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Chapter 2: Imperial High Command

9 BBY: M-2

Grand Moff Tarkin hadn't felt this nervous since his first hunt. True, he had long grown in both skill and power. His steadfast determination. uncompromising nature, tactical prowess, and a bit of luck had seen him through the Clone Wars. Now he would need all his political acumen and military prowess to survive this interregnum his galaxy had become.

He currently stood staring out of an armored viewport into the endless skyways of Coruscant.
'Imperial Center,' he reminded himself. The Center of the Galaxy, the Crown Jewel of the Core. It's amazing how little those titles matter in a crisis of this magnitude.
He turned and took in the occupants of the room. Seated around the conference table were some of the highest-ranking leaders left in the Empire after recent years. First was recently promoted Baron Soontir Fel, as the best-ranking fighter Ace in the Empire. His recent accolades during the disaster at Correllia turned the 181'st Fighter Wing from one of the least prestigious to one of the highest caliber starfighter units in the Empire. When it came out that the Corellians had been secretly arming the Republic Hardliners, his fighter wing was able to stave off five Squadrons of Republic V-wings with corvette support. Fel himself now boasted an impressive 25-ship kill count. Sitting to his right was Colonel Yularen of the Imperial Security Bureau. Tarkin respected the man's record. His exploits as an admiral in the Clone Wars were legendary, but his skill in the world of intelligence gathering was second to few. Tarkin was surprised that Armand Isard, the director of Imperial Intelligence, had chosen not only not to make an appearance himself but to send a member of the ISB alongside a member of Imperial Intelligence. 'I suppose the best internal hunter might be exactly what we need here. Though more likely it's in the hope Yularen can contain Armand's daughter,' thought Tarkin.

For indeed, sitting next to Yularen was Ysanne Isard, the heir apparent to Imperial Intelligence. Cunning and ruthless in equal measure, and ambitious beyond belief. It wouldn't surprise Tarkin if she was plotting the death of her father even now. 'She will need to be watched, carefully,' and suddenly the Colonel's presence made all the more sense. Next to the Imperial Spies sat General Hurst Romodi. With the execution of Cassio Tagge, Romodi had naturally stepped in as overall commander of Imperial Ground Forces, limited they currently are. Romodi's Clone Wars record was also impressive. Behind him stood several aids, all holding datapads that likely carried information for his portion of this meeting. With the pushback to the Core, the Imperial Army and Stormtrooper Corps were severely diminished. As far as Tarkin knew there were only a handful of Imperial Garrison Armies left outside the Core. Spread out in clusters of Imperial holdouts across the rim. With the loss of technical vaults at Scarrif, the Research facilities at Dubrillion, the data hives under Byss, and access to the Maw Instillation cut off; the Empire was finding it difficult to even continue research and development.
Tarkin considered the man and wondered if Romodi would be up to the task of essentially conquering the galaxy.

He dismissed his musings and turned toward an unassuming man, the only one not in uniform. Bevel Lemelisk, while not necessarily of a military or political mind, was the master of Imperial Projects for good reason. Tarkin had worked with the man in developing the Death Star, to the chagrin of one Orson Krennic, who later joined the defectors of the insipid New Empire. Though the Death Star project was effectively canceled until they could muster the resources and, hopefully, recapture the worksite at Geonosis, Tarkin hoped he would be able to see the project to completion. It would be extremely useful in this conflict they faced. With no super weapons to work on, Lemelisk's technical genius was being turned toward more practical projects such as defense platforms and starships. It was his role to help streamline the process of Imperial warship design and construction.

Finally, Tarkin considered the largest grouping of individuals, taking up the majority of the remaining space, the Navy. Admiral Motti, Vice Admiral Thrawn, and Admiral Screed. Motti was nominally the man in charge of the Navy as a whole these days. Thrawn and Screed are about the only capable leaders left after the defection.

Admiral Zsinj was killed in the early days of the Republic hardliner blitz to the core by his own mother Maarisa Zsinj. Ardus Kaine had made his way back to the Empire itself, disgraced but still useful. Most of his days were spent attempting to promote growth in what was left of the Empire, anything to squeeze out more credits for warships and troops.

Admiral Screed maintained his career in the navy after the Clone Wars and had led the defense of Fondor admirably, though it was boxed in by neutral worlds and republic hardliners. With the economy of the Abregado system and the means to add to his own fleet assets, it was likely that he would be given orders to go on the offensive soon. Screed was technically responsible for the entire southwestern portion of the Galaxy, though, beyond the Corellian Trade Spine, his only assets were isolated in the Moddell Sector and Endor.

Vice Admiral Thrawn was a wildcard in the Imperial Navy. One of the few who was expected to join the Imperial Defectors; he instead proved indispensable. It was his command that led the retreat from Corellia. Using an extremely unorthodox strike and fade doctrine saw his forces whittle two enemy task forces to nothing. Only Darth Vader's Death Squadron had better statistics and after Zaarin's betrayal over Courscant, there wasn't much left of Death Squadron to contest the record. Despite losing Bestine and Hosnian Prime, Thrawn was able to completely halt the clone armada at Rendelli.

These men and women were solely in charge of the Empire's Military. It was on their shoulders to restore the Empire to greatness or die trying. There was only one member of this gathering who had yet to arrive, Darth Vader, a man that Tarkin respected, feared, admired, and loathed in equal measures. Vader was to bring the Emperor's grand vision to this impromptu Joint Chief's meeting. The Rest of their admirals, generals, and staff officers were either dead, traitors, or engaged in holding actions across the galaxy.

'I wonder if Vader is truly up to this,' Tarkin mused, 'His strength on the battlefield is undeniable, but his recent string of defeats cannot be ignored.' Vader had been severely underperforming in recent years. To the point that Tarkin almost suspected him of treason himself. A failure to apprehend any of the ringleaders of this new criminal alliance, defeat at the hands of Gizor Dellso's droid armies, and a failure to prevent the Kaminoians from deploying their 'Anti-Trooper' army.

'Perhaps Vader has finally outlived his usefulness, but no.' Tarkin dismissed the thought, 'We're short on capable field commanders as it is. Until we get a few graduating classes out of Anaxes, or promote some rising stars from the Navy there were critical gaps in the chain of command. With Fondor Isolated and Kuat Blockaded, we can't produce new fleets in the numbers we need anyway.'

As it stands currently, the Empire was being forced to rely on Rendili as its primary fleet yard, with the smaller shipyards at Anaxes, Fresia, and Corulag attempting to carry some of the burden for smaller vessels. As it stands, the Imperial Economy is in tatters, and can scarcely afford to commission expensive Star Destroyers in large numbers. Before Tarkin could continue his mental conversation, the door hissed open and Darth Vader strode into the room in all his usual brusk manner. The low conversation that filled the chamber cut off faster than a newly appointed ensign delivering the Dark Lord poor news.

'It's about time he finally showed up,' Tarkin thought to himself. Aloud he said, "Ah, Lord Vader, you've arrived. Let us begin." The Dark Lord made no acknowledgment of Tarkin's comment, standing at the head of the conference table across from Tarkin. All eyes concentrated on him as he moved to begin the meeting. He reached down to tap the console, activating a projection of the core worlds and hyperspace lanes; the systems in Imperial control were marked with a gray overlay, and other systems took various colors depending on their alignment.

Tarkin gestured toward the map, "As you can all plainly see, the Empire is in dire circumstances." He adjusted the map to show the planets along the Corellian Run, using Courscant as a center point. "We control most of the systems along the hyperlane up to Rendili; however there is one outlier, Aargau." He zoomed the map to show the planetary system in question. "They have chosen to remain neutral in this conflict, and that is something we cannot afford at this time."

Darth Vader interjected, "I have already begun preparations to move Death Squadron to Aargau. We will sweep aside their planetary militia and take direct control of the banks there."

Another voice interjected, "Respectfully, Lord Vader, with what ships do you plan to attack with?" Isard spoke up with barely concealed glee, "After the conflict above Coruscant, your fleet is down to a handful of escort ships, and your only functioning Star Destroyers will be in drydock for Months." She tapped her datapad and additional information appeared on the display. "Imperial Intelligence estimates that the Corporate Policy League expanded its control just prior to the Corporate Sector breakaway. On top of their standard anti-pirate garrison, they added an entire cruiser squadron and an Acclamator Class." On the projector, four Arquitens-class light cruisers and an Acclamator I Class Assault ship were added to the list of defensive ships. Isard continued, "My sources believe they have full starfighter complements, as well as a number of Interceptor IV Gunships. Your fleet, Lord Vader, stands at a half dozen Vigil Class Corvette Hunters, a pair of Gladiator Light Star Destroyers, and a single Vindicator Class Cruiser." At this point she smiled in contempt, delivering her final verbal blow, "How do you plan to capture the entire system without drastic losses, I would hardly think your men would be able to-ack!."

The air seemed to grow heavy as Isard's words were literally choked off. Vader had casually raised his hand and used his mysterious power to seemingly cut Isard's airflow. As she continued to choke and gag, Vader calmly replied, "I find your lack of faith disturbing."

Tarkin felt compelled to interject on Isard's behalf and called out, "Enough of this! Vader, release her!"

"As you wish," and just like that, the moment passed. Isard dropped to the conference table, gasping for breath.

Tarkin decided to return this meeting to the point. "This bickering is pointless. If Lord Vader, feels his men are capable of the task, I see no reason to doubt him," Privately even Tarkin was outright taken aback at the sheer amount of confidence Vader felt to claim Aargau's defeat with such a paltry fleet. Privately he mused, 'This will either restore his reputation or utterly ruin him.'

Outwardly Tarkin shifted the projector back to a view of the core worlds. He took a breath before continuing the briefing, "Aargau is not the only problem world. We are all more than aware of the continued blockade of Kuat by Republican Forces. What many of you may not know is that Alderaan and Brental IV have chosen to join them." There were many faces outright turned down, Motti looked particularly grave. "While the loss of Alderan is a blow, especially as it further removes access to Kuat, the betrayal of Brentaal is a devastating loss."

The Brentaal system was situated on the critical junction between the Hydian Way and the Perlimean Trade Route. It also completely cut off the core from the military academy of Carida, as well as their garrisons at Champala, Boatajef, Axxila, and Celanon. With no way to reinforce those systems, it was only a matter of time before the garrisons fell.

Screed chose this moment to interject, his gravelly tones rang out across the room, "Brentaal's not just a key economic world, but a keystone of the core world's defenses, it will not be an easy system to retake."

Colonel Yularen interjected here, "The Admiral is correct, my agents within the ISB report that not only is there a formidable Republican presence there, but the systems Golan I Defensive stations were taken without a fight. Their presence will make any attack difficult."

Motti spoke up, "We must prioritize this, Brentaal IV is a vibroknife pointed right at the core every minute it remains under their control. I'll put together a task force immediately, but it could take several weeks to gather up enough ships."

For several more hours, the Imperial Joint Chiefs would debate back and forth over the matter, eventually deciding to gather what troops they could within a 3-week timeline. Production orders were passed down, and a commander was assigned to the campaign. Now the committee turned to other pressing matters.

Here Bevel Lemelisk stood and began his presentation, "As you are all aware, my role as master of Imperial Projects has taken a back seat, but in response to our crisis, I have begun working on new ship designs that might give us an advantage. While this is not my area of expertise, my team has come up with a new design of heavy warship that should suit our combat needs while maintaining a more viable cost. I present the Procursator Class Star Destroyer." An image of the ship in question was projected for the various leaders.

Lemelisk continued, "Our goal with this design was to create an economical battleship that could be rapidly manufactured for heavy frontline combat. The Procursator class features heavy armor, equivalent shields to the Imperial I Class, and sports a series of three dorsal Quad Turbolaser Batteries. It also features a pair of rear Dual Turbolaser Batteries, and forward Ion Cannon Batteries. It carries 8 quad laser cannon turrets for anti-fighter defense, but our projections believe it will still need an anti-fighter escort." Lemelisk paused for a moment to catch his breath, "The Procursator has sacrificed all of its versatility for this pure combat role. Our technicians have taken to calling it a 'Pocket Destroyer'; it has no hanger bay, no troop compliment, can be produced at most level 2 dockyards as it sits at 1,200 meters long, and it costs a fraction of the Imperial-Class Star Destroyers."

To say that Tarkin was impressed would be an understatement, Motti looked to be practically salivating over the ships, and even the stoic Screed seemed excited. It was Vice Admiral Thrawn's reaction that drew Tarkin's eye. The Chiss's own eyes seemed to have lit up as if this ship was a missing piece to his puzzle.

It was Thrawn who then spoke. "How soon can they be put into production?"

Lemelisk seemed pleased with this question as he replied, "The shakedown runs and battlefield simulations are complete. We just need a battlefield assessment to pronounce the design ready for immediate production."

Thrawn looked pleased, "I will happily take any prototypes that are ready, and have sufficient battlefield data and recommendations within a standard week." Thrawn then looked around the room, "If there are no objections?" he followed up.

Thrawn's reputation over the last few weeks had grown considerably, and his battle tactics would likely be the stuff of academy lectures for decades. To Tarkin, it was clear the Chiss already had devised some use for these ships that went beyond standard doctrine, perhaps something that might shift the face of Naval thinking. Tarkin felt obliged to see his hunch played out.

Before Motti could interject Tarkin spoke out over the room, "Then it's settled. Vice Admiral Thrawn will take possession of the prototypes over Rendili and add them to his fleet. He will put the ships through proper combat trials, and provide a list of recommendations before the ship is put into production. Barring any major design flaws, I believe this ship will be a critical component of our fleets going forward."

There were nods around the room, even Vader seemed impressed from what little Tarkin could read of the man.

It had already been some time and this meeting was far from over, so Tarkin took the chance to move to the next topic, "Now we should turn to the systems not in our contiguous control. Admiral Screed, your command includes the Galactic South, what news?"

Screed grimaced, the state of the South was poor. "Essentially," he began "Our forces have regrouped at Endor and the Moddell Sector. I have already begun taking steps to give them some measure of independence, and the construction of smaller shipyards, as well as local factories, has begun. Local Army Troops are sufficient for at least one planetary campaign, and I have instructed the planetary governors to begin recruitment in earnest." He paused here, seemingly taking mental stock of his briefing before continuing. "Moff Phennir died when Bakura revolted, and we do need someone appointed to manage this sector. I'm a blasted combat Admiral, I don't have time to be managing factories on the other side of the galaxy from my ship!"

Tarkin nodded, already mentally making a list of candidates. "Noted, Admiral. Unfortunately, the Imperial Bureaucracy was shattered in the Revolts. Military commanders will still be expected to manage their sectors for the time being, but I assure you this will change in the future."

Screed seemed agitated, "It blast-well better," he thundered. "I don't have the expertise or the time to run the campaigns and manage the civilian side of war." He took a breath, and seemed to regain his composure, "I've already drawn up invasion plans for Bakura and Rattatak before moving to claim Bespin." He sat down, indicating his part was finished.

Tarkin nodded to Motti, who stood up to begin his portion. "We already partially discussed this with Brentaal, but my forces down the Hydian Way have consolidated around Botajef, Celanon, and Axxilla. I've ordered the garrisons to dig in, and have combined the fleets together to act as a rapid response force. We've already pushed out a number of smaller raids by forces claiming to be part of the rebel alliance. These raids consisted of X-Wing Fighters and smaller frigate-sized vessels that we have identified as Assault Frigate Mk-2s." Here Motti adjusted the projection to show the ships in question, though the holos were in somewhat poor quality, being combat shots. "They have also observed Clone Wars surplus vehicles and a number of Corellian corvettes and gunships. I've passed on all contact reports to Imperial Intelligence so we can start estimating the size and composition of their navy. Motti looked around the room before continuing, "Regardless it's clear they aren't currently looking for a straight fight, either by will or capability." Motti then sat back down, and Tarkin Stepped up.

"Unfortunately," started Tarkin, "In my sector of control to the Galactic West, we have only retained control of the Kessel System and Eadu. Hutt Forces attacking from Seleheyron have already attempted to break our defenses there. To that end, I have ordered any and all defensive measures be taken, including several fortress complexes to be manufactured on Kessel itself. We have turned the prisons and mines toward ship production facilities, but it will be months before any facilities will be operational." Tarkin paused and took in the faces arrayed around him. "We have also fended off at least one raid from ships flying the flag of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. This marks the first time they have taken offensive action against Imperial Troops. I am optimistic about controlling the region, but I fear we won't have the time to muster proper defenses and will be pushed from the region entirely." 'If I only had a way to contact Natasi, her fleet at the Maw Installation would be an incredible boon right now.'

Tarkin shook himself from his musings and registered a hunger urge, this meeting had been ongoing now for several hours. "Before we move on to other matters, I suggest we take a short recess, we shall reconvene in 2 hours," he said. Other heads nodded about the room and the Admirals, Generals, Spies, and aids left the room, except for Vader who stepped up to Tarkin and stared out the window, his respirator seeming to echo about the empty room.

They stood in silence for several moments, both contemplating the Coruscant skyways.

Finally, Vader spoke, "The Emperor is most displeased. These events have deeply troubled him."

Tarkin grimaced. As one of the few 'in the know' officers in the upper echelon of the Empire, he was privy to the Emperor's true nature and worried he would suffer for any failings in the future. He did not envy Vader's position or anyone who brought poor news to the Emperor of late; only a few had returned from their task. He reminded himself that failure was not an option.

To Vader, he said, "These are Dark Times. More than once I have heard the Emperor contemplate total destruction." While Tarkin was a major supporter of the Death Star, his doctrine was to rule through fear of force, rather than force itself. To him, this situation had no clear answer save waging another long and bloody war. Palpatine had confided that he wanted a failsafe in the event he was ever dethroned, Operation Cinder. The project was scheduled to go off the ground once the Death Star was complete. Tarkin couldn't understand it. If one destroyed the Galaxy what would be left to rule over? Yet more and more it seemed like the Emperor's final design for the Galaxy was more akin to an insane madman instead of a wise and powerful ruler.

Vader, perhaps sensing Tarkin's hesitance, continued, "We must take all measures to safeguard the Empire, from all threats to its existence."

Tarkin wasn't sure how to answer that.

(AN) So, as we've already established, things aren't going well for the Empire. This ends our little prologue section and Chapter 3 will begin Arc 1: The Core Campaign. Chapter 3 will get us right into the thick of the action too, I'll see you all at the Occupation of Aargau. Also a little transparency, I'm going to be taking a lot of liberties with Imperial Commanders, Generals, Moffs, and such. There are a lot of rapid promotions in this new Empire, also keep an eye out for easter eggs, and references sprinkled about. There's already one to find!