A/N: For some reason when I added episode 3, it didn't bump my story to the front page. I hope it does this time.

WHEN the Galactic Empire revealed the DEATH STAR, a mobile space station as large as a small moon, by destroying the world of Alderaan, it sent shockwaves throughout the Galaxy. FEAR gripped those who had supported the Galactic Empire as well as those who had opposed it. The REBEL ALLIANCE was forced to reveal itself and act. In the BATTLE OF YAVIN, the rebels answered the Empire by destroying the Death Star. An answer that sent shockwaves throughout the Empire. Shockwaves that were felt most clearly within the IMPERIAL SECURITY BUREAU and Imperial Intelligence. In desperate attempts to save their lives from the EMPEROR's vengeance, the Imperial bureaucracy was upended. Bureaucrats and officials who had spent years building veritable FIEFDOMS of control had them dismantled. AMBITION seized opportunity as others built new fiefdoms or restructured their own. For nearly three years they worked and schemed. But under it all was an underlying force driven by a question. WILL THE EMPIRE FALL?

Thus begins FIEFDOMS, EPISODE 5 of THE ADVENTURES OF AGENT MALGO SLUKA, ISB…

Core Worlds
Coruscant System
Coruscant, ecumenopolis and Capital of the Galactic Empire
Federal District level 5127
Imperial Security Bureau Central Office within the COMPNOR arcology

Agent Sluka stood impatiently in front of Janda's desk. Turmoil was spreading throughout the Empire, yet the man's office and desk remained unchanged. The office included the same mementos upon the walls- his certificates, and awards, and photos of classmates while his desk contained the same portraits of his family- his dead wife, his cousin, and his dead sister. But upon the desk rested a black attaché case with words in red that demanded Agent Sluka's attention.

Contents Property of Advanced Weapons Research Task Force 4

"Agent Sluka," Janda began. The tiredness in his eyes was apparent. "The mission I am going to send you on is of vital importance to the Empire." He paused, allowing his statement to sink into Agent Sluka. "When the Emperor's Death Star was destroyed, we not only lost a capital asset of incalculable importance, the personnel loss was also incalculable. As a result, the ISB and Imperial Intelligence have re-evaluated the protections which have been placed upon all assets- capital, innovative, and personnel." After another quick pause, he continued. "It has also been decided that many personnel and units stationed planet-side will be re-stationed to reduce familiarity with and infiltration by locals who may be rebel sympathizers." He paused and then added, "This has also resulted in the termination of many subjects deemed…questionable. Be certain to watch your actions closely from this point on. The appearance of impropriety may be enough to bring about termination within the Bureau."

"I'm surprised AD Magnusson hasn't already tried to bring you down and me with you," Agent Sluka said.

"Peculiar, isn't it?" Janda answered. "It's almost as if she is looking or waiting on something in particular. Or, perhaps we have an unknown benefactor." Janda appeared lost in thought for a moment. "Fortunately, we had enough information to shut down Adelhoffe Interstellar Commodities and transfer it to Janda Financials. That has both bought some time for my office and it has allowed us to begin new inroads into the financing behind this…Rebel Alliance. Not to mention the Imperial Navy is very pleased to have another tibanna mining and refinery installation under Imperial control. The one in operation over the gas giant in the Sariffa System was a pleasant addition."

"So, what is my mission?" Agent Sluka impatiently asked Janda as he pointed to the case on the desk in front of him.

"High Command has decided to disperse many key assets and personnel so they are not subject to simultaneous destruction by a single act of sabotage or a single raid due to being in the same vicinity as each other. Your mission is to take a Sentinel-class shuttle to the Kuat Drive shipyards alongside a task force that will be led by the Bulwark," answered Janda. "The Bulwark and its task force, Task Force 4, are assigned to move a portion of the Kuat Drive personnel, along with some capital assets to the orbital shipyard in the Corvus system. Most notable of those capital assets being moved is the Bastion, an Executor-class Star Dreadnought which is to undergo a massive upgrade at the Corvus yard. Also, of note, there are four other task forces simultaneously moving assets to four other locations. This satisfies a legitimate need to redistribute important assets and personnel," Janda said and gave Sluka a moment to absorb the information. "But there are also important assets of the Advanced Weapons Project located in the orbital shipyards. You have been assigned to move some of those assets, both innovative and personnel, to the Svobrum system for…protection. This will include moving the families of the personnel assets who are being moved."

"And of course, the privilege of having their families placed under Bureau protection is a particularly effective incentive for personnel to work hard," added Agent Sluka.

"Of course," answered Janda with a smile.

"When this evolution has been completed, I have arranged for you to go on an extended undercover operation," Janda said. "In other words, I'm giving you a break to let this fly over. But I remind you," Janda snapped. "Safely transferring all the assets assigned to you, both personnel and innovative, is crucial. There have been terrorist attacks committed in the yards recently and these task forces are under the highest scrutiny. Failure to safely move an asset will be very damaging to your career and to mine. Of note, the same applies for the assets assigned to each of the other four task forces as well as the ISB personnel involved with those task forces." Janda gave a small smile. "One of those task forces, Task Force 3, has been assigned to AD Magnusson." Agent Sluka smiled back, trying to hold down the arrogance he felt creeping into his head.

The arrogance to break the rules.