Chapter Thirteen:

Imperial Treachery


Grand Admiral Gallius Rax stood on the edge of the deck of his ship, staring into the starry void with his hands behind his back. The young Imperial thought of recent events, recalling his last meeting with Emperor Palpatine on the Death Star, and he'd heard of what had happened above the moon of Endor.

The Emperor had the trap planned, but even with all of that planning, the Rebels destroyed the station, decimated the Imperial force, and Palpatine was dead. Now, Operation Cinder was at play, and Rax was ready to play his part.

And yet, the situation seemed to be more complicated. Word had it that Mas Ameeda held some form of command on Coruscant, but the Empire had no clear leader. From what Rax had learned, it wasn't just the galaxy that was in chaos, it was the Empire as it was reported that Imperials factions had begun fighting each other for power in their regions.

In the midst of the madness, there were also reports of planets, excluded from Operation: Cinder, that were being subjected to intense bombardment with Mandalore being bombed by a fleet led by a Super Star Destroyer.

Rax drifted out of his thoughts as one of his officers approached him. "The Council is waiting for you, sir." The ensign reported.

The protege to the late Palpatine nodded. He strolled across the bridge, and a pair of Death Troopers accompanied Rax with their blasters polished. Stormtroopers stood at attention, and the doors opened for him, the guards filed out of the bridge, and Rax stepped towards the holo display in the middle of the room.

In moments, the lights dimmed a little, and holographic projections took form, depicting Imperial Moffs, commanders and captains who all formed the Shadow Council.

In the first weeks after Endor, Rax and a select group of loyalists had formed the council to discuss matters within the fracturing Empire. Meetings like these were of the utmost importance, especially to those who were fiercely loyal to the Imperial order itself.

Rax, who'd established himself as the leader of the council, opened the meeting. "Council in session." He said crisply, addressing every Imperial hologram in sight, "Greetings to all."

"Greetings, Rax. Since the last meeting, Rebel activity has been increasing..." Captain Canady reported, "And, as their numbers become larger, there have been rumors that the Alliance is reorganizing into a New Republic, taking advantage of the current turmoil affecting the Empire."

Commandant Brendol Hux, an Imperial with a beard, raised a hand. "That is of no concern." He said with confidence, "With the combined strength of a rejuvenated military, we will squash this government before it begins. The Empire remains strong, and the galaxy will see that we are superior to those insurgents."

"Grand Admiral..." Moff Atredis faced Rax firmly, "In the midst of the reports on Operation Cinder and other operations against treasonous worlds, word in the 501st Fleet has it that the new face of the Empire is none other than Lord Vader."

"Palpatine's attack dog." Rax mused, "Yes, I've met him before, and I know of The Force. The power he wields is meaningless, and insignificant next to the might of our Empire."

"We don't need some masked, mind-tricking, sorcery-wielding runt with a laser sword commanding us." Grand Moff Filtrik boasted, he was a squat and slightly chubby man decorated with medals, "The Empire is supreme, and the only force we will use to bring about order to this chaotic galaxy is military force and our iron will!"

"If this Darth Vader is now the Emperor, then why hasn't he revealed himself?" Moff Gideon asked, "Why does he sit back and let the Empire splinter into chaos with Palpatine's death, allowing Operation: Cinder to ravage those that are loyal to us?"

"I SHOULD BE IN CHARGE!" Commander Rom Gustus declared, "Make me Emperor! I will unify this Empire, I will squash the Rebellion in an hour, and order will be restored. I will unify the Galactic Empire, and take my place on the throne. Rom Gustus is your destiny, not Vader, and CERTAINLY NOT GALLIUS RAX!"

Rax glared at Gustus firmly. "No." He said to the burly Imperial, "Only one will lead the Empire, but it won't be you. I AM THE EMPEROR!"

All eyes were on Rax, staring at him with surprise.

"I am in command!" Rax went on with mad, wide eyes, "I am the Empire's new supreme leader. Grand Admiral Gallius Rax will rally our forces, and bring order to the Galaxy. I will take the throne, and dispose of Darth Vader! I will unite all of us, and we will destroy the Rebel Alliance. Once. And for all! A new era for the Empire begins today, and I will lead!"

"I have a bad feeling about this." Rae Sloane commented.

"Quite the ambition, Grand Admiral." Hux commented.

Rax smiled coldly. "Gather your forces, and rendezvous with my fleet. We will head for Coruscant. We will deal with Lord Vader, and take command." He declared, "Soon, the galaxy will know it doesn't need the Force, or the Jedi, or the Sith... Long live the Empire."

"Long live the Empire." The council declared, and they fell in line with Rax.