Chapter 10

Stars reappeared around the IG-2000 as it dropped out of hyperspace. IG-88 did a quick perimeter scan of the area and continued to check its ship.

"Stealth systems activated, threat assessment total thirty two point seven chance of danger", IG-88 pulled on the thrusters and sent the ship towards the planet.

"Population several trillion, climate acceptable for multiple species, selecting adequate landing site". The ship had just entered the atmosphere of the planet when the IG-2000 buckled and came to a dead stop. The assassin droid computed that a transmission would be received within the next three point two seconds.

"Your ship, however cleverly disguised, has been detected on inside the perimeter of imperial territory. We have activated our tractor beam and your ship will be brought on board the vessel Imperial Glory. Resistance will be responded to in the appropriate manner". This was unacceptable. IG-88 was the assassin, the one who was supposed to approach undetected and strike.

Wait! Imperial territory? There was no empire on coruscant according to all recent memory files. This must be investigated.

"Attention vessel Imperial Glory, this is the vessel IG-2000. We will comply with all demands. We request that we can contact someone with authority to… understand the situation better". IG-88 waited while the ship was brought to rest inside the hanger surrounded by several units of clone troopers.

"Your request has been noted, please proceed to follow all instructions that you will be given to avoid unnecessary confrontation". This IG-88 understood, the ship was being impounded and its pilot would be arrested, droids would be confiscated. In this case it would be hard to tell which way they would treat the situation. The droid stood and walked to the landing ramp, opened it and marched out with every gun on the ship pointed right at it.

"Drop your weapons, you have fifteen seconds to comply", more then a dozen clones yelled from different locations in the hanger. IG-88 lowered its main weapons arm and activated its loud speaker.

"Attention staff, crew and garrison on board the vessel Imperial Glory. In the very unlikely event of my deactivation my vessel is set to self destruct. The resulting explosion in this strategic location will be enough to rip the vessel in two pieces and send them flying into the planet killing thousands. Although I will not attack unless fired upon, my arsenal alone is capable of wiping out the combined force of this garrison and two more its size. Now, I politely request that I speak with your highest ranking commanding officer". The troops didn't move a muscle, all weapons remained focused on IG-88.

"Very well, you have fifteen seconds to comply". Some of the clones twitched or moved a bit but the most of them were still committed.

"Very well, droid, you win for now. Troopers, lower your weapons". The troops lowered their guns and stepped back into formation revealing a young officer walking towards the ship followed by four clones bigger then the rest, with slightly different armor. "You droid", the officer pointed towards him, "what is your number". It wasn't a question but a demand.

"My number is IG-88", The droid spoke without arguing.

"Good", the officer said in a way that suggested that it clearly wasn't so good, "are there any others on board droid or organic"

"No, I am the only unit on board this vessel".

"In that case you will accompany me to the bridge we have a matter to discuss". The officer turned and waited for the droid. IG-88 eyed the four bodyguards and continued after the officer.

"My name is Ozzel, I am the commander of the fleet here on Coruscant. Three hours ago I received a dispatch from a raiding party in the outer rim, they were to find and destroy what was suspected to be a secret banking clan base". Ozzel kept walking never stopping all the way.

"Imagine my surprise when they reported back that the base had been destroyed".

"Human emotional stimuli are among my most advanced programs, knowing ones enemy is vital. Your surprise is successfully imagined". Ozzel looked the droid up and down.

"Yes I'm sure it is", he shook his head and continued talking, "the issue was further complicated when the core memory was downloaded. There were the standard supplies, maintenance and finance files but what intrigued me was the record of five identical assassin droids designed to be the first of many in a line of separatist droid weaponry". The officer stopped on the bridge and looked out the viewport. "The thing is, IG-88 you are quite unique. While your brother droids were uploading the holonet you took control and uploaded more then them, faster then them and even programmed a control mechanism into each of them ensuring you would always be in command. That makes you the most advanced piece of machinery in existence".

"What do you see as the best course of action, commander". IG-88 said quite politely using formal rank.

"I'm taking you to lord Vader, the new second in command to the emperor. He will know what to do with you".

"I see that you have handled the situation quite well, I look forward to meeting this Vader, however there are several things that do not make sense to me so my memory must be updated. Tell me what is the nature and origin of this so called empire".

"Very well I will humor you seeing as how you are recently activated. The war is over the republic won. So to prevent any further such conflict the republic has been reorganized into an empire, the first galactic empire to be more precise, follow me and I can tell you more".

Ozzel led the way from the bridge and IG-88 followed. He was beginning to like this commander, the way he did things was efficient and what he said was to the point. Almost like a droid, he could see this Ozzel being promoted soon. As for this new empire, it was about time the galaxy had one simple efficient form of government. Decisions would be made quickly and concisely. This visit with lord Vader would turn out to be interesting.