Coruscant
Hela stood at the floor to ceiling transparisteel windows and watched the spires of the Jedi temple glow red with the fire engulfing it, smoke curling up into the atmosphere. She couldn't go out onto the balcony because of that and the debris of the damaged buildings of the previous battle, they were still rebuilding.
The Holonet was also on fire but with tales of what the Jedi had done to the Chancellor and what the Clones had done to the Jedi in reprisal.
Nausea hit her again; she swallowed hard.
Ben would not have had anything to do with it, or Anakin, or even Baylan; she was sure about that. She couldn't get hold of Padme as the communications were down in many areas.
She wasn't sure where Mayday was, not Utapau, not with Cody he had said, as the others had gone after Grievous but he'd received new orders, ones he couldn't tell her about.
Pulling the shawl around her shoulders, she hugged herself. For some reason, it steadied her.
Everything felt so different.
Was so different.
Zur had gone to report in and he had been gone for hours; she wondered if he ever would return.
Her com beeped, startling her.
"Nola?" the blue figure of the woman rose from her com.
"Hela. Are you okay. We've had reports of what happened and so soon after the battle. Is it true?" The older woman's eyes searched Hela's face.
"You probably know as much as me."
"I doubt it."
"I've tried getting hold of Ben, Mayday, Padme and Palpatine but no one is answering."
Her eyes flicked up to the Holoscreen.
"Nola there's some kind of message being broadcast in a few minutes. Direct from the Senate. I'll call you after. We may know more then."
She sat and watched the screen, the report coming direct from the Senate.
The Chancellor rose up on his dais, a dark hooded figure, unrecognisable as Sheeve Palpatine anymore.
Was he so badly hurt?
He started speaking; his voice as clear and strong as ever.
"Citizens of the civilised galaxy, on this day we mark a transition. For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.
The Jedi, and some within our own Senate—"
Hela couldn't listen to any more, she rushed to the fresher and vomited until only bile came up. Grabbing a glass of water with shaking hands she went back, drawn to find out more.
"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated! Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled.We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years. "
Hela leaned forward trying to see Palpatine but all she could see was a shadow of the man she knew and had looked up to for years. He continued.
"Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand star fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the galaxy to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.
The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.
The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.
We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger. We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Galactic Empire. We will prevail. Ten thousand years of peace begins today."
The applause from the Senate drowned anything else out; Hela could not believe that Padme or any of her Senator friends would accept this.
This was not Democracy.
She leaned forward, head in her hands, tears streaming down her face.
.
Barton IV
[Redacted] Sector
New Order - Day two
Mayday stared at the planetoid from the ship's view port; he was not sure exactly how important this outpost was, that was above his pay grade but he was following orders. There were assets here that were vital to the newly formed Empire.
"Is everything ready?" Commander Prakas asked, "I've been ordered back to Coruscant immediately."
"We're unloading all the supplies now."
"There are no known settlements in this area." Prakas continued, he didn't envy the Commander his task. It looked a Gods Forsaken place and he never liked the cold. This area was one of the planet's polar ice caps, so it was never going to get any warmer but the clones were hardy soldiers and he had other orders.
"We're unloaded sir." Decs voice came over the com, "Coms are just being set up and checked."
"Coms up to speed sir." Splicers voice added.
"Thank you Sergeants. Continue!"
With the number of shinies they had taken on the two original Kaminoan shiny troopers had been promoted with their own squads.
"Security protocols in force." Veetch's voice added into the conversation, "Tank and Hexx are doing a walkthrough."
"Copy that!"
"The last of the assets have been unloaded." Commander Prakas confirmed, "So if there isn't anything else…."
"I just need to pick up my kit then that's it." Mayday replied.
"It's been a pleasure, Commander." Prakas said.
"Yes." Was all Mayday could think to reply, at least they hadn't got in his way. He saluted and headed to his quarters.
Prakas heaved a sigh of relief, unsure of what exactly had happened here but he knew now he was an officer in the Imperial Navy and not the Republic and had to report back for debriefing.
.
"Kriffing hell!" Mayday cursed as the coldest temperature he had ever felt hit him. He blinked in his HUD controls to increase the temperature in his body suit. It started to drain the power immediately; they would not be able to stay outside for long. They would have to change the hours spent on watch and get out the Cold Weather gear.
He pushed himself through the biting wind towards the Operations Tower. Reaching the entrance it screeched open fighting against the cold and wind. It closed equally reluctantly.
He pulled off his bucket.
"Kriff!" It was not much warmer here but thankfully there was no wind.
"Sitrep!" He ordered from the shiny whose name or number he did not yet know.
The shiny hesitated.
"Have we got one?"
He hesitated again.
"Tell me what we've got that actually kriffing works?"
His troops exchanged glances.
"That bad, eh?"
.
Coruscant/Imperial Centre
Zur walked up to the building he had previously known as Republic Intelligence HQ, it was changing. Different signs and it had been extended into adjacent buildings. He checked the coordinates again.
COMPNOR arcology, Level 5127, Federal District.
"Someone has been very busy!" He said to himself.
ISB Central Office, the sign said, advertising itself. Republic Intelligence had never been so arrogant. He walked to the entrance and showed his ID to the Clone on guard there.
"Sir!" He acknowledged him and showed him through to the lobby.
Zur watched as everyone was scanned diligently before they were admitted further; he patiently waited his turn.
The Security personnel appeared to have a new uniform.
"That way sir." Security pointed to a corridor he had never used before, in fact never seen before, "Level 2, Corridor D, Room 1."
Zur nodded. He walked steadily hyper vigilant; there were many more people here than he remembered previously and he could smell the overwhelming fear that was coming from some of his Comrades— no prisoners— comrades in some cases. There were prisoners here, broadcasting true fear, not just apprehension. Before he reached the lift there was a commotion.
He turned towards it.
A young Rutian Twi'lek was running, fast, wearing Jedi robes. People moved out of his way, as clones were chasing him. Two of the clones, in slightly different armour, dropped to their knees. Zur heard transparisteel shattering and looked to the Twi'lek, he had force pushed a window and reached a balcony; he was preparing to leap over the edge, to where— Zur didn't know but he must be desperate.
Two blaster bolts shot out from the Clones and he dropped to the ground in mid step. They walked calmly over to the body. Checked it. Then one put his hand to his helmet, Zur had seen Mayday do that when he was using his com.
It was over in seconds.
A droid came to remove the body but not before people had seemingly already returned to whatever they were doing.
He walked over to the railings and peered over. It was a long way down; he couldn't see the bottom but that wasn't unusual for Coruscant. You didn't expect even a Jedi to take that jump, not knowing what was there. He turned, wondering what Hell he was now involved in.
.
He knocked on the door to the newly marked Room 1. He could smell the recent adhesive used on the Room number.
A lot of people had been very busy.
"Come!"
He recognised the voice and pushed the door button to enter.
Adhering to his training, he quickly scanned the room. It was basic. Two chairs, a table, datapad and comlink. He presumed, two way mirrors lined the walls. Now he was unsure if he was being interrogated or not. His handler sat at the table.
"New uniform?" He quipped.
It was different from the other one they used to wear.
"You can pick yours up on the way out." She advised, "You will remain on your current assignment but you will ensure Ms Nim knows exactly who you are. Who you work for and that there will be consequences if she does not adhere to the rules of the New Order."
"Won't that be a little difficult for me, after lying to her for so long. She won't exactly trust me." Zur lied.
"You are not there for her to trust. You are there to monitor her every move. Now in plain sight. You will be her shadow, where she goes, you go and everyone will see it."
"Yes, ma'am."
"This is a new era. There will be no Senate intervention. There will be order and peace. The Emperor has declared there to be."
Zur blinked a few times before he realised who she was now talking about.
Palpatine had total power and the ISB were there to help him keep it.
"Questions?"
He shook his head.
"Dismiss!"
He found himself outside of the door with a docket to pick up his uniform and something called code cylinders.
.
Zur left the ISB Headquarters, after walking what seemed like miles, he understood now how massive the complex was, the size of several city blocks within the Federal District.
He was conspicuous in his new uniform and he hated the trousers, unsure what purpose the flaps at the side of his thighs served.
"I should have left with Anoon." He muttered as he saw a new Avert light up above him on a giant billboard. Asking the people to check and inform on their neighbours. The suspicious character was a Twi'lek.
"And so it begins." He murmured.
He pushed his head down and caught the Sky Train which would drop him near to Hela's; as he sat there he could see the furtive glances of his travelling companions and smell the fear and loathing already inspired by his new uniform. Things were moving fast.
"This is why I hate public transport." He muttered to himself, as he avoided making eye contact with his fellow passengers, despite his uniform he was out numbered here.
.
Hela was still waiting for Zur; now she was worried about him, he had been gone for hours. Suddenly she thought about the Admiral, alone in her Apartment during all this. There were going to be no performances for a while; she ought to do something useful she could check on her to make sure she was okay.
Pulling on her jacket, she commed the Admiral first just to be on the safe side. She didn't want to disturb her unnecessarily. She waited. There was no reply. She tried again—no reply.
Now she was worried.
.
Hela slid open the door gently, it wasn't even closed; she walked in unprepared for the scene that met her. The normally neat and tidy living area had been trashed, items broken and thrown everywhere. She couldn't discern if there had been a struggle or not.
"Ella?" She shouted, it wasn't very often she used the Admiral's first name, it always felt disrespectful. There was no answer. She didn't usually nap in the afternoon like most old people did; she was very active for her age.
Hela walked quietly, almost creeping through the apartment. Every room looked the same, cupboards and drawers, opened and emptied. The doors to the small landing platform were smashed letting the outside air into the room. There was still a burning smell outside, it permeated everywhere.
Hela stood in the middle of the living area, confused. Wondering what had happened here, despite all the mess and broken furniture Ella's body wasn't here.
"Put your hands up!" A modulated voice ordered her. She recognised a clone's voice and moved to turn around.
"Do not turn! Hands up!" They ordered again. Hela complied, she was breathing fast, panic beginning to set in.
"Now turn very slowly towards me and don't try anything. No sudden movements or I will shoot."
She moved slowly around and gasped as she saw the red painted armour of the Coruscant Guard standing there, blaster pointed directly st her.
"Name?" He demanded.
"Hela Nim." just stopping herself, from stating haughtily, don't you know who I am?
"ID."
"I haven't got it on me. It's at home."
"You're not registered at this domicile. What are you doing here?"
"I live upstairs and was looking for my friend."
"Which friend would that be?"
Hela was just about to answer, when another voice rang out.
"Stand down trooper!"
Zur stood behind him in a uniform that Hela had never seen before.
The trooper didn't move.
"Lieutenant. This is Captain Zur Dathrar, of the ISB. You will stand down now."
Hela watched as the trooper lowered his blaster slowly and turned to face Zur.
"Standing orders sir. This apartment is the home of a known anti-government sympathiser and should be kept secure."
Hela watched Zur, he didn't bat an eyelid.
"If it's supposed to be secure how did she get in?"
"The door was open." Hela answered instead.
Zur glanced at her, then back to the trooper, "So who was supposed to be guarding this?"
"I'll find him, sir!"
"And seal this place, immediately!"
"Yes sir!" He nodded towards Hela, "And her?"
"I'll take care of her." Zur took her arm and guided her out of the Apartment.
"We can't just leave it like this?" She protested as soon as they were out of the trooper's earshot.
He pulled her with him, "We can and we will. Now be quiet!"
.
Back in her apartment, "What was all that? Where's Ella? What's happening?"
"Sit down!"
Hela dropped into a seat. Zur had never been like this before. He walked around the Apartment holding a small device in his hand. She watched him carefully.
"We're okay there's no bugs but we have to be even more careful now."
Hela waited, as he undid the jacket of his new uniform.
"Things have changed, Hela, no one is safe. If I can, I will try and find out what happened to her but I'm not sure I can, especially if she is against the Empire. There is probably nothing I can do. Senators have already started to disappear."
"Senators?"
"Den Skeenah's dead."
"Padmé!" She looked around for her com, grabbing it, she quickly input the code number.
There was no answer.
"She's smart and clever. She'll be okay." He tried to reassure her.
.
Barton IV
Mayday, Veetch and Tank finished their tour of the base, walking slowly back to the Com Tower. The snow storm had abated for a few minutes, hearing some animal he looked up to see a birdlike creature circling above them. Veetch followed his gaze.
"Do you think it's looking for dinner?" Asked Veetch.
"Let's not give it a chance!" Mayday replied, as he pushed the entry button to the Com Tower; punching it harder again as it failed to work the first time.
The entrance opened but it was only a few degrees warmer inside than out. They made their way through the building; it was laid out much the same as any other Republic Building or should he say Imperial building now. Barracks, mess hall and meeting rooms.
The Com Centre was well set up but cold; Tank smacked the heater, to try and get more heat emitted. It didn't work.
"I'll get some caf on." Hexx went in search of it.
.
They sat around a briefing table, mugs of steaming Caf in their hands, even the furniture was cold. Hexx had found a small mess kitchen.
"So we've got a warehouse full of something that we can't know what it is and that needs protecting from we don't know who." Groused Tank.
"That about sums it up." Agreed Mayday, also dissatisfied with his orders, despite them coming from High Command, but a mission is a mission, he told himself. At one time he would have not exactly disobeyed them but been creative; more recently he found himself becoming more of a stickler for following them to the letter.
Except in one regard.
He needed to send an encrypted message to Coruscant.
"Sitrep on supplies and equipment!"
What equipment they had looked particularly flimsy given the current climatic conditions. All his orders had stated was that they were going to be in a Polar region. But there was Polar and then there was Polar, depending on their distance from the nearest sun and the rotational axis of the planetoid.
"Given the current weather, some of our equipment, heaters etc will burn out fairly quickly. We will need to requisition replacements sooner rather than later. And also replacement armour and generators." Hexx replied.
"Agreed. Get on it! We'll do some reconnaissance of the outlying areas. Are the perimeter alarms that we saw all functional."
"At the moment, although they aren't just perimeter alarms. There seems to be some other function that Splicer hasn't determined as yet. He's working on it."
"Thanks Tank. Is it worth taking some of the shinies on the reconnaissance, to get them up to speed and see what they've got? What I've seen so far hasn't impressed me."
"Copy that sir. I'll get them sent out in squads. Their records show they've had cold weather training."
"That doesn't mean anything but check that they're up to speed on it before you let them loose."
"Yes sir!"
"Reconvene 18:00 hours." Mayday ordered.