Hera Syndulla stood on the bridge of her corvette, arms crossed, staring out into the vastness of space. The distant twinkling stars offered little comfort. The galaxy was never truly at peace, even now. Behind her, a familiar, ominous mechanical breathing filled the silence.

"General Syndulla," came the deep, resonant voice of Darth Vader.

Hera didn't bother turning around immediately, her fingers tapping lightly on her arm as she weighed her words. His presence, even as a hologram, was suffocating.

"Lord Vader," she replied, her voice tight with restraint. "I wasn't expecting your call."

Vader's silence was his answer, the steady rhythm of his breathing filling the void. It had always been like this with him—direct, forceful, and absolute.

"There are new threats on the horizon, General. We need more Imperial-class ships."

"Star Destroyers, you mean." Hera didn't bother hiding her disdain.

"Yes." His voice carried no hint of debate. "The construction must continue."

"On Corellia?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Kuat might have been the Empire's prime shipyard, but Corellia was just as vital, and they both knew it.

"Kuat if possible," Vader confirmed. "But Corellia's shipyards are key."

Hera paced, her boots clicking softly against the deck as she mulled over his words. She knew the shipyards were important. Everyone did. But it wasn't just about ships anymore—it was about what they represented.

"The New Republic has its own needs, Vader," she reminded him, her tone sharp. "They want their share of the fleet. You can't expect us to just build you an armada while we take scraps."

"The New Republic is blind to the dangers that lie ahead." His reply was as cold and blunt as always. "You want peace, but peace cannot be won without strength."

"Strength?" Hera turned to face him fully now, her eyes narrowing. "Is that what the Star Destroyers are? Strength?"

"They are a possible deterrent," he countered. "One that we cannot afford to lose."

She sighed, her mind racing. Vader had a point—there were dangers. The galaxy had seen its fair share of chaos, and something worse always seemed to loom just out of sight. Still, she wasn't about to let him think she was on board just yet.

"I get it," she said after a moment, her tone less combative, but no less guarded. "But the New Republic's not going to stand by while you build a fleet that could crush them."

Vader's breathing grew heavier, almost as though he were amused by her defiance. "Crush? No, General. Protect. The fleet will be used to defend the galaxy."

Hera's lips pressed into a thin line. "You expect them to believe that? After everything?"

"It is not about belief," Vader said, his voice chillingly calm. "It is about survival."

That gave her pause. The weight of his words hung in the air like a looming storm cloud. Survival?

"What survival are you talking about?" she asked, her voice softer now, though no less guarded.

"Alien forces. From beyond the known galaxy."

Her heart skipped a beat. She'd heard whispers, rumors of things far worse than the remnants of the Empire. It was said that Thrawn had knowledge of such threats, though details were scarce.

"Know anybody specific?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

Vader inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her understanding. "Yes. You've heard the rumors. They are real. And they will come in time."

Hera looked away, the weight of his words sinking in. If what he said was true, if these alien threats were as real as the rumors suggested, the galaxy might be far more vulnerable than they realized.

"So you want to build up Corellia?" she asked slowly, turning back to him. "More Star Destroyers, more ships?"

"Yes," he replied, his voice firm. "Corellia must prioritize our ships. You will ensure this happens."

Hera felt the heat rise in her chest, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "The New Republic has a say here too, Vader. We've already made investments, contracts. They won't just step aside."

"They will," Vader said, the finality in his tone unshakable.

She shook her head, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "You can't just—" She stopped herself, taking a deep breath. "Look, we have a system in place. The Republic gets its fleet. You get yours. We can't shift most of our resources to Imperial production."

"Corellia will," Vader repeated, as though it were already decided.

"You expect me to pull those strings?" Hera asked, her voice rising slightly, challenging him.

"I expect you to ensure Corellia remains the key to our defense."

Hera's temper flared. "The New Republic's going to demand answers."

"They will fail," Vader said without hesitation, his voice as steady as ever. "They lack the will to fight. Their desire for peace and defense will be their downfall."

"That's not a solution," she snapped, pacing again. "That's a threat."

"It is reality," Vader said. "Whether they accept it or not."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with the weight of all that was left unsaid. Hera knew she was being pushed into a corner. Vader's presence was like a vise tightening around her. But he wasn't wrong about the galaxy's fragility.

Finally, she stopped pacing and met his gaze.

"And if I agree?" she asked. "If we focus more on Imperial-class production... what guarantees do we get?"

"Guarantees?" Vader's helmet tilted slightly, his tone dismissive.

"The New Republic won't sit by forever," Hera said. "What happens when they push back?"

"They won't," he said simply. "They lack the will to fight. Their desire for peace will make them weak."

Hera crossed her arms, still not fully convinced. "And the alien threat? You really believe that's coming?"

"I know it is," Vader said darkly. "And when it does, we will need everything we can utilize."

Hera felt the weight of his words press down on her. She'd fought for peace for so long, seen so many lives lost to endless wars. The galaxy was tired.

"I've seen enough wars, Vader," she said quietly.

Vader's voice dropped, his tone low and foreboding. "War never truly ends, General. Only the actors change."

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, taking in the reality of what he was saying. He was right, and that's what scared her the most. Peace was fragile, and danger was always lurking in the shadows.

Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Fine," she said, her voice steady. "I'll ensure the orders prioritize Imperial-class."

"Good," Vader replied. "The Empire's future depends on it."

She sighed, feeling the weight of her decision settle heavily on her shoulders. "But the Republic will demand answers."

"Then you give them none," Vader said, his tone as final as ever. "Let them believe what they want."

Hera felt her temper flare again, but she held it in check. He was pushing her, testing her limits, and she knew it. But she also knew he was right about one thing—the galaxy needed to be ready for whatever was coming.

"This better be for something bigger than the Empire's ego," she muttered.

"It is for the galaxy's survival," Vader said, his voice low and ominous. "Something you should understand well."

Hera gave a small, resigned nod. She did understand. Maybe better than anyone.

"I'll get it done," she said quietly.

Vader's hologram flickered slightly, his voice cutting through the static one last time.

"And Syndulla..." he said, his tone carrying an edge of warning. "Do not fail."

Hera allowed herself a small, almost defiant smile. "I never do."

Back on the bridge of her corvette, Hera stood alone, staring out at the distant shipyards through the viewport. The sight of the Star Destroyers being constructed was both awe-inspiring and unnerving. They were symbols of a past she'd fought so hard to dismantle, yet here they were, rising once again.

Her reflection stared back at her in the glass, her own face etched with doubt and uncertainty.

XX

The Corellian sky was a bright shade of blue, with starships darting across the atmosphere, casting faint trails as they pierced the horizon. Far below, the bustling city hummed with activity, its citizens and officials going about their day, unaware of the weighty discussions taking place in the higher echelons of their government.

In the central administrative tower, a sleek, polished conference room overlooked the vast expanse of the Corellian shipyards, where starship hulls gleamed under the sunlight. The massive skeletons of Imperial-class Star Destroyers were docked in various stages of construction, their frames rising above the industrial landscape like iron giants awaiting their final assembly.

Admiral Garrick Versio stood near the window, his eyes surveying the shipyards below with a practiced, critical eye. His military uniform was immaculate, and his demeanor radiated calm authority. As a loyal officer of the Empire and one of the key military leaders who remained in service to Lord Vader, he had been sent here to Corellia to ensure the continuation of a crucial alliance. Though the Empire had lost much of its previous power, the remnants were determined to rebuild. And it all began here—on Corellia—where the future of the fleet was taking shape.

A soft chime announced the arrival of Regional Supervisor Myn Weaver, a shrewd businessman who had long held sway over Corellia's lucrative shipyards. Weaver's footsteps echoed as he entered the room, his presence casual but confident. A businessman first and foremost, he had always been pragmatic when it came to matters of profit and politics.

"Admiral Versio," Weaver greeted, his tone professional but warm as he approached the Admiral, extending a hand. "It's good to finally meet in person. I've heard much about your leadership on the Imperial side."

Versio took the offered hand with a firm shake. "Supervisor Weaver," he nodded. "The pleasure is mine. I trust that Corellia's shipyards are performing well?"

Weaver smiled as he gestured towards the expansive view of the shipyards. "As you can see, we've been as productive as ever. I suspect you're here to discuss details of that productivity."

"Indeed, Supervisor."

The two men moved towards the center of the room, where a large holo-display projected the current output of Corellian shipyards—construction timetables, resource allocations, and most importantly, the production ratio between Imperial-class Star Destroyers and vessels for the New Republic.

Versio glanced at the projections before returning his gaze to Weaver. "The future of Corellia's shipyards is of great importance to Lord Vader and the Imperial leadership. There are concerns regarding the balance of power between Imperial and New Republic shipbuilding here. It has come to our attention that the majority of ships built on Corellia recently have been commissioned for the New Republic fleet."

Weaver sighed lightly, as if he'd expected this line of questioning. He took a seat at the head of the conference table and motioned for Versio to join him. "You're right, Admiral. There have been some concerns raised by our Imperial allies. But let me assure you, I am a businessman at heart. The Corellian shipyards go where the credits flow."

He leaned back slightly, steepling his fingers as he continued. "For some time, the New Republic was able to outbid the Empire, and as you know, funds have always dictated where our resources go. However," Weaver paused, his expression shifting to one of greater intensity, "recently, Imperial leadership—from Lord Vader's council—has bidded higher than the Republic. So you will be pleased to hear that the majority of our upcoming production will be directed towards Imperial-class Star Destroyers."

Versio's stoic demeanor softened slightly as he nodded, acknowledging the shift. "Ah, I see. Lord Vader will be pleased to hear that. With the potential alien threats looming, it is important that our military assets remain superior."

Weaver shifted forward, tapping a few commands into the holo-display. The projection changed, showing recent contracts and fund allocations. "You see, Admiral, the New Republic wanted to decommission a portion of star destroyers and dismantle many of the incomplete Imperial vessels left in our shipyards after the fall."

"They were hesitant about continuing the construction of what they saw as 'symbols of oppression.' But since the funds from Lord Vader's Imperial allies have increased, those plans have been quietly set aside."

Versio's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "As it should be. The Imperial-class Star Destroyer is not just a tool of galactic warfare. The New Republic must understand that without these vessels, their ability to defend against future threats will be inadequate."

Weaver leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "That may be, but many within the New Republic government still hold a great deal of apprehension about the continued production of your ships. They fear a resurgence."

Versio's voice hardened slightly. "The New Republic overwhelmed the Empire because of its own arrogance, complacency, and anger. Those mistakes will not be repeated. My Imperial allies are not the Empire of Palpatine. We have learned from our failures. And this time, we will be prepared for the threats beyond our borders."

Weaver nodded in agreement. "That's what I was hoping to hear. If there's one thing Corellians know, it's that the galaxy is never truly at peace. War always comes back, in one form or another."

Admiral Versio stood and walked toward the window again, his eyes locking on one of the nearly completed Star Destroyers in the distance. "Which is why it is important that these ships reach their full potential."

Weaver stood as well, joining Versio at the window, his hands clasped behind his back. "The Imperial-class Star Destroyer is unmatched in its size and firepower. But ships alone don't win wars, Admiral. It's the people who command them. You're asking Corellia to devote a significant portion of its resources to your fleet. That means academies for training officers and crew, and maintaining shipyards for repairs and upgrades."

"Are you confident the Imperial officers of today can do what the last generation could not?"

Versio turned to face Weaver, his expression firm and resolute. "I am. The Empire fell because it allowed corruption, arrogance, and fear to dictate its actions. Those who serve today know better. They understand that power alone is not enough. The men and women who will command these Star Destroyers will be trained not just in warfare, but in discipline and strategy. They will not be complacent. They will not be arrogant. They will use the tools we give them to their full potential, and they will achieve victory."

Weaver studied Versio for a moment, the weight of his words settling between them. "Then you have Corellia's support, Admiral. We'll see to it that your ships are built to their full potential."

Versio extended his hand once again, and this time, Weaver took it with a firmer grip, the deal between them sealed.

"Very good," Versio said. "The future of the galaxy depends on it."

As they turned back toward the conference table, the holo-display shimmered again, now showing plans for a new round of officer recruitments from the Corellian Academy. The process of building not just ships but a new generation of leaders was already beginning.

Weaver, ever the businessman, smiled as he concluded the meeting. "We may serve in different careers, but in the end, it's the future generations that matters most. If we fail now, it's not just our ships that will be lost—it's the future of the galaxy."

As the meeting concluded and Admiral Versio prepared to return to his shuttle, he felt more at ease than he had in some time. The future of the Imperial fleet was secure, and with Corellia's support, the path to rebuilding their strength was clear.

But as always, he remained vigilant. For in a galaxy as vast as theirs, threats could come from anywhere. And this time, the Empire would be ready.