Rex was pacing. Once they returned to the ship, the remaining members of the Torrent Company were sent back to Coruscant to meet with their new leaders. They were about an hour away.
"Well, that happened." Coric spoke the first words since their return to the ship.
"So, what? We're no longer under the command of the Jedi?" Rex asked.
"Well, duh," Boro responded.
"I mean, just like that, we follow this new empire? No questions asked?" Rex snapped back.
"It's necessary," Coric calmly replied. "The Jedi order has been corrupt for a long time. It's about time we move on. Besides, we might as well serve the empire. What else are we going to do?"
"I don't know. It just feels wrong," Rex responded.
"Hey," Joc said, coming up to Rex and putting a hand on his shoulder. "I know having to, well you know, Commander Tano was hard for you, but it's for the best. She would only have suffered had she been spared. I know it's hard to understand now, but you did her justice."
Rex turned back to the controls. "Do you really think this empire is better for the galaxy?" He asked to no one in particular.
"I do," Coric assured him.
As they traveled through Coruscant's atmosphere, they got a good look at all the destruction that had taken place.
"Wow," Joc whispered.
They landed in the hanger of an old clone base, and saw lines of troopers standing at attention. A trooper in plain white armor approached them as they disembarked. "Join the ranks," he ordered. Rex bit his lip, and filed in with the rest. The trooper spoke into his comlink, "The last ones are here. We are clear to begin."
A man in a black robe appeared before the clones.
"Who is that?" Rex whispered to Coric.
"I believe it is the emperor."
"Palpatine?"
"Yes, Sir."
"What happened to his face?" Rex wondered.
"Hello, my loyal troopers," the emperor announced to the crowd. "I know this is a bit sudden, but true goodness and peace has finally come to our galaxy. Our enemies, the Separatists, have been defeated!"
The crowd cheered.
"And our hidden enemies, the ones who fooled us for so long, the ones that forced unjust orders on you all, the Jedi, have been defeated!"
These cheers were louder than the ones before. It sent chills down Rex's spine.
"A new era is upon us. New challenges and triumphs await us all. With all of this new joy, a few changes are necessary. You all served me well in the Republic, and I know that will continue as we begin new lives in the Galactic Empire. That is why no one who is loyal will ever have to worry about being disposed of like droids.
Of course, while there is no more war in our galaxy, violence will continue. This is especially true of those who will have trouble adjusting to this new form of government. I now know better than to rely on an independent institution to be the police for us all. Therefore, each of you will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of our great empire, and keeping our citizen's safe. Many of you have already served your galaxy well by taking out our largest threats. I know it was a shock for everyone that the Jedi betrayed us, especially you. They manipulated you into doing their will, made you think they thought of you as people, and that they were the good guys. The made all of us think that. We must not dwell on these traitors who have caused us such heartache. At the same time, however, we must be wary. The dark magic of the Jedi is powerful. There may be leftovers hiding from us and preparing to strike. That is why, you, as elite imperial soldiers, must constantly be aware of these possible threats. We cannot even allow them the opportunity to destroy this beautiful new government. You will be given your new assignments individually and in groups. To reinforce the unity that will be the binding force holding together our newfound peace, your uniforms will be upgrades and the same. Your missions will be long, and of the upmost performance. I am relying on you, my good men, to maintain order in our adjusting galaxy. It will be rough at first, and you may need to use force. Remember, storms may come with lightning and thunder, but it leaves the world behind it cleansed and pure. Let us now hear your pledge to the Galactic Empire. I swear this sacred oath…"
"I swear this sacred oath…" the troopers answered.
"…that I shall render unconditional obedience to Emperor Palpatine,"
"…that I shall render unconditional obedience to Emperor Palpatine,"
" to exercise every power in service to the Galactic Empire,"
"to exercise every power in service to the Galactic Empire,"
"and shall, whensoever I am asked, be prepared, as a loyal servant,"
"and shall, whensoever I am asked, be prepared, as a loyal servant,"
"to surrender my life for this oath."
"to surrender my life for this oath."
Rex kept his mouth shut the entire time.
"Ahh, very good," Palpatine said proudly. "I will meet with each leader individually later. For now, go loyal Stormtroopers."
A/N: Well, thoughts?