Jaina
-)[-I-](-
Looking off into the distance of the polluted, alien world, it was hard to believe that a full three months had gone by since the end of the Swarm War. Two months since she had once again parted ways with her brothers and assumed control of the Imperial Jedi. Imperial Knights, she reminded herself with a wry grin. The Empire had responded to Denon's ultimatum to reform by officially dropping the name 'Jedi' from their own group of Force-users and severing ties with the greater Jedi Order. She, Jaina Solo, was now the commander of the Order of Imperial Knights—Force-users whose sole duty was to protect and preserve the Empire. A group which appeared to grow by the day as the Empire absorbed more territory and sent any discovered Force-users to the Rhysode, the mobile command center for the Imperial Knights.
A full three months since the mass funeral for the million-plus soldiers, Jedi, and other personnel who had died in the Outer Rim fighting against the Killiks. The survivors had returned to the Core fully embittered towards the new administration, with many resigning their commissions and giving scathing interviews over the HoloNet. Their disgruntled opinions, however, were quickly white-washed over, with Kenth Hamner promising a 'Peace of a Millennium,' and heralding in the improvements already occurring throughout the galaxy. True to the nature of most beings tired of bad news, the masses preferred to look at the bright glossy holos Hamner was providing and tuned out the veterans almost entirely.
But that was neither here nor now. As commander of the Imperial Knights, she now had an official post in Grand Moff Quille's government. A post that had her stationed on Taspir Three more often than not as she and Turi Altamik faced battles of political nature. Jagged Fel wasn't supposed to survive the onslaught. Was supposed to go out in a blaze of glory. Then Quille would have sent a much larger, heavily armed and updated fleet in to the rescue. Jagged surviving, earning the loyalty of his sector and those serving him by risking so much to protect a territory that wasn't his home, kind of ruined that plan and made for some very unhappy schemers on Taspir.
Which in turn made for business as usual in the new self-styled Third Imperium.
Rather than mope about that Jagged had survived, Quille seized on the victory as evidence that the Empire truly had returned. And he did have the facts to back it up. What was once the Imperial Remnant, isolated in a tiny corner of the Outer Rim, had quadrupled in size under Quille, stretching all the way to the Mid Rim and encroaching on the former Imperial shipyards of Bilbringi. Despite the loss of nearly the entire Imperial force sent to safeguard the Chiss sector, the Empire's five shipyards were already churning out the replacements. The added territory meant that the populations of the absorbed sectors were able to join the Imperial Navy, further replacing the soldiers lost.
Added to it all was Denon's insistence that Outer Rim security and stability was the responsibility of the Outer Rim governments, and the Imperium was more than happy to step into the power vacuum. The abolishment of the Outer Rim security fleet meant that many independent systems and sectors were suddenly feeling vulnerable, and turned to the Empire for their security needs. Already dwarfing the enfeebled Tion Hegemony in terms of spine-ward Outer Rim influence, the Third Imperium seemed to be pushing full steam ahead with their resurgent Imperial ideology.
Great for the Empire and the humans within. Not so great for the other systems neighboring the growing behemoth state and their non-human populations.
"Credit for your thoughts, Ma'am?"
Jaina stirred at Turi's Imperial accented voice. "Sorry?"
"You looked like you were somewhere else," the blonde Jedi said with a hint of a smile.
Jaina offered the younger woman a wry smirk. "Hard to believe all the things that have happened this past year."
"You're telling me," Turi sighed, shaking her head. "In the span of a year, the Chiss Ascendancy goes belly-up, you get put in charge of the Imperial Knights, and your boyfriend gets to be Moff. In the same time, I go from being the Jedi Order's ambassador to leaving the Order and becoming the Council of Moff's advisor on all things Force related. All the while I get to stay the Imperial attaché to your Order of Imperial Knights and pretty much do as I please. "
"Trade you."
"Not on your life, Solo," Turi laughed. The recent rainstorm meant that the normally polluted Taspir air was crisp for a few precious hours. "I heard that you're departing for the Rhysode again?"
"Using it as a glorified taxi this time around," Jaina chuckled. "'Parently there's a group of Force-sensitives on Dantoonie that I have to pick up and personally welcome into the Order of Imperial Knights."
"Good luck with that. How's the boyfriend?"
"Playing diplomat with his diverse population," Jaina answered almost ruefully.
"The Vagaari again?"
"The Vagaari…Chiss…Imperials," Jaina waved a hand absently. "You know the drill."
"Vagaari want to expand, the Chiss are paranoid that the move will spell their doom, and the Imperials are perfectly happy to let two non-human races shoot it out."
"Which would destabilize Jagged's sector and give the Grand Moff a reason to replace him," Jaina finished with a nod. "Fun times. Of course it helps that neither race really has a fleet any more thanks to the bugs."
"The one good thing to come out of the war," Turi rolled her eyes. "Deadly killing machines in the hands of non-human savages, never ends well."
"Careful, I'd think you were buying into the propaganda."
"Don't tell me you haven't thought the same things. If we had disarmed the Vagaari and Chiss when they were absorbed into the Empire, a lot of problems would go away."
"But then you'd have several hundred thousand former soldiers without jobs," Jaina pointed out. "Disgruntled, unemployed former soldiers who see the Empire as an invading force."
"Point taken," Turi breathed. "Anyways, I actually wanted to catch you before you took off. Grand Moff Quille has called a meeting of the Council of Moffs at the end of this month, mostly so the newer Moffs are put in their place and understand how the Empire is run. But there are few other things on the agenda and I would like you to be there."
Jaina mentally reviewed her monthly schedule. "I should be able to make it. What's so important though? Normally you're fine at handling the Jedi-y stuff."
"There's Altamik diplomacy, and then there's Solo diplomacy," Turi grimaced. "Trust me, you'll want to be at that meeting."
"Any spoilers?" Jaina raised an eyebrow. "Or should I be genuinely surprised for an authentic reaction?"
"The latter," Turi said, glancing almost regretfully to the older Jedi. "Grand Moff Quille is up to his old tricks again, and this time I don't think I have the wherewithal to stop him. Hopefully the Solo-name can still invoke the fear of the Force in all the newer Moffs, and even some of the more established ones."
"Okay," Jaina said. "I'll definitely try to make it then."
"Cheers," Turi smiled. "Just another day in the Empire, right?"
Jaina glanced back out across the capital city of Taspir Three, watching as the city slowly woke with the rising sun. "Just another day in the Empire."
-)[-II-](-
Arriving over Dantoonie in a Star Destroyer was something Jaina never thought she'd do. Then again, she reflected, since becoming Jagged's girlfriend, she'd done a lot of things she'd never thought she'd do. She needed to get use to the now very formal and protocol-filled nature of the Third Imperium. If she thought the Chiss was bad, the Empire was many times worse. Ranking, status symbols, the never-ending game of one-up-manship between peers, it was a far cry from the egalitarian Galactic Alliance military and Jedi Order. But in a way, it was the type of environment she thrived in. The challenge of proving that she was the best, that she was the Sword of the Jedi for a reason. The uniformity, the way the Third Imperium tried to break the galaxy down in logical patterns and categories, it was all things Jaina appreciated. Very rarely did bureaucracy hinder the military, intrude on the Order of Imperial Knights. And being in charge of said Order meant she had a lot of leeway as to what she could do with the first and second-generation Imperial Knights.
Of course some things had to change on her part. Much like Turi Altamik, Jaina's wardrobe had become more Imperial-color toned in nature. Gone were the simple brown Jedi robes that she had grown accustomed to. Her profile at the end of the bridge walkway was a far cry from a subdued, obedient Jedi. The high collar of her matte-black mantle framed the sides of her face, the flowing cape making her appear larger than her slender frame would suggest. Black, ribbed gloves covered her hands, and knee-high leather boots glinted in the bridge lighting. The rest of her Imperial black outfit gave her the rank of colonel and would not have looked out of place at any Imperial Navy parade.
"Errr…Ma'am?" Captain Avorn, the Imperial officer in charge of the Rhysode awaited Jaina a respectful five steps behind.
Tearing her gaze away from the bridge window and the swirling blue and green planet, Jaina cocked an eyebrow at the officer. "I don't bite, captain."
"Sorry, Ma'am. You just looked like you were lost in thought."
"Something that seems to happen a lot these days," Jaina smiled. She then regarded the captain. "What's wrong?"
"Ma'am, I know we're to pick up some more potentiates, but there is another vessel present and I believe it has the same goal in mind."
"What do you mean, captain?"
The captain gestured for Jaina to follow, and she did. "Standard procedure is to scan a planet for any potential traffic upon hyperspace reversion. Upon our scan, we detected a Republic-class in geo-synchronous orbit. The IFF reads it as the Tython of the Jedi Order."
"The Tython? Must be one of the newer ships Hamner got the shipyards to donate," Jaina mused. "Have you hailed them?"
"Not yet, ma'am. But given their position, they've been here for at least a day. They are located right over our target destination."
Jaina groaned. "So much for a simple drop-in and recruitment. Hail them if you will."
"Hailing," the comm-officer acknowledged.
The image of an older, dark-haired woman appeared over the holo-projector. "Been wondering when you'd work up the nerve to call. Alexandra Winger, captain of the Tython."
"Winger," Jaina greeted the Force-sensitive captain. "Whatca doing out here?"
"Oh, great. Solo. Of course the Force would have you aboard that ship. We're here for a pick up for the Yavin Four Praxium, High Council orders."
"Dantooine is in Imperial space now."
"Only if you're using maps from two decades ago. The Pentastar Alignment is no longer in effect."
"The Raiobollo sector voted to rejoin the Empire, Winger. Their citizens are now citizens of the Empire. You can tell the Chief of State that he can't declare the Outer Rim 'hands-off' policy-wise, then come out here and hope to recruit from them."
"Like that'll go over real well. Look, Solo. The team of Jedi I brought with me are already down on the surface, have been for the past few days. The sector may have voted to go Imp, but many of the cities on Dantooine are still GA-leaning. The shipyards at Gravlex Med are also still GA, so we do have authority to be out here."
"Reports I have say that there are eleven Force-sensitives on the planet, gathered from the outlying planets as well as on Dantooine itself," Jaina offered, switching the topic.
"I have similar intel. And I know what you're thinking, but my orders are to get all eleven back to Yavin IV for training. Not one or two."
Jaina nodded in understanding and released a breath, her mind working quickly. "And I have orders to bring all eleven to the Rhysode. I tell you what, why don't we give those potentiates a choice."
"Choice?"
"Jedi are all about choice, right?" Jaina said. "We say our pieces, and then let them choice where they want to train."
"I'll have to relay that to Denon and the Jedi on the ground."
"You mentioned them before, care to tell me who's leading the recruitment?"
"Jedi Knights Si'ada and Maika."
"Death Knights?" Jaina's eyebrows shot up. "When'd they get used for run-of-the-mill recruiting?"
"Since said recruitment could technically be seen as poaching," Alexandra replied dryly. "Look, I don't like this any more than you do, but at the same time, the potentiates have a far less likelihood of becoming Sith in the Jedi Order's praxeums than the Imperial one. I'll pass the message along both to the Death Knights and back home. Can't do more than that though."
"That's enough," Jaina said placatingly. "Thank you for hearing me out. Do you mind if I take a shuttle to the planet? Your team already has a head start in getting to know the potentiates, and I have some catching up to do."
"Not my planet, go right ahead."
The communication's channel ended, and Jaina exhaled a long, slow breath. "Captain, have my shuttle prepared."
"And the Jedi ship, ma'am?"
"Shields stay down, weapons off-line. They won't shoot unless you do," Jaina said. "Winger's level-headed, knows Imperial protocol as well. We're technically on the same side, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"Understood, ma'am. But if there are?"
"Do not engage no matter what. We won't be the aggressors. If the worst happens, leave me on the planet and jump out. Hamner is a skilled enough politician that he won't want to anger the Empire."
"Yes ma'am. Good luck down there. I may not have the Force, but I have the feeling you're going to need it."
-)[-III-](-
'Choice' might have been the wrong choice of words, Jaina mused to herself, guiding the shuttle onto an open-aired landing pad. The average age of the potentiates was ten years old. It was all a matter of making the Imperial Knights more attractive to their young minds than the 'boring' Jedi Order.
It wasn't like she wanted to disparage her uncle's Jedi, or suggest that they were any less capable than the Imperial Knights, but the New Jedi Order definitely had a different purpose. And for once, it was a purpose she didn't exactly want to be a part of.
She could spin her wheels, burn jets, work herself to death being one of many pawns in an organization that tries to save the entire galaxy. Or she could be the dejaarik player herself and focus on righting one sizable corner of it. Some might say it was the coward's way out, ducking the responsibility all Jedi had to the galaxy as a whole, but the tactical side of her couldn't see the difference she'd make if she was always jetting off to one location or another trying to plug a leaking dam.
She was tired of watching everything she'd worked on fall to pieces a month, a year later. At least as head of the Order of Imperial Knights, she could ensure that any changes for the better stayed that way. It also helped that her job put her in constant contact with her boyfriend, and that the Empire was actually one of the more stable places in the galaxy at the moment.
Stepping out of the shuttle and into the crisp, fresh air of the agricultural planet, Jaina took a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun and clear blue sky. Living on Taspir III, starships, there were precious few opportunities to enjoy either.
Awaiting her were several squadrons of stormtroopers as well as the recently elected Imperial governor and his close advisors.
"Colonel Solo, this is an honor," the governor saluted sharply. "I apologize for not warning you in advance of the Jedi Order contingent, but they assured me that you'd be able to…what was the word….'feel' their presence beforehand."
Jaina came her face impassive. One of the main annoyances with gray-side Jedi was that they were not above a few mind-tricks to advance their agenda. "You are forgiven, Governor. I assume you have not let them leave the planet with the potentiates?"
"No ma'am. The potential Imperial Knights are all in the military barracks at New Dantine. We've granted the Jedi access because of their affiliation with the Galactic Alliance and New Jedi Order, however. They have full authorization."
"Of course they do," Jaina couldn't help but smile in amusement at Si'ada and Maika's complete warping of the governor. Maybe convincing the potentiates that the Imperial Knights were more awesome would be more of a challenge than she thought.
"Very well, take me to the military base. I wish to see these potentiates myself."
"Yes, ma'am."
Jaina followed the governor onto a speeder. "Governor, what is the status of the sector? I am told that there are still many who oppose the Empire's annexation."
"Oppose would be too strong a word, Colonel Solo. There are factions that wish to give the Galactic Alliance government on Denon more time, yes, but you'll find those everywhere in the Outer Rim. On the whole, the people in the Raioballo sector fully endorse the Imperial protectorship and have been very supportive of the stationing of the Two-Oh-Eight stormtrooper legion on the planet. We are currently in the process of upgrading New Dantine so that it can hold a wing of TIE fighters as well. The jobs created from the endeavor are greatly helping the local economy."
"And the fact that Gravlex Med hasn't switched over to Imperial control?" She kept her gaze forward, watching the vast fields of the Khoonda plain rush by.
"Only a matter of time, ma'am. I am personally in talks with the system's political rulers and am quite sure that it will be ours by the year's end."
"Very good governor," Jaina complimented.
"Thank you. Can I have your assistance in passing word along to the Council of Moffs of these developments? I'm afraid as a mere governor of an outer sector I do not exactly have their ear."
"I am meeting the council later this month," Jaina nodded. "I will put in a good word or two."
"Much appreciated."
Their speeder passed a military checkpoint and were waved on. Up ahead was New Dantine, a newly created settlement and a sign of Imperial investment in Dantooine. A whole city had sprung up around an equally new military base. Evidence of construction projects galore were everywhere, from the giant cranes dotting the landscape, to the scaffold-covered buildings and ceaseless convoy of loadlifters and cargo-transports. Being on the very periphery of Imperial control, it was clear that the Empire wanted to use Dantooine as one of its frontline bases and was throwing credits around like there was no tomorrow to do so.
"Have the families of the Force potentiates been cared for as well?"
"Yes, ma'am," the governor replied sharply. "As per the regulation One-Four-Nine subsection Besh, paragraph four, the families of all Force-sensitive individuals are to be given accommodations and be treated with the utmost respect until such time …"
"You don't have to quote regulations to me, governor. I was the one who wrote them up," Jaina said dryly. Indeed, it had been one of the first things she had done—with Turi Altamik's help in pushing it through the Council of Moffs—when promoted to the head of the Imperial Knights. Family had been an integral part of her development and she wasn't about to deny the potentiates with family the same. There was even a section aboard the Rhysode for any families that wished to stay on or visit.
The speeder pulled up to an elongated building, its coat of Imperial-black paint still shining in the bright sunlight. Despite it being a military barracks, she could hear the laughing of children and the light-hearted energy of youthful innocence pulsate from within.
She could also hear the sounds of lightsaber clashing.
Passing through the doors, she could hear cheering and merriment accompany every hiss and clash of lightsaber blades.
Following the sounds, Jaina found herself in the doorway of the rec-room. A male Falleen Jedi was sparring vigorously with Antalia Draco, their sabers definitely flourishing more than necessary to the delight of their young crowd and their families.
"Solo," Si'ada greeted, standing by the doorframe. "Been a while."
"Si'ada," Jaina acknowledged. "Sparring practice?"
"Not quite," Si'ada winced. "Jedi Knight Thann Mithric thought that hitting on and turning up his pheromone charms on your Imperial Knight was a bright idea."
Jaina just sighed. "I thought you Jedi were smarter than that?"
"Falleen, Force-sensitive, and very attractive…in a purely analytical point of view of course. It's Mithric being Mithric," Si'ada rolled her eyes. "Besides, the two look like they're having fun so Maika and I didn't interrupt. I guess sparring is foreplay for you Imperial Knights?"
"Don't even go there," Jaina forced a laugh, feeling slightly protective of the Imperial Knight. "And speaking of going places, just what are you three doing in Imperial Space? The Council of Moffs and myself made it clear that any Force-sensitives discovered in Imperial space are ours to train."
"Yeah, and baring any official treaty or agreement with Denon, Chief of State Hamner decided to ignore that proclamation. Maika, Thann, and myself are just here because of orders from the highest authority."
"Can you go bop him on the head for me when you get back to Denon?"
"I'd have to get in line. He might be earning points with the rest of the galaxy, but he's not too popular with the Jedi Order these days."
"Well at least you haven't all drunk the juma juice."
"Go Jedi Mithric!" A vast majority of the females in the room were cheering. "Beat the Imp Jedi!"
"His pheromones are going to get him in trouble one of these days," Si'ada muttered, shaking his head.
"It's not just him," Jaina gestured with her head towards the male half of the crowd.
"Go Imperial Knight Draco! Knock that alien pretty-boy to the ground!" a majority of the males were calling out that or some variation.
"She's in a sports-bra and shorts, what do you expect," Si'ada said dourly.
"And your guy is in skin-tight pants. Nothing but skin-tight pants," Jaina retorted. "And is that a tattoo of a naked wom…"
"Wompa on his shoulder, yes," Si'ada said, gesturing to the young children in front of them. "Why a hedonistic Falleen like him chose to be a Jedi is beyond me."
The two combatants, seeing Jaina in the doorway, decided to ramp things up. The speed of their attacks suddenly became blurs, where the slightest mistake would result in the loss of life or limb. The crowd went quiet, as if realizing the massive amount of concentration going into each attack and parry.
"She's good," Si'ada breathed.
"So's your guy."
The next few seconds were filled with the sounds of red and blue blades clashing almost non-stop at one angle or another. Finally, in an act that caused everyone to suck in their breaths, the two blades flew to a halt. The point of Thann's blade was crackling mere centimeters from Antalia's chest, while her blade was a similar distance away from his neck. Both were panting heavily, wry smirks on their faces as they tilted their heads in silent recognition of each other's skills. They deactivated their blades and bowed to one another, then turned and bowed to Si'ada and Jaina.
Si'ada performed a tilt of her head, while Jaina offered a lazy two-fingered salute in turn. The two younger Force-users then retreated to the side of the room, and Jaina stepped forward to the center, her flowing black cape helping to get everyone's attention. "Hello all, I hope the people here at New Dantine have been treating you well."
She received a round of smiles and nods from the families as well as the young potentiates watching. She smiled in turn, her public-speaking skills inherited from her mother and her father's Solo charm on full blast.
"Great, if you don't know me by now, I'm Jaina Solo. Colonel Solo or Jedi Solo if you're a stickler for ranks and rules. I'm sure the Jedi from the Jedi Order have already given you a sales pitch, so I'm going to keep it simple. You go with them, you'll be sent far away to a training facility and probably only see your family once or twice a year if at all. Then you'll be ordered all over the galaxy trying to patch up everything from upset politicians to full-blown civil wars. You go with us, you'll be guaranteed to stay in this corner of the galaxy, guaranteed to have your family nearby, guaranteed to be respected members of the Third Imperium. Go with them, you'll be whatever the Denon government has you being. Go with us, you'll be part of the Order of Imperial Knights, able to act independently with the full authority of the Council of Moffs. The choice is yours."
-)[-IV-](-
"Colonel Solo, what exactly did you say to the families down there?"
Jaina looked up from the reports she had been skimming at one of the Imperial Knight instructors, Rahm Marek. "Just pointed out the facts, why?"
"The Galactic Alliance has just jumped in five more capital ships," Rahm said evenly. "Three heavy Mon Cals and two Rejuvenator Star Destroyers."
"What!" Jaina's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Either that or I'm imagining the very scary battle group right outside," Rahm answered in his usual Imperial manner, gesturing with one hand while keeping the other at the small of his back.
"Oh, for the love of…" Jaina walked over to her office's viewport. Sure enough, the Tython now had a few big friends flanking it. "What are they thinking? Have they hailed us yet?"
"No, and they've kept their distance since emerging. I only brought them up because we are due very shortly to hear from New Dantine about how many Force-sensitives we are to take onboard. Said fleet happens to be right above New Dantine. Captain Avorn was about to summon reinforcements, but I told him to hold off."
"The last thing we want to do is escala…"
Her holo-terminal flickered on. It was the captain. "Colonel Solo! Just received an emergency message from New Dantine Command. A Galactic Alliance commando and Jedi team have just raided the barracks and are loading the Force-sensitives and their families onto ships now!"
"Patch me through to the GA command ship," Jaina said, her eyes wide in surprise. A second later, the captain nodded to indicate a secure transmission. "This is Colonel Jaina Solo, head of the Order of Imperial Knights. You are aware that you are in sovereign Imperial space and that your actions can be constituted as an act of aggression?"
"Colonel, this is Jedi Master Tresina Lobi, member of the Jedi High Council. When the Imperial Remnant joined the Galactic Alliance, they agreed to send any and all Force sensitives to the instructional Institutions of the New Jedi Order to be trained as Jedi for the greater good of the galaxy. By breaking away from the Jedi Order but continuing to recruit Force-sensitives within Galactic Alliance space, the Imperial Remnant is in violation of their agreement and their oath to both the Galactic Alliance charter and the Jedi Order. We are doing what we can to prevent another generation of Sith from being trained right under our noses."
"The Imperial Knights are no more Sith than your Death Knights. Heck, than my brothers. It was the Chief of State who gave us the ultimatum, to alter the very foundation on which we were founded, or be cast out. The potentiates your people are rounding up right now are Imperial citizens. As per the Galactic Alliance treaty between member-states, the central government shall not interfere with or dictate to the citizens of its member-states except in cases of great crises as determined by the majority. I heard of no congressional hearing declaring the Imperial Order a crisis. By violating Imperial space and kidnapping its citizens, it is your task force…"
"We are only doing what must be done because of your Order's refusal to accept Jedi Order oversight and mediation regarding its curriculum. We would not be here if the Imperial Remnant had not broken its treaty in the first place."
"Colonel, their shuttles are leaving the base," Rahm said off to the side. He was conferring with several junior officers, no doubt getting an up-to-the-second update on the events unfolding. "The base commander wants to know if he has authorization to shoot them down,"
"Remind me to contact the local Moff and have the guy replaced," Jaina grumbled.
"Tell the commander to hold fire," Rahm translated. "Nearest Imperial fleet group is five minutes out. Shall I send for them?"
"What for? So they can jump in and we can all start shooting at one and other?" Jaina shook her head. "Listen, Master Lobi, what your Order and the Galactic Alliance are doing is a grave error. Do you truly want to risk the Empire seceding from the Galactic Alliance over eleven families?"
"The Imperial Remnant won't secede."
"Won't they? Thanks to Chief of State Hamner, the Empire has almost complete autonomy out here in the Outer Rim. More systems in this quadrant of the galaxy look to Taspir Three to solve their problems than Denon. We're self-sufficient, have the largest navy in the Outer Rim, and quite frankly, don't need the Galactic Alliance any more. I have the ear of many influential Moffs, including the Grand Moff himself. If this is the direction the Galactic Alliance and Jedi Order are heading, then maybe it is time we parted ways. So you go and tell the Chief of State what I just said. Does he truly want to gamble on the membership of one of his corner-stone governments over eleven families?"
"I will pass the word along," Tresina said after a slight pause, and her hologram flickered out.
"The shuttles have entered the Tython," Rahm reported. "The fleet is still holding position."
Jaina nodded, her hands resting on her desk as she stared at the holo-projector. She highly doubted that the Grand Moff would pull the Empire out of the Galactic Alliance for this, but he'd definitely be displeased at the violation of sovereignty. But there really wasn't much he could do. The Galactic Alliance had truly left the Empire on its lonesome, relying on it to stabilize the region. At the same time, the Empire relied heavily on the trade and supplies that came from Galactic Alliance affiliated companies.
"Captain Avorn, I need a direct line to Taspir Three, inform the Grand Moff of what has just occurred. If possible, I would like him to stand by when the Galactic Alliance commander calls back."
"Understood, establishing connections now."
Jaina waited a few seconds, her gaze still focused on her desk. A minute passed, two, then ten. Finally, the image of Grand Moff Quille appeared. "Colonel Solo, Captain Avorn was just reading me in to the current situation."
"Grand Moff, thank you for taking the time to involve yourself in this matter."
"The Order of Imperial Knights has my full support as you are well aware of, Colonel. Any violation is a grave insult not just to you, but to myself and the Empire as a whole."
"One moment, sir, it looks like the Galactic Alliance representative is calling back," Jaina flicked on the second panel, and Tresina's image emerged. "Master Lobi, allow me to introduce Grand Moff Quille. If you did not believe my words earlier, perhaps you'd be more convinced to hear it straight from the leader of the Empire himself."
Tresina, who had opened her mouth to call Jaina's bluff, closed it, her expression one of surprise. "Grand Moff."
"Master Lobi. I hear the Galactic Alliance has decided to give insult to the Empire and disrespect us after everything we have done for the great government."
"I…Colonel Solo said…"
"I assure you, Colonel Solo speaks with my full authority. Should she recommend a course of action, I will impress upon the other Moffs of the wisdom of such an action. Whatever possibilities she might have mentioned, whatever repercussions Denon might have gambled on, I assure you, they are very much on the table as we speak. The Empire, of course, can ignore this violation of its space and peoples if you return the Force-sensitives to us without delay. Now if you will excuse me, I am a busy man and don't have time for these games the Chief of State seems wanting to play."
The Grand Moff hit a button, but only shut off his link to the Tython. His line to Jaina's ship was still very much open. Jaina, her face hard and betraying nothing, raised an eyebrow at Tresina. "Master Lobi, I have nothing but respect for my uncle and the ideals on which he is trying to build his Jedi Order. But perhaps it is a good thing that the Imperial Knights are separate. Kidnapping Force-sensitive children regardless of their wishes seems like something a Sith training academy would do, don't you think?"
Tresina's hologram flickered off without reply.
"I have your full authority? You fully support my courses of action?" Jaina said skeptically to the Grand Moff.
"A united front to enemies of the state, Colonel. Nothing more."
"Good, you were really worrying me there," Jaina said wryly. "I would sincerely miss those political fights Altamik and I have with your Council of Moffs if that was the case."
"As would I," Quille chuckled, smoothing his mustache.
"The shuttles have reappeared," Rahm said after another long pause. "Their course is back towards New Dantine."
"We won this one, Grand Moff," Jaina said evenly. "I think it's time we revisited the GA charter as well as our own Order of Imperial Knights regulations."
"Agreed. I have heard from Colonel Altamik that you will attend the meeting at the end of the month?"
"That is correct."
"Then that can be one of the many things we can discuss then. Have a good day, Quille out."
Jaina let out a very slow breath, calling on the Force to un-frazzle the many nerves that had been frazzled to bits. Rahm, now the only other occupant in her office, smirked. "And the legend of Jaina Solo grows."
"Knock that off, Marek."
"Ma'am, had it been anyone else, I can guarantee you shots would have been fired. And you did it all without telling a single lie."
"Swords can cut in multiple ways," Jaina answered with a wan smile. "Get the welcoming crews down to the hangar bay. We probably have some confused and frightened potentiates en route."
"They definitely won't forget the day they became a part of the Order," Rahm said, saluting in acknowledgment.
"Yeah," Jaina scoffed. "Just the type of memory I wanted to give them, nearly being ripped in two in a game of political tug-of-war. This isn't the last time this will happen, Marek. We were only lucky to get here when we did."
"As you say."
Realizing he was still standing at attention, Jaina rolled her eyes and returned the salute. "Dismissed."
"Just following Imperial protocol, ma'am."
"Go before I Force-flick you on the forehead. Altamik tells me it's a good way to get you to listen."
"Going," Rahm said hastily, quickly leaving the room.
Alone, Jaina made her way over to her chair and sagged into it. Turning her head towards the viewport she watched the Galactic Alliance ships withdraw from orbit, and then leap into hyperspace. Releasing another breath of relief, she glanced to the holo of her boyfriend. "Hope your day is droll and boring Jag. Mine hasn't been, and it's far from over."
-)[-V-](-
Next stop was to another sector on the fringes of the Empire, where she actually had some Jedi work to do. From head of the Order of Imperial Knights back to diplomat, Jaina had to don another hat to tend to the problems of the newly acquired, not entirely willingly, sector.
The Ciutric Hegemony had been one of the many governments that had collapsed after the Tion Hegemony's civil war, with the economic strain of trying to rebuild further exacerbated by the sudden stop in the vital trade from their Outer Rim neighbor. Attempts to re-establish the government were hindered by Killik-sponsored pirate raids that the disorganized Ciutric military wasn't quite able to stop.
With the Killik threat over, however, it looked as if Ciutric was about to emerge from its dark times. But then the Empire decided to park several Star Destroyers over Ciutric IV, and declare the hegemony's space sovereign Imperial territory. Acting under the mandate Kenth Hamner had set up—where Outer Rim powers were responsible for the safety and stability of their surrounding territories—the Empire had seen fit to seize control of the region to protect the 'true Imperial patriots' who resided in Ciutric Hegemon space. With the Ciutric Navy in no condition to do anything, the Hegemony reluctantly voted to join the Empire once more.
And with Denon not really capable of doing anything more than admonish the 'Remnant' for its overly aggressive acquisition, it looked as if the annexation was going to stay in place.
Which really confused Jaina as to why ruling council of the Hegemony had called her out in the first place. Unlike some of the recently acquired fringe sectors, the Council of Moffs had immediately appointed a Moff to oversee the sector. Like Dantooine, a full garrison had been established, and the Holonet was flooded with pro-Imperial propaganda. Jaina couldn't exactly imagine what they'd need her for.
Stepping off of the shuttle onto the high landing platform of the capital building, Jaina was greeted to the usual fanfare—red and gold carpet, honor guard, brass band, ceremonial flyby of the local TIE garrison—and the local leaders standing at attention.
"Moff Alrik Krennel," Jaina greeted evenly. Middle-aged, Alrik Krennel was the son of Delak Krennel—one time admiral and co-ruler of the Hegemony after Palpatine's Empire had fallen.
"Jedi Solo…or is it colonel now?" Dark blond hair, piercing blue eyes, immaculately pressed Imperial uniform, the man could have been the poster-child of the humanocentric propaganda put out by Taspir.
"Either is fine, Moff Krennel."
"Please, call me Alrik. This is Davon, Minister of Finance, Nivva, Minister of Interior. Azak, Minister of Culture. Savat, Minister of inter-Hegemony Affairs."
"Your cabinet…it's very human," Jaina noted as they walked out of the sunlight and into the environmentally controlled halls of the capital building—one of many rebuilt since the Yuuzhan Vong war.
"Ahh, perhaps you've realized the core of why I've asked you to come."
Jaina inwardly grimaced. "Oh?"
"The Ciutric Hegemony is culturally, very much Imperial in nature. From the time of Palpatine himself, to the reign of my father, the Hegemony has been loyal to the doctrines on which the Empire was founded upon."
"Discipline, duty, order," Jaina rattled off, having seen the slogans enough on the many banners that the fringe sectors seem to be festooned with.
"Yes, quite. Therein lies the problem. To be Imperial is to be culturally pro-human, and on worlds such as Taspir and Dubrillion that is a simple task."
"The point, Moff Krennel, please. Your holo said that this need only be a short visit."
"To break it down, the Ciutric Hegemony had always had a slim human majority. But with the Yuuzhan Vong War and mass evacuation of many planets within the Hegemony, that is no longer the case. Humans now only comprise less than twenty-percent of the population."
"What would you have me do, Moff Krennel?"
"I would appreciate it greatly if you could issue a press-release, perhaps even a pre-recorded holo-message, supporting this government and reiterating our allegiance to the Empire. Perhaps highlight the benefits the Hegemony has enjoyed in the last month and a half under Imperial rule."
"And you can't have your own media-experts handle it?"
"I could, of course, but it will not have the same reassuring and supporting effect as you delivering the message. You are Jaina Solo, champion of the downtrodden, Jedi protector of the galaxy, Sword of the Jedi. Your word carries much more weight. I'd consider this a personal favor, Jedi Solo. Placate the masses so that the Empire may establish control over this sector in as peaceful and orderly a fashion as possible. The last thing you, Grand Moff Quille, or I would want is home-grown non-human terrorists mucking things up for the millions of others who have welcomed the Empire with open arms."
They stepped into his office, the other members of the cabinet returning to their duties. When the door closed behind him, Jaina took a moment to walk around the room, using it to buy time as she formulated a response. The room itself was not really helpful, showing all the signs of an Imperial zealot who fully believed the propaganda he spewed. The Imperial crest, in gold and lantinum, was on one wall. A display case with models of various Imperial vessels sat against another. Books, actual paper books, and datacrystals containing Imperial works filled a bookshelf. Everything was in the dull grays, blues, and blacks the Imperial Navy favored.
Glancing at the now seated Moff, Jaina raised an eyebrow. "You would win their trust more if you had non-humans in the ruling council, your cabinet, your military."
"Ah, you are referring to what your boyfriend has done with those…things out in Chiss space," Moff Krennel chuckled. "Jedi Solo, forgive me for being blunt, but everyone knows that your boyfriend is living on borrowed time. It is only a matter of when, not if, the Grand Moff will concoct some excuse that will either remove him from power or get him executed. I cannot, in good conscience put Imperial arms in the hands of non-humans, nor give them the power to dictate Imperial policy. I am my father's son after all."
"And with all due respect, Moff Krennel. Your father did not last that long holding onto such beliefs," Jaina said evenly.
"Okay, let me put this another way, Jedi Solo. You are aware that my appointment to this position was near unanimous among the Council of Moffs?"
"I read up on it on the way here."
"Yes, well, my father whom you just mentioned, had many connections within the Imperial hierarchy, some very old. I am well aware that I received my position not through personal merit but because of these connections. Now, those connections can also work in reverse. There will come a time when you need the support of the Council of Moffs. I can guarantee you that if you do me this favor now, I can get the votes necessary to pass most any measure you would put before the council. That is a fair trade, no?"
"Moff Krennel, look at it from my perspective. You say my word has a lot of weight behind it, I believe you. But if I were to….what's the word you used, 'placate' your non-human population by assuring them that they'll be cared for, that everything will change for the better in the Hegemony, I better damn well mean what I'm saying. If I leave a message and things only get worse for the non-human population, the weight my words carry will mean a whole lot less. I can deliver the message you want, and then I will station a team of Imperial Knights in this sector to help ensure that things change for the better. If things don't go as I said they will, then I will ask Grand Moff Quille to personally remove you from your post. Because, like you, I also have the ear of the Council of Moffs, and if you go back on what I say, we'll see who the council values more."
"Even then, will your influence be enough to save that alien-loving boyfriend of yours?" Krennel said evenly.
"Moff Fel is not part of this issue," Jaina replied just as coolly. "You want me to reassure your non-human population that you'll treat them fairly and equally when we both know that will be the furthest thing from the truth."
"My father learned the wonders of propaganda, Jedi Solo. You'll be surprised how much the masses will tolerate 'for the good of the Empire,' once they're onboard."
"Nevertheless, you want my help, accept a team of Imperial Knights. They're duty-bound to preserve the Empire's spirit and philosophies."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, if you threaten the stability of the Empire by riling the non-humans out here, they are allowed by the Council of Moffs to remove you from power. That is my price, Moff Krennel."
"You are making a big mistake, Jedi Solo. The support I have on the Council of Moffs…"
"Is meaningless next to the fates of the millions of people you want me to deceive," Jaina called him out. "I trust in Moff Fel to cover his own political rear. Your help would have been a nice security blanket, but the cost would have been too high. You know my terms, Moff Krennel. I'd hate to leave this sector and learn that the non-humans are rising up against you because of your antiquated modes of thinking."
"And here I thought you were a student of politics."
"I am if the situation warrants it. But I figured you Moffs get enough of the double-talk and back-stabbing from each other. If you want, I can disguise my demands in veiled words while smiling and shaking your hand."
"That's quite all right," Moff Krennel said dourly. "If I accept your team of Imperial Knights…"
"Not my team, the Empire's. They act with the authority of the Council of Moffs and answer solely to the Grand Moff or myself."
"If I accept a team of Imperial Knights, you will consent to placating the unruly masses in this sector with a holo-message or two?"
"With words of my choosing, yes. I'll even do you one better and personally meet with any leadership the non-humans have to reassure them you are a different man than your father."
"And how long will the Imperial Knight team stay on?"
"As long as you're in power, Moff Krennel," Jaina said with a frosty smile. "Or until you've convinced me you truly had a change of heart."
"Fine. But know this, Solo. You've made an enemy out of me today."
"Get in line," Jaina said harshly. "If you thought you could just sweet-talk the young naïve me into happily doing your bidding, I'm the one who should be offended. And when that didn't work, you tried to bring in Jagged. You say I've made an enemy out of you today, Moff Krennel. Well, to be plain about it, I don't like you either."
"You just watch yourself," Krennel glared.
"Are you done blustering? I have your population to reassure, and then I have to move on to several other sectors and still be back at Taspir in time for the council meeting."
"My aides will show you to the media center."
"Thank you, long live the Empire," Jaina said snidely.
"Yes, may the Empire live long and strong," Moff Krennel said, his beady eyes glaring daggers.
Jaina exited his office , walked back towards the landing pad, and pulled out her comlink in the process. "Alexander, you there?"
There was a pause, and then the regional accents of Imperial Knight trainer Alexander Astin came back. "Yup, need som'thing Colonel?"
"How would your team like a crash course in how not to govern a majority when you're part of the minority?"
"The Black Hearts are always eager to get some hands' on experience."
"Great, I'll owe you that autograph for your brother and then some."
"Colonel," Alexander's voice became more serious. "How far are we allowed to go to keep this territory a stable corner of the Empire?"
"As far as the council said they would allow us," Jaina said in turn. "Millions of lives in this sector depend on it. Billions more depend on the stability of this sector. I'll leave it up to you."
"Yes, ma'am."
"I'm on my way back to the ship for now. We'll probably stay in orbit for another dozen hours or so, so use that time to ready your team and get them acquainted with this place."
"Understood, Astin out."
Jaina slid into the pilot seat of the shuttle. "This is the Starsaber to Ciutric control. Please inform the Moff that I will return shortly. There are other matters that I must attend to first, but I will remain in-system if he does need to reach me."
"Control copies, Starsaber. Thank you for agreeing to help out. Not sure if you've seen the local holo for the past few weeks but everything feels like an overcharged blaster. The last thing the Hegemony needs is for that blaster to blow up in our faces."
"That's the last thing I want too, Control," Jaina said faintly. "Hopefully, cooler heads will win out. Any hint of unrest, of riots or subversion, and the Empire brings back its Star Destroyers and parks them in orbit again."
"The Empire is lucky to have you, Jedi Solo. And the pattern is clear, you are clear to depart."
"Thank you," Jaina answered. "See you all in a bit." She shut off the comm and slouched in her pilot's chair as the autopilot took her back towards the Rhysode. "Because apparently I don't have anything better to do than to stop an uprising against the Empire before it can begin."
-)[-VI-](-
It was very late in the evening nearly a month laer when the Rhysode returned to orbit above Taspir Three's capital. Refraction from the layers upon layers of smog and clouds kept the industrial and city areas of the 'night' side of the planet awash in a glow of yellow and white. Nearly a month away and the planet still looked the same. Jaina supposed that was a good thing. No major catastrophe had occurred in her absence, no extra-galactic invaders, everything was just status quo.
"Receiving a hail from the Bastion." The comm-officer announced, referring to the star-dreadnaught that was Grand Moff Quille's personal command ship. One of the perks of absorbing so many sectors and their resources was that the Imperial Navy was as healthy as ever and now sported three newer model Super Star Destroyers.
Captain Avorn, with a nod from Jaina, replied. "Go ahead."
"Colonel Solo, here for the meeting?" Grand Moff Voster Quille said, a slight raise of his eyebrows. "I would have thought that the fringe sectors would have kept your plate full."
"I learned to delegate," Jaina answered with a smile. "All three Imperial Knight teams are currently on assignment keeping the fringe sectors happy."
"That's good, if the fringe is happy, then I am happy." The Grand Moff said humorously. "I myself have just returned from supervising the construction of the latest Star Dreadnaught."
"And, how's it going?" Jaina asked in turn. She knew full well that this latest Star Dreadnaught was being constructed in the Chiss shipyards and would be used to patrol the Unknown Regions and Mid-Rim Wild Space.
"The Chiss are nothing if not efficient. It is due to be completed a full month ahead of schedule."
"I'm not surprised. Moff Fel definitely knows how to motivate those under him," Jaina said.
"Indeed. If you are going to attend the meeting, it will be aboard my ship. You are welcome aboard whenever you are ready to depart. You are among the first to arrive."
"Thank you Grand Moff Quille. When I finish up with things over here, I'll be on my way," Jaina said. The change of venue was no surprise. Taspir Three's Council of Moff meeting room had been built back during the days of the Remnant. Back when there were only ten Moffs—one for every sector the Remnant controlled. Now it was several times that many, with Moffs controlling governors in multiple sectors.
The call ended, and Jaina allowed a wry smile as she stared off at the massive triangle ship orbiting the planet. In a couple of minutes, the Rhysode would be completely engulfed by the Super-class cruiser's shadow. She had seen his election speeches made several years ago, and apparently he had been very serious about resurrecting the old Empire. During his tenure, the Remnant had grown in size exponentially, had gone from being a backwater ravaged by the Yuuzhan Vong War to a major Outer Rim power-broker. And now one of the main symbols of the old Imperial might was returning in dramatic fashion.
Jaina shook her head, still trying to recall just how she got to where she was in a—for all intents and purposes—resurrected Empire. She glanced down at her glossy black leather outfit, complete with mantle and cape and knee-high leather boots, something no self-respecting Jedi would be caught dead in. But when in the Empire…
"Ma'am?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Shall I have a shuttle standing by?"
"It's okay, Captain Avorn. I'll take care of the shuttle myself."
"Imperial protocol dictates that any representative at the Council of Moffs has at least two aides in attendance," the dark-skinned captain reminded politely. "Seeing as how you've dispatched Colonels Marek and Astin to different duties, might I suggest someone on the more imposing scale? This is the Order of Imperial Knights after all, and a certain image must be maintained."
"Is that Mandalorian, Gev, still onboard? I haven't seen her."
"She took off the moment her contract ended, something about family obligations and an auction on Phaeda. But she was not the one I had in mind."
He gestured for her to look behind, and she turned as bidden. The moment her eyes caught sight of the two the captain obviously had in mind, her eyebrows shot up. Standing at attention were two tall, muscular, and bulky men in an outfit Jaina had not yet seen before. It was as if someone had taken the old Imperial Red Guard outfits, changed the color-scheme to a chrome-black, and made the eye-visor blood red. They both held a black, chrome Force-pike, and had a light-shoto hanging from their utility belt.
"General Dorja sent over the newly redesigned outfits for the elite of the Voidtroopers." Captain Avorn said, a pleased smile on his face let her know he enjoyed surprising her. "These two were chosen from the Imperial Navy by General Dorja herself. She guarantees that they can kill, or make very close to death, anyone who threatens you."
"They definitely make an impression," Jaina chuckled. "At ease, gentlemen. Mind taking off your helmets?"
"I can, ma'am," one of the two mountain-of-a-man removed his helmet to reveal a battle-scarred worn face of someone in his thirties-going-on-fifty. "Lieutenant Vorin, ma'am. But Lieutenant Bueler can't. He was on Borosk when the Vong threw asteroids at it. That suit's all that's keeping him alive."
"And yet General Dorja says you are among the elite of the Imperial Navy, very impressive Lieutenant Bueler."
"It might help that I'm Force-aware too, ma'am," the mechanically dry tone of the encased Imperial soldier replied. "Too weak to make it into your Order, but it's served me well."
"You two ready to help me scare the Moffs into keeping us around?"
"We were told to follow your orders to the letter," Lieutenant Vorin replied.
"To the letter?" Jaina asked.
"Yes, ma'am. Unless it directly contradicts the well-being of the Empire."
"Well then." Jaina clapped her gloved hands together. "Let's go see what the Moffs have up their sleeves this time."
-)[-VII-](-
Jaina couldn't help but look smug as she took a seat at the long rectangular table set up in one of the Bastion's hangar bays. She made a mental note to thank Captain Avorn as the other Moffs began to trickle in. Many were flanked by a pair of run-of-the-mill stormtroopers. Some chose to bring their 'chief of security' or other individual of obvious military bearing. And some still actually brought non-humans with them, though from the clothing Jaina could tell that the non-humans were in a servant role.
"Stop looking so smug," Jagged whispered, taking a seat next to her. He had brought with him Admiral Vitor Reige and his Imperial Knight 'bodyguard/minder' Antalia Draco. "Everyone can see you have the biggest friends."
"I love their double-takes though," Jaina whispered back. "And it's been three months since we've seen each other and that's the first thing you say?"
"Becoming amorous at a Grand Council of Moffs meeting is not recommended," Jagged muttered back.
"Point, hardly the mood-setting atmosphere either."
Eyebrows were raised when they saw another Chiss enter the room, flanked by a pair of Voidtroopers.
"Isn't that the head of the Mitth family?" Jaina muttered.
"He is," Jagged was equally at a loss to explain the man's presence.
"Wonder what he's doing here."
The Chiss came over and sat opposite of Jagged at the table. "Moff Fel."
"Head of Family Mitth'roda'sari," Jagged acknowledged. "Your presence is a surprise."
"Grand Moff Quille invited me personally," the Chiss said, his voice containing the usual air of superiority all Chiss had when talking to non-Chiss.
They ended their exchange and turned back to the table as the last few Moffs, followed by Grand Moff Quille, arrived. The Grand Moff took his seat at the head of the table and glanced down the line, doing the same double-take everyone else had done when they saw the two large men standing behind Jaina's chair. Jaina met his eyes, and the slate-gray of Quille's reflected a cold amusement. As if acknowledging the fact that she could play politics despite her relatively young age.
"Thank you all for taking the time off what I am sure is your very busy schedules to meet here today," Quille began. "As you are no doubt aware by now, there are a lot of new faces at this meeting, some recognizable, others not so much. This relates to the first order of business. With the Swarm War behind us and the Empire growing by the month, I thought it best to re-organize from the top to ensure that we are not bogged down in the bureaucracy that has mired other governments. As such, the Moffs who formed the original council before the post-Vong War expansion will now be titled the 'High Council of Moffs.' Those of you who were elected or chosen during the expansion period will continue to have input in the running of this Empire, but it will be the High Council that will introduce and institute policy. The full council will meet tri-annually, or if the situation warrants it. Any Moff on this council, High or no, may call a full meeting."
"Are you saying that we will be answerable to the High Council, then?" One of the newer Moffs spoke up.
"That is correct," Quille said. "In front of you now are datapads which contain the details of this restructuring. Each of you will be answerable to one of the Moffs on the High Council, mostly based on the location of your sector or sectors or any economic ties you might have. And before you think the High Council has too much say in running this government, with the exception of my position, it will be you and your cohorts under said High Council Moffs that will choose his or her successor. This isn't a dictatorship after all. I will give you all a few minutes now to familiarize yourselves with this new protocol."
Like all the other Moffs at the table, Jaina picked up the datapad in front of her and browsed through the information. Her eyebrows rose slightly when she did not see Jagged's name anywhere on the list. Leaning over to her boyfriend, she said in a low voice. "Think he plans on offing you some time soon?"
"Soon would be inconvenient," Jagged muttered back. "I will have to ask him to schedule my dismissal or execution at a later date."
"Please do so, it would be inconvenient for me as well," Jaina whispered, slightly worried.
"Some of you might have realized that your names were left off the list, that is deliberate," Grand Moff Quille voiced, as if reading Jaina's mind. "Those keen enough to see the pattern will realize that the Moffs who do not have an immediate superior are those on the fringes of the Empire. For you seven, we cannot have bureaucracy endanger the snap-decisions that come with defending our borders. And because you are scattered from the Unknown Regions, through the Mid Rim, and Tion-ward, one set of standards will not work for all. Though you will not have a say in the policy decided at the core of the Empire, or be able to elect another High Council Moff, you will be able to administer to your regions as you see fit so long as they remain stable and secure. You are answerable only to the Grand Moff and your successors will be chosen by the High Council. If you want to form a council of your own, that is your prerogative. Other than that, the finer details are in the file of your datapad titled 'Fringe Defense'. "
Though not all the Moffs looked please at the restructuring, enough seemed satisfied enough that the transition looked to be a smooth one.
"If there are any further questions, address them to my office and I will attempt to reply in a timely manner," Grand Moff Quille finished. "Now then, the next order of business. Owing to our increased size and proportional increase in need of defending the Empire from enemies foreign and domestic, I propose we re-establish the Shadow Initiative. Though the Order of Imperial Knights has performed admirably thus far, there are still too few Force-sensitive beings capable of becoming a Knight to be found within our territory. Rather than emulate the Galactic Alliance and entice Force-users outside our boundaries, I propose we create our own. Possibly even enhance our current regiments of Voidtroopers."
Jaina, who had only been half paying attention during the previous order of business, looked up sharply at the Moff.
"Do you have something to say, Colonel Solo?" Grand Moff Quille asked lightly.
"If I recall correctly, Grand Moff, the Shadowtroopers of old were given their powers by the Valley of the Jedi. How are we going to augment non-Force users without that sort of fount of Force power? Not to mention the unique crystals needed to maintain the stability of said augmentation."
"For your latter concern, Colonel, you'll be pleased to know that the Empire has obtained regional control of the Kwymar sector to maintain the security of the Galactic Alliance mining operations in the distant Outer Rim sector. We have full access to Artus Prime and the Artusian crystals they produce. In fact, the first shipment of tribute is schedule to be delivered to the Rhysode in a fortnight. Additionally, our scientists have confirmed that crystal shards from the ruined world of Borosk also have the same properties as lightsaber and Artusian crystals."
"That's one problem solved."
Quille smiled almost ferally. "As for your first concern. Our trade with the Tion Hegemony has allowed our scout vessels access to their space. One such system scouted by Lord Argor, is said to be, let me see if I remember his words correctly, 'teeming with the deaths of thousands and strong in the Force'."
"What system would that be?" Jaina frowned. "From the description, it sounds almost like a darker version of the Valley of the Jedi."
The Grand Moff picked up a datapad. "It is the Malachor system, Colonel. An ancient battle ground where historians say many hundreds of Force-users perished. Even after millennia, Lord Argor says that the region is as strong as ever in the Force."
"Dark side of the Force from the sounds of it," Jaina commented. "You send our people there, they're just as likely to go mad."
"But those that don't will be stronger for it," Moff Krennel voiced. "An elite group of stormtroopers, capable of using the Force and hardened by the forges of Malachor. I see no better force to protect the Empire."
"Do not fret, Colonel. As these soldiers will be Force-sensitive, they will be part of the Order of Imperial Knights. No use augmenting our elite and not teaching them how to use their new gifts now, is there?"
"If it allays some of your concern," Moff Lecersen said. "Colonel Altamik supports this plan."
"She does?" Jaina didn't have to fake her surprise.
"Quite," another Moff agreed. "She said that you might need some convincing, but that we shouldn't turn away a possible avenue to boost the numbers of Force-users under our command."
"Did she?" Jaina mentally sent Turi the 'evil eye' as she struggled to keep her face impassive. "Well she was correct on both counts. I am not entirely convinced that augmenting Voidtroopers is the way to go, especially since the Empire's previous armies of artificial Force-sensitive soldiers were all routed by a single Jedi."
"These augmented soldiers will be akin to an Imperial Knight commando squad," another 'High' Moff, Moff Rosset said. "If we do have Jedi problems, it will be your Imperial Knights who get the call. You do have confidence in their abilities, correct?"
"Of course," Jaina sighed. She knew from the looks of superiority the Moffs were wearing that the issue had more or less been decided already. "So if the Grand Moff's proposal passes, how will this work?"
Pleased to get back on topic, Quille nodded. "We would select the best men and women in the Empire, and among your Voidtrooper classes. Then, using techniques utilized in the creation of the first Shadowtroopers, we would augment them and station them on the Rhysode until they are needed."
"Just like that?" Jaina said mildly. She inwardly knew that stationing the new Shadowtroopers on the Rhysode would discourage any would-be Jedi saboteurs from blowing them up outright. It was well known that the Rhysode contained families and children, and no matter how desperate someone might be to stop this new initiative, they probably wouldn't stoop to blowing away said families to get the job done. Jedi just didn't work like that.
"Just like that," Quille said. "Any command hierarchy is up to you. And you, of course, will still be answerable to General Dorja and the now High Council."
"It sounds almost too good to be true," Jaina said flatly.
"There's no catch. This is all for the good of the Empire," Quille replied patiently.
"Then we might as well take a vote. A few extra bodies would definitely help lighten the load on the young Knights we've been training," Jaina relented.
"Excellent."
Quille's motion passed in an overwhelming majority, and even Jaina had to admit that she could see the benefits of it. She could also just as easily see the reaction such an initiative was going to cause back on Denon. Those were going to be some not so fun calls she was going to field. Maybe she'd pass them on to Altamik.
The meeting continued on, with garrison deployments, fleet maneuvers, and trade highlighting the day. It wasn't until the very end, that things got interesting for Jaina once more.
"And now for the last order of business. As you might be aware, Moff Fel was elected to his post in a highly unorthodox manner in highly unusual times. I do not wish to set a precedent by saying that Moff Fel was legitimately elevated to his position when the creation of his post violated Imperial charter and bylines. What I propose now is to remove Moff Fel from office and to put the election of the Moff of the Chiss sector to a vote. The Empire is all about regulations, and it does not reflect well on us to have him in a position of high office in a manner that flouts those regulations. In place of Moff Fel, I would like to nominate the nephew of Grand Admiral Thrawn, Head of Family Mitth'roda'sari. Though non-human, his connections to the people of the Chiss sector will help keep order during the transition."
"I move to second that proposal," Moff Krennel voiced almost immediately.
"Before we vote on the issue, I believe Moff Fel has a right to speak in his defense," Moff Lecersen spoke, the bobbing of heads from other Moffs who's sectors abutted Jagged's indicated support for the comment.
A slight annoyed tic appeared on Quiile's face, but vanished just as quickly. "Very well, Moff Fel?"
Jagged, apparently having expected what was happening, calmly stood, looking very professional in his pressed, white military dress uniform. "Thank you for the opportunity, Grand Moff. I will keep things brief. I currently have the support of the entire Chiss sector military, the entire Vagaari Empire military, and the several hundred million non-humans who were shipped in from other sectors. We are currently monitoring three different races in the Unknown Regions who could become a threat to the Empire, as well as hunting down the remnants of the Killik invasion force. We have met or exceeded every quota placed on our sector, full details of the Chiss sector's economy are being sent to your personal datapads now. Keep in mind that humans account for less than five-percent of the total population in my sector. As the Grand Moff stated earlier, one set of standards will not work for all. In my case, each system within my territory requires a different touch. As seasoned a politician as Mitth'roda'sari may be, and despite the fact that he is Chiss, the Mitth family are distrusted by the rest of the Chiss due to his uncle's failures. Furthermore, Chiss are ingrained to value their own family first, their own species first. With all the other families, all the other species that now reside in the sector, should this lack of respect for Dasari create a schism, you will then have a non-human Moff in charge of a sector that is a hairsbreadth away from imploding. That is all."
Grand Moff Quille looked as if he had just eaten an unripe lemon. But again quickly schooled his features as Jagged resumed his seat. "As you said, Moff Fel. All in favor of putting the matter to a vote?"
Jaina didn't realize she was holding her breath until Jagged leaned in towards her and whispered. "Breathe, he won't get the votes to even put the matter to a vote."
Exhaling almost in surprise, Jaina's eyes darted back to her boyfriend. "What?"
Jagged replied by closing his eyes and raising a single eyebrow. She took the offer and skimmed his surface thoughts. Quite a bit of you has rubbed off on me, Jaina Solo. I am not entirely helpless in the political realm.
Jaina did her best to keep from smiling, glancing again to Grand Moff Quille as he looked at the votes coming in. She tried to get a read on the man, but he was like a sheet of durasteel. No emotions were escaping him, not even a hint of frustration or glee. So she instead turned her gaze to the other Moffs. Moffs Bhao and Rezzer were almost malicious in their voting, their emotions running in a similar pattern as Moff Krennel and several others. But there were others still who appeared to take delight in knowing that their vote would cause grief to particular people, faces in anger or distress passing through their minds. Jaina exhaled slowly, hoping that her boyfriend was as good in the political realm as he was in a fighter's cockpit.
After several long seconds, Voster Quille calmly put his own datapad down. "Motion fails to carry. Moff Fel may keep his office until such time another election takes place."
"Thank you."
This time Jaina heard the tiniest bit of gloating in Jagged's voice despite the monotone delivery.
"Congratulations, Moff Fel," Mitth'roda'sari said without emotion. "You do know that this is just the start of things."
"Of that, I have no doubt, Head of Family," Jagged acknowledged.
"With that, this meeting has come to a close," Grand Moff Quille announced. "You may return to your sectors and continue to strengthen our glorious Third Imperium. Long live the Empire."
Jaina, feeling slightly giddy that Jagged had avoided the vote on his job altogether, couldn't help but respond with the other Moffs. "Long live the Empire."
After all, through some twist of fate, the Empire was now home.
-)[-Chapter End-](-
A\N: And now Jaina, leader of the Imperial Knights, bows out of this story…and her boyfriend is Moff for good. See you all Friday pst.
