CHAPTER 2: THE DISCIPLE

2 BBY

Shalam System

Grand Admiral Ishin-Il-Raz stood with imposing stature on the command bridge of the Imperial Star Destroyer The Emperor's Disciple, his presence commanding the attention of every officer and crew member present. The bridge itself hummed with activity, the low hum of machinery and the occasional beep of consoles blending into a symphony of Imperial efficiency.

His sharp, piercing gaze was fixed on the panoramic viewscreen that dominated the forward section of the bridge, displaying the grim aftermath of the Imperial assault on Shalam. The planet loomed large in the viewscreen, once a lush and verdant world but now marred by the scars of war. Blackened craters dotted its surface like festering wounds, billowing columns of smoke rising ominously into the atmosphere. The landscape, once teeming with life, now lay desolate and broken under the weight of Imperial firepower.

Recently appointed as one of the twelve Grand Admirals by Emperor Palpatine himself, Il-Raz epitomized the unwavering dedication of COMPNOR to the ideals of the Empire. A charismatic figurehead and a staunch advocate for the Empire's supremacy, he had risen through the ranks with a fervor unmatched by many of his peers. His ascension to the prestigious rank was not merely a recognition of his administrative prowess but also of his unwavering loyalty to Emperor Palpatine's vision of galactic dominance.

From his vantage point aboard The Emperor's Disciple, Il-Raz surveyed the aftermath of the devastating orbital bombardment with a mix of satisfaction and cold determination. Shalam had been a thorn in the Empire's side for nearly eight months, its dense jungles and sprawling urban centers providing ample cover for rebel insurgents who had defied Imperial authority. Previous campaigns had failed to fully root out the resistance, but today marked a turning point.

His lips curled into a subtle smile, a rare display of satisfaction amidst the grim tableau unfolding before him. The satisfaction was not one of sadism but of duty fulfilled, of order restored in the face of chaos. Yet beneath the veneer of triumph lay a deeper ambition—a relentless pursuit of absolute dominance and unwavering control over every corner of the galaxy.

"Grand Admiral," a senior officer approached with deference, his voice respectful yet tinged with caution. He wore the uniform of a captain, a symbol of his authority on the bridge. "Initial reports suggest that rebel insurgent activities have been significantly diminished. We believe the remaining pockets of resistance are on the verge of collapse."

"The civilian population of Shalam has harbored these insurgents for far too long," Il-Raz replied, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment at the mention of "most" instead of all rebels being quelled. His green eyes shifted to the captain beside him, his expression unwavering. "They must learn the consequences of defiance."

He turned fully towards the captain, his gaze locking onto his with an intensity that demanded obedience. "Order a secondary bombardment of the entire eastern continent," Ishin-Il-Raz commanded firmly, his voice brooking no argument.

A murmuring ripple spread through the bridge at the Grand Admiral's directive. Officers exchanged uneasy glances, some shifting uncomfortably in their posts. The captain hesitated visibly, concern etching lines on his brow. He knew the planet was already crippled, and another bombardment could tip the precarious balance of the Empire's presence in the region.

"Grand Admiral," the captain began cautiously, his voice cutting through the low hum of activity on the bridge. "The planet is severely damaged. A secondary bombardment could endanger our own forces in the area. Is there not another course of action we could consider?"

The Grand Admiral's green eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his patience beginning to wear thin at the captain's hesitation. The bridge fell silent, every eye fixed on the exchange between the two commanding officers.

"Are you questioning my orders, Captain Rhys?" Grand Admiral Il-Raz asked sharply, his voice laced with an edge that brooked no dissent. The question hung heavy in the air, daring anyone to challenge his authority.

Captain Rhys met his gaze squarely, his expression firm despite the tension in the room. "No, Grand Admiral," he replied evenly, his voice steady and respectful. "I only seek to ensure the security of the Empire and its citizens."

Il-Raz's jaw tightened slightly, his eyes boring into the captain's with burning intensity. "Good. Very good. Our forces should have eradicated these insurgents long before now," he continued, his tone firm and resolute. "Their failure cannot go unanswered. This secondary bombardment will serve as a lesson to both Imperials and the civilians of Shalam alike."

The murmuring on the bridge grew louder, a low undercurrent of discontent echoing through the tense atmosphere. Officers exchanged glances filled with concern and apprehension, unsure of how far the Grand Admiral would go to enforce his will.

Captain Rhys hesitated for a moment longer, weighing his duty against the potential consequences of defiance. "Understood, Grand Admiral," he finally acknowledged with a crisp salute, his voice tinged with resignation. Turning swiftly, he strode purposefully towards the communications station to relay the orders to the operations crew.

As the orders were transmitted, Rhys glanced back at Il-Raz, the memory of Myomar still fresh in his mind. Three weeks prior, Il-Raz had ordered a similar bombardment on the planet Myomar, wiping out an entire populace based on unconfirmed rumors of rebel activity. The massacre, executed in the name of the Emperor, had left Myomar a desolate wasteland and weighed heavily on the conscience of those who had witnessed it.

Il-Raz caught Rhys's glance, a shadow of recognition passing over his face. "I see you remember Myomar," he said, his voice cold and detached. "A necessary action to root out rebellion. The price of order is often steep."

Rhys nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, Grand Admiral. But at what cost to our own humanity?"

Il-Raz's eyes hardened. "Humanity is a small price to pay for the Emperor's vision. Remember that, Captain."

Grand Admiral Il-Raz turned back to the viewscreen, watching as the devastating cascade of green turbolaser blasts rained down upon the eastern continent of Shalam. Several minutes later, the once vibrant landscape was now completely engulfed in flames and billowing smoke, the remnants of rebel strongholds and civilian dwellings alike reduced to rubble under the overwhelming might of the Star Destroyer's turbolasers.

As the last remnants of resistance were extinguished in a series of fiery explosions, the bridge of The Emperor's Disciple fell into a tense silence. The murmurs that had followed Il-Raz's command to bombard were now replaced by an eerie stillness, punctuated only by the hum of machinery and the crackling of communication consoles.

Il-Raz turned away from the viewscreen, his expression one of grim satisfaction tinged with burning resolve. "This is the price of defiance and incompetence," he declared, his voice carrying an air of finality. "Let this serve as a lesson to all who would dare oppose the Empire."

His officers and crew stood in silent acknowledgment, their faces a mixture of awe and apprehension. None dared to challenge the Grand Admiral's decision openly, for to do so was to question not only his authority but the very foundation of Imperial doctrine.

Grand Admiral Il-Raz continued to stand resolutely on the command bridge of The Emperor's Disciple, his gaze lingering on the fading embers of Shalam's eastern continent. The acrid scent of charred debris wafted through the air, a reminder of the power he wielded in the name of the Empire. His officers and crew remained silent, their gazes respectfully averted as they awaited further orders or acknowledgment from their esteemed leader.

"This victory will resonate throughout the sector," Il-Raz remarked, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction tempered by steely determination. "Prepare a transmission to be sent to Sector Command. Inform them that Shalam has been pacified, and to send a brand new garrison of Imperial forces to Shalam's eastern continent. That will be all."

The bridge crew swiftly acknowledged his command, their hands moving deftly over consoles to execute his instructions. As the reports were finalized and dispatched, Il-Raz turned on his heel and strode off. With measured steps, he made his way toward the turbolift that would whisk him away from the bridge to the privacy of his personal quarters.

The journey to his quarters was brief but contemplative. Il-Raz's mind churned with thoughts of the Empire's future, of the unyielding march toward order and stability under Emperor Palpatine's rule. Each victory, each strategic decision made in the Emperor's name, bolstered his resolve and reinforced his loyalty.

Entering his spacious quarters, Il-Raz removed his gloves and set them aside with meticulous care. The room was adorned with symbols of his rank and shelves lined with awards and commendations bestowed upon him by the Emperor himself. A holocommunicator hummed softly in the corner, awaiting any urgent messages that might require his attention.

Seating himself at his ornate desk, Il-Raz allowed himself a rare moment of solitude. His thoughts drifted to the broader implications of the Empire's recent actions, the ripple effects that would resonate across the galaxy. It was a moment of reflection, of silent pride in a job well done, yet tempered by the weight of responsibility that came with his elevated position.

As the ship hummed quietly around him, Il-Raz brought up a display showing the live feed of Shalam from orbit. The smoke was dissipating now, revealing a scarred landscape where once there had been defiance. It was a stark reminder of the price of rebellion and the necessity of Imperial strength.

"May the Emperor guide us," Il-Raz murmured softly to himself, his eyes fixed on the viewscreen before him. With a gesture, he deactivated the display, leaving the room bathed in a subdued glow from the ambient lighting.

With a steady resolve, Il-Raz leaned back in his chair, his mind already turning to the strategic challenges that lay ahead. The Empire demanded nothing less than perfection, and he would deliver it, one decisive victory at a time. His mind, ever calculating and strategic, inevitably turned to the clandestine project he had long nurtured within the depths of COMPNOR's shadowy corridors.

COMPNOR, the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order, was the ideological heart of the Empire. Its mission was to mold the citizens of the Empire into loyal subjects through propaganda, education, and indoctrination. Within COMPNOR, the Propaganda Dissemination Section played a critical role, ensuring that the Empire's message reached every corner of the galaxy. Il-Raz's project, however, went far beyond mere propaganda. It was a project conceived in whispers and executed with meticulous precision—a vision to mold the denizens of the Empire into its most formidable defenders.

Reaching a decision, Il-Raz tapped a sequence into the holocommunicator on his desk, activating a secure channel. He loathed this part of his duty, but it was necessary. Pollux Hax's alien background made Il-Raz's skin crawl, but Hax's importance to the project was undeniable.

The holocommunicator flickered to life, revealing the image of Pollux Hax, who greeted him with a respectful nod. "Grand Admiral Il-Raz, it is an honor to speak with you. How may I assist you today?"

Il-Raz forced himself to maintain his composure, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of contempt. "Hax," he began, his tone clipped and formal, "I require an update on Project Imperium Ascendant."

Hax's expression remained impassive, but there was a glint of understanding in his eyes. "Grand Admiral, the project is progressing as planned and should be ready for execution in 3 rotations. We have identified the perfect facility—an Imperial prison that will serve as the crucible for our vanguard."

Il-Raz's lip curled slightly as he listened, barely able to mask his revulsion. Despite his rigid control, his thoughts betrayed him, flooding his mind with disgust.

To think, Il-Raz mused, that I must converse with this creature, an affront to the purity of the Empire. It is a travesty that such beings are necessary, even tolerated, within our ranks. Yet, the Emperor's vision must prevail, and so I endure this indignity for the greater good.

Il-Raz refocused on the conversation, his disdain now sharpened into icy determination. "Details, Hax."

Hax remained unfazed by the disdain in Il-Raz's voice. "The prison complex is isolated and secure, ideal for our needs. Initial preparations are underway, all necessary variables are in place, and we are on schedule."

Il-Raz's eyes hardened, his voice cold and unyielding. "Good. I will be visiting the facility personally to oversee the project's progress. Ensure everything is in order, provide me with the coordinates immediately and the Emperor's Disciple will be on its way."

Hax nodded, his demeanor respectful. "As you command, Grand Admiral. We will be ready for your inspection."

Il-Raz barely acknowledged the reply, his thoughts already turning to the practicalities of his upcoming visit. "Remember, Hax," he added, his voice laced with a subtle threat, "failure is not an option. The success of this project is paramount."

Hax met Il-Raz's gaze steadily. "Understood, Grand Admiral. We will not disappoint."

The connection terminated, and Il-Raz leaned back in his chair, content that he need not speak any more words to that forsaken creature. A sense of anticipation mingled with quiet satisfaction. The pieces were in motion now, the wheels of his vision turning inexorably toward fruition. The Grand Admiral, driven by his undying dedication to the Emperor and his vision for the Empire, understood the critical importance of overseeing every aspect of the clandestine project he had set in motion.

In the coming days and weeks, Il-Raz would carefully oversee the transformation of the denizens, ensuring they underwent the rigorous conditioning required to become the Empire's weapons. He would monitor their progress closely, intervening where necessary to maintain Imperium Ascendant's trajectory toward perfection.

In the weeks and months to come, the Empire would witness the birth of a new breed of soldier—forged not just in the crucible of combat, but in the fires of unbreakable loyalty and absolute devotion. It was a vision that Il-Raz held close to his heart, reflecting his faith in the Emperor's vision of order and control.

With his authority as a Grand Admiral and his influence within COMPNOR, Il-Raz would command respect and obedience from all involved in the project. His presence would serve as a constant reminder of the project's importance to the Empire's future and its role in quelling dissent and strengthening loyalty.

Moreover, Il-Raz's personal commitment to the project was fueled by his deep-seated belief in the righteousness of the Emperor's cause. He saw himself not just as a commander but as a visionary, shaping the Empire's destiny through the creation of elite soldiers who embodied absolute loyalty and unwavering devotion.

In the coming days and weeks, Il-Raz would carefully oversee the transformation of the denizens, ensuring they underwent the rigorous conditioning required to become the Empire's weapons. He would monitor their progress closely, intervening where necessary to maintain Imperium Ascendant's trajectory toward perfection.

In the weeks and months to come, the Empire would witness the birth of a new breed of soldier—forged not just in the crucible of combat, but in the fires of unbreakable loyalty and absolute devotion. It was a vision that Il-Raz held close to his heart, reflecting his faith in the Emperor's vision of order and control.

As the lights dimmed in his quarters, casting shadows across the ornate furnishings, Grand Admiral Il-Raz allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. The galaxy was poised on the brink of change, and he would ensure that the Empire stood resolute in the face of its challenges. With unwavering resolve, he prepared himself for the tasks ahead, knowing that every action he took would shape the fate of the Empire—and secure his place in its history.

Il-Raz rose from his desk and activated the ship's intercom, his voice steady and authoritative. "Bridge, this is Grand Admiral Il-Raz. Set course for the Pertoz system immediately."

"Acknowledged, Grand Admiral. Setting course for the Pertoz system," came the prompt response.

As the ship's engines rumbled to life, Il-Raz felt a sense of purpose and determination. The Empire's future was in his hands, and he would stop at nothing to ensure its supremacy. The journey to the Pertoz system was just the beginning, and he was ready to see his vision come to fruition.

Il-Raz mused, These rats shall be our vanguard.