Borderland between the New Territories and the Northern Dependencies, Vicondor System
Imperial II-class Star Destroyer "Hope of Empire"
The last few standard weeks, or more specifically, over 3, have been extremely busy for Lanza and his allies. Ultimately, creating a virtually new state, with its own administration, finances and connections, is never easy. Fortunately, the administration of the oversector he occupied was the ideal basis for creating a central level, in a more detailed way, so that the competences of individual branches of government, administration and army did not overlap each other. Everything, ultimately, was dedicated to only one goal, which was to create a well-functioning and efficient power base that would give the Lord Inquisitor access to a steady flow of funds, manpower, and shipyards that could be used to either replenish his forces after battle losses or expand them.
Ultimately, war, especially total war, is one of those areas of life in which the final victory belongs to those who are able to endure more and longer, and who are able to replenish the losses incurred relatively quickly. However, the transition to a purely military economy would be hasty in this case.
On the surface, all this might seem to be contradictory. The fact that an economy was maintained balanced between civilian needs and military needs. However, it was supposed to be a more long-term game and aimed at minimizing the fatigue of individual citizens, controlled by the Alignment of Powers, in the long run.
Besides, the longer we wait to transition to a full war economy, the more attractive we will be to corporations. We will thus show that stability on our territory means we can afford to maintain a sustainable economy in a state of galactic war. Although the economy of the Galactic Empire was strictly militarized and focused on increasing the number of various types of troops.
The issue of corporations was another quite important issue, because Lanz, Grand Moff Tagge, and the three commissioners, Armaments and Ammunition Department,The Finance Department and the Alignment Department of Military Research met a few days before the official announcement of the emperor's death with directors and representatives of corporations that would be most important to them and that could provide them with access to the latest technologies or weapons.
A meeting that turned out to be extremely fruitful. Although each of the representatives of Kuat Drive Yards, BlasTech Industries and Sienar Fleet Systems was absolutely terrified by the news of the Emperor's death and the absolute chaos that would soon ensue, each of them was extremely grateful for this information, as it allowed them to prepare accordingly. if, of course, they had enough time, and they probably won't. Nevertheless, the representatives received a clear proposal to create branches in the New Territories oversector that would produce and develop equipment specifically for my faction. It worked, although it had to be accompanied by some tax breaks and preferential treatment, but all on the condition that high-quality equipment was provided. This is how Kuat-Alignment Engineering Drive Yards was born as a supplier of ships and land vehicles. Northern BlasTech Industries, as the main supplier of weapons and ammunition. And Sienar Ships Systems, as the main supplier of starfighters and other vessels of this size. Each of these branches, with the help of local governors, was to build as many shipyards and factories as possible and as quickly as possible, or rent them for use as military shipyards and factories, or to some local contractors. Ultimately, there should be a return on profits for these corporations. By the way, TaggeCo itself was also involved in this big operation, to create a powerful arms industry for my military.
Thinking about all this from the bridge deck of the Hope of Empire, at attention, wearing a helmet, a black cape and his arms crossed behind his back, Lanz couldn't help but smile a little as he stared out into space and thought about it all. Behind him, technicians and lower-ranking officers worked at the consoles, overseeing communications or the state of the Star Destroyer. For Lanz, it didn't really matter much, because what mattered was that they completed their tasks at least satisfactorily.
Then, when he thought once again about the branches of all these corporations, a wide smile appeared on his lips, almost from ear to ear, hidden only by a helmet with a red visor.I could finally realize my plans for the fleet and equipment of my army, or rather the army of the future new Galactic Empire, new and better. Orders for TIEs/IN-II Interceptor II are one thing, but TIE/HU Hunters and TIE/d Defenders also need to be added. However, I have also commissioned the development of new ships. Since I plan to base my fleet mainly on Victory-class Star Destroyers, I realized the need to upgrade the Victory II to the new Victory III model. Additionally, ISDs-I and even ISDs-II will be insufficient to provide an advantage on the space battlefield in the face of Project Starhawk, so I myself - more or less skillfully and in accordance with technical possibilities - designed the Alignment-class Star Destroyer, based directly on Allegiance -class battlecruiser, but with a hanger for 100 starfighters or more, and the ability to accommodate at least an entire legion of stormtroopers, plus larger walkers.
At this thought, his mind dropped slightly with delight and satisfaction. Following this, a grimace appeared on his lips. There was a quite specific reason for all this.However, my design, math skills remain the same as in my previous life, if not worse. The original design plans for the Victory III and Alignment were deemed unrealistic by military and corporate engineers. I can only console myself with the fact that Victory III was considered by them to be within reasonable limits and, with minor corrections, capable of being implemented into mass production. Allegiance, however, is a different story, completely different. In the future, I must remember that if I am to interfere with the project, I should only give the engineers more or less general guidelines regarding the structure or armament. I have no intention of demanding that standards be met that are unrealistic or, at best, technologically unattainable. At least the design of the Tartan-class patrol cruiser as anti-starfighter support for Star Destroyers was accepted without any serious objections.
With that, he moved on to a slightly more optimistic recollection of the meetings regarding new weapons for the ground forces and the Stormtrooper Corps. Here, at least my expectations and plans were realistic. First of all, eliminating AT-ATs from use, as they are simply too expensive, impractical and vulnerable to attack, in favor of an improved version of the good old All Terrain Tactical Enforcer, in this case AT-TE-IIG, All Terrain Tactical Enforcer of Second Generation. The All Terrain Scout Transport was a model that could and would remain in active service because it adequately fulfilled its intended role of reconnaissance and support for ground fighting forces. Moreover, I will be happy to implement the TX-225 GAVw 'Occupier' combat assault tank into mass use, in the improved form of the TX-225/MAT medium assault tank, better armored, better armed and dedicated directly to the battlefield, not only to the occupation. As for the equipment of the stormtroopers, I couldn't find fault with anything, except for the use of E-11s, which I simply didn't like, despite their versatility and long service. So I replaced itE-22 reciprocating double-barreled blaster rifles, due to its longer range and cost, which is only half that of the regular E-11. Finally, in the context of stormtroopers, it was necessary to place greater emphasis on heavy weapons, primarily wider access to heavy blaster rifles.
Lanz shook his head when he mentioned all this, and his enthusiasm was effectively cooled by the fact that all the innovations, modernizations and rearmament of the army with new types of weapons required a lot of time, patience, loans and effort, although he did not have to worry about the loans. If we stick to the planned modernization and mass production schedule, everything should go smoothly. First blasters and starfighters, then new ground machines andVictory III Star Destroyers, and at the very end Alignment-class star destroyers. Exactly in this order. Considering that at the beginning we will be mainly focused on defending New Territories and only one major offensive action, everything should go smoothly. At least I hope so, and fate - no, the Force - has a very different sense of humor, so I can't be sure of anything.
With one blink of his eyes, he dismissed all thoughts on this topic and turned towards the great galactic politics. Although it would be accurate to say that it would be the chaos of grand galactic politics. Just a few days ago, news of the Emperor's death, the Battle of Endor, and the beginning of the true Galactic Civil War had penetrated the wider galactic consciousness.
The Rebel Alliance waited quite a long time to announce this news to the entire galaxy. I thought they would do it right away, or at least me after a week. However, three weeks is a long time, enough to regroup and start the process of multiplying the armed forces. Reasonable, but they didn't even have to announce it. Even without this, a de facto civil war broke out on Coruscant, and Grand Vizier Amedda's rule proved to be extremely short-lived. Everything is heading towards a repetition of the original scenario, in which the Imperial Navy and Imperial Army will begin to suffer one defeat after another. Meanwhile, the structure of the empire will be torn between warlords and local moffs, and even Admiral Rae Sloane, later Grand Admiral, and her faction will be mere puppets in the hands of Galius Rax, which will be used to rebuild the empire into the highest order.
In this particular case,APPED turned out to be even more than useful a few days ago, because officials of this department managed to quickly create AlignmeNet, which was to transmit messages to worlds controlled by the Alignment of Powers. Mainly, it was supposed to be propaganda,informative citizens of progress, providing news of continued successes and other positive news that would only strengthen their faith in the Galactic Empire and the Alignment of Powers as the only trustworthy faction that represents the true imperial ideal. Moreover, it was necessary to constantly improve the image of the state and the departmentAPPED, was perfect for this , I gave the commissioner clear instructions that their communications should stick to the facts and manipulate them accordingly. Moreover, I categorically forbid idiotic actions, such as creating messages with content that has no basis in reality, or trying to send messages about things that an ordinary person has no idea about, much less is interested in, or has nothing to do with. in common with his living conditions and quality of life. In addition, the disarmament of the COMPNOR armed units and their transformation into field public enlightenment companies, should have been a more than good move, while the rest were sent to be trained as stormtroopers. I have no intention of creating an army of ideological fanatics alongside the regular army.
So far APPED performed its task admirably, and the recent announcement on AlignmeNet of a formal declaration establishing a political entity called the Alignment of Powers was done more than correctly, presenting everything as a new beginning in the history of the Galactic Empire, and hope for a better future. Grand Moff Ardus Octavian Tagge himself had the opportunity to show off some of his acting skills when he announced the formation of a new galactic nation with Lord Regent Lanz as its formal no one ever showed my face, and I appeared there fleetingly, in my full regalia, as a tangible symbol of the new empire that would lead the imperialists to final victory, despite difficult and dark times.
Lanz then began to tap his shoe on the shiny and perfectly clean floor, not out of impatience, but just so that there would be a voice around him, and so that he could do something more than just stare into the endless expanse of space. His thoughts, however, were about to turn to another issue, but were interrupted by his approach to his position as formal commander of the Scarlet Fleet, established in place of the old task fleet.
Lanz was already so familiar with power and used to using it in his daily life that he could easily sense Galak Stahl, newly promoted to the rank of commodore, who was approaching him.
The Lord Regent turned to the approaching officer, whose stiff, military march and posture, as well as his mask of professionalism, betrayed not even the slightest sign of emotion, whether it be happiness, fear, terror or anger.
Commodore Stahl clicked his boots as he got close enough to his superior. "My lord, HoloNet and several newly established other networks such as Queen of the Core Network are receiving transmissions, you should listen to it."
Lanz nodded, and then one of the people on the ship rode up to himastromechów Imperials, it was an R5 unit, painted in black and copper, which a moment later displayed a small hologram showing the image of a woman, clearly approaching thirty, but clearly feisty.
Leia Skywalker Organa Solo. Lanz recognized the woman easily, but when he first saw her holographic image, he was a little surprised. So the characters in terms of appearance are only similar to the actors from the movies, but at the same time they do not resemble them. It's good to know, apparently someone responsible for my transfer to this universe decided that I should receive some immersion to help me get into the role. However, it was much easier for me than I thought, and the psychological principles of getting into the role seem to work in this case more than I could have ever expected for myself. However, am I really happy with all this? Right now, I'm most focused on survival, but...
He was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of words that a woman, and one of the faces of the Rebel Alliance, began to say. The sound emanating from the astrmomech turned out to be loud enough that it could be easily heard by everyone on the bridge and everyone, even naval troopers, officers and death soldiers. Everyone noticed this with unconcealed curiosity due to who was currently speaking.
"Inhabitants of the galaxy, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to you, despite the troubled and dark times in which we currently live. We all choose our path. Light or dark. Freedom or destruction. The Empire chose to destroy Alderaan to spread fear, and do use the fires of the rebellion. However and despite the low chances of success, the heroic pilots of the Rebel Alliance have chosen to keep fighting… to show the Empire that we are not afraid and are ready for long fight, for blood, loss and hardship. It was bravery, bravery of these pilots that ended Palpatine's reign and brought about our New Republic. Second Death Star has been destroyed, the Emperor is dead, and his Galactic Empire even now is being torn to shreds by the ambitions of warlords. However, the empire is still alive on, shattered though it may be."
Lanz listened to this speech with the utmost attention, as did everyone else on the bridge, but for slightly different sounds surprisingly similar, but he can't remember the speech. Was there something similar at the beginning of any of the newer games?
"As I speak, imperial forces are edging towards the Bormea sector, hoping to end our New Republic before we find our footing. As their empire collapses, their try to tighten their grip. But the galaxy is changing, and you can be part of it. With the help of brave and daring pilots, this war can end. Make a choice. Fight for the New Republic, for freedom and change our galaxy for the better."
After a while, the droid stopped displaying the hologram and it became clear that the transmission had ended. Leaving the entire bridge in absolute silence, Lanz just stared at the droid, completely unaware and oblivious to the situation around him.
Lanz, meanwhile, was able to easily sense the emotions of everyone gathered here. Thanks to his training in the Force, Second Brother's memories, and his own involvement, he was able to read the emotions of sentient beings to some extent. At least he didn't doubt his abilities with humans, with other species, especially non-humanoid ones, he wasn't so sure.
Fear of the unknown, uncertainty in the face of a completely new situation and instability, the desire to receive any guidance. I completely understand these feelings, and I think I have to do something if I want to maintain this quickly came to the conclusion that there was only one thing that could help them in this particular situation, so he quickly turned to the commander of the Scarlet Fleet. "Commodore, prepare a broadcast for the entire fleet and as soon as significant speeches are made, start recording immediately, I want every officer, technician, pilot and ordinary soldier to hear it. Then, the recording is to be sent toAPPED and presented on AlignmeNet. That's an order."
"Yes, my lord." Galak only gave a stiff salute, then immediately called his second in command, Senior Captain Ericlia Megas, who, upon hearing the order, immediately forwarded it to the officer in charge of communications.
It didn't take long until a special flyingdroid with the camera flew into the room, and at the same time the R5 unit had already left the bridge deck, with the order to return to its position.
Lanz, meanwhile, stood in a stiff position, with his arms crossed behind his back, and then very quickly remembered that it was a mistake on his part. If I'm going to speak, I have to be casual and as authentic as possible. Even this helmet and the aura of mystery do not protect me from the critical eyes of ordinary people.
With all this in mind, he coughed, lowered his arms freely, and took a deep breath to calm himself.
At the same time, he was approached by Captain Ericlia Megas, a charming, beautiful and red-haired woman who, more than three weeks ago, while Lanz was taking control of his new body, had helped the commander to his feet when the inquisitor had pushed him away with force.
"My lord, the transmission will start in thirty seconds, I will tell you exactly when." She reported obediently as she took a step or two behind the hovering droid, which was about two or three meters away from Lanzo, no more. "The entire fleet will listen to you, the captains of individual ships have already heard that this will happen. I can only wish you good luck, Lord Regent."
"Thank you Captain, that's certainly encouraging." What am I talking about?! As Imperial Lord Regent and de facto former Inquisitor,I should be dry, calm and ruthless, rather than showing feelings or emotions. However, on the other hand, politeness towards subordinates and co-workers is never bad, in fact it is better than mindless and constant terror. Now, calm down, man."The rebels think they can use propaganda and the other side won't respond. Well, unfortunately for them, more than one may be playing this game, and I have no intention of allowing any seeds of doubt to be sown in the loyal sons and daughters of the Galactic Empire."
"In the galactic south, rebels are gathering their forces, mobilizing their fleets and expanding them. In the Imperial Core, the man who should be coordinating the bureaucracy and the military is powerless and too weak to exercise real power in times of crisis, resulting in power over sectors and oversectors fell into my handsmoffs, and if not in them, then warlords for whom their own micro empire is a thousand times more important than maintaining their own small forces, than uniting into one coherent force." Some might consider his words as a bit of hypocrisy or even self-criticism, but he had some idea on how to deal with it, because it was part of his plan. "So you will undoubtedly ask: why did our party do the same? Why did the highest representatives of the Alignment of Powers create this faction in the Galactic Civil War? Why don't we unite in one coherent force with the other factions in one coherent front against the Rebel Alliance, definitely called the New Republic? The answer is simple, because we are the real empire. Don't be fooled by what is in fact the act of creating a new state. However, this is a situational necessity that results directly from the fact that, unlike warlords, we do not intend to be just a more or less organized army, without support in shipyards or factories, without access to a permanent and stable source of credits."
So far it may seem boring, but it's like a long road leading to the climax. Since when have I become so good at making speeches and statements? His thoughts were interrupted as he continued. "We do this, me and Grand Moff Ardus Tagge, because we care about the Galactic Empire! We care about you as his daughters and sons whose lives will never be wasted in senseless fights! Finally, we will not allow the territory we manage to remain unsecured, which is why the Scarlet Fleet was created specifically for this operation, Operation Scarlet Dawn. Citizens, sons and daughters of the empire, a time of trial is coming. Will we remain organized, loyal to the Imperial ideal and disciplined, or will we allow ourselves to be consumed by the chaos and anarchy that the New Republic will inevitably bring to the galaxy?
"Our enemies love to call us tyrants, oppressors and those who hold power over the galaxy and are a cancer on its body. They also love to say that the galaxy is about to change." Lanz paused for a moment to let the words resonate in their minds. "Well, despite the obvious and complete lies on the former, they are not one bit wrong on the latter. Indeed, the galaxy is about to change. However, that's definitely not how they think of it! The imperial ideal, so far from becoming more than an ideal, will be annihilated. All unworthy rulers who value personal power over the well-being of their citizens will be swept away into stardust! This is what Operation Scarlet Dawn is for, as the first step to a new future, to a new and better empire!"
"So what is Alignment of Powers you ask? It is the first step, the first and true step on our part, the people who take full responsibility for the galaxy and its inhabitants, on the way to the full implementation of the vision of the New Order! To realize the imperial ideal of order, law and prosperity for all, regardless of origin! So I give you the order, start Operation Scarlet Dawn and let's move to the Deadalis sector, to the planet Dorin, our first target! Let's move towards a better future for all of us!
The moment he finished, the bridge erupted in applause and cheers from the crew, clearly buoyed by this improvised and less than perfect speech. Lanz, meanwhile, gestured for Captain Megas to end the recording, which happened a short time later.
Then the Lord Regent and former Second Brother looked out of the porthole into the empty space and repeated the order. "Scarlet Fleet, to make a hyperspace jump immediately to the designated coordinators above Dorin!"
There was no need to wait much, because the preparations and calculations for this jump had been completed many minutes ago. Lanz was just waiting for the right moment to do so and to finish checking supplies, because Dorin and the Deadalis sector were not their only target of the Scarlet Dawn operation, they were not even the main one.I have a much tastier treat in mind, with massive shipyards and undoubtedly ships encoded there.
In a matter of moments, the entire Scarlet Fleet had leapt into hyperspace, one ship at a time, and the forces were quite impressive. 11 ISD-II - including 'Hope of Empire' - 2 TSD and 14 VSD-II. Although a formidable force with many fighters, only TIE Interceptors and TIE Bombers, with 11 legions of stormtroopers aboard each Imperial II Star Destroyers and 14 regiments on Victory II Star Destroyers, ground invasion machines, it was still a relatively small force that however, it was ideally suited to operate in a period of chaos and for quick, bold action. Something like this was the best solution in times of chaos and uncertainty.
The journey ultimately took several hours, during which Lanz went to his quarters, where he changed out of his current armor and uniform into something similar but different at the same time. The uniform was replaced by a black suit, composed of an energy-shielded fabric. Plain black officer boots, by positive gravity pressure boots. And the new armor included a new addition, in the form of a chest-mounted life support system, with black tubes that could be connected to the inquisitor's helmet, specifically, to filters. It was a set dedicated to piloting starfighters in space.
However, apart from the exact technical issues, which are, on the one hand, boring, and on the other hand, no one would gain anything positive from exploring this topic...
Lanz returned to the bridge moments before the fleet exited hyperspace, but it did not happen in the orderly manner one would expect. Instead, the ships emerged from hyperspace one by one and in no particular order, causing the Star Destroyers to become jumbled together. Basically, controlling what order and which ship would emerge from hyperspace was an impossible task. At least without ships with gravity well projectors that can precisely correct and determine the position at which a given ship will emerge from hyperspace. But it's too early for that, and our current position is far enough away for us to form a solid enough formation.
After a while, all ships came out of hyperspace, and Commodore Galak approached the Lord Inquisitor and reported to him, to which Lanz only nodded and said: "Very well, Commodore, now let the fleet form a predetermined wide wedge, and let the ship in front formation will perform the necessary scans of the enemy fleet."
"Yes, my lord." Galak responded and immediately began issuing orders.
It didn't take long for the Scarlet Fleet to form into a predetermined battle formation that was essentially almost the default for Imperial space offensive doctrine. In this particular case, however, the arrangement of the fleet was much narrower and all of them were distributed so that those at the front took the main enemy fire.
"My lord, everything is ready and the scans have been completed."Commodore and the fleet commander returned a moment later, and with him came the R5 droid, which soon displayed a hologram showing a tactical map of the area. "At the very tip of our formation are 2 Tectors, 'Shield of Conquest' and 'Adamant Wall', and an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer, 'Knight'. As for the enemy fleet, well...
Lanz interrupted him with a single but firm raise of his hand, and then he himself began to analyze the battlefield, which had not yet started. At the very end and in front of the planet, defense platforms were placed, 2 Golans II and 1 Golan III. In front of them, there was a veritable sea of durasteel durastali, 4 ISD-II, 2 TSD, 6 ISD-I, 3 VST-I and 14 Arquitens-class light cruisers. The fleets, in terms of numbers and pure firepower, appeared to be similar to each other, with the slight advantage of the enemy as defender due to the three defense platforms. In fact, however, the Scarlet Fleet was in a better position, primarily due to its better position, being the attacking side, and, which is indirectly related to this, the choice of a specific direction of attack. In addition, the fleet deployed in front of the defense platforms makes it much more difficult to conduct effective fire.
The Lord Inquisitor placed his hand on a point on the helmet, located slightly above his chin, and then began to lightly rub the durasteel fragment in a sign of contemplation. I expected slightly larger forces, but this region, despite being located on the border of the oversector, has never been a priority in terms of supplies, rearmament or expansion. Grand Moff Frax Fritzener has always preferred to have more and better ships either in his personal fleet or over the oversector capital.
He then turned to Commodore Stahl with orders. "We will fight as previously agreed. The fleet is to slowly approach the enemy. 'Shield of Conquest', 'Adamant Wall' and 'Knight' are to redirect all available power to shields while the remaining ships engage in fire as they approach the enemy formation."
"Yes, my lord." Galak saluted in a show of submission and said, "We will follow the new combat doctrine, first focusing our fire on the smaller Victory destroyers, then on the larger ships. In the meantime, our interceptors will engage the enemy. Considering the quality of the enemy equipment and the new upgrades for our starfighters, we should easily outclass them."
Lanz smiled under his helmet, then moved forward to leave the bridge. "Very well then, as long as the situation does not change drastically, you have complete control of the fleet, Commodore."
The Lord Inquisitor then made his way to the hangar, where his reduced squadron was already waiting for him. Yes. Second Brother may have been strictly focused on learning how to fight with a lightsaber and honing his command skills, but this does not mean in the slightest that he remained a layman when it came to piloting starfighters. Even though he never had a natural talent for it, he always tried not to lag behind when it came to fighting, no matter what kind of fight it was.
As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the stormtroopers, specifically some aesthetic changes he had decided to make to their appearance. The white armor was to stay as soon as possible repainted greenish-gray in color, similar to the color of officers' uniforms. Regardless of this, the property of this new armor was to be one - to provide the stormtroopers with at least minimal camouflage. Otherwise, the armor retained one old feature, that distinctive, clean, slightly shiny appearance that was intended to provide seemingly only a compromise between elegance and practicality.
In fact, my goal was more than just camouflage, but also distinctiveness. Lanz thought about this as he passed the ship's patrol unit, which included - as required by regulation - 10 stormtroopers. While it may be strange for everyone to see elite soldiers looking like this, they will get used to it. This new appearance, like the previous one, will soon become a symbol of hope for imperial loyalists, and a terrifying symbol for all enemies of the empire. Style, elegance and distinctiveness can also be used as a tool of terror. If it were otherwise, why would black uniforms be designed for the SS? Moreover, thanks to this change in the colors of the stormtroopers, we definitively cut ourselves off from the past in the form of the Old Galactic Republic.
As he passed the patrol, his eyes fell on the second naval lieutenant following them, accompanied by a junior lieutenant, also from the navy. Both had chrome badges with characteristic markings on the left side of their chests. In the case of the first one, it was a row of three blue squares, and in the case of the second one, two blue squares. This was also another aesthetic change introduced as part of the 'Aesthetic Reform of the New Alignment Order', as it was referred to by employeesAPPED, responsible for promoting government activities. Lanz himself, in this particular case, was guided by something other than aesthetic sense, and it was the most ordinary matter of practicality and convenience for the lowest in the hierarchy.
Finally, ordinary technicians, stormtroopers, army soldiers, pilots and Taval Troopers will be able to figure out exactly who has what rank and who commands them! Lanz thought, his previously smiling mouth twisting into what could best be described as a wry smile. I tried to ask the officers, admirals and generals present in the Bastion during the declaration of the Alignment of Powers why the precise, single-row markings were abandoned for the double-row one. I did not receive any sensible answers, except that the decision-makers regarding the aesthetics of the army decided that the double-breasted and uniform ones would improve recognition and strengthen the sense of unity among officers at a given level. The worst explanation possible, and I am more than grateful that I was able to put an end to this madness and introduce - with the consent of literally everyone prominent enough in the military-administrative hierarchy to have access to me - this new old rank system. Double-breasted badges will eventually remain for the most senior officers, such as grand moffs, moffs, fleet admirals, marshals, directors, for grand general and grand admiral.
Lanz accelerated to reach his small squadron, consisting of three people in total - including himself - as quickly as possible. It accelerated especially when a red alert was announced for the crews and the distinctive sirens sounded throughout the Star Destroyer, rushing all crew members and pilots. This last group, TIE pilots, was in a particular hurry, because according to the new doctrine for the navy - introduced systematically for two weeks - the pilots were no longer to be just cannon fodder, whose main task was to protect larger ships or strategic targets, but the spearhead and the vanguard of the fleets.
Besides, I can't blame them if they're so eager to test the newest TIE Interceptors. Lanz then grimaced a little when he thought about it. I can only regret that these are not TIEs/IN-IIs planned for mass use. However, mass production and implementation have not yet been fully startedmodernizethis machine will take some time. However, if the army and navy are to be fully rearmed, we will have to wait a while for the results. For now, however, pilots have to make do with plain old Interceptors. I can only be grateful that Sienar Fleet Systems subcontractors were able to provide customized and non-interceptor deflector shields. It is true that this does not make these machines an equal opponent for the X-wings, but at least such reinforced starfighters will be able to outperform - in theory at least - everything that the imperial opponents have at their disposal.
He then entered the hangar, and his eyes landed on one of the TIE/INs hanging on the upper hanger. On the one hand, they will maintain speed and mobility, and on the other hand, each individual should be able to take at least three hits. At most, and under favorable circumstances, it could be as many as four hits, but it is better not to assume the best scenario, especially in the heat of battle.
His eyes then fell on a group of 14 pilots, all without helmets, among whom their commander stood out, with narrow cheeks, brown hair and short sideburns. Truly perky and, as could be predicted, it aroused considerable interest among the female crew, a good example of which was a pair of female technicians approaching thirty, working on the maintenance of all the flying units in the hangar. They talked passionately about the dashing and quite handsome pilot and commander of the 168th Interceptor Squadron, Lieutenant Alric Bast.
By a strange coincidence, Lanz had to pass the previously mentioned pair to reach his reduced squadron. The two women didn't notice him slowly approaching their position, even as they heard the unmistakable sounds of shoes tapping on the ground, which only became more and more distinct.
They both noticed a figure dressed almost exclusively in black approaching them. Only when the difference became less than a few steps did they both notice him and almost immediately salute nervously.
"Sir/my lord!" They said at the same time, but due to the huge traffic in the hangar, no one paid them much attention.
Everyone was busier with finalizing all the preparations, and the constantly sounding sirens seemed to have an effect on them like an electro-whip on slaves.
Lanz glanced at the women briefly, which was difficult to interpret unambiguously due to the presence of a helmet with a red visor. However, his words may have been an object of relief for both quite attractive members of the 'Hope of Empire' crew.
"I advise you to be careful in the future, lack of attention may have very serious or unpleasant consequences." He said briefly. "Especially on an active battlefield or, as you undoubtedly know, when performing maintenance on complex systems."
He moved forward and the two women parted to let him pass while he walked unceremoniously past them and approached the group of three people. Two pilots and one engineering officer, who himself was responsible for supervising the ships used by the reduced squadron.
Lanz couldn't stop himself from smiling reflexively, which was not the result of his feelings, but rather of his memories of the Second Brother. The previous owner of this body had built quite a friendly relationship with this trio, even beyond professional matters. I'm surprised that the Emperor and Darth Vader were able to allow such a thing among elite agents, when the inquisitors of the previous two generations had the only relationship they could have with each other that was competitive at best. Although the two may have simply assumed that even elite and precise agents needed some sort of social connection, or they simply didn't care as long as it didn't affect the Third Generation Inquisitors' involvement with the dark side of the Force or their effectiveness.
As he approached, Lanz was quickly spotted by the trio, who greeted him with smiles and salutes, while the Lord Regent returned the same to them.
"Look who showed up here." Junior Lieutenant Tash Tashir remarked with a wry smile. "A great man who has been busy turning everything upside down these past few days, and now he will lead us in battle against the other Imperials."
He was one of three pilots in the reduced squadron, a wingman, one of two. His green and naturally graceful eyes seemed to glow with the light typical of a scoundrel who didn't belong in the Imperial Navy, but rather should have been a smuggler, bounty hunter, or some other type of galactic adventurer.
"Shut up Tash, show some respect to our friend and commander." The other winger, Junior Lieutenant Ishan from Fondor, chimed in. "It's good to see you healthy and rested in these turbulent times when the entire galaxy and the very existence of the Galactic Empire are at stake."
She was a cold and composed woman, with blonde hair tied in a braid. However, contrary to what it might seem, although with a military attitude and confidence distancing emotionally, she was not easy to get off balance. In fact, she was very patient, methodical and consistent. She seemed like a perfect fit for the military, and she was.
The last of the trio, a tall and muscular woman, turned to them with a grunt. "I don't want to disturb you, but these little things will not be piloted alone and are waiting for people to sit at the controls."
Her face was fair, if a little tanned. Her jumpsuit was slightly messy and stained, while her hair reached down to her neck. The sleeves are slightly torn and slightly rolled up to make it easier for her to function and work on the ships. Ensign Prospera Ozzel, privately a great lover of small ships and a relative of the disgraced Fleet Admiral Kendal Ozzel. As a mechanic, she took care of the ships used by the three, the 1st Phantom Squadron, herself and with great care.
"Right, let's go then." Lanz nodded, then approached the three docked ships close together that were prototypes delivered to them over three months ago as part of the fight against the Rebel Alliance. "Our goal today, to destroy as many enemy TIEs as possible. Our enemies are individuals who will soon tear our empire into pieces and dozens of pieces."
"Sir, yes sir." Both wingmen responded as if they were one, and the three of them moved towards the machines.
At the same time, Prospera decided to add a few words. "The prototypes you are piloting are fully operational and ready for the coming battle, but I advise you to handle them with caution. Spare parts were already severely limited, especially given the fragility of the cloaking device. We still have some, but with heavy use they won't last long and considering the fact that the factory that supplied us with specialized spare parts is located in Balosar, I don't count on deliveries in the near future."
"We understand that perfectly, Ensign." Lanz answered her, then climbed onto the ship's hull and turned to her once again. "Besides, I am afraid that we will not use these ships for too long, because the factories producing starfighters in the Alignment of Powers space will soon introduce new models into mass production, as good in terms of quality as our TIE phantoms."
Prospera's eyes lit up with a light full of happiness and excitement, typical of this lover of all small flying ships. "What exactly will these starfighters be?"
"Military secret." Lanz replied briefly, then added. "At least regarding the two special projects, all I can say is that the successor of the TIE/IN, TIE/IN-II, will be put into mass production, with shield deflectors and slightly better mobility than its predecessor. In addition, six concussion missile launchers are to be added to the armament, three on each wing."
The ensign's mouth began to twitch with excitement at this point, and no doubt the mere thought of checking the parameters and working on the latest models would deprive her of sleep for many standard nights.
However, for Lanzo it did not matter at all, because he entered the cockpit of the machine and so did both of his wingmen, who had no intention of remaining far behind the commander. Like they always did when they went on missions and onto the battlefield.
From his memories of the Second Brother, Lanz remembered how to operate this fighter, although he had only checked, flown, and trained in the TIE phantom three times in the last three weeks, busy with reorganizing the fleet, army, Stormtrooper Corps, administration, and logistics. However, he was aware of how to pilot and combined with his sensitivity to the Force, combat should not be a major problem.
Besides, I should only be dealing with cannon fodder, without shield deflectors, so winning will be a purely formal thought with a malicious tone, a smile appearing on his lips that almost perfectly reflected his last I'm not mistaken, everything should go smoothly, but there is one more thing...
At this point, he made contact with the bridge and said, "Commodore, please make contact with the enemy defense fleet, I have a few words to tell them."
"Yes, my lord." Galak replied and wasted no time.
After just a few moments, Lanz was able to honor his opponents with a speech that was quite blunt and got straight to the point. "This is Inquisitor Second Brother, Commander of the Scarlet Fleet, to all soldiers, personnel and officers of the Dorin Defense Fleet. I make an offer of submission to you now, the rightful successor of the Galactic Empire, the Alignment of Powers and the Alignment General Staff. If you do this, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to continue to fight to rebuild an empire that is currently being torn apart by the ambitions of hideous individuals."
For a brief moment, there was complete silence on the open communication channel, until the holoprojector in the Lord Inquisitor's TIE phantom displayed an image of a chubby man in his late fifties, with black hair, a short but bushy beard, and insignia that marked him as a moff. Five blue squares, under which there is a row of three red squares, followed by two yellow ones. Thanks to the intelligence provided by the ASB, Lanz was more than aware that it was the Deadalis sector's moff, Tork Tardir. A rather uninteresting type of man who throughout his career was focused more on ensuring peace in his sector than on power struggles or making a career.
"This is Moff Tardir, Governor of the Deadalis Sector." The man introduced himself politely, but his nasty expression didn't even suggest politeness. "I am forced to refuse because I remain loyal to the Oversector Governor, Grand Moff Frax Fritzener, who still remains loyal to the lawful government on Coruscant. I'm not a traitor, unlike you."
Lanz was well aware that this exchange was being watched and listened to by personnel from both fleets. So the result could have a decisive impact on morale in the coming battle. Fortunately, one of my few talents is the ability to choose the right words and construct sensible arguments. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint me this time.
"Governor, while your loyalty is admirable, it is directed towards the wrong man." The Lord Inquisitor answered him, and then proceeded to carefully explain his opinion. "Do you really think that someone like Mas Amedda, a bureaucrat with no willpower, is currently in power on Coruscant and the Galactic Empire? Do you really think that someone as repulsive as Grand Moff Frax Fritzener is a man who will remain loyal to the Imperial Core for long?"
The Moff didn't answer, but his face lost its menacing expression and seemed closer to its normal, neutral state at this point. Lanz took this as encouragement to continue.
"How long will it be before Grand Moff Frax Fritzener also rejects the central authority on Coruscant and begins building his own micro-state that, without an efficient bureaucracy, will not survive even a standard year? You may not realize it yet, but the action taken by the Lord Regent and the Alignment General Staff to create the Alignment of Powers is the first step in saving the imperial ideal from degenerating into satisfying the whims and ambitions of warlords whose pseudo-galactic states will have more more in common with the criminal underworld than with the former Galactic Empire." The Lord Inquisitor tried to put as much emotion into it as possible, although for a man emotionally distant from other people, this was not easy. "You may consider what I am saying paradoxical, but unlike many others, I have no shame in saying that I joined the Alignment of Powers and supported their secession, because they are the only hope for saving the empire. That's why I declare now, because I no longer have any illusions about what decision you will make, moff, responsible for the blood that will be shed here. Out."
A few moments later, communication with the enemy fleet ended and Lanz turned back to the technical commander of the Scarlat Fleet. "Commodore, the battle is about to begin, let the interceptors launch and the Star Destroyers are approaching slowly as planned. Once we have enemy starships within range, only then will our heaviest batteries fire at the enemy as planned. If possible, have the ion cannon batteries focus on disabling enemy point defense guns."
"Yes, my lord!" Galak replied immediately and with an eagerness in his voice that could hardly be compared to any animal, despite the extremely rich fauna in this galaxy. "For the empire!"
"For the empire!" A response came over the fleet's communications channel from officers and anyone else who had the means to add their own words.
"For the empire, comrades!" Lanz responded to them, hoping to enhance the effect and give them even more enthusiasm to fight. "To a new and better empire, and remember, this battle is just one of the first on the road to restoring peace and order to the galaxy! Death is a traitor, let the imperial ideal prevail in this war, in this Galactic Civil War!"
A moment later, there was an enthusiastic roar on the fleet's communication channel, which forced Lanz to turn down the loudspeaker volume a bit, as it might damage his eardrums, and he had no doubt that the other pilots and others had a similar need.
After just a few seconds, the 1st Phantom Squadron was the first to receive permission to take off, which the pilots of the reduced squadron did with great pleasure, flying out of the hangar and into the great, black and seemingly endless space of space, where not only fighting and its hardship awaits every living being. , but also a place where they can belong.
Lanza's custom TIE phantom, with its blood red paint job, stood out quite a bit from the rest of the reduced squadron, and soon also from the swarm of hundreds of interceptors that launched from all of the Scarlet Fleet's Star Destroyers. To the battlefield.
After a while, Lan's adrenaline subsided a bit and doubts began to swirl in his head. I've been working extremely hard these last standard weeks, all of us from the highest rungs of the Alignment of Powers hierarchy. All with one goal, to build a bureaucratic-military force that will be able to save the Galactic Empire from collapse, but is that what I want?
"Attention, I am turning on cloaking and remember that our goal is to destroy as many enemy starfighters as possible." Lanz gave the order, returning to reality for a moment before his mind drifted back into thought. Do I really believe everything I said and represents? I have always perceived all ideas, ideologies and political views as lies that politicians, political leaders and others, serve to achieve their goal of power for power's sake. It doesn't matter whether they believe in all this or not? Does this make me as repulsive as the people I despised in my previous life?
His deliberations continued despite the fact that his 1st Phantom Squadron was closing in on enemy starfighters and TIE bombers approaching.
Sometimes I wonder what meaning my life had and has now, if in fact the universe around us does not make much sense, and we only try to force it to have some deeper meaning? All my life I liked to insist that reality has no deeper meaning, that there is no such thing as a division into good and evil. But now that it affects me, or rather is a part of me, and I have sensitivity to the Force, the ability to feel connected to the universe, I feel the need to ask these questions.
He was brought out of his thoughts by an announcement from his wingwoman, Junior Lieutenant Ishan. "My lord, we are approaching an enemy formation, we will be able to attack them in a moment."
Lanz reflexively raised his left hand over the control that turned off the cloaking device. In the case of the second, right hand, it still remained at the controls, but the index finger was placed on the trigger.
When they were close, Lanz hesitated to pull the trigger and turn off the cloaking device.I've never killed anyone in my entire life. Only now did I realize it. It is true that the Second Brother killed several people and personally tortured hundreds in order to extract the desired information from them. However…
"We are about to collide with an enemy formation!" Ishan's voice brought him out of his thoughts once again.
"Up now!" Lanz gave an abrupt order and the squadron complied, after a moment the Lord Inquisitor added, "Now we turn back and focus on attacking the TIE bombers, attacking in a diagonal line to inflict as much damage on them as possible."
"Copy, sir." This time Junior Lieutenant Tash Tashir responded, after which the entire formation began to turn around and it became apparent that the interceptors had engaged in combat with enemy TIE fighters. "In the future, please just warn us against such maneuvers, I don't feel like leaving this world yet, they assume that whatever happens after life is torn from our bodies."
Lanz made no reply and the reduced squadron turned, preparing to attack in the manner the Lord Regent had just announced. They had a decisive advantage in their TIE phantoms over the enemy who flew slowly, without defense against starfighters or shield deflectors.
However, once the 1st Phantom Squadron was in position, Lanz hesitated once again, not being fully mentally prepared to take the life of another sentient being. But then, he felt a surge of the dark side of the Force that promised help by destroying his opponent, and he half-consciously grabbed it. He accepted this help in destroying his enemies. In just one moment all doubts vanished from his mind and he was able to give orders to the squadron. "Immediately deactivate the cloaking device and begin the attack."
This is what happened, and in an instant they went from tracking as invisible trackers to hunters who hunt game. Thanks established combined with the dark side of the Force, Lanz had no qualms about pulling the trigger and blasting a squadron of four bombers into stardust. Then they moved on to firing the second squadron of 4th TIE bombers, who were undoubtedly heading towards the Star Destroyer, most likely towards the 'Shield of Conquest'.
"We go back to cover and stop the attack." Only after carrying out this order, Lanz finally came out of this state and realized his I just take a life?
Although he was undoubtedly shaken, he couldn't dwell on it for long, the battle was raging around him and he was going to see this through to the end, no matter what happened. This is ultimately a fight for survival and I have no intention of dying again. Especially now that I have exceeded the total experience possible for ordinary and average individuals, and have begun to shape the history of the entire galaxy!
AN: Hello, readers, quite a lot is happening in this chapter, and not that much time has passed since the last update. I hope you are happy about this.
A preview of many things to come in next episodes and their parts. Alignment-class Star Destroyer as the respond for the Starhawk battleships. Victory III, as an even more powerful model of a machine that was originally perfect for fighting against rebel fleets. Armor improvement, unification of military rank markings, new color for stormtrooper armor. New , old machines for ground forces. There's a lot of it and I'm curious what you think about it.
Also, the main character finally begins to establish some connection with the dark side of the Force. What will be the effect of this?
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You'll have to wait to find out
By the way, the TIE Phantoms will not be used by Lanz and his wingmen for long, as these starfighters will be decommissioned due to the lack of access to spare parts.
I almost forgot to mention the fact that the list of ranks and their insignia are based on the 'Galactic Empire Structure and Ranks', created by Himser. I would also like to clarify some inconsistencies that may exist (as could be the case with rank insignia in imperial structures). The Pilot Corps, Naval Troopers, Stormtrooper Corps, here have the same ranks and insignia as the Imperial Navy. The ranks of the ISB, or rather ASB in this case, are visually the same as those of the Imperial Navy Intelligence.
I know, it's positioning the star navy as more important than the army, but this is Star Wars after all.
That's all for today and I wish you a good day.