"Hallowed Are The Ori."
They shouted it, they moaned it, the gasped it at their last, the followers of the Ori chanted their mantra as the Death Star drove inexorably towards them. Their ships spun at all angles attempting to close on the massive station without coming in line with its main weapon, which strobed out repeatedly in swaths hewing at their ranks. They angles their own cannons raking along the surface of the mighty battle station trying to scratch from its surface the thousands of defensive emplacements that tore apart any ship that drew too close.
"Hallowed Are The Ori"
From the Stargate a fresh wave of warships charged, never in the recorded history of the faithful, had so many craft been necessary, yet never had such an undertaking of the previous years been marshaled. The heralds of the Ori had spoken of a great nest of heretics, blasphemers, heathens, and the need for a great Crusade to tame this wild galaxy. The resources of thousands of worlds had been called upon, armies had been trained, vessels had been built. A dozen in those first few months, then scores, then hundreds. The sick and weak were given new strength, even ultimately, the dead had been called back and given the joy of redemption. When at last those sent ahead had completed their work and the great ring had finally erupted into life, the might of the ori stood ready, at a height surpassing even the legends of old.
"Hallowed Are The Ori"
Inexorable, remorseless, inevitable, the Ori came, and their followers dashed themselves against their enemies, a prelude to what was to come.
* * *
"Such a terrible waste of life." Adama observed shaking his head sadly at the footage before him. The Death star plowed through a relentless Ori fleet absorbing a horrific onslaught. "There is no honor in this, to throw their followers forward so needlessly."
"If a Sith there were here, unstoppable he would become." Yoda observed.
"Something very much like that is happening here I'm afraid." Replied Adama, "There is always a deeper struggle behind the conflicts we see. The men who fight and die, represent a deeper struggle, deeper motivations, and beyond that there lie the conflicts of ideologies…" he regarded the diminutive Jedi beside him, "There are still more things unseen at work here, a player who wishes to remain anonymous, yet stands to benefit from the anguish unleashed here."
"Great." Grumbled Sheppard from across the room, "nice to see that little pattern isn't just for us lowly mortals."
"Oh no." Adama assured him, "I'm afraid it is prevalent even on the ethereal plane."
"Remind me to mention that the next time a high and mighty ascended being starts telling me to drop my burdens." Sheppard replied.
"The ancients you refer to had only the purest of intentions." Adama assured him, "If you understood the reasons for which they chose their path perhaps you wouldn't feel so demeaned."
"Serentiy, the Jedi sought, for centuries." Yoda pointed out, "Lost our way we did, in seeking to avoid conflict, we surrendered ourselves. Trust ourselves we did not, and with good reason."
"indeed. The Jedi felt the path to serenity was in unconditional surrender to the peace they thought the force could offer, though at times perhaps they took up arms in this world…" Adama gestured around them, "They sought only peace in here." He pointed to his temple, "Tranquility, obedience, acceptance, these things are an anathema to you Sheppard, you have a warrior spirit. You seek the same goals, but take different paths."
"Well my civilization was doing quite nicely last I checked. Sheppard replied hotly, "Sure we have our problems but we're learning, we're growing. There's no sense in becoming stagnant because your afraid of what you might find, that's no way to live."
Adama gave him a look that seemed a complex blend of admiration, pride, and tolerance. "Quite right my boy, quite right. You are young, your civilization is young, I merely ask that you try to understand us doddering fools who become set in our ways. There is much to fear out here, I hope you learn your lessons from us before experiencing them first hand."
"If we might give our attention to the business at hand?" Ackbard interrupted politely, "I have spoken to the council, and they were quite resistant at first to your proposal Admiral Adama, however I have secured the assets you suggested as a matter of military protocol, it is an ability I seldom employ, and hope not to require again in the future. As you say however, " The mon calamari gestured to the screen where an Ori Ship succumbed to numerous turbo laser strikes, "Time can now be measured in terms of lives wasted senselessly."
"Right, seats gentleman?" Sheppard invited, stepping over to one wall of the conference room. A holo display lit up, displaying generals and admirals from ships and bases all over the New Republic. Whatever plan was about to be put into action, it was big, Han thought as he seated himself.
"Very good, while you position your forces for operation Nemesis, we will proceed with the rescue of Starbuck using General Solo's ship the… Millenium Falcon." Adama agreed, "The plan gentleman is simple, we must retrieve Starbuck from the Ori and prevent Emperor Thrawn from ascending."
"My analysis suggests that he is deliberately drawing galactic attention onto himself." Ackbard contributed, "our intelligence has tracked literally thousands of ships massing in the outer system, forming a perimeter to prevent any Ori craft from escaping. Additionally, Thrawn has had the capacity to destroy the supergate for some time, yet has chosen not to. He is bleeding the Ori, inviting their followers through the gate to annihilate them, and it is Commander Adama's belief that this is because he is about to turn the tables on them quite spectacularly."
"The Ori draw their powers of ascension from their followers. Thrawn is simultaneously weakening them while drawing strength from the attention of trillions of sentient beings across this galaxy." Adama explained, "Imperial doctrine has been paving the way for this for years gentleman, there was a method to palpatine's madness, that same yoke he placed upon you, that demand of absolute allegiance and conformity is what the Ori have couched in their religion. The difference is while the Ori are many, Thrawn is one. He can wield far more power than the Ori can, but he is biding his time."
"once he has reduced the Ori military forces, he will eliminate the Ori, and the ships massing beyond the systems edge will compose an invasion force"
"How does Thrawn gain all of this power, how does he know about all of this hokey religious stuff?" demanded the holo image of one of the Generals.
"We believe Thrawn may in fact be possessed by the last of the Goa'uld, Anubis." Sheppard explained, "Anubis was a different kind of Goa'uld, he wasn't a snake anymore, he ascended like Adama here but they kicked him out. Unfortunately that left him free to mess around on our plane of existence." Crise of outraged disbelief and outright scorn gave rise to a growing dissent on the holo screen until Ackbar stepped forward.
"This is nonsense." The first general scoffed, "Thrawn is televising his victory to the galaxy to win planets away from us. The Ori are giving him a run for his money, nothing more, this nerf dung about ascension and higher planes of existence is just ridiculous. Let Thrawn take out the ori, we can deal with what's left of the Empire when they're done. The Atlantis project is cranking out new ships and technology every day that will put us on equal footing soon enough, we just have to bide our time."
"listen to me, every one of you. " Ackbar demanded, "This is no mere publicity stunt. The information we have retrieved from the Atlantis project includes data on the very phenomenon these gentleman have been describing, our current advantage is an industrial base in the Pegasus galaxy that is beyond reach, were Thrawn to establish himself in the Ori galaxy he would enjoy the same advantage. I have seen Starbuck ascend before my very eyes. If Thrawn has gained such knowledge from imperial city's data banks, fueled by the devotion of his subjects he will be an unstoppable force unto himself. Gentleman this is no publicity stunt." The Admiral took a breath and noted that for some reason Sheppard was smirking as he stated with all the gravity he could muster "It's a trap."
* * *
Thrawn. The man was already an icon, a military legend, should his suspicions prove correct, he would soon become a God. Katarn pondered this as he accompanied Pellaeon to the Death Star. The Ori had pulled back once more to lick their wounds and regroup, and Pelleon had been order to take a shuttle to the Death Star. Unusual to say the least and a considerable risk under battle conditions, however the Emperor was not to be denied. Katarn observed the weathered surface of the death star, cracks and scars growing into trenches and craters as the shuttle grew closer. He glanced at Pellaeon. The man was honorable, but loyal as well. He had pondered many times sharing with him the secrets he held, but such a risk was too great to take. Ultimately what must be done would only endanger the Admiral were he to become involved, Kyle chose to take comfort in the likelihood that keeping the Admiral free of the events about to unfold would ensure his likelihood as a successor to Thrawn. The Emperor had already picked this man to take his place as Grand Admiral, the people would support him in his next role hopefully.
"You seem distant Captain, is everything all right?" Pellaeon asked glancing over at him. A bacta patch still covered the left side of his face and the man moved stiffly, but intensive therapy with both conventional methods and the healing devices had put the man back on his feet.
"Much ahs changed over the past few weeks sir, it's a lot to take in." Katarn said guardedly, "A moments reprieve gives on time to ponder."
"Yes, the end of the wars, Thrawn's ascendance, now this extra galactic threat…" Pellaeon answered ruefully.
"The end of the Jedi as well, and the recent rumors as well timed with the arrival of the Ori." Katarn said probing.
Pellaeon pondered, "Do you suppose the Jedi were created by the ancients? Imperial city has done much of late to re-write our histories."
"The Jedi used to maintain that they were born of the force." Katarn said guardedly, "Though it now seems the force is a construct of the ancients."
"You mean was," Pellaeon said sharply, "Unless you can confirm the rumors?" He gave Katarn a piercing gaze. Katarn opened his mouth but Pellaeon cut him off, "Captain I know something of your sordid past, I make it a point to thoroughly review the commander of my flagship, but thus far your loyalty to the Empire has been unquestionable. You joined to fight the Cylons, and stayed to fight the Vong and I believed I had taken the measure of you. There was never an issue of conflict with the apparent destruction of the Force and your allegiance to order has been sincere this far. Is there something new you wish to report?"
Katarn swallowed. "I suspected you knew sir. I joined the Empire because it nwas no longer Palpatine's Empire, and you are correct sir, the galaxy needed to be saved from the chaos threatening to engulf it."
"But.." prompted Pellaeon, "Come come captain, if you avhe information I must have we are running a bit short on time."
"The Force has returned." Katarn, "It is changed somehow, but I… feel obligation to my old calling, fear once more that without guardians it could be misused."
"That is what you consider the jedi than? Guardians of the Force?" Pellaeon asked, "They considered themselves guardians of the old republic if memory serves, guardians of law."
"I have had much time to reflect." Katarn replied, "The Jedi lost their way. They were arrogant to the extent that Palpatine was able to defeat them handily but there is more, I suspect their connection with the Force was waning."
"How is this relevant to now?" Pellaeon asked as the shuttle touched down in the landing bay. Storm troopers were assembling outside as an honor guard.
"I fear the Emperor may take us down a new road, from which we cannot turn back." Katarn said quickly, "When the Ori first attacked I searched for them in the imperial database, I learned things that have since become restricted."
"You did not report this?" Pellaeon demanded, "That is a grave breach Captain, explain yourself."
"There was nothing regarding their tactical or military capability." Katarn explained, "What I found seemed more… spiritual in nature sir, as a former Jedi I was intrigued but I could see no reason you would be interested, at least… not until the Emperor began his broadcasts."
Pellaeon paused at the airlock, "And?" he prompted.
"The Emperor may have found a way to gain the powers of the Ori." Katarn explained, "He may intend to use them as a weapon against them, but sir.." He could barely utter the words for the treason they represented, "Does he need it? The manner in which he has spent nearly day coaxing out the Ori and exterminating their followers ship by ship… He could have destroyed the super gate this morning."
"This is Emperor Thrawn youa re talking about." Pellaeon hissed back moving to Katarn's face, "That man lives to serve the Empire, even as its head. Were he to gain the powers of a God, well frankly, there could be no better, you owe him your loyalty Captain, your allegiance, and your life. You even think about stepping out of line here and I will personally see to it you become the first to pray to him for forgiveness."
Katarn nodded quickly, and Pellaeon turned away, but even without the force Katarn could tell the man had been shocked by what he had been saying even as he said it. Pellaeon was not quite ready to admit that he was being manipulated but the seeds of doubt had been well planted.
As they were escorted to the lift that would lead them to the Emperor's personal chambers, Katarn eyed the station around them. Personnel moved about with practiced efficiency, though the death star had been publicly designated decommissioned, it had taken no time at all for the station to become fully operational. The soldiers and technicians moving about the hallways were likely among the best in the Empire, yet their efficiency seemed dogged somehow, their manner subdued, and the more he opened his awareness the more Katarn could feel a weight pressing upon him, a burden that seemd to drain him. He forced his mind away from thoughts of Empire and the Emperor, and felt the weight lift somewhat. As the lift opened, and the red armor of the Emperor's personal guards parted, Katarn beheld at last the emperor himself. Resplendent in his crisp white apparel, red eyes blazing, he stood framed magnificently against an observation window through which Katarn could see the frantic efforts of the Ori to assemble their forces. As he watched, the distant glow of the Super gate surged and another quartet of ships joined the ragged armada before them. Katarn's breath caught at the sight of the Emperor and a surge of pride filled him that this man was leading them, a sense of absolute certainty that Thrawn would win the day.
"A quartet." Commented the Grand Admiral, "Where before they came in scores. The interval of arrival has stretched out to as much as twenty minutes apart. They draw forces from more and more distant parts of their galaxy. By the time they grasp that they are being bled dry it will be too late."
"It almost certainly already is Sir," Pellaeon ventured, "We have a speed advantage in the hyper drive equipped ships based on the engines of imperial city, we can concentrate our forces anywhere in their galaxy while they take weeks to respond."
"Very good Gilaad, both your tactical appraisal and your presence of mind in addressing me using military salutation." Replied the Emperor smiling, "You know well when I am testing you."
"It sharpens me sir." Pellaeon acknowledged.
"Captain Katarn." The Emperor greeted coming down the stairs, "You did an admirable job of keeping the fleet together when Pellaeon was alive. Though victory was unlikely, you carried out your orders as best you could, and preserved your equipment, and most importantly your soldiers admirably."
Katarn bowed his head "Thank you… Sir."
Thrawn flashed a tight grin as Katarn barely refrained from calling him "emperor". Inwardly Katarn wrenched himself to wakefulness, something about this man's presence… his charisma…
"I have not seen battle coordination like that, since Vader, and the Emperor died." Thrawn said pointedly. Katarn said nothing, his confession to Pellaeon would make a lie ring hollow to a man whose faith he desperately needed. He nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"it seems the Force is with us once again." He replied.
"What does the Force say about these Ori?" Thrawn said noting Pellaeon's lack of surprise at the revelation, very good, the man did his homework.
"I cannot say sir, the Force is different, it does not… feel right? I have never done a battle meditation before, wasn't even entirely sure of what I was doing until I realized I had a deper understanding of the dire condition of the fleet, before even reports arrived. Ships began following mky orders before they were fully relayed, I am not aware of consciously manipulating anything."
"You were a catalyst." Thrawn explained. Switching topics he stated matter of factly, "You accessed the Imperial records on the Ori of course."
"Yes sir." Katarn admitted.
"You fear I orchestrate this situation unnecessarily to gain the power of ascension."
"Perhaps" Katarn answered uneasily, he did not fear death, but he felt there was something he was missing here."
"Were I to simply destroy the gate, do you imagine the ori wouldn't devote their considerable resources towards rebuilding their fleet and trying again? This time with detailed knowledge of our capabilities? Were I to send our forces in overwhelming number into their galaxy do you imagine the ori wouldn't, on their home ground annihilate those forces on the spot?"
Katarn shook his head, "I am aware of those eventualities Sir."
"Yet in the face of those likely fears, you place precedence on the fear that I will go mad with power and supplant the rights of every sentient being in this galaxy and the next." Thrawn observed dryly. "As you have no plan of action prepared and merely harbor these suspicions, I will trust that your loyalty for the moment remains in the right place. Your time as a Jedi is long over, you are a soldier in the Imperial navy and I expect you to honor your allegiance to me."
"Yes sir." Katarn acknowledged. Inwardly he cringed. Thrawn may have been right, perhaps his time as a Jedi had blinded him to the more pragmatic realities. With the resurgence of the Force he had felt obligated to resume the traditional mindset in spite of what he had told Pellaeon. He candidly admitted that perhaps a part of him wanted to prove his loyalty to the Force in the hope that it would embrace him once again.
"Duty, Honor, Allegiance to the Empire of Thrawn Captain, I want you to consider those concepts very carefully from this moment forward as you embark upon your new assignment."
Katarn looked up, "Sir?"
"Grand Admiral, you and Captain Katarn will return to imperial city using the stargate onboard this station. During the events to come I want my most trusted officer overseeing the affairs of the Empire in my stead. Captain Katarn has a different task ahead of him. I intend for him to train a new class of soldiers, trained to utilize the energy field referred to as the Force."
Pellaeon nodded, but Katarn looked up. "Sir"? he ventured
"Ask your question Captain, I do not punish questions, merely foolish ones." Thrawn said patiently
"I have no way of training others to sue an energy I cannot yet voluntarily control, I can only sense it." Katarn objected, "More, I am to my knowledge the only surviving Force sensitive in the galaxy, who could I hope to train?"
"There is a Goa'uld artifact we recovered during the war which was used primarily for healing." Thrawn replied, "Using this Sarcophagus as it is called we are able to alter neuropathways to work with a special breed of nanotechnology we have developed, which act in a manner similar to Midichlorians. These nanites are self terminating however, and the user will require regular injections. We don't want any Sith lords getting loose again do we Captain."
"No sir." Replied Katarn, his mind spinning.
"Very well, it seems our friends are preparing to renew their attack, and this tower, shielded as it is, is no place tor us during an attack, I will withdraw to my command bunker and the two off you will proceed to the gate room. Instructions will be waiting upon your arrival."
As they strode to the lift, Thrawn patted Pellaeon on the back, "I know you are dying to ask my friend, I have taken steps to ensure the interruption off Supergate activity will allow you transport to Imperial city."
"Of course sir." Pellaeon replied grinning tightly.
"Take care Captain, I entrust to you the future of the galaxy, it is your responsibility to pass on the heritage off the Jedi hand in hand with the standards of our new Empire. Honor, Loyalty, and Allegiance to Thrawn, is that clear Captain?"
Katarn left the room confidently once more, trying to ingrain in his memory the manner in which Thrawn had spoken those inspirational words, Honor, Loyalty and Allegiance to Thrawn.
"My compliments sir." An oily voice congratulated from the shadows, "Yours is an artful demonstration of tactical symphony."
"Transparent of course." Replied Thrawn dryly, "Given my predilection for art, you seek to flatter my ego. Nonetheless I am satisfied that Katarn will do my bidding. In time, I will have a cadre through which to access the powers of the Force itself."
"You will need all the power you can muster if you can hope to dislodge Him from this galaxy, he has been here for quite some time. "
"I expect your assistance of course." Thrawn reminded Baltar.
"Of course my friend." Baltar assured him, "I have been looking forward to settling this score since long before your civilization arose." After a moment he added "Either of them."
"Clever." Remarked Thrawn absently, "What is that you are holding?"
Baltar held his prize, "A wounded bird, all that remains of an ancient whose lost his mind."
"Ah the disruption that allowed my timely arrival." Thrawn observed, "A friend of yours?"
"More of an adversary of sorts." Baltar replied, "Still I could not let his essence be consumed by them, there is a certain… respect… we must accord our greatest adversaries, to fail to do so would be… uncivilized."
Thrawn closed his eyes nodding in understanding. When he opened them they were black and a deep howling roar filled the room, echoes of rage reverberating. He blinked once more and they burned red once again. He smiled. "Yes. Civilized."