AN: Listen, I have to confess you something terrible!
Watching the number of followers and favorites under this story with the two key letters "SI" slowly catch up with "Hated Brother" makes me feel something bordering on depression and fury at the same time.
How is it that a story with 4 de facto chapters, now 5, can have more interest than something I've worked hard on for over a year and which is not only 23 chapters long, but also 250,000 words long?
I like to think that it's just a matter of better quality of work at "For New and Better Empire", but I know it's just an illusion and an attempt at self-deception.
Despite everything, as a writer - even if they are just stupid fanfictions - I still feel satisfied that so many people are interested in it and that my creative work is rather positively received.
I love you all and invite you to read.
Dorin System
ISD-II 'Eternal Fury'
The space battle for control over the Dorin planet had already lasted for over half an hour, and by this time the advantage seemed to be turning decisively in favor of the Scarlet Fleet. Fierce starfighters and exchange of fire between starships, although intense and stressful for both sides. Especially considering the fact that it was essentially a fratricidal battle for both sides, not against the rebels, but against other soldiers of the Galactic Empire, but against different masters.
The atmosphere on the bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer, Eternal Fury, was extremely tense. Officers were often running from one station to another, communications officers were trying to coordinate the activities of the defense fleet, and many of them were so hunched over their consoles, or the consoles of their direct subordinates, that they might as well have been lying down and the difference would have been difficult to notice.
If you look at some of the officers - not to mention even the ship's crew - one might get the impression that they are in some incomprehensible and absolutely unique state. A state that seemed to be part rage, part incomprehensible psychosis, and part completely focused on the task at hand, paying no attention to everything around them. The characteristic note of Imperial alarm, which on the one hand gave the whole situation an even crazier overtone, and on the other hand seemed to be quite good at motivating everyone to continue.
Amid all this chaos, standing in front of the central porthole was the fleet commander. A tall blonde with tanned skin, in her early forties, whose blue eyes seemed to be like the lights produced by some Imperial consoles. One could get the impression that she didn't need all these officers and technical staff, even computers, to be able to effectively assess the situation on the battlefield and the fact that they were currently on the road to defeat.
Our first waves of TIEs were ineffective and only resulted in unnecessary losses.Rear Admiral Calra Qel, commander of the Dorin Defense Fleet, thought and analyzed everything without irritation or other signs of emotion. Additionally, we have already lost 2 Arquitens, and the 'Killer' shields are already approaching their durability limit.
Calra began tapping her foot impatiently on the floor as she continued to analyze the battlefield.Regardless, if we now focus our fire on the furthest Tector, we should quickly reduce its shields. We need to buy as much time as possible before the reinforcements from the oversectoral fleet arrive. This should be enough, but in the meantime...
The rear admiral turned away from the porthole and hurried as fast as she could to the bridge communications section, then turned to the officer in charge. "Get me in touch with Moff Tardir as soon as possible."
"At once!" The young officer saluted and began to follow orders as quickly as possible.
After just a few moments, Calra stood in front of the projected image of her immediate superior and the governor of this sector. She had no intention of sugarcoating their poor situation and the possibility of failure if things continued in this direction.
"Governor, although our formation is still holding and we will send a second wave of TIEs soon, I fear that a prolonged battle of attrition will mean our slow agony." She reported that nearby technicians and officers were not at all satisfied with her conclusions.
"You don't have to tell me that, Admiral." Moff had clearly come to the same conclusion, as evidenced by his lack of emotional reaction.
He may not be skilled as a military man and never graduated from a military academy, but at least he has some understanding of the subject. Calra was grateful that her current superior represented at least that much. Force, or whoever runs this whole circus, knows that not everyone is blessed with a competent superior.
"Personally, I think sending another wave of regular TIEs may simply not be enough." The Moff continued, and the look on his face seemed final. "I propose that all interceptors from all hangars of defense platforms be put into combat. This, combined with the wave of TIEs from the ships, should be more than enough to decide this battle."
Calra immediately shook her head in disagreement with the sector governor's opinion. "That would be imprudent, and we risk committing all our available starfighters too quickly."
"Our garrison on the planet also has quite a large number of starfighters, they can constitute an adequate reserve for us." Tardir crossed his arms and it was becoming clear that the man was becoming impatient.
"This will leave the planet defenseless in terms of air combat and air support, we must conserve all our few resources." The rear admiral strongly objected. "Although the situation is difficult and we suffer great losses, all we have to do is endure. I believe you have already sent a message to the Oversector Fleet Command?"
Before any development could take place, however, the entire Eternal Fury was rocked by a nearby explosion, knocking several crew members on the bridge to the ground. Of course Calra ordered immediate explanation and received it from one of the battlefield analysts with the rank of lieutenant commander.
"Admiral, just moments ago the Victory I-class Star Destroyer 'Killer' shields collapsed, the ship was destroyed by concentrated fire and the resulting damage to the reactor in the process." He reported, then looked at his console and added, "Additionally, another Star Destroyer, this time the Imperial-I 'Crossbow of Destruction', takes a massive hit and we have lost another Arquitens cruiser."
"Sithspit!" Cal she growled, but after a while her anger subsided and she returned to a more composed manner befitting her rank. "Keep calm and stay at your posts, reinforcements from the oversector fleet will be arriving soon, we just have to hold on, pass this on to the captains of the remaining ships."
Without even waiting for an answer, she turned to Moff, with which he spoke to her in a slightly hushed voice, almost on the verge of conspiracy. "Let me tell you straight, there will be no meals."
"What?" Calra raised her voice for a moment, then she turned it down to the same extent as Moff. "What if reinforcements don't arrive?"
"Our long-range communications are not working, we are unable to communicate beyond this planetary system. I can imagine it's thanks to this scumbagAleza Grik." Tardir continued, his expression soon contorting into irritation. "In addition, I just talked to General Zikk and Colonel Lortz, an uprising of the locals has started on Dorin. The Kel Dors rushed into battle against our garrison. The planetary army is doing its best, as is our police force, but it is not enough."
Calra closed her eyes and clutched her temple. "So not only can we not defeat the enemy, but also an uprising of local rebels has broken out on the planet itself, so we are now fighting on two fronts?"
Moff looked down, clearly resigned and reluctant to say anything, but eventually he did anyway. "It seems that way, unfortunately. Faced with this, I believe we should pick up all available starfighters, crush the enemy ships, and then send bombers against their ships."
"It won't work." Calra opened her eyes. "The enemy has improved TIE/INs, I don't know if it's some new model, but the fact is that they can survive up to 4 hits, 2 direct hits. Our pilots were completely surprised, especially since they had no shields themselves. I'm afraid the only solution now is surrender."
"You obviously underestimate me and don't know that rising to power so high in the Imperial hierarchy requires more than raw administrative skills." The moff's eyes then began to glow as if with the light of cunning, and suddenly his average person in virtually every respect became very attractive. "To survive and climb up in the hierarchy, especially the closer you get to the Imperial Core, you need cunning and the ability to overcome the obstacles that fate will put in your way."
This son of Bantha. Calra smiled as she realized one very important thing. "I understand that you have some special and unconventional plan to deal with this situation."
"Indeed, Admiral." He replied with complete confidence in the success that would come with his plan. "Let's just say that if I've learned anything from you about war, it's that it's a choice between pride, life, and victory."
The Rear Admiral considered his words for a moment, then smiled wider and asked, "A trap?"
"Exactly." Moff smiled slyly. "Let's say that our unannounced guest will need some space to land at his destination, where a very warm welcome will be waiting for him."
XXX
Lanz maneuvered his custom TIE phantom wildly, desperately trying to take down the target of the hunt that had been going on for several standard minutes. The object of his current interest was a lonely, ordinary TIE fighter without a squadron.
The space battle had been going on for over a standard hour, and by that time the enemy had already sent in additional TIEs, whose pilots were rested and fresh, unlike the Alignment of Powers pilots, who were also beginning to suffer higher percentage losses. To date, 23 interceptor kills have been confirmed and counting.
Well, at least the enemy's losses are greater than ours.Lanz thought, and in fact he was absolutely right in his assessment of the current situation. In fact, of the several hundred TIEs fielded by the planet's defense forces, over 100 were destroyed, 136 to be precise. And this number continues to grow, as does the number of our people killed.
At that second thought, his mood plummeted and his fingers tightened on the trigger. Leading to several green beam shots that missed. Until finally the Lord Regent recovered from this state. Well, they all died because of my ambition and will, which basically makes me responsible for their deaths. However…
He shook his head and did everything in his power to focus on what was happening now, what could mean the difference between his life and death, something he had no intention of experiencing again. So he focused on his target, which was constantly eluding him, and began maneuvering between the Star Destroyers and cruisers. This was dangerous for both pilots, as something like this could easily result in their death. Despite everything, Lanz had no intention of retreating now, and instead continued flying after his target. When he was about to pass the bridge of the cruiser Arquiten, he began to fire decisively, especially since a few moments ago the ship's shields had collapsed and subsequent shots already meant tangible, serious damage.
The shelling had an effect, but not what Lanz himself expected. Instead of completely destroying the bridge, the shelling and the penetration of bolts resulted in an explosion, which destroyed the portholes on the bridge and killed its entire crew. Meanwhile, the fleeing TIE fighter divided after passing the cruiser's engines, Lanz followed him and they both flew lower, but this maneuver turned out to be the last for the fighter pilot.
Lanz focused on killing the target, successfully reached for the aura of the dark side of the Force, and then began firing. After three shots, the fourth of all five laser cannons proved to be more than effective and the enemy pilot - although undoubtedly talented - mingled with the stardust. This will be my 8th shot down, not bad for a first battle. However, so far I have been fighting, apart from this pilot, with people of average talent, and in addition piloting machines that are poor and outdated compared to ours. However, I have no doubt that more difficult battles will come, especially against the rebels.
With these thoughts in mind, he floated back up and, looking at the fight taking place, quickly targeted Squadron 11 TIE fighters. He turned on the cloaking device again and started approaching the rear of the formation, this time trying to position himself behind the enemy in such a way as to be able to effectively shoot at one of the formation's wings, in this case the right one. After a while, it became clear that the squadron would target the four scattered interceptors, and Lanz had no desire to even let them do that, so he turned off the cloaking device and began to focus on the remaining cannons mounted on three wings with solar panels. In this way, very quickly the first of the 11 pilots mingled with the stardust, followed by the second and third, until the formation tried to disperse, but these pilots lacked the martial luck that is absolutely necessary in this type of situation.
"Are you having fun with this rabble without us?" On the 1st Phantom Squadron's communication channel, Tasha Tashira's sarcastic and slightly laughing voice rang out. "I feel disappointed and let down."
"Shut up, Tash." After a while, Ishan spoke up, but her voice sounded more like the one when you roll your eyes. "Focus on the mission."
It didn't take long for Lanza's two wingers to deactivate their cloaking devices and join the attack amidst the ongoing battle. As a result, it did not take long until the incomplete squadron was reduced to just 3 starfighters. The remaining pilots were lucky enough to be at the front of the formation and were able to escape without any problems.
Meanwhile, 3 TIE phantoms have again created a compact formation, and then they started observing the battlefield and also used sensors for this purpose. The result took some time and definitely not as quickly as they might have hoped. First of all, it became clear to them that the enemy fleet was succumbing to the firepower, but that did not mean that the Scarlat Fleet had not suffered some damage. First of all, the Tector Star Destroyer 'Shield of Conquest' lost its shields and came under heavy attack from 3 enemy Star Destroyers. The bridge was destroyed a long time ago. Meanwhile, two Victory-II Star Destroyers were already quite severely damaged, but they had not lost their command bridges yet and the enemy was not able to destroy these ships due to too dispersed fire.
It was then that Ishan located their next target, which was approaching one of their Imperial-II Star Destroyers.
"Sir, I have just located 4 TIE bombers heading towards 'Executrix Second'." She reported calmly, despite the fact that the enemy was heading towards one of the ships, which were unprotected due to all the interceptors being sent into the fight at the beginning.
The maneuver, which at the beginning of the planning was supposed to ensure complete domination of the battlefield from the very beginning, turned out to be wrong and although it initially ensured domination of the battlefield, but over time and with the introduction of the second wave of starfighters, this advantage was reduced, very drastically. Fortunately, the pilots of the Scarlet Fleet proved themselves and, thanks to the superiority of the shield deflectors, inflicted a significant loss on the enemy, in which Lanz himself helped. However, when he thought about it, a thought came to his mind.
Even though I fight, kill and reach - although I suspect still clumsily - for the dark side of the Force, I still feel no pleasure in killing. Why? Is it a matter of my personality? If so, I can be glad I'm not a sadist. However, how much will using the dark side of the Force affect me? I have certainly never been an altruist. I stopped having any illusions about being altruistic when I realized that every living being first thinks about itself, about meeting its own needs, and only secondly - if times allow - does it think about others. . This includes people present as well as those to whom the individual is related.
Lanz pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present, specifically giving orders to his wingmen. "We will attack the enemy bombers, the signal to start will be for you to turn off the cloaking device, then we will attack immediately."
"Sir, yes sir." The two replied and they started getting ready.
All this continued, to the point where the bomber squadron had almost reached the vicinity of the Star Destroyer. Only when the 1st Phantom Squadron simultaneously occupied the most convenient position to attack, only then did Lanz deactivate the cloaking device in his ship and begin the attack. His wingmen followed him, destroying the first two bombers without any problems, but they were not as lucky with the last two, whose pilots very skillfully maneuvered and avoided the bolts sent by the phantoms.
All until the enemy pilots were in a perfect position over the 'Executrix Second' and the fire from turbolasers forced Lanz and his wingmen to focus more on avoiding friendly fire than on destroying the bombers. Which ultimately resulted in 2 TIE bombers firing their missiles. However, these were not bombs or rockets that could cause immediate damageStarry To the Destroyer. Instead, they all fired ion torpedoes, which did heavy damage to the ship's shield and systems.
As if that wasn't enough, the phantoms of Lanz and his wingmen detected concentrated fire on 'Executrix Second' from an enemy formation. That said, the Lord Regent then placed a call to Commodore Stahl requesting a situation report and received it very quickly, almost immediately.
"My lord, so far and despite numerous difficulties, the battle is steadily turning in our favor. Although we have suffered losses in TIE crews and lost many pilots, our enemy, I believe, will soon be approaching its breaking point. In addition, the 'Shield of Conquest' and two Victory-II Star Destroyers, 'Northern Knight' and 'Imperial Star', suffered more severe damage. Now 'Executrix Second' joins the mix, under heavy fire from 1 TSD, 2 ISD-I and 1 VST-I closest to his position."
On one of the side monitors, Lanz received a simplified, tactical image showing firing trajectories. After a moment, he increased his range to be able to fully see the battlefield. Although the Scarlet Fleet's formation was initially compact and strong, much like the formation of Dorin's defensive fleet, as the battle continued, the ships drew closer together and the firing distance became steadily shorter. Smaller craft clashed similarly, TIE interceptors and TIE fighters clashed fiercely as they maneuvered between ships, sometimes resulting in the death of pilots, not due to being shot down, but due to improper maneuvering.
Even though we are winning, we still lose more equipment and manpower than I would like, this is unacceptable.He thought and made sure to convey his dissatisfaction to the fleet commander. "Commodore, this material battle cannot continue any longer, we must end it as quickly as possible before we lose one of the ships forever."
XXX
On the bridge of the Hope of Empire, on one side the unmistakable sound of the combat alarm siren was sounding, and on the other, officers, technicians and other crew members were frantically walking around the deck, engaged in their duties. An unskillful observer might compare this situation to what took place on the bridge of the Eternal Fury, the flagship of the defense fleet, but he could not be further from the error. Where there was desperation on the bridge of a ship hostile to the Scarlet Fleet, here there was simply discipline and conscientious performance of duties, combined with something approaching comfort.
Ultimately, the Scarlet Fleet was winning this battle, and every member of the staff knew it. Even defense platforms being given the opportunity to engage in this battle did not change much in this regard. Especially since the fire conducted by these space structures had to be very precise and rare so as not to hit allied units, so it was very ineffective.
Commodore Galak Stahl observed the entire battle through a porthole, but on this occasion he also held a communicator in his hand, thanks to which he was able to communicate with the Lord Regent and listen to his words. Plus, he could draw conclusions from it.It's hard not to agree with him, although he never graduated from the academy and, from what he once told me, space combat strategies and tactics were just a hobby for him practiced in his free time. However, this man to whom I have entrusted my life has at least common sense and is not willing to senselessly sacrifice our ships or people.
"You are absolutely right, my lord, this battle cannot continue and must end as soon as possible." He openly admitted that he was right, but there was a big problem here. "However, we do not know how to do it, although we have better quality equipment than the enemy and we are gaining a numerical advantage, it is still…"
"Commodore,sir!" His deputy, a senior captainEriclia Megas ran up to him with the report, holding a datapad with a tactical map of the battlefield in her hands. "You should see this!"
She immediately handed over the datapad, and after some analysis, Galak saw what his deputy was trying to tell him, and his eyes narrowed at that.It's immediately obvious that this is some kind of trap, only an idiot wouldn't notice it.
"What's going on there, Commodore?" Lanz asked him, and although his mask distorted his voice, Commodore Stahl himself could easily read that he was interested in the content of this report.
"My lord, it appears that a gap has opened in the enemy fleet formation that leads directly to the central defense platform, Golan III. "It's just that their Star Destroyers were clearly dispersed at one of their defense points." Galak reported without taking his eyes off the tactical map, which presented a simplified picture of the entire situation. "In addition, all interceptors and bombers have taken off from defense platforms, if data is accurate."
The Lord Regent's voice perked up almost immediately at this revelation, seeming to gain so much energy that his previous words seemed filled with boredom or simply disinterest. "What is the purpose of this formation?"
If this information is not correct, then the Lord Regent may not be pleased, to say the least. Galak looked at the datapad handed to him once again to make sure all the information was completely correct, or that nothing had changed yet. "My lord, it appears that an enemy formation is heading towards the planet."
"Dorin?" Lanz asked, and Galak could only imagine the surprise that may or may not have appeared on his face. "Is there anything strange or noteworthy going on on the planet?"
This time, it was Ericlia who spoke. "My lord, we have intercepted their communications. It appears that the natives have started an uprising on the planet, in many urban centers. Apparently the battle over the planet did not go unnoticed. Meanwhile, garrisons and police forces are struggling to cope with this deplorable situation."
"Rise?" Lanz asked, now completely surprised by the situation. "If my memory serves me correctly, and my memory is still quite good, the Kel Dors did not face persecution during the rule of the Galactic Empire, mainly due to their loyalty to the old Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars?"
"Because as the Rebel Alliance progressed and its structures grew, social control began to tighten." Galak explained, but he couldn't help but feel a little irritated at what he considered to be an idiotic question from the man he had sworn loyalty to. "Not all people just want a quiet life. The more ambitious individuals aim for the authorities after their basic needs are met. Thus, abundance and peace alone are not enough for some people, especially due to our Humancentric policy, which makes a career in the military structures of the empire practically impossible for representatives of alien species, and also promotes humans to administrative positions, sometimes at the expense of the competences of officials.
Lanz hummed before answering. "I understand, but I don't think this should be the topic of our current conversation. We will deal with the native uprising later. First, I intend to take advantage of this gap in the enemy's defense and finish this matter faster and with the loss of fewer resources, material and human, than the current battle of attrition."
I have VERY bad feelings about this. Galak was not pleased with what he heard, and there were very rational reasons for this, if the Lord Regent was planning exactly what the Commodore was currently thinking of. "What exactly do you mean, my lord?"
His mocking, light laugh echoed over their communication channel, but it took a few moments for it to die down. "You make it sound like my current decision would mean, at best, the end of the universe…"
"With all due respect, my lord, but what will become of us and the empire if you die?" Galak asked, much louder than he wanted to. "I do not command this battle, I do not pledge myself to fight for the Imperial ideal in your name, sir, to bring about your death and, I believe, any chance of saving the Galactic Empire."
His strong, decisive and much louder statement than Galak himself had initially planned, attracted the attention of literally everyone present, from the technicians operating the ship's systems, through junior officers giving orders or supervising their execution, to the Naval Troopers who stood guard on the bridge. .
Galak himself realized very quickly that he had attracted the attention of basically everyone present, but now there was no turning back.
This will end neutrally or very badly, I don't see a third option.His thoughts were not accompanied by terror or fear for his life, but only by cold logic.I spent more than a few days in the vicinity of the Second Brother, or the Lord Regent or Lord Inquisitor as he called himself not so long ago. By the brother gods Ashla and Bogan, I saw him throw a fit of rage after my predecessor made as bad a mistake as possible, but that was how it had to end for a man with great ambition, great cunning, but no real competence. Not to mention my service under two other members of theInquisitor. These people are madmen focused on the mission assigned to them by the Emperor. Well, at least that was the case until the Emperor's death, and after that event, suddenly the Lord Regent seemed to become calmer and more rational than before, until this battle. What is actually going on here!
"Once again you prove to me your loyalty to the empire, to order, prosperity and law." Lanz responded to his words in a rather enigmatic manner at first, before elaborating on his answer. "However, you are right to be concerned for my safety. However, you have nothing to fear, because in the event of my death, Grand Moff Ardus Octavian Tagge will take over, and I have gotten to know him well enough to say that he is a man, conscientious and intelligent. Moreover, he does not plan to breach the central defense platform alone, nor immediately."
Galak and his deputy became curious about his words almost immediately, especially the Commodore. "What exactly do you intend, my lord?"
"Can you divide the fleet into smaller groups?" Lanz asked and before Galak could respond, the Lord Regent continued. "Don't answer indirectly or with uncertainty, you have to be sure. Yes or no, for me there is no such thing as a middle answer in this case."
It shouldn't be difficult, and in this case it could even be helpful, considering the fact that we are still quite far away from the enemy, and such a maneuver would allow us to hide behind all those destroyers that have lost their shields or were damaged due to the lack of shields. seriously damaged.Galak considered his answer for several seconds, each of which could determine the final outcome of this battle and the losses that would ultimately be suffered by both sides. "Yes, he is sure it is possible, but I want to know for what purpose?"
"As soon as our formation is reorganized into smaller task forces, they are to immediately begin massive fire with all ion cannons on enemy ships near a gap in their defenses. Basically, the entire power of all ships fit for further combat is to be redirected to ion cannons and shields. In this way, we will minimize our own losses and gain the possibility of landing. When this becomes a reality, you will send in 4 Sentinel landing crafts, filled with Captain Yang's company and supported by as many regular stormtroopers from the 469th Legion as possible. I will lead them and we will land in one of the hangars of the main defense platform, which houses the sector governor's office."
Galak had already begun to understand the Lord Regent's plans perfectly and fully, but it was his next words that dispelled any doubts.
"I will cut off the beast's head, quickly and precisely, and what remains of it will either capitulate or scatter throughout the sector. For the success of our first campaign, it does not matter much."
AN: Well, that will be all for now, and in the next chapter the battle for Dorin will come to an end.
The next target for the Scarlet Fleet should be pretty obvious, at least for those of you familiar with the galaxy map.
Also, I'm happy to let you know that I already have plans for the two post-imperial factions that I will initially present in the next chapters. Two, without taking into account Alignment of Powers and Imperial Future Council.
What I will tell you is that Lanz's action of the loud creation of the Alignment of Powers will have serious consequences and, unlike the original events, the warlords will not abandon their territories so easily.
By the way, I decided to present several points of view to deepen your perspective, as readers, on the presented events. There isn't much about their past, but I felt it was unnecessary and I didn't feel like boring you with those details, yet.
I hope you like it and will wait for the next chapter with great impatience. In the meantime, I bid you farewell and have a nice day. See you in the future!