ground forces from their present location.

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***Orbit of Korriban, Third Sith War/War of Avalonian Expansion Begins 3,587 BBY***

Seamus exited hyperspace with his task group of 35 Subjugators, 25 Harrowers and 15 Lucrehulks, and immediately set the Harrowers to engage with the small force of ships in orbit as the Subjugators began to position themselves in Orbit and rain down turbolaser fire on the surface.

"Open a channel to the fleet, and get me Captain Hathaway," Seamus called to his bridge crew which scrambled about before the projection of Captain Hathaway stood before Seamus.

"Admiral," Captain Hathaway said with a quick salute.

"Deploy your fighters captain, take out orbital defenses and send the signal to all Lucrehulks to begin deploying troops once we complete surface bombardment, focusing on the Valley of the Sith and their Academy," he said with disdain. "Anything that tries to leave the planet that isn't blaring an Avalonian code…I want it exterminated with extreme prejudice."

"Aye-Aye Sir," Hathaway replied before his signal ended and the Lucrehulks began moving into position as each one began offloading their cargo of dozens of C-9979 transports onto the desolate planet below.

Five of the hulking beasts were Class III Lucrehulks which had their ring completely gutted and only life support systems or biological support systems in the control sphere, which also served as a lifeboat in emergency situations, as well as minimal power to the absolutely massive cargo holds of the standard size Lucrehulk.

The reason for this modification was that the massive Class III Lucrehulk served solely as a carrier and central command for roughly 25,000 Mark II Vulture Droids and around 250 Mark II Raptor Starfighters (bugships) which also served as emergency escape vehicles for the human crew.

Were sound to carry in space, the terror inspired by the deep and thick blast doors of the modified carrier opening, as locks clicked and deep sounds echoed along the interior in a foreboding manner, before the 20 exterior and 10 interior bay doors opened, on both the port and starboard sides, and thousands of thousands of droids began to literally swarm from the interior of the beast.

The Class III was a suggestion of Neville of all people, who'd opined that with the Ordo splitting from the Sith Order it had initially been integrated into, in order to diversify and specialize, the Navy needed to as well as it was impractical to have a single Lucrehulk act as a carry-all for a standard solution when reality called for a multitude of approaches and unique answers.

In minutes, the entire Korriban System was flooded with 125,000 Mark II Vulture Droids which acted as forward assault craft, protecting the Subjugators and Harrowers from the pitiful number of fighters the Sith Fleet deployed to harass the Avalonian Ships, and within 10 minutes the Droids were able to not only destroy the entirety of the Sith starfighters, but had either disabled or completely destroyed their few capitol ships while boarding parties from other Lucrehulks were launched to capture as many of their organic crew as possible.

"Task force Beta," Captain Hathaway called to the ISS Time-Out, "Have your boarding parties stun or incapacitate where possible. All Sith are to be incapacitated with force suppression collars and cuffs. We've got them on the ropes; let's finish this before they have a chance to call in back-ups."

"Roger-Wilco," came the rumbling reply of the T1-1000 in charge of the Time-Out as the Tim unit for troop deployment coordination called and the transmission ended.

"Admiral Finnegan-Thomas," Captain Hathaway began as the admiral's image replaced the T1.

"Yes Captain," came the reply.

"We've established superiority and orbital control," Captain Hathaway began, "and all droids from Task Group Alpha have deployed and half are presently serving as system scouts and patrolling the edges of our sensor grid as well as maintaining support roles for our Subjugators and Harrowers…"

Seamus raised a single eyebrow after consulting his watch to check the time from the commencement of the action.

Unperturbed, Captain Hathaway continued, "…recovery efforts are underway for recovery of the Sith crew. Request the ISS Mercy be called in at this point Sir. We control the field of battle, and there are several organics we can likely save without further loss or risk of loss to our own."

"Granted Captain," Seamus began as he was handed an iPad showing radar and sonar scans of the sector which they'd found were accurate in identifying man-made objects. "I see that Charlie is no longer a threat. I'm sending in the Mercy. Have the Time-Out ready to receive the prisoners that need minimal medical attention, and have them ready to land on the surface once we have secured the primary target."

"Admiral," Hathaway interrupted, "should we call in the Victory yet?"

Seamus looked to another pad he'd been given before seeing that of the 15 Lucrehulks, 9 were Class I, the Original Line of Lucrehulks, designated as droid carriers, and each carried a complete B-Series Army, and that they were just starting the approximately 35 minute process of offloading their troops and beginning the ground war.

"Negative Captain," he replied. "We've got to offload the soldiers and establish terrestrial superiority first. Take half of your Vulture's from fleet support and begin bombing runs and air raids planet side. Have them link in with FleetCom to better track vehicles attempting to escape. Your priority now, in addition to System and Fleet Security, is to ensure no ship leaves this planet. We'll likely call in the Victory shortly thereafter, but not before."

Seamus ensured that his own Stanid droid was coordinating and carrying out his orders as he cut the feed to Captain Hathaway and brought up Darth Ragnos.

"Lord Ragnos," he began with a slight bow. "Troop deployment is at approximately 20 percent of the total fleet, and scheduled to complete the deployment of all ground armies in 35 minutes; the planet, and Sith," he said with some venom at the Banite scum, "are yours to crush. I've called in both the Mercy and the Time-Out. I've ordered both to land once we've secured the survivors of the orbital fleet. How do you wish me to deploy the forces Sir?"

Marka checked a few screens before he answered.

"I will take a shuttle of Avalonian Sith and Magi to the surface and begin dealing with any survivors. I sense at least two powerful Sith on the surface…they will not escape," the grim horned half-Sith replied.

"Very well My Lord. I am ordering the Subjugators to assume Orbital Pattern Echo-Seven; you are cleared to land at Checkpoint Bravo," Seamus began receiving another pad with the information on where the Armies had secured as forward base.

"Very good, Ragnos out."

"Put the fleet on high-alert and issue the call to assume orbital pattern Echo-Seven," Seamus ordered his Stanid.

"Aye-Aye," came the reply.

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***SAME TIME, Mandalore Sector, Phindar Region, Private Cruiser of House Kryze***

Ren'Bo ("Ren") Kalh of House Kryze, served as First Prime of the Family and Head of the Clan. As the second most powerful House of the New Mandalorians, formed of the surviving Clans after the end of the Mandalore War thousands of years ago, Ren had grown up listening to stories of the greatness of their ancestors and peoples, and had determined to work toward ensuring this happened.

Five years ago the reigning House of Vizsla had been approached by a Dark Lord of the Sith which had succeeded Darth Mordox in the revived Sith Empire, and had come to an arrangement with them ensuring that several competing clans, such as Clan Kryze, suffered several…accidents…which greatly reduced their constituent clans.

Ren's constituent Clans, loyal to House Kryze, once numbered 3, in addition to Clan Kryze, but they'd lost Clan Gron and Clan Vrastok. Five years ago, House Kryze was poised to become the ruling House of Mandalore until its Allies of House Ranore, House Friez, and House Vorn were completely wiped out in a rebellion that somehow only House Vizsla seemed to come out of with a net positive. A treaty had soon been signed with Darth Mordox and his successor Darth Pollicem.

"We're here," Ren began in an unamused tone to his much younger nephew, Oran, "and I can't believe I've let you talk me into this fool's errand."

He paced around the bridge of the Jehavey'ir-type assault ship which composed one of the lead ships in his Family's holdings, looking from the droids controlling and piloting the ship to his Nephew with slight annoyance.

"Remind me why I agreed to this meeting," he huffed.

"These people have started something real, something better than what the Sith have to offer Uncle. They are honorable, and know the ways of war. I have Friends which lived on Kiaskan Prime," Oran began.

"I heard there's been a conflict in the Kiasko Sector. Something about a rebellion against the Sith," Ren asked with a quirked brow. "I was unaware you had such far flung…friends nephew."

"I met Del'ana while on a run to Botajef smuggling a load of cargo for Jinn," Oran replied. "She introduced me to Ambassador Creevey a few years later when we were making a run to Zygerria."

Ren did not look impressed.

"He will be here shortly Uncle; just listen to what he has to say."

"I will give him one hour nephew, no more. If he is not here by then we abandon this and return as soon as possible to…" he didn't finish his statement as suddenly a Subjugator Class Heavy Cruiser warped into the system and began hailing.

"Open a channel," Ren called as the holographic form of Dennis Creevey appeared.

"Greetings Oran of House Kryze; you must be his Uncle Ren and the First Prime of the House. On behalf of the Avalonian Empire, our Emperor and Empress, the Imperial Senate, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I greet you and offer you my diplomatic credentials. My name is Dennis Creevey and I understand you represent a potential faction of Mandalore seeking liberation from the Banite Sith," he began as he sent a data burst to the Mandalorian Ship explaining the Avalonian Empire, its laws, and government structure, as well as Dennis' role and rank as an Ambassador at Large.

Ren, first on alert when the massive ship came into the system began to worry when he saw the sheer number of armaments and firepower this vessel held compared to his own, but he calmed upon hearing the greetings and receiving the transmissions he did from the Ambassador.

"I do not know what my nephew may have told you," he began, "either of Mandalore culture or of the positions of my House, but I did not send him to seek you out. I was told that you represented a government that is a growing power in this region…one which could help to eradicate the Sith Remnant entirely," he finished.

"Yes First Prime Ren; Oran and I have had many discussions, informally, as to your people, your house, and your likelihood of surviving an assault against the Banite Sith," Dennis replied. "I've managed to dissuade the young man from seeking external influences or instigators to attempt to bring in to Mandalore in an attempt to combat the Vizsla Government that is so partial to the Banites."

"Oh really," Ren asked with a withering look directed at Oran.

Oran shrank under his First Prime's gaze.

"However," Dennis continued, "I'm here to discuss your willingness to enter into at least a pact of mutual non aggression. My government has declared war on the entire Banite Sith Order, and Empire. We are invading Korriban as we speak, and will be coming to Mandalore shortly. We would prefer to root out the Banite influence by peaceful association with willing partners, but we will come either way."

Ren clenched his teeth at what he was told as he balled his fist at the threat so casually thrown against all of Mandalore and their territories.

"There are over 100 star systems in the Mandalore Sector Ambassador. You'll do well not to so casually bandy about empty threats," Ren started before being cut off by Dennis.

"Oh no First Prime, we're well aware of the entire Mandalore System, of the roughly 1,200 ships the various houses have tucked away, of the 100 your House alone has managed to keep in storage while publicly claiming a mere 30…" Dennis trailed off.

"He's here to offer us a means of vengeance against the Vizslans Uncle," Oran began.

"Be silent child," Ren snarled.

"I'm here First Prime because Oran has become an acquaintance of mine and I value the friendship of Del'ana whom I owed a favor. She asked I approach you, through your nephew, and attempt a pact which would see all of Mandalore prosper under the rightful ruling house of Kryze free of the influence of the Banite Sith scum," he spat. "I come from a technologically superior culture as you can see from your scans of my ship. We employ a very large droid army and fleet First Prime."

Dennis took on a resolute look as he held the gaze of the First Prime.

"We were recently attacked by infiltrators of the Banite Sith, without provocation, or justification. Your home Sector is part of the Banite Sith Imperial remnant which we will conquer and which we will integrate into our government. I've been cleared to offer you special terms and concessions for Mandalore should your House Specifically join with us. We intends to utterly end the House of Vizsla as they are such strong allies of the Banites."

"With what fleet? You've got a pretty ship, and some lovely guns, but I can tell it's never seen battle…and it looks like it takes quite a bit of time to make. You may have declared war on the Sith, but the fleet and armies of Darth Pollicem are formidable," Ren replied.

"I'm sending you a Civilian Fleet chart which is declassified and outlines the various type of vessels currently in service to the Empire and their general stats and usage," Dennis replied. "Why don't you look that over before I reply."

Ren walked over to a terminal and began reviewing the files outlining the various droids, ships, and classes of ships the empire used. The numbers were staggering, especially when he observed the Lucrehulk Class I and Victory Class Lucrehulks.

"There's no way you could ever make practical numbers of these fleets," Ren said in disbelief as Oran curiously looked on. "The numbers of droids alone would completely sap the production capabilities of most worlds."

"We have our means," Dennis replied with a smile. "Now to answer your earlier question First Prime, we have an active fleet of just shy of 15,000 ships of various classes, with a mix of organic and droid crew. We've got a further 5,000 of each class of ships sitting idle while we train commanders. We will have another 7,000 of each class waiting by the end of the year."

Ren thought on what he'd been told.

"Say I considered that you actually have a chance against the Sith," he began. "What would you require of my House?"

Ren was a shrewd man and had just enough force sensitivity to know when a man was boasting or lying to him. He could sense nothing but truth and candor from the Avalonian representative.

"That you take the following treaty to your House, consider it, and support our efforts to free the Mandalorian Sector from the Banites…also prepare the Mandalorian people for inclusion in the Empire. Unlike those you've dealt with, we value our constituent sectors and peoples as fully equal members in government, trade, and protection. You would not lose your cultural identity, and will be offered the protection of the nearly limitless resources of the Empire."

Ren seemed to consider what Dennis was telling him.

"We know the history of the Mandalorians…you are an honorable and brilliant people that offer a hope to this Galaxy that stagnation and the evils of corruption can be beaten. We know of the perils of the Republic, of the Jedi and know of the evils they have visited on Mandalorians. We also know of House Kryze through Oran," he said waiving an open palm toward Ren's nephew. "and we know that there will be no lasting peace or prosperity for all people until the Banite Sith are gone and the people's are free from the corruption of both their taint and the Jedi's evil."

"Why do you keep saying Banite Sith," Ren asked genuinely confused.

Dennis smiled at the change in topic.

"We have people in our Empire with unique biological abilities that are more…refined or evolved that the Force users you are familiar with," Dennis began. "We discovered both the Sith and Jedi, and identified our talents more so toward the tenants of Sith teachings than those of the Jedi who are so…..unnatural," he said with a shudder. "We developed without either Sith or Jedi influences knowing our abilities as Magic. Upon our founding of the Empire and exposure to the Sith and Jedi we founded the Order of Magi which share in our unique force abilities as well as those you are more familiar with. We have an Order of Sith as well as Order of Force users known as the Ordo Libra which compliment the Sith. The New Sith are led by a Council of Sith Lords who do not hold control over our government nor military."

Ren was angered at first then shocked by what he was hearing. More Sith; more Jedi….Damn these force users and their lies, he thought.

"I can tell you're doubtful First Prime," Dennis continued. "Why don't you take a seat," he said taking out his Avalonian wand, made of Petrified Ziost Pine with a core of synthetic Kyber Crystal infused with the blood of a Rancor …which the wandmakers of Avalon had discovered were highly magical beasts similar to dragons, and with a swish conjured a wing back chair for Ren to sit upon. The decorative, and functional, cortosis handle shone in the light as he put it away.

"What trickery is this!" Ren screamed as the bridge erupted in chaos at the sudden intrusion of the flowery and lace doily ridden accessory.

"That," Dennis replied, "is no trickery and is instead a demonstraton of the natural power of my people. Go ahead, have a seat…" the conversation cut off before Dennis' voice was suddenly coming from behind the chair as the man appeared with a crack of thunder, "or would you prefer to stand?"

"Wha…How…"

"Not possible," Oran said as he suddenly felt a powerful spike in the force which brought him to his knees as he turned and saw the arrival of the Ambassador on his bridge. He saw his Uncle was not in much better position having doubled over and stabilized himself against the bulkhead near him.

"Oh yes it is young Oran; Ren, you can see with your own eyes now that my people are different. Are you willing to accept that our Sith…our Ordo…our Magi….they're not the same as the people that broke Mandalore at Revan's command. Are you satisfied yet by this demonstration that my promises and assurances come with a little more heft than mere boastings?"

Ren was thinking a mile a minute as he attempted to process everything that he was being told…everything impossible he'd just witnessed

"No," Ren honestly replied taking a deep breath and turning to face the intruder in his midst, "but I am willing to open formal negotiations based on your little show. Like most of Mandalor, I have some force talents, and I am a bit overwhelmed by whatever it is you've just done."

He straightened up and observed the cortosis sword hanging on display which had belonged to an ancestor of his house during the Jedi Civil War.

"My people deserve better than what the Sith have provided, and would rather die than be subjected to the lies of the Jedi. I am willing to gather and envoy of my allies and meet with your government to discuss terms. However, prior to this, I require assurances that my House will survive this conflict and would ask for a token show of good faith on your part Avalonian," Ren said.

Dennis took on a thoughtful look as he processed what Ren was saying.

"And what would that token be First Prime?"

"Loan me the use of one of your Lucrehulks," he said with some trouble pronouncing the unfamiliar word, "so that I may have a defense force for my House until a more permanent arrangement can be met for Mandalore.

"No," Dennis replied quickly. "I'm not empowered to grant a request of that type, and we're not going to give away an entire army to someone we've no formal relations to. I will however authorize the loaning of an entire squad of eight of Magna Guard and a platoon of 56 of our Mark II B-1 Droids for your personal protection and those of your house or whom you designate as we carry out negotiations," he countered.

"There are over 10,000 people that fall under the protection of my House alone Ambassador, and there are at least 15,000 who are affiliated with minor clans of anywhere from 500 – 1,500 members that I could bring into the fold which will be required if I'm to take on the Vizsla government. Having enough droids to protect our interests and field in battle would allow me the freedom of movement to leave Mandalore and meet with your government in person," he replied.

"Tell me how I can do that with less than an entire army….that comes standard with one of your Lucrehulks," he finished.

"You're not going to get a personal army without some type of immediate commitment to our Empire First Prime…let me dissuade you of that notion now. I'm sympathetic to your plight, but I don't think you're quite appreciating the boon I'm offering. The only way I'd even take this to the Imperial Council or Emperor is if you were willing to swear fealty to him now, and have your clan elders travel to do the same," Dennis said with a little steel to his voice.

"I can guarantee that were you and your House to integrate into our Empire, regardless of whether you stay on Mandalore or not, my government would authorize you to command a legion of ships, 35 Lucrehulks, 25 Subjugators, and 25 Churchill Class Destroyers as well as support craft, to take Mandalore or another sector in our name if you would prefer. If you were to take Mandalore for our Empire, I'm sure my Emperor could be convinced to name you as Lord Governor of the Sector and allow you a personal army to defend your House and Clans under those conditions…as we have elsewhere; but not before," he said after some contemplation.

"Come now Ambassador," Ren replied quickly, "you've got a war on with Korriban and the heart of the Sith Empire right now. This war isn't going to be slow or without significant costs to your people. If my House were to ally with your government I'm confident with our military prowess and battle skills as a warrior caste will more than outweigh the initial costs of the show of good faith I've requested."

"Ren," Dennis said losing some patience with the persistence of the man before him, "I've laid out the terms we tend to offer to groups which enter our Empire voluntarily. If you, as a Sector Lord, need an army…you'd have one. Right now though, you will get what I've previously offered and nothing more until you swear fealty to the Imperial Family, and the Government they sanction."

"That's unacceptable," Ren replied with anger in his voice.

"Then we will find other allies among the disaffected clans of Mandalor, or we will come ourselves at a later time and you will bend the knee or die Ren of House Kryze. We will crush your people and mold you to our liking from the ashes of the failure of your castes and history, until you are strong enough to survive our laws, our ways, and our teachings. Make no mistake," Dennis said with a tone of finality and not so subtly veiled threat, "that my meeting you was as a courtesy to the friend of a friend, and acquaintance of mine," he said indicating Oran.

"We will conquer the Sith Empire…the Ancient boarders of Mandalore which Revan curtailed, and we will secure the Glorious Reign of Avalon protecting our citizens from the corruption of the Republic and the evils of the Jedi," he spat. "We prefer to do so as peaceably as possible from our natural allies and wish nothing more than for the peaceful integration of the Mandalore Sector into the fold," he said.

"However, I will not waste my time." He waived his wand once more and the chair disappeared.

Oran once more fell to his knees, as was Ren by the proximity of this dark being before him.

A rush went through Ren at the pure power Dennis had just displayed.

"Wait," he managed to say as he struggled to breathe in the oppressive atmosphere. "Take me to your Emperor. I will swear fealty, and we will prepare Mandalore…if your Emperor can defeat me in single, unarmed combat," he said with a challenge.

Dennis observed the kneeling man before another flick of his wand activated the self destruct system for the ship.

"Dolori," Dennis incanted pointing his wand at Ren who began screaming in agony.

Armed personnel began flooding the bridge as the command crew also pulled weapons, but with a few swishes and flicks, they were all unarmed, bound, and gagged….all while Ren continued to scream in agony.

"Don't get any smart ideas Oran," Dennis casually called as a stool was summoned to him and he sat. "I would hate for you to learn a very valuable lesson from this," he said after sticking Oran to the bulkhead crucifixion style.

"Colloportus," he called sweeping his wand across the bridge and locking all the doors so there would be no further disturbances.

Blaster fire began to sound as additional security personal tried to breech the bridge as the self-destruct alarms began to blare.

"Finite," he cast releasing Ren from the pain spell he'd cast on him.

"What you've just experienced is a simple pain spell most first years learn as a means of incapacitating someone temporarily to prevent either self harm, or aggression. Our First Years can cast this spell by age eight," he said twirling the wand in his hand.

"Self-Destruct active. All hands abandon ship. There are 5 minutes to evacuate the ship before the engines reach critical mass," an automated warning blared through the speakers on the bridge.

"Oh do shut up," Dennis said casting a silencio silently at the speakers. "There now," he said with a false smile, "we can hear ourselves speak."

"You mad man! We've got to abort that or the ship will explode! We're two minutes from the nearest escape pod," Ren screamed.

"Oh I'm sorry. Let me fix that," Dennis said swishing his wand again causing all escape pods to jettison without their occupants inside.

The door began to glow red from the plasma bolts impacting it as the men realized what had just happened.

"There now; all better. We don't have to worry about the escape pods. Everyone's the same distance from them know," he said with a chuckle.

"Dennis, please," Oran begged. "I told you he was stubborn and that Clan Kryze are true Mandalorians. You knew he would likely challenge the Emperor to combat," he screamed.

"And I told you it would be a waste of time. My Emperor is more powerful than I could ever hope to be and he would likely destroy your uncle for his impudence. I'm giving him a reality check that we are not beings to be trifled with, and to give this last offer."

With a swish and twirl of his wand Ren began to float in the air, petrified from the neck down, as Dennis spoke one last time.

"Swear fealty now and be bound by oath to Avalon and the Imperial Family, or suffer the fate you've made for yourself by insulting me and the Empire I represent. You're a mortal man of Mandalore…we are as gods to you and you should be grateful for whatever crumbs of divinity we are willing to share with you," he practically spat as Oran began to openly weep from the pain he was experiencing due to his sensitivity to the Force.

"Fine! I surrender…you've bested me and House Kryze is yours. Let my men survive and suffer your punishment upon me," he cried. "Spare my men and my family," he begged as he began to weep realizing that he had attacked a rancor in disguise as a nerf.

Using his skills in Legilimency, Dennis could tell Ren spoke only the truth.

"Finite Totalem," he called as he swept his arms in a wide arc, cancelling both the self-destruct, the spells binding the conscious crew, and sealing the doors.

"I know Mandalore," Dennis began quietly as Ren sobbed, "and I know the pride your people possess, rightfully so on most accounts; but I also know that as a warrior culture you would have to be broken of your notions of being the strongest and the most dangerous beings of the galaxy. Once, long ago, your people nearly ruled this Galaxy, but arrogance, pride, and a lack of respect for the unknown. I have broken you of these dangerous notions. I have broken you of the Cycle of Mandalore which the Sith influenced your people to adopt. You will grow strong once more, free from the constraints of the vestiges of the Banite Scum."

As he finished speaking the ship was suddenly enveloped in a tractor beam, all systems went down and power was lost aboard Ren's ship, and it was jerkily brought into a hanger bay of the Avalonian Subjugator, the ISS Malcolm X.

"We will make you and House Kryze strong. You will rule Mandalore with honor, dignity, and grace once you take it in the name of your new Emperor," Dennis continued as the hatches were blown and B-1s began to flood the ship taking the arms from everyone aboard and securing them for transit to Ziost.

He turned to Oran.

"Gather your elders, your warriors, and your entire House, even those too weak to fight for Mandalore; bring them here, and we will have a transport ship waiting for them. Your 25,000 will fit with ease on a single Lucrehulk which will bring your House to safety for training and education. Those that can fight will be drafted to the armed services and allowed to conquer Mandalore in the name of your House. I will take your uncle here personally to finalize negotiations with the Imperial Senate and Emperor," Dennis said with a, to Oran, sinister smile.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this," Oran chokingly said…whether for his benefit or his Uncles, no one knew.

"I told you I would not suffer fools Oran; I gave you enough information to know I was not speaking in jest…you've even been permitted to Kiaskan. You know our ways. I can't help if you didn't prep your Uncle well enough to avoid my wrath," Dennis replied crouching in front of the distraught youth.

"There-there," he said brushing hair from Oran's face. "Cheer up lad. This is a happy day! A day all of Mandalore will one day remember with pride. You've both saved lives, even if it took a small personal sacrifice," he said with a chuckle.

"You're no better than the Sith you claim to oppose," Ren spat out.

Dennis's face flashed in revulsion, then anger, before finally forced calm as the occasional twitch betrayed the anger roiling beneath the surface as the tension in the room once more rose.

"All Clear Sir," called the B-1 in charge of rounding up the Mandalorians.

"Take these two to the medical wing and get them patched up. The elder is to be confined to a guest suite, and the younger is to be given this ship along with five crewmen of his choice from those you captured to do with as he pleases. The remainder are to be confined to guest suites near this one," he said waiving toward Ren.

Dennis took one last look around the bridge before his shot a spell designed by Hermione to erase any and all traces of Avalonian data before he continued. Several consoles flashed with the impact of the spell as they cut on before quickly powering down as the spell completed its purpose.

"We are better and we are worse than the Sith you know," Dennis replied as calmly as he could to Ren. "You will learn in time that power does not always equal respect, nor does it always demand subservience…but it does command loyalty. I've broken you here today First Prime of the House of Kryze, Ren'Bo Kahl of Clan Kryze…but I will also build you back up and fix what I've broken in ways you can't begin to imagine the sheer delights of right now."

Dennis began to exit the bridge as security droids moved in to take the more than prisoners, but less than allies, from the bridge.

"In that way we are different from the Banite scum Ren. What I have done to you I have done for you and your House. I take no personal pleasure in seeing you a broken shell or in pain…but I will take pride in greeting you once more after you've been made whole and have a true understanding of the power I'm offering you; until then et Regnavit Imperii," he said turning and left the ship to meet with his staff to inform them of the progress he'd made with the House of Kryze and to send a protective detail back with Oran to ensure his compliance.

---

***MEANWHILE AT THE LEGION OF DOOM…..er…..Korriban***

Smoke billowed from the superstructure of the Sith Academy as students and droids scurried about preparing for war as well as to save as much of the structure as they could.

The shuttles parked in seeming secret behind the grand structure sat as piles of slag or burning husks from orbital bombardment.

Darth Pollicem had ordered Darth Malko to rally the fleet and his shuttle had barely become airborne, avoiding both orbital fire and those damnable starfighters, but he knew not whether he'd been able to escape orbit to break the blockade of the massive ships in orbit.

Twelve kilometers from the academy, 11 Multi-Troop Transports, 28 Platoon Attack Craft, and 114 Armored Assault Tanks were unloaded from each Lucrehulk, with a total of 218,000 Battle Droids, Mark II B-Series, of varying classes and support roles. This site would be used as forward base…but it was not a unique site, and in fact was being repeated in eight other locations across the planet that Lord Ragnos had identified as being necessary to control and root out all Sith influences.

A full one-third, 38, of the AATs broke formation and began floating their way across the dessert sands of Korriban to begin engaging and harassing the Academy from the South of the building on either side of the canyon while, a further third formed a line and the 10 MTTs and 20 PTTS began floating behind their troops, guns armed.

The remaining MTT and PTTs began offloading their troops to secure basecamp along with the remaining AATs pending the arrival of Lord Ragnos.

The MTT extended and 112 B-1 Battle droids exited while 4 of the PTTs deployed an even mix of B-2 and B-3 Battle droids, with the remaining PTTs unloading B-1s.

Spider Droids of varying sizes rose as they were offloaded from another transport that had just landed as they began to patrol the camp or make their way toward the Academy.

T1-945, deployed with this army to coordinate ground troops, entered a repulsor pod that would allow him to oversee the coming battles as Mark II Vulture droids began to screech overhead tearing through the atmosphere like a hot knife through butter.

A hologram of Seamus took shape on the holopad in front of the Tim Unit which would act as a general for the ground forces deployed from the Mark I. Lucrehulk and coordinate with his eight counterparts also deployed planetside.

"Report General," Seamus called.

"Base camp is secure and awaiting the arrival of Lord Ragnos," the Tim Unit began, "and I've deployed a forward advance of AATs to harass the southern flanks of the Academy while the bulk of the army will be advancing from the Northern mouth of the canyon."

"Very good General; Lord Ragnos has reportedly felt thousands of dark force users presence being felt from orbit. You're likely to encounter heavy resistance; he's on his way down, and is fairly sure that at least ten Master Level Sith are present."

"Understood," the cultured slightly British Accented Tim replied as he issued orders coordinating with the other armies that had so far engaged with nominal resistance at some dig sites or former cities which had existed during Lord Ragnos' time in control of the planet.

"The Victory is in system, and beginning maneuvers to enter orbit; half of the Silver Legion will be deployed to await your calls orders from Base-Camp. Their Tim will be coordinating with you on troop movements and combating the Sith threat," he finished.

"Very good Sir; the game is afoot. Bye your leave Admiral," the Tim asked and receiving a nod from Seamus cut the connection before his repulsor pod and support staff sped up to catch up with the army which was now less than a half a kilometer from the Academy.

"Troops have begun unloading as per orders Sir," one of the B-1 support staff assigned to Tim vocalized.

"Once they've unloaded, activate the troops and prepare for a fast march. Send the Tanks and gliders forward to engage the enemy. Rain down continuous fire from the AATs in the canyon and order an ammo barge to depart the Superior so base camp can begin deploying runners to the front. Coordinate with the other armies and if they are not engaged in heavy fire, and should our supplies run low, utilize them as a back-up munitions depot," Tim called.

---

***Korriban Academy***

"SIR, Tanks have lined the southern canyon and we've spotted a massive ground force converging on us from the north…..some type of droid army I've never seen before," the Chancellor of the Academy screamed.

Pollicem snarled and ignited his twin beams of malevolence.

"To arms. Every adept is to be armed with a light saber if they've had any training and are to deploy against these abominations. If we cannot exit this building we are lost Chancellor. Lead the other masters in defeating the tanks. Die if you must," he said as be rose to leave the room, "but do not fail me."

The Chancellor's anger and fear rose as he began channeling his hate at the Emperor, at his own weakness compared to the Malleloan, and his absolute rage at those that would dare attack his territory.

He began issuing calls and commands which were directed throughout the facility and slowly but surely the 10,000 force adepts he'd been training over the last several years began to coordinate and raise arms in defense of their home and their very lives.

"Si'Rok," he called to a green Twi'lek Master, "gather half the masters and join me. Bring heavy arms."

He looked resolutely upon the tanks continuously raining fire into the southern of the valley as star ships and shuttles alike began to explode and burn.

"We will be taking on the tanks assaulting our ass; bring any heavy blasters you can find," he began as he walked to a window overlooking the area being bombarded.

"I see," Si'Rok replied with a grim determination. "I will gather the masters."

The two broke apart to gather supplies as the building shook more from the assault as internal explosions wracked the place.

"Make haste Si'Rok," Chancellor Vaiz called as one of the computer terminals built into the wall exploded as power relays began to suffer a cascading failure.

0-o-0-O-0-o-0

The Avalonian troops stood arrayed in front of the Korriban Academy as the tanks laid down a continuous stream of fire as three squadrons of B-1s finished completing the assembly of the industrial sized Holoprojector as the image of Lord Ragnos sprang into being and the AATs began cease fire.

"Cease fire," the Mechanical voice of a B-1 Squad leader called over his coms and the tanks on the Northern front stopped their assault with heavy laser fire and hovered silently awaiting further orders.

The platform the soldiers had assembled began to float over the front lines and slowly approached the main courtyard of the Sith Academy as skittish and nervous Sith ignited their blades and took a protective stance ready for the attack.

The imposing and regal figure of Lord Marka Ragnos, Grand Admiral of the Avalonian Fleets, began to project above the masses and his voice began to echo across the canyon.

"Thousands of years ago," his deep and intimidating voice began to resonate across the courtyard and throughout the complex itself, "this world was a paradise and beacon shining in the absolute power of the Dark Side of the Force," he began.

His horns, resplendent in the light, showed his Sith Heritage, shocking many of the Acolytes that were familiar with the history of the Sith, having recently learned of it from their masters.

"I am Marka Ragnos, reborn by the Force and founder of the First Sith Empire. I am the master of Tenebrae whom you would remember as Darth Vitiate. The Force has made me whole and robed me in flesh once more to serve living gods of the Force, my Master and Mistress, the Emperor and Empress of the Avalonian Empire…a portion of who's army stands before you today."

He took a look and sternly gazed at the hundreds of Sith arrayed before him.

"In my time the natural flow of the Living Force commanded that we as Sith respect life while striving to master ourselves, and the living force so we could be truly free. This teaching continued down the annals of time until Darth Bane instituted the repugnant philosophy of the rule of two which is contrary to both nature and reason, and which has crippled the Sith to be but a shadow of what it once was."

"We have destroyed your ships in orbit, we have ground superiority, and we could have ended you all with orbital bombardment…but our Emperor is kind, he is just, and the way of the true Sith shines in his actions. My Master offers you this; lay down your arms and present yourself to surrender now, or perish where you stand. Your Empire never should have been, and we will ensure history remembers that it never was. Be as true Sith now, and submit to true power and receive tuition in the Force from those which are not limited or hampered by Hatred and Greed, or as blind and narrow sighted as the Jedi."

"We are one in the Force, but there can be only one true Sith. Younglings, come forth. You need not fight a war you are unprepared for," Marka called infusing his voice with the Force commanding the younger years to begin walking forward, as several others contemplated the same.

"LIES," screamed Pollicem as he jumped from a window and rose to face the projection. "You may bear the appearance of the ancient Darth, but you are a weak fool to believe I would submit so easily. Face me in combat to prove your power and you will die by my blade, or these," he swept his arm behind him, "will follow you by the laws of Darth Bane that only the strongest may rule," he growled out.

"I see," Marka replied before his transmission ended and suddenly droids took aim as the shadow of a Sheathipede-Class transport flew over the southern end of the complex to the main courtyard before lowering as a ramp opened and Lord Ragnos and two squadrons of Magna Guard jumped, landing gracefully before Darth Pall.

"You wish to die young Sith, so be it. I would have your name first," Marka said as he pulled forth his custom light sabre gifted to him by Harry and Hermione igniting the long purple beam and leveling it at Darth Pollicem.

"I am Darth Pollicem of Malleo, Emperor of the New Sith Empire and master of all you see before you," Pollicem began. "You may have these toys to fight for you, but I am the Master of the Force and the Dark Side is all powerful; you will loose today False Sith."

"We will see child; we shall see."

And with that Pollicem force jumped in an arch to where Marka had stood apart from his magna guard and the two began to duel with sabers clashing spectacularly, and occasionally shooting force lighting at one another.

"CHARGE," one of the Sith Masters of Pollicem yelled as a few dozen charged forward with the force strengthening their steps as the half the magna guard split off and began charging to meet the incoming Sith threat. The vast majority of the rest, not yet beholden fully to Pollicem or his version of the Dark Side of the Force, remained where they were as the B-1s maintained weapons lock on them.

A platoon of B-1s broke off formation and engaged the charging Sith in order to take prevent them from interrupting the fight going on between Pollicem and Lord Ragnos.

"Move in two Squads of B-2s and B-3s to assist with the Platoon engaging with the advancing Sith," Tim called out as the B-2s and B-3s moved from the middle of the army to the forefront as they quick marched to engage the Sith which they quickly overwhelmed, loosing only a few units to lightsaber strikes.

There was an explosion of the Force as Pollicem was suddenly thrown a dozen yards away from Marka as Marka force jumped upon landing to return to Pollicem, casting large bolts of highly concentrated force lighting which struck Pollicem and caused his body to spasm and flail until it suddenly and violently exploded which in turn caused the charging Sith masters to lose concentration and caused many to be shot down to the stunning bolts flying from the advancing droids.

Ragnos turned his glowing Orange eyes to the Acolytes, Adepts, and Masters arranged before him.

"Do you see now the power of the true Sith," he asked as his voice, enhanced by the Force, carried to the entire courtyard. "There is no need for us to fight, but you have all been taught of the force in error and these ways will have to be eradicated and the true paths of power and greatness must be carefully instructed to you. Throw down your arms and you will be given all you need to become masters of the force and lawfully achieve your goals with the training only the Avalonian Sith can provide you."

Dozens of wings of Mechanized Assault Flyers flew overhead as the Mark II Vulture Droids were slowly replaced with these atmospheric craft and returned to space and System Patrols.

One of the students that had prior thrown down his sabre and begun walking to Marka before his battle with Pollicem suddenly spoke up and called out to Ragnos, "You are truly Lord Ragnos of old? The one we learned of in Sith Lore; and you swear upon your Honor as a Sith you will instruct us in the ways of true power," the human male began.

"Will we be spared and free from torture in your new empire?"

"I can assure you of this youngling," a new voice called out as all droids suddenly took a knee or bowed like Lord Ragnos. Harry Potter, floating without the assistance of machine or magical construct hovered before the questioning teen and bowing army.

"My name is Harry James of House Potter. My wife is Hermione Jane, formerly of House Granger; we are the founders and supreme authority of the Avalon Empire to which Lord Ragnos is a loyal and vital member."

Whatever Harry was doing, each Sith, from adept to master suddenly was assaulted by pure power singing from the dark side of the force.

Many passed out as they were unused to being touched by such power.

Harry eventually touched down and cast a wandless sonorous which again sent a wave of pure power rippling through the force as several cortosis magna droid, and platoons of B-1s began making their way through the kneeling army to stand behind their emperor. Their numbers stretched far into the distance as thousands of craft and machines roamed the sky and canyon.

"What is your name youngling," Harry asked of the brave little human.

The youngling, unlike many of the adults behind him, managed to stay standing even after suffering the assaults of the Force Harry's magic had caused.

"I am called Ziar of Bre'ahn Clan of House Boahn; surviving clan of the original Mandalore My Lord," the proud teen spoke. "My Clan and House managed to survive near Anteevy at a refuge my ancestors founded prior to the Jedi destroying Mandalore."

"And how did one of such noble lineage manage to be brought in by the Banite Sith so far from home," Harry said with a smile.

"My House lost most of its fleets, vassals, and clans with the treachery of the Jedi; we didn't fare so bad under Lord Revan, and occasionally Sith would come and recruit members of my House to their cause. I was chosen to serve Lord Pollicem and was to be a general for my House as we waged war to reclaim what was taken from us on Mandalore."

Harry nodded along as the child spoke.

"My First Prime is not close to me by direct blood, and I had hoped that these people would help me learn what I needed to avenge my ancestors and move my clan up, or gain enough presige to form our own House," Ziar said as Harry could practically taste the ambition of the young man, but also he could sense the underlying anger.

"Be at peace child and calm the rage that is building within you. Bend the knee and swear fealty to my throne and you shall rise an initiate with the Avalonian Sith where you will learn the ways of true power, and mastery of not only your emotions but the Living Force," Harry said reaching out to him.

Before Ziar could reach up and accept Harry's hand, a lightsaber flew through the air from an enraged Master.

"TRAITOR," the Zebrak instructor yelled after throwing his lit saber with force enhanced strength which cut through several B-1s before Harry summoned the child to him and caught the lit blade in his bare hand.

Suddenly rage echoed through the Force with such power that all organics, minus Ragnos, who was merely staggered slightly, and Harry, began to wail in pain and despair.

Harry stalked toward the Zebrak, still floating in mid-air, lit saber still clamped in his right hand by the blade.

With each step Harry's Magic grew in intensity until it erupted from his body in a visible nimbus of color, power, and terror inducing strength.

By the time Harry stood in front of the Zebrak, now being restrained by two B-2 Cortosis Droids and a Cortosis Magna Guard, the being at the focus of his rage was a quivering mess.

The Zebrak was bleeding from every hole in his body, every horn on his head, and around every tooth in his mouth. A sudden breeze delivered the acred stench of both ammonia and feces to Harry's nostrils.

His revulsion and contempt was shared by those transfixed by the occurrence and observing the scene play out.

"I would have your name Zebrak," Harry said with false calm.

The tortured being could make no sound beside his own wailing and prayers to his native god in the language of his birth.

With a sigh Harry deactivated the crimson blade and stuck it in one of his pockets, before taking out the Elder Wand and pointed it at the Banite Scum before him.

"Legilimens," Harry softly incanted as to the observers a ball of pure force energy left Harry's body and impacted Master Mace.

Mace's Body tensed and he cried out in the force from the assault of power Harry possessed as his mind was read with ease and the answers Harry sought were obtained.

"Interesting," Harry said. "Take Master Mace to the Time-Out after treating his wounds. He's done quite a bit for which he must answer before I grant him any type of release from this mortal coil."

"This…thing…," Harry called to the observing Sith, "is no teacher. He is no mentor. He is no Master worthy of your loyalty, your praise, or your emulation. He is a small, petty, vindictive, evil little shot which is the ultimate fate of all who follow the teachings of Darth Bane and fall into the Cycle of Destruction these Sith preach. What benefit was there to attacking a helpless child," Harry asked injecting rage into his voice.

"What power is there which could win over the masses in attempting to end the life of a powerful adept who could be so much more with proper training? WHAT WISDOM IS THERE TO ATTACKING A CLEARLY SUPERIOR FOCE!? Or in raising his ire," Harry yelled as he once more rose into the air and his voice carried to the entire province.

"There is none for the Banite Sith do not teach logic, caution, or reason. They yearn for the destruction of their own Order and the Rule of Two does nothing but ensure that it shall one day be done. I am here to grant this desire. Today marks the day the Banite Sith Die in my territory. I leave the choice of your survival to you who have pledged your lives and souls to the Banite Sith. Renounce your allegiance to these scum who would murder an honest child, and be welcomed as brethren into my Empire…work with me toward eradicating the Banite Scum from this Region of the Galaxy and my Imperial Holdings, Fight for Glory, Honor, and Prestige in my name in accordance with my will, and you will rise beyond your wildest dreams."

Suddenly all of the droids rose as one and began marching toward the huddled masses.

"Or you can remain my enemy and perish on this rock," Harry finished.

There were few holdouts who were not easily put down by their peers this day, and Harry's war on the Banite Sith was one step closer to being won as he arrested the masses and allowed them to be processed into his empire, first as enemy combatants, then as initiates for the Avalonain Sith, but upon graduation fully vetted, rehabilitated, and educated citizens capable of being deployed for the War Effort.

"Lord Ragnos, I've delivered your cortosis Army from the Victory and will be returning to my shuttle so as to intervene at Yavin. Pollicem had at least one direct apprentice; learn what you can of his identity and see if we can track down the ships that escaped before the ground forces began to invade."

"It will be done my Master," Ragnos replied with a bow, eyes glowing with the power he'd received due to his force connection to Harry.

"Once we've captured all organic life on this planet, call in the Goblin Engineering Corps and begin prepping the planet for terraforming. I don't want a Sith Vault left unfound, or standing, once we're complete. We will end this cycle. Am I clear Lord Ragnos," Harry finished.

"Crystal Master," Ragnos said as Harry apparated away and left Ragnos to separate the wheat from the chaff.

0-o-0-O-0-o-0

A task force thrice the size of that which was attacking Korriban was presently laying siege to Yavin and attempting to establish space superiority, with a total of 105 Subjugators, 75 Harrowers and 45 Lucrehulks, of which a full 15 of the massive Lucrehulks were Class II Vulture Carriers, with the remaining having 20 Class I and 10 Victory Class Dreadnaught Legion Transports.

First to arrive were the Harrowers which spread out rapidly and engaged the existing Pollicem fleet of roughly 750 Interdictor Class Heavy Cruisers.

Seeing the massive Fleet of enemy Harrowers enter the system, each Interdictor flooded space with up to 50 of the ancient Sith Starfighters once produced by the Star Forge during it's brief stint with Darth Revan and Darth Malak.

"What is this madness; who are these fools," Admiral Gailan Brex asked aboard his flagship, the Intimidator. "Is this one of Lord Pollicem's Drills with decommissioned vessels?"

"No word Sir; I can't seem to raise Korriban…we've been trying for some time," came the reply.

"And I'm just now being told," he raged. "Scatter the fleet, deploy all fighters. We can easily handle a few Harrowers. Bring us around for a broadside from the Port battery," he began ordering as men and women, human and non, rushed to and fro across the command deck.

There were suddenly 37,500 Star Fighters of Pollicem's Empire which began to swarm and harass the 75 Harrowers that were in the system.

"Incoming," a junior officer screamed as suddenly 15 Class II Lucrehulks blinked into existence, their turbolaser batteries firing, as each ship's 50 hanger doors began to open and each let loose a swarm of 25,000 Mark II Vulture Droid Starfighters.

"What in the Seven Hells of Zerast are those!"

"Gods help us!"

"Massive energy readings and laser batteries present on each ship Admiral!"

"They're lining up for a pass!"

The sun was completely blocked by an opaque swarm of 375,000 Mark II Vulture Droid Starfighters joining together in a deadly dance of precision, beauty, and destruction and the Avalonian Navy and the Pollicem Navy engaged one another.

"Oh Shit," Brex swore as he double timed his orders and sent the alarm to the ground forces on Yavin to begin evacuations.

"We can't hold off a force of that size!"

"Hold your station crewman!"

"DEAR GOD LOOK," an aid cried as the 10 Victory Class Legion Transports, twice the size of a standard Lucrehulk, shot into the system and began adding their own fighters and lasers to the fray.

"Coordinate our battle group, we make a push to move these ships away from the Capitol," Brex yelled just as the first of 105 four kilometer long Subjugator arrived in the System.

Each Subjugator was nearly seven times the size of the Interdictor Class ships of the Pollicem fleet.

"What are they doing," he yelled to an underling running from station to station.

"How the Hells are they so Big!"

"Sir we've registered a massive build up of energy from that ship aimed at the Devastator!"

"They've fired!"

"All hands brace for impact," Brex called as their sister ship was impacted by the beam of energy and exploded with a concussive force that blew out computer terminals and power distribution nodes throughout his ship.

"REPORT," he screamed wiping the blood from his brow as he staggered to his feet.

Smoke began filling the command deck as fires raged out of control of the automated suppression systems and dead crew were scattered about with pieces of shrapnel from their consoles embedded in their vital areas.

"Multiple fatalities on the Bridge Sir, and casualties being reported form each deck; the fleet is in disarray, coms are down, and weapons are offline."

"Do we have engines," he screamed throwing an officer's body from his terminal to examine the navcom readout for himself.

"Yes Sir; structural integrity is falling fast," came a warning as waive after waive of laser fire impacted his ship.

"Send a buoy advising surviving ships to rendezvous at Echo Site! We've lost the day. Send a buoy to the planet as well; have them reconnect with the surviing fleet at Celanon."

Before the ship could open a window into hyperspace another Subjugator lined up and a massive 2km long by 80 foot wide durasteel bolt exited the massive central cannon that was built into the front of the ship at half the speed of light and impacted with Yavin.

"What the Fraking Hell!"

"TRACK THAT!"

"It's speed is unbelievable!"

"Impacting the main continent sir!"

"We're not staying here to find out what the refresh rate is on that thing," Brex called, as he threw another officer out of his way to take over imputing orders into the computer.

"Computing coordinates for hyperspace jump. All hands brace yourselves," Brex called as he input the final sequence and the navcomputer took over allowing the ship, one of many, to leave Yavin for their fallback location as ship after ship of the Pollicem Imperial Navy fell to the might of the Avalonian Empire.

The Intimidator fled along with not less than 400 of their fellow ships while the remaining 350 either rammed and detonated against their aggressors in an attempt to clear a path for those fleeing the surface, or were driven to critical mass as their hyperdrives were breached by Vulture onslaught.

The surface of Yavin where the bolt impacted finally finished contracting and the concussive force began to eject matter to the mantle of the planet into space.

Boulders of earthen rock and superheated magma began ejecting above the impact site, into the remaining Pollicem fleet as the Avalonian ships retreated to a safe distance while maintaining their line of fire on the Banite Heretics.

A tsunami of fire, pressure, and heat began traveling the surface of Yavin brining to the bedrock everything in its place as fissures began to open along the continental plates causing the oceans to boil as a pool of magma twice the size of Texas began to form in the impact crater.

0-o-0-O-0-o-0

Aboard the ISS Thor's Hammer

"Target Impact at half the speed of light General Longbottom," the tactical officer of Thor's Hammer called. "Calculations estimate that the planet has minutes of breathable atmosphere left before the entire surface is nothing but slag."

"Very good Lieutenant; how many enemy ships managed to escape and were we able to install a tracking device?"

"Negative as to tracking General," came a reply, "but we have been able to destroy over 300 of their ships. Most in our initial attack with the Vulture Wave, and the rest were damaged in their escape attempt or when the planetary mass was ejected post impact."

"Lock down this Sector," Neville ordered, "and start sending out rescue parties. Call in a Mercy and Time-Out for the survivors," he said taking a pad and reviewing the data collected from firing the Hammer's main gun.

"Squak a call for fleet casualties Captain," he said turning to the Captain of the Hammer.

"Aye Sir," the Captain called and opened a fleet wide channel to begin transmitting casualty and damage reports.

To the Starboard of Thor's Hammer the ISS Indominous, the Titan, and the Marauder, all Subjugator class ships, listed as small explosions occasionally tore through their hulls and escape pods from various sections would launch.

"Back up in case those go critical," Neville Ordered, "and double time relief efforts, maintenance crews, or evac shuttles if the ships have to be scuttled."

"Aye Sir," came the reply.

"Reports in Sir," came the voice of a bridge officer.

"Well read it off then," he ordered.

"1,200 minor injuries, 500 critically wounded, 75 terminally injured, and 19 confirmed fatalities sir, which is rising with the terminally injured expiring faster than they can be stabilized."

Neville took on a pensive look.

"And the ships; how many have we lost?"

"Roughly 13,000 Vultures Sir, 19 Harrowers are in critical shape undergoing emergency repairs, and 14 Subjugators are presently not responding to our hails. We lost 5 Harrowers to core breaches, the same with 10 subjugators sir. One of the Class I Lucrehulks is experiencing total engine failure and has been caught in the gravity well of Yavin Prime."

"What of the remaining planets and systems in the Yavin Sector? How many more habitable planets are we to move to?"

"The vultures are packing up and proceeding to Secondary and Tertiary targets Sir, the other Lucrehulks will follow along with half the fully functional Subjugators. The remainder of the fleet has begun patrols of the Yavin Sector pending the arrival of the Victory Sir."

Neville turned to look out the window once more to see the once green and blue of Yavin being completely enveloped by the red and black of fire, lava, and the ultimate destructive power the Hammer contained.

"Begin analyzing data from the Hammer," Neville called out. "I want the main gun primed and ready to fire if we're called in to another system. Share the data with the Zeus, Jupiter, and Odin's Wrath," Neville finished speaking of their specially designed sister ships which were on deployment with other fleets seeking out other Sith strongholds and beginning System by System integration into the Empire.

"Cool down rate was quicker than projected," Captain Tucker said after he'd completed a few tasks to ensure the safety of the ship and crew before dispatching repair crews and rescue teams to assist their damaged brethren.

"By what rate," Neville asked eagerly.

"Twenty percent; apparently the primary and secondary coolant systems were overwhelmed, but the cooling charms kicked in and the rapid cool down they provided didn't crack any of the magnets and provided enough temporary relief for the primary systems to cycle through reboot and take over."

"I'll be sure to let Hermione know," Neville replied. "She'll have a kick knowing her Granger Generator was so versatile."

"We've got engineers onboard that are already sketching plans and modifications for the next generation of craft." Captain Tucker replied.

"In coming Hyperspace Signature; Squaking Republic Frequencies; Multiple Vectors!"

"Alert the Fleet stop those ships departing. Seems like we have visitors," Neville called.

Fifteen Star Rider, based on the Victory Mark II, Capitol Ships under the command of Jedi Master Mance Raider warped into the system and immediately took up position over the Northern Poll of the former planet of Yavin Prime.

"Incoming Hail!"

"Open the channel to the Fleet; if there's any sign of aggression I want full vulture deployment and open fire on these ships," Neville ordered.

The image of Mance Raider began broadcasting over the entire Fleetcom.

"Unknown Vessels declare yourselves and state your business in this space," Master Raider began.

"Unknown Fleet, this is the ISS Thor's Hammer and I am Imperial Knight, Fleet General, and Chief Wizard of the Ordo Libra for the Avalonian Empire Neville Longbottom. Our Empire is presently in a state of war with the Banite Sith. This is an active war zone as is all of Sith Space, comprising the former Mandalorian Empire."

"I am Jedi Master Mance Raider," he huffed indignantly, "and my task force is investigating a great disturbance in the force centered here at Yavin; what happened to the planet below?"

"Master Raider," Neville replied, "respectfully, you have no authority here. No Republic Ship is welcome in Avalon Space, and what happened to the Planet below is we have eradicated an infestation of pests comprising the top tier government officials of the Banite Scum."

"Your presence is neither warranted nor appreciated, no Jedi," he practically spat, "are needed or welcome in Avalon at this time," Neville finished with resolve. "Please return to Republic Space in a timely fashion."

"Weapons of this scale...of Genocide, have been banned by the Republic since the Genocide of Mandalore," Raider angrily replied. "I am afraid I must place you and your crew under arrest for violating Republic Law."

Neville gave a signal to his crew to charge conventional weapons.

"While that may be true in Republic Space Master Jedi, as I've indicated we are in orbit of a world formerly beholden to the Sith Empire, which now falls under the sole Jurisdiction of my Emperor and his government."

He began to stare down Mance as he didn't mince his words in the remainder of his reply.

"We are not a constituent member or governmental state subject to the laws or jurisdiction of either the Jedi or the Republic. We conquered these lands, we destroyed the Banites, and we claim this victory for all good and decent people. Leave now Master Raider in peace and perhaps my Emperor will be willing to send an envoy to your temple in Corascant to open an embassy; I may even allow my Magi to teach you a trick or two," he said with a smirk as he conjured a class of water.

Mance and many of his crew screamed in sheer agony as their senses were assaulted by the dark side.

"SITH SCUM," he screamed finding what he believed was an extremely powerful Sith Lord before him. "FIRE," he ordered his ships.

Not expecting that reaction to a simple conjuration, Neville was flummoxed as to how in the hell one of the most highly educated people in the Galaxy could be so stupid if this was the conclusion a Jedi of all people could come to.

The Hammer rocked with an initial volley of plasma fire before the shields compensated and the Ship righted itself.

"Jedi stop this instant what you're doing or we will return fire," Neville called offering one last chance at peace.

The feed cut and he was left with no other option than to order returned fire.

"Try and disable them," Neville called, "but if they are dangerous; Jedi will always be far more capable than a regular crew. Signal the Victory; we need a boarding party."

"Aye Sir," Tucker called as he began relating orders to his bridge crew, as the ship changed position from a head on view of the Jedi fleet to alight their ion cannon with the group.

"Firing Starboard Ion Cannon in Three, Two, One….FIRING," shouted the Tactical Officer as the massive cannon discharged impacting the tightly formed Jedi fleet which began to list slowly, dead in space.

"Have the Jameson move into position and hit them again with their Ion Cannon," Neville called. "I want a total systems fry and beyond repair with minimal loss of life."

"Aye-Aye Sir," came the reply as the Coms Officer, Claire Mitchell, put out the call to the Jameson to assume position alongside the Hammer and ensure that the Jedi fleet were completely disabled.

"Sir, receiving a call from the Victory; it's five minutes out Sir," Clair called.

"Very good," Neville replied. "Have Captain Yarth deploy two transport shuttles to each of the disabled Jedi ships. Make sure they carry a protocol droid and B-2s. A few Magna would not be remiss as these are Jedi we are dealing with, and given the electronics including those of their escape pods are fried, they're likely to be extremely desperate to get off ship and back to the Republic."

"We're looking to arrest as unlawful combatants, not prisoners of War," he said with a stern gaze directed to the listing fleet slowly beginning to dip into the gravitational pull of the ruined planet below.

"Understood Sir and relating orders now," she called as the Victory suddenly came into existence off their port bow.

Harry suddenly popped onto the bridge of Thor's Hammer rather silently and just Beside Neville facing the listing Jedi ships.

He looked around the bridge to orient himself before looking out over to the planet once more, and the listing ships from the Republic.

Looking between the slagged surface of the planet and the sickly orange glow coming from deep rivers of magma, and the slowly crashing Jedi ships, Harry snorted and looked at Neville and said, "you really don't do anything by half do you old man?"

"Respectfully Harry," Neville replied, "bite me. Would you be so kind as to Order the Victory to begin tractoring those ships into a stable Orbit My Lord," Neville asked.

"Of course," Harry replied and taking out a communicator conveyed his orders to the Victory to begin saving the ships as they could while Neville brought him up to speed and several other Victory Class Lucrehulks moved into position to speed up the salvage process.

"So you need some cortosis droids," Harry asked casually.

"We recon the Jedi are going to be mighty pissed since they shot first and didn't withdraw when given the chance, and they're likely very scared considering they've no power and likely only a few hours oxygen before they die."

"A boarding party from your legion would speed up things considerably and we wouldn't have to worry about them taking the cockpits and making an escape," Neville replied as all support craft on the Victory and indeed all machines were made of Cortosis.

"Are there more Republic force on their way," Harry asked as a look of concern crossed his face.

"I don't know. These came out of nowhere," Neville said flicking his wrist at the Jedi Ships that were being tractored into the gravity well of the massive Lucrehulks so their grappling arms could latch on and pull them safely to a higher and stable orbit.

"We've got boarding parties readying now and were planning on sending two shuttles per ship," he continued.

"Have you called for a Time-Out yet," Harry asked.

"Yes; and a Mercy as well, considering the damage we've caused the Banites," Neville said throwing a hand over his shoulder to indicate the armada of Interdictors that were completely disabled and still suffering from explosions.

"Cor Blimey mate!" Harry called with a slight chuckle at his own expense. "You really beat the piss out of that lot didn't you?"

"I can't take all the credit Harr….the Hammer and her crew did most of the work; we were facing a fleet of over 700 before the recoil from the slug shot broke orbit and took out a good half of their standing fleet."

Harry looked around at the faces of the bridge officers who were not so subtly eves dropping the two.

"You know Marka happened to catch the ringleader of this little circus with his pants down at Korriban," Harry said. "It seems like this plan to grab the snake at both ends worked…let's just hope it wasn't a hydra…but knowing my luck Pollicem's bitch of an apprentice wasn't on Korriban or here on Yavin."

"Do we have a description yet of the make up of the Banites? Surely a survivor can give us a who's who…it's the whole reason we went after Korriban so quickly," Neville asked.

"Millions if not billions of souls Neville….a few thousand force trained members of the Order of Bane…it's hard to tell this soon after battle."

"It will take weeks, months…maybe even years of deconditioning, mind healers, and rehab before any of the survivors can be trusted to give us accurate and truthful information and by then it will be far to late. We'll have built up the fleet for active patrols in our newly conquered territories, and will root them out the old fashioned way. As much as I wish it could be, this wasn't going to be a knockout round," Harry said with a sigh and a nod toward the Republic vessels.

"I've got to get ready for a trip I didn't want to make now damn it," Harry began.

"I'll coordinate from the Victory, but the rescued Jedi will be interrogated and housed in the Victory's Brig. Have we decided on a prison world yet," Harry asked.

"Shit Harry why are you asking me," Neville whined.

"Because your bleedin Ordo is supposed to build and ward the damn facilities once we picked out a place if you remember!"

"No I didn't remember…I've not had my Rememberall in years mate!"

Harry ran his hand through his hair as was his habit and Neville gave a chuckle.

"Mate we've scouted a planet near Zygerria that's in a system bordering wild space, and so far the probes have been there for over six months and registered no signs of interstellar traffic."

"Last I heard from Millitary Command we were giving it a full year of recon before we built a prison in the gas giant of that system. … Until then though the Time-Outs have enough fail safes aboard them that they're the best options right now for housing large scale prisoners of war or enemy combatants."

"They aren't ideal for Jedi though," Harry countered.

"I know that mate. I hate to say it, but we need to go ahead and launch the idle ships with an all droid crew to start securing out boarder with the Republic. Mandalore is going to be one of the Frontier sectors and a gateway to trouble unless we can establish a firm foothold now."

"I've already sent exploratory fleets to half the sectors to the North, East, and West of Sy Myrth..that's right on the ancient boarder of Hutt Space and will be enough ship power to start integrating the larger systems and sectors who need a good showing of strength without needing to be broken."

"How did the envoy to Kashyyk work out," Neville asked.

"The Clan Chieftan I managed to get word to seemed interested, but was non-committal. We're sending in some easily maintained Spider Droids and other such agri-droids and security forces so that the Wookies can start reclaiming some of their forest floor should they choose," Harry said with a nonchalant shrug.

"If they eventually side with us down the road wonderful; if not, they seem like a wonderful group of folk to trade with and they have a killer pepper jelly that grows from some type of fungus native only to their home world," Harry said with a chuckle.

"What about the delegation to Mandalore," Neville asked.

Harry sighed as he recalled giving a particularly spectacular ass chewing to Dennis for his Methods, then rewarded him for his achievements.

"We've made inroads," Harry curtly replied.

A few beats passed between the two old friends.

"Let's try and meet up for dinner sometime next month; Hermione's beyond her charcoal phase now so long as she has the kids, or Kreacher, for help," Harry said with a chuckle at Neville's grimace.

"I'm off to the Victory, but make sure we learn everything we can about those ships…they seem rather well designed compared to what I'd expect for Republic Craft," Harry said before shaking Neville's hand and apparating back to the bridge of his ship with barely any sound at all.

---

***13 Months Later, Coruscant, Senate of the Galactic Republic, 3,585 BBY***

The Senate of the Republic had existed in some form or another for over twenty thousand years during each iteration of the Galactic Republic. It served as a cornerstone of Democracy and example to all of the power of cooperation and revolutionary progress of true civilization. Initially starting out as a collaboration and conglomeration of over 80 powerful worlds in the Core and Deep Core of the Galaxy, the Republic, and by extension the reach of the Galactic Senate, had spread now to over 900 Star Systems with a total reach of approximately 35 percent of all known space.

The largest segment of Non-Republic aligned systems lay in the Galactic East where a full stretch of Systems were enslaved to the will of the Sith, or subject to the lawlessness of the Hutt Family or other vile and savage races.

The Senate largely ignored these areas as they were not of their concern as their constituent members had decreed they were to focus on arbitrating trade disputes or internal hostilities…while letting the Jedi act as enforcers to the greater galactic good.

It also served as a den of corruption, with no true constitutional check on the powers and duties of Senators who could amass great personal fortunes and sell their influence to the highest bidder.

They were presently housed in the remodeled Senate Tower which had suffered a horrific bombing not even 100 years ago by rogue Jedi seeking to instigate war between the Republic and New Sith Empire, but due to the actions and investigations of more seasoned and competent Jedi, and a few powerful Senators brokering back room deals for calm and a thorough investigation, no war had thus far been declared and decade after decade of committee reports, investigations, and status conferences rolled on, eventually forgetting why they were meeting as Senators were replaced or died in office, and Jedi moved on after being cut out of the process.

The only hiccup that had recently come to the Senate's attention, and distracted the members from their profiteering or racketeering efforts, were the constant interruptions and sessions called by the Jedi.

"Honorable Members," Marla L'akone, slightly gaunt and drawn in her advanced age began once more, "darkness is spreading throughout the Galaxy and the Republic is ever threatened by the Sith to our East, and we fear they've established holdings now in the South by allying with the Hutts and various pirate factions."

As she moved about the raised platform of the speaker's stand making eye contact with many of the thousands of senators and representatives she tried to impart as much wisdom in the brief time she'd been allotted.

"Jedi have gone missing. Master Raider and his exploratory party can no longer be seen as having merely lost their way or gone into deep silence. They are no longer felt in the Force, and their last transmission had them tracking a disturbance deep in Sith Space. We must raise an army to Defend the Republic and end the Sith threat that the Empire represents each day it continues to exist," she finished as senate pods, attached to the walls of the great building began to light up and the Chancellor recognized them in the Order they'd signaled.

"You say we must once more go to war with a people that have not attacked us at present, which have not engaged in trade with us, and which to our knowledge and belief have actively avoided the Republic or Republic controlled space for the better part of 150 years Am I correct Grandmaster," the Senior Senator for Balmorra spoke.

Before Marla could reply the Senator continued.

"And is this not similar to the arguments the Honorable Master for your Order Dar'Nala made saying we had to go to war to protect the Republic before she laid a bomb in these very chambers killing hundreds of good and decent Senators from peaceful worlds of the Government she claimed to serve!" he ended up yelling at the fellow Togruta that would have known Dar'Nala.

"Why should the people of Balmorra commit time, treasure, and lives to fighting the Jedi's unending war against themselves when we've no reason to trust your how can I put this," he tapped his chin theatrically, "impartiality, on the subject," he finished to many jeers and much laughter directed toward the elder Togruta Grandmaster of the Jedi Order.

"I can make no excuses for the actions of those which have come before me, except to say that Dar'Nala was a traitor to the Republic and to the Jedi," Marla replied calmly. "I have come with this warning and with the loss of my Masters and Members I had hoped the Senate would be willing to act. Know this Senators," she said as she once more walked around the platform she was on in an attempt to meet the gaze of as many Senators as she could, "the Jedi are your only hope against the pure evils of the corruptive nature of the Dark Side."

"The Sith have had nearly a millennium of peace to build their forced, and oppress those under the burden of their yoke. Screams for mercy and to end their suffering even now cry out in the force as we feel millions of lives being extinguished in one fowl event."

There was muttering among the Senate as they began to digest what was being said as a few reasonable senators, such as the Senior Senator from Alderaan, took notice of the elderly Grandmaster informing the Senate she'd lost several high-ranking Masters.

"And what exactly has your expeditionary force discovered the Sith have been up to Grandmaster," he asked. "Have you been able to verify that the Sith have progressed beyond conventional warfare once more?"

"Grandmaster Shan," another Senator said joining in the questioning, "warned this body repeatedly of the threat of the Sith, and the imminent danger we faced. That was over 100 years ago, and 30 years before your Order bombed this institution…will you order we be bombed as well if we do not engage in preemptive warfare," the representative from Roche spoke with much scorn.

"Would the Honorable Senators from Alderaan and Roche yield the floor," the observing delegate from the Cathar system asked suddenly lighting her pod and drawing the Grandmaster's attention before she could respond to the Roche Senator.

Seeing the two Senators willing to yield the floor to the otherwise non-voting provisional member and observational delegate for Ayn Rochelle, of Cathar stepped to her mic and began speaking.

"Honorable Members of the Galactic Senate, representatives of the people, I am privileged to see these deliberations from the outside in…a unique perspective that is only afforded to provisional members as rare as we tend be, and a unique quirk of Constitutional law that allows my government, as a provisional member, to focus more on understanding the democratic institutions and republican ways of this government more than with the ebbs and flows of politics of the 'bigger picture' as it were before we are ready to truly take part in the game."

There was a general undercurrent of muttering at this pronouncement.

"With membership sought almost uniformly by all who apply to work alongside the Republic, and few taking the option(s) and route my government has, I believe I be performing a disservice to this body not to pass along relevant and pertinent information that should rightly be shared with this Body Politic, as well as the Honorable Grandmaster L'akone, concerning the topic of this discussion before I make an announcement to this body from my planet's government."

"By all means speak," the Chancellor called from his observational platform.

"Master L'akone, you fear the rise and actions of the Sith and as evidence would point to the absence and silence of your colleagues as led by Master Mance Raider…correct," Ayn asked.

"That is correct Madam Delegate," the Jedi curtly replied.

"Fear not then; I can reveal to you this day that your errant Jedi are safe in the custody of the Avalon Empire for committing acts of war against them, as they attacked the Avalonian Fleet which were prosecuting a War against the Banite Sith at their Capitol of Yavin Prime," she said tapping several keys in her speaking pod which suddenly allowed data from the Battle of Yavin to display and showed the transmissions and logs of Pollicem's fleet engaging the Avalonian and fleeing, as well as the subsequent arrival and action of the Jedi ships.

"I bring you this information at the behest of my government with notice of our intent to withdraw from negotiations to enter the Republic, and on behalf of the Avalonian Empire," she continued pressing more buttons still which sent to each Senator and news outlet a copy of the files which she was presenting in open session. "Our decision to withdraw from joining the Republic are due in large part to the actions of the Jedi which are given such free reign and license to act with impunity as they see fit within the sovereign borders of another nation and people, while acting as a sovereign entity themselves."

"In this data transmission," she continued over the grumble of outrage greeting her pronouncements, " you will find the document files containing the Avalonian Code of Laws, Constitution, Governmental Structure, and borderlands my friends," she said facing the shocked masses of Senators. "You will also find supporting documents and copies of my government's formal recision of membership in the Galactic Republic."

"The Sith Empire is no longer cohesive or stable because of the steady march to war by these Avalonians, and will fall to their righteous fury,"she said.

"Your Jedi," Ayn said leveling her gaze to the Grandmaster, "launched an unprovoked attack against a decorated high-ranking official within the Avalonian Government because he utilizes the Force in ways which the Jedi disagree, and charged as being Sith without first ascertaining the truth."

"Your Jedi have been tried for this attack, and the commanding officers only are being held in long term confinement for the direct acts taken against the Avalonian People."

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS"

"PREPOSTEROUS"

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE"

"ORDER! ORDER!"

"Point of Order Chancellor!"

"Enough!" Bellowed the Chancellor, who was ignored by Ayn as she continued over the din speaking primarily so the news services would have a record of what she had been sent to say.

"All but five of your Jedi will be returned to you Grandmaster L'akone, as those five were given the harshest sentence still to be carried out in Avalonian confinement. As of now a cargo shipment of your missing Padawans and Masters, as well as all organic crew have been returned to your temple here on Coruscant, in Carbonite Stasis. They have served their sentence and we, the People of Cathar, bear witness to their humane treatment during confinement and justice in punishment your people have served."

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT"

"HOW DARE YOU"

And another round of shouting took place.

"Honorable Members," Ayn said with steel in her voice, "I am not an ambassador of the Avalonian Empire, I am merely conveying a message to this Senate on behalf of my government which is indebted to them, and providing a neutral assurance to this body that no abuse of the Jedi were suffered, and that the Laws of Avalon were carried out with Justice and Due Process."

"I have also been tasked to play this greeting from the Emperor himself, Harry James Potter," she finished sending a video file to the Chancellor who immediately dimmed the lights and cut the communications from the pods to allow the holoprojectors to play the message.

Suddenly Harry Potter, in his military regalia, appeared before the Senate.

"Honorable Members of the Galactic Republic, Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and observers I greet you on behalf of the People and Government of Avalon to which I am the Chief of State and Chief of Government. I am Harry James of House Potter, First of my name, and Emperor of the Avalonians."

Some Senators, formerly in the pockets of Sith Lords, began to scowl at Harry's greeting sensing he was going to be a major disruption in their financial interests.

"Our Government is based in the perimeter of the New Sith Empire as your records would understand it, as well as the former territories of the Mandalorian Empire from long ago."

"We are a hard working and diligent peoples fighting daily to secure the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all sentients within our bounds and of the Outer and Mid-Rim," the image said taking a few moments to seemingly gaze around the room.

"I am pleased to address this august body today and announce that as of 13 standard months ago, the Sith Capitol world of Yavin Prime, no longer houses the Sith Remnant and we have turned the tide on the Banite Scum which have long plagued this region of the Galaxy. We estimate that there will be no more than 24 months of open hostilities, and no more than 5 years after the complete collapse of the Sith remnant before the Galactic East is at peace under a unified banner of the Avalon Empire. We are putting each Sith which refuses to civilize or reform to the blade,and giving no quarter to those which seek to hoard or maintain their relics."

Cheers met this statement as the recording continued on.

"We envision ourselves as establishing and consolidating our forces to ensure Law and Order in the power vacuum left by the Sith as we prosecute this war and assume control of conquered territory. We would respectfully request that our neighbors and galactic brethren in the Republic kindly honor and respect our borders as have been provided to you this day, and any expanse of said borders to come. As of this message, all traffic with, trade to, or visitation by the Galactic Republic, its Citizens, or Jedi are suspended...our boarders are closed pending further notice."

"What is he talking about," one Senator from Kuat asked to his colleague.

"Shhhh; listen," was the reply.

"At this time we are willing to open informal lines of discussion with the Republic only and do not offer an Embassy within our borders," Harry's message continued, "and as I have no doubt you will learn later on, I am sending this message to directly inform this Senate of a few unique quirks of my Empire which may be twisted by those hostile to us which seek to malign us, or seeks to further stir undue provocation or disquiet against our peaceable peoples."

Harry took a deep breath before continuing.

"I come from a people that experience and utilize the Force differently than either the Sith or the Jedi," Harry began this latest leg of his speech.

"Being in Sith territory and having fought them as extensively as I have, I am now intimately familiar with the teachings of Darth Bane and find them repugnant; no Banite Sith shall find refuge or succor within the metes or bounds of my territory so long as I draw breath."

Shock and some cheers greeted this pronouncement as the assembled mass could practically taste the venom dripping from Harry's words.

"However, I am also familiar with the teachings and philosophies of the present Coruscanti Jedi and their Code, and I find it repugnant to the natural order and a danger to the good health or morals of Force Sensitives within my sphere of influence. This is due primarily to the unnatural and destructive teachings they have regarding the suppression of emotion which makes for mentally unbalanced and socially inadequate, if powerful, individuals who are a hair's trigger away from being sociopaths."

"I have banned the practice and teachings of both the Banite Sith and the Coruscanti Jedi as being against the good morals of the Avalonian People, and punishable by Fine and or imprisonment for terms varying based on the unique facts of any conviction. I have ordered the purging of the presence of Banite Sith which teaches of Hatred, Loathing, Greed, Fear, and Subjugation in order to obtain Power."

Neither the Jedi Faith or that sect of Banite Sith religions are recognized or protected within any Avalonian Territory as they are subversive to the good morals, dignity, and peace of all, Force Sensitives and Non, under my protection."

Gasps met this pronouncement.

"In the interests of Full Disclosure," he continued, "and in the hopes of establishing a peaceful coexistence as galactic neighbors, I tell you now, and certify to you, that we encourage and respect True Sith Philosophy under the New Sith which are a protected Religious Institution and recognized as a tax exempted organization under the Avalonian Revenue Code as they promote positive teachings and civic values to their adherants, members, devotes and to the skeptic alike."

"We also have an organization of force users unique to my people which is called the Ordo Libra, or the Order of Balance in Galactic Standard. The Jedi notions of Dark and Light have attributed to nearly 30,000 years of Galactic conflict; no longer will this be tolerated within my realm."

Silence reigned in the hall as none knew what to think, and Grandmaster L'akone was subjected to shock after shock, she sent an emergency alert from her communicator which would call the Council to Session upon her arrival at the Jedi Temple.

"We are new to Galactic-Scale Politics, and only recently rose beyond the confines of our planet where the Ancient Sith upon whom we modeled our ideals and values long ago taught us, and we were utterly revolted at the villainous scum which we discovered ruled the Outer Rim with such fear and impunity, threatening the good people of the Republic for no just cause than their ancient struggles with the Jedi. These are not true Sith...these are not true followers of the Living Force. They respected neither the rule of law, or the rights of the individual and sought only power and destruction, or the corruption of others for their pleasure."

"These Banite Sith are terrorists, extremists, and scurges of any lawful society which are to be given no freedoms to corrupt the minds of the innocent or spread their destructive influences."

Another cheer rose at this pronouncement as most Senators were in agreement with his observation.

"As to the Jedi which attacked my people without just cause or provocation," Harry continued to the great interest and attention of his entranced audience, "we have returned 200 Jedi Masters, Padawans, or adepts who served aboard the 15 Star Rider Capitol Ships which attacked my people as we destroyed and layed seige to the Banites on Yavin Prime after battling their superior numbers in orbit."

"Those being returned to your Jedi now are in carbonite stasis, and have served just over 12 months of a mixture of manual labor and involuntary confinement aboard a prison ship utilized for Enemy Combatants; all prisoners or those held in custodial detention by the Empire are well treated, and you will find a document ratified by my Senate and bearing my Seal, as well as that of the Empress, which outlines the basic tenants of Sentient Rights for Avalonians whether Citizens, Immigrants, Travelers, Visitors, Criminals, Prisoners of War...any type of 'person' as recognized by our Law, or as in this instance Unlawful Enemy Combatants."

Harry gave a near growl as he took another breath and continued.

"I was initially advised to treat this incursion by the Jedi, who are so often agents of the Republic, as a declaration of War against my people; but cooler heads prevailed and reason was spoken to after their trials, in which the accused had the effective assistance of counsel, and my government was able to determine that the Jedi were acting independent of the authority of this Honorable Senate."

"The five rabid and harshly sentenced commanders are those Jedi which unquestioningly opened fire upon my people when Jedi Master Mance Raider gave the order knowing they had not been first fired upon, and knowing they were not in Republic or Jedi controlled space."

Grandmaster L'akone flinched at the realization that Mance had given into his anger and not followed the better judgment of the Council, and she realized that this incident would haunt the Jedi for decades to come.

"These Jedi have received the harshest, non-capital, sentence allowed under the Imperial Constitution, which is to serve a term of life in prison without the possibility of parole. This sentence was decided by an Avalonian Court of Law after trial by impartial jury of their peers, and a neutral and impartial Judge of the offenders. Certified copies of each Jedi's trial, transcripts, mandatory appeal before the Imperial Constitutional Court, and the Prosecution's case file and all evidence used against them, as well as the certification of verdict from the ImperialConstitutional Court attest that these men and women received an impartial trial free from prejudice or malice."

"Their sentences match the severity of their crime."

There was a pause in the video as the Chancellor stopped the playback as a din of noise had erupted and hundreds of Senators were calling for arms at this pronouncement, due to their loyalty to the Jedi.

It was the first time in recent Senate Memory that such an open display of passion for the Senators in the pockets of the Jedi were made.

Harry's recording began again on its own.

Ayn and Marla made eye contact briefly as Ayn gestured that she should pay attention to this next bit.

"Utilizing my Supreme Authority as Emperor," Harry resumed, "I have as an act of good faith commuted the sentence of these Jedi Masters, to a sentence of having their Force abilities permanently bound after serving one year and one day in prison so that the government of the Galactic Public may recieve their citizens back, relatively whole in body, if not in ability. These convicted terrorists have been given a repaired shuttlecraft from the confiscated and forfeited Star Riders as of the playing of this message, and they have been released from Imperial Custody to travel a pre-programmed route from Alpheridies on the border of Imperial Space and should be home to Coruscant within a week."

"This punishment was not meted upon the majority of the Jedi terrorists as they were merely good men and women following orders from those which never should have given orders them,or held a position of power wielding the awesome ability to deciding life or death. These terrorists have now served their time and I have returned them to their home for rehabilitation as this Honorable Senate deems fit."

"Honorable Senators of the Galactic Republic, I thank you for your time but caution you to allow such free reign of your Jedi to act in your name, making war wherever they may go, with such impunity. Their acts nearly included your honorable government in my war against the Sith...a war you would not likely have survived unscathed, and would have emerged from deeply scarred."

"I should hope that for some time to come the Jedi remember this lesson I've taught their members...these terrorists... about being good neighbors, and respecting the laws of another nation. I would also hope that their acts do not reflect the intentions of this body, for I have shown mercies and courtesies which will not be granted again concerning the Jedi or actions of the Republic, whether officially sanctioned or not."

With that the holorecording ended and pandemonium erupted in the chamber, as Ayn sent a final data packet to the Senators, the Senate Archives, the Jedi Temple, and multiple Galactic News Agencies that would no doubt have interrupted prime time programming to show this breaking development.

She and her escorts left quietly, declining all communicator calls to return to the Senate as she and her staff boarded her private shuttle and made haste to Cathar near the Danthomir Sector, where she would be honored as a primary signatory and elected ratifier of the New Cathar Constitution, which ceded Sovereignty of the Cathar System and people to becoming a constituent state of the Avalon Empire.

---

***To Be Continued***

Author's Commentary:

I hope this helps progress the plot and you continue to find interest in this story.

To Rude Guest (screenname) who helpfully reviewed: Thank you very much for pointing those out! You reviewed just as I was going through and editing and that's one I glossed over! Thank you!

Chapter Date: 01/18/2018

Edit Date: 01/19/2018 (to correct 'concur' to 'conquer.' Apparently I'm an idiot and, much like Word, gloss over correctly spelled homonyms.

Reviews are welcome, and appreciated. Please feel free to share this story file with your friends, chat groups, etc. I welcome all constructive criticism.

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