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Chapter 2
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Part 1
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7 ABY/ 4 IC (Imperial Calendar)
FEW PSD Palpatine's Honor
Atrisian Quarantine Zone
Federated Empire
Piett sat in a secluded corner of the observation lounge. His seat was close to one of the armored observation ports, showing his ship's full glory spread below his elevated position. To the board, the young Captain could see the distinct profile of a Victory Star Destroyer, and the massive form of a fleet tender holding position beyond the cruiser. A second Victory flanked his ship to the starboard. However, she was out of sight in his current position. The same was true for the ring of escorts surrounding the capital ships, while they were busy replenishing their stores.
Firmus was taking a brief working break in the form of a peaceful lunch. The Captain used the opportunity to study in-depth his written orders from High Command. They were clear and straightforward – scout, find what was happening on the other side of the galaxy, and report back, ideally without starting a war. As more evidence came, compiled from sensor logs all over the galaxy, they had somehow replaced the Unknown Regions of an identical Corcusca galaxy. It was just that, Holonet transmissions from the other side, caught both here, and on the other side of the Core, painted a very different, outright impossible picture.
That was why High Command's final order was to figure out how the counterpart of the Federated Empire had fallen. The reason was obvious - so the powers that be on Coruscant, like the General occasionally put it, might figure out how to avoid such a disaster.
A commotion from the off-duty officers taking a break on the lounge caught Firmus' attention. There were about forty men and women of various species in the compartment. They were busy eating or chatting with their buddies. Most of them currently were focused on one of the large sliding screens built into the ceiling. Those screens were good for briefings, entertaining guests, or like now, keeping the morale high.
"Welcome back, dear viewers!" The familiar face of the GNN icon, Victoria Halcyon smiled brightly at the camera. "Due to popular demand, we're bringing back "The Ships who held the line!"! Tonight we shall examine the history of legends like 'Glorious Annihilation', the Dreadnought Cruiser that simply refused to die! And let us not forget the crews who fought with the Annihilation, during her storied history! From the flagship of the small SDF of Capza, to her end at the salvage yards of Yaga Minor, 'Glorious Annihilation' fought in dozens of battles, on battlefields that spanned hundreds of light-years, while Republic and Separatist forces battled for supremacy in the Eastern regions of the galaxy. But this isn't just the story of famous ships, but also that of the crews that fought and died making it all possible. People like the famous Captain Jonam Brown, who led the last survivors from Capza's original SDF, in battle until the bitter end…"
That would do it, Piett thought. While undoubtedly heavy on propaganda, to the best of his knowledge, these GNN programs tended to be fair and factual. That was something that the serving people all across the galaxy appreciated. It did help that at least a third of his crew volunteered to serve because of stories like this. Thanks to GNN and company, that was how many younger people perceived serving the Galactic Republic, and later the Empire meant.
The Captain went back to his meal, thinking about how to best carry out his orders. Realistically, he would likely have to push all the way to Coruscant and make contact with this New Republic. The very idea left a bad taste in his mouth. He quickly washed out with warm Caf. As an aide to the General, Firmus saw firsthand how Republic mismanagement nearly doomed the war effort. Not to mention how it got too many good people killed, while Senators wasted everyone's time on Coruscant. So far, the new Imperial Senate hasn't been that bad, even if many of its members were the same people. Then again, that was likely only thanks to the Empress' ceaseless efforts, and all the headaches she had to deal with daily.
He took another sip of Caf and went back to the options. The first step of the way would be reaching the mirror system of Galantos. It should lie on one of the two hyper-lanes leading to Coruscant from that part of space. Ideally, they would find a hyper-lane connecting that world with the Atrisia system, or one of the nearby ones. That was why, Fleet Admiral Tigellinus, released half the probe droids available to his command for immediate deployment. They were already on the way searching for either a shortcut or unpleasant surprises. The way the two parts of the galaxy ended up stitched together meant that, instead of nearly six thousand parsecs from here to Galantos, there were mere five hundred light-years or so to the mirror one. Then again, this was the Core. Even such a relatively small distance was chock full of nebulae, and odd disturbances that made travel difficult unless you followed a well-known route. Needless to say, the Deep Core was hell for navigation, with all its black holes, and other unpleasantries. Thankfully, it wasn't his job to try and scout that hell for any changes.
Once his task force reached Galantos, Piett would have to decide if he should take the direct route, and spare himself a couple of hyperspace jumps, or take the lane leading to Ruan instead. Realistically, making such a choice would depend on what they found at the first step of their journey.
Piett finished his meal and checked the status of the ongoing resupply. The Capital ships were ready, with only two of the escorts awaiting a shuttle each to top them off. Firmus headed for the CIC, leaving the off-duty personnel behind. Piett idly noted a recording of the long-dead now Captain Brown speaking about his latest promotion during the Tenth Battle of Capza. To think that back then, for all its horror, the war was yet to escalate to the heights of insanity brought by the rebelling Droids…
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7 ABY/ 4 IC (Imperial Calendar)
FEW PSD Palpatine's Honor
Galantos
Utos System
Farlax Sector
Fortunately, the Imperial task force didn't have to make its way to the target the hard way. One of the probes found a potential hyperlane, which followed a liberal release of more such devices from fleet command. The result was a potential new hyper-lane in need of a proper exploration, a task not so long ago restricted to the explorer corps. Because of the war, and its consequences, many of the Force Sensitive people making the core of that organization were now training as Imperial Knights. That obviously meant they were unavailable for their usual duties.
That little fact left either the dangerous old-fashioned way of doing it or the very expensive one. The latter was deceptively simple - flood the area with hyperspace capable probes, and hope for the best. The trick there was that making tiny hyperdrives was anything but cheap, or easy. First, they tended to fail often. Second, you didn't get to see many of the probes again even on the best of days. That was why, unless you needed a potential route scouted yesterday, you did it the old-fashioned way.
In the end, Piett and his new command enjoyed a relatively brief and comfortable trip. It was paid by the equivalent in credits and rare elements of a whole Star Destroyer squadron. Needless to say, the Federated Empire wouldn't be repeating this exercise anytime soon. While invaluable, the probes were prohibitively expensive.
The trip ended suddenly when the task force exited lightspeed at the edge of what appeared to be the Utos system. At any rate, long-range observations, and now passive sensors, found nothing out of the ordinary.
"Launch a scout squadron and have them drag a couple of probes to the hyper-lanes that should lead deeper into the Core. Meanwhile, the task force will approach Galantos, and we will introduce ourselves to the locals."
=FG=
Part 2
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7 ABY/ 4 IC (Imperial Calendar)
FEW PSD Palpatine's Honor
Galantos
Utos System
Farlax Sector
Piett spent a few minutes in the fresher attached to his ready room. In there, Firmus both got himself as presentable as his field dark green field uniform allowed and gathered his courage for the coming diplomacy. Now, for the first time, Firmus regretted not taking the extended optional Diplomacy courses available to Imperial officers, instead of focusing on logistics, tactics, and strategy in space warfare.
Perhaps when the current insanity got subdued, he would have the opportunity to fix that particular oversight. On the other hand, it wasn't like he was the only one guilty of neglecting diplomacy. As far as he knew, no one of the officers under his command had subscribed to those courses, opting for more useful ones. It wasn't like they were going to negotiate with the Separatists, or murderous droids, right? Besides, the Empire had a diplomatic corps to deal with what passed for neutral powers. It was only when diplomacy failed, that it was the military's turn to try bringing systems back into the fold.
Firmus took a few deep breaths, focused his mind like the General taught him, and looked at his reflection in the mirror. Damn, he appeared white like a bedsheet and sickly looking. A hot cup of Caf before speaking with anyone would surely make him look more alive?
A few minutes later, and feeling a bit better, Piett walked back into the CIC and sat on his command chair. A glance at the tactical plot displayed on the main holo-tank told him that his task force was three light minutes away from their target. At the same time, the scouts were still accelerating towards the expected entrances to the hyper-lanes leading into the Core.
Piett brought up a composite image of Galantos. His first impression was that there was a lot of yellow down there. Like a whole lot of it, making it look like something with too much sulfur for comfort. A reference guide he checked before the mission began told him the truth. The reason for all the yellow was local life that tended to form huge gelatinous masses, where oceans would usually be. While those were technically green, a quirk of the atmosphere made it all look sickly yellow from orbit. The various patches of white clouds and dark spots marking islands didn't help the world's case.
"Has someone hailed us yet?" Piett inquired.
"No sir. Active sensors detect a few small freighters, that are maintaining course, and two light patrol craft, which haven't moved since we detected them."
"I'll record a brief message. Hail the planet and keep it on a loop until either we're a light second away from orbit, or someone deigns to pick up their comm unit." Firmus told his Comm's officer. The Captain sat straighter and focused on the main communication camera aimed at his chair. "This is Captain Firmus Piett, Commander of the Federated Empire's Star Destroyer Palpatine's Honor. We require status updates and a word with the current leader of Galantos."
The Captain spent the next ten minutes in silence, observing his crew work. More importantly, he used that time to steel himself for the coming negotiations. And what would surely follow as his small battle group moved deeper, and deeper in this strange, mirror galaxy.
Finally, when they were less than two light minutes away, a transmission from the planet reached the Palpatine's Honor.
An alien with an elongated, practically skeletal face and green, almost reptilian skin, greeted the fleet.
"Imperial Forces, the Galantos Ruling Council welcomes you! It has been some time since Imperials have graced our system with their presence! What can we do for you?" The alien all but simpered.
"We request an update on recent events. Due to the disturbances as of late, we are not sure of the state of the nearby systems down the hyper-lanes leading deeper into the Core." Firmus carefully intoned.
"There isn't much I can tell you, esteemed Captain. It has been eight months since the last part of the Imperial Garrison here pulled out. The same happened to the small space fleet policing incoming traffic towards the Core from the rest of the sector. If it wasn't for your welcome arrival, I would be certain that there have been no more Imperial Forces left in the sector. They have been pulling back deeper into the Core for months now. All we know for certain, is what we get from the Holonet, and how trustworthy that is nowadays?" The alien speaker shrugged. "Might I recommend that you contact one of the freighter captains doing business in the system? At least a handful of them regularly do runs towards Cal-Seti on a semi-regular basis."
"I can assure you that the Federated Empire appreciated your candor, Mr…?" Piett inquired.
"My apologies honored Captain! This one's name is Hord Jarbos, current speaker for the Galantos ruling council."
"Thank you, Speaker Jarbos. I appreciate your honesty. Do you have any security issues we can help you with before we continue on our way?" Piett pressed.
"There has been no sight of pirates, or worse, Rebels, not so far away from anything important in the Core." The Speaker was quick to deny it.
Piett cut off the connection and shook his head. The way that the poor creature was terrified of meeting an Imperial, even if they were from a hopefully a very different Empire, was telling. That said, at this time, Firmus lacked the context to make a proper judgment about anything happening in this strange reflection of reality.
"Comms, have our battle-group commanders contact the various freighter captains in the system and request information for Cal-Seti's current status. We'll make a pass at one light-minute distance from Galantos while scanning the planet from long range just in case. By then, the scouts should have located our way forward."
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7 ABY/ 4 IC (Imperial Calendar)
NRS Home One
High orbit above Coruscant
After exhausting days of managing relief efforts, and holding speeches imploring people to send aid to Coruscant, Leia felt dead on her feet. Yet, before she could afford a few hours of dubious rest, she had one more thing to do. Leia had to endure an intelligence briefing about the current state of the galaxy.
There was no putting it off for later. That was primary because Mon would be attending it as well. Afterward, Mothma would leave back to the current New Republic capital of Chandrila. It was primarily thanks to Mon's efforts, and the generous aid from her people, that Coruscant wasn't starving during these dark delays.
It didn't help that antagonizing General Madine by disregarding his efforts, would be highly unwise at the best of times. The man had a typical Corellian temper, which was dangerous even when tempered by his infamous self-control.
When the General finally graced them with his presence, Mon was busy sipping tea and giving Leia a look of commiseration.
"Ladies," The General saluted and watched intently how Mon rolled her eyes at him.
"Crix, stop with the theatrics and brief us. We all can use a bit of rest before having to deal with the next disaster." The de-facto leader of the New Republic chided.
"I'll start with the bad news first then. We're fairly confident that we know where that piece of work Isard is going to be. As soon as she finishes repairs to her SSD, and gathers escorts along with ground forces, she'll be striking at Thyferra. After all, things the Imperial Warlords broke in their temper-tantrums," Madine growled at that, "Thyferra is now the primary supplier of Bacta to the whole galaxy. If Isard captures it, she'll practically control the Bacta. And if she releases her damn virus on alien-dominated worlds, she'll be able to dictate terms. The aliens would either fall in line behind her or die horribly."
"Options? While we're still gaining strength, confrontations with Imperial Warlords at their terms is going to be a terrible idea, won't it?" Mon asked.
"We're still more of an irregular force than anything else. We lack the numbers for slugging matches against the Empire. That won't change until we have sources of more trained personnel, more capital ships, and even more fighters and bombers. I can't stress this hard enough – between our actions and the Imperial Civil War, we killed most of the incompetent Imperial commanders. Those who are left are not only the survivors but the Admirals, and Moffs who know what they're doing. The days of taking on Star Destroyers with a handful of snub-fighters, and winning handily, are coming to an end. I've got reports that more, and more of the Warlords are deploying their forces in proper battle groups, with all the escorts they can get their hands on. Others, like Zsinj, and worse, Kaine, are looking into converting hulls into carriers to mitigate our advantages."
"I see your point. That is one of the practical reasons why we need to win the loyalty of Coruscant's population, not just hold the planet. There are huge industrial zones we can put to good use, and the planet offers a nearly bottomless source of manpower!" Leia declared. "As long as we can persuade most people that we are better than the Empire, and that shouldn't be hard after Isard's crimes against them!"
"I am afraid that you're being too optimistic, Princes." It was Madine's turn to chide someone. "As Imperial Center, Coruscant, its population, and power brokers profited mightily by the New Order. Bringing them to our side for good? That would take much effort, and a lot more Imperial crimes against them, I fear."
"We will have to do our best. As for the Imperials? Sometimes, the bastards have been our best allies through their unspeakable actions." Mothma pragmatically pointed out. "Still, everyone knows who our Leia is. She is a symbol, and if anyone could win Coruscant's people to our side, it's you." Mon nodded at her. "What are we going to do about Isard?"
"Officially?" Madine raised an eyebrow.
Mothma closed her eyes and groaned. "Zsinj is the greater threat right now. If he manages to defeat, or worse, entice to his side the small cabal of Warlords he's facing, Zsinj'll become the most dangerous Imperial out there. We have to prevent him from consolidating his position, otherwise, he'll have more than enough assets to overrun our positions and drive us back into hiding. If that happens, it would be a blow the New Republic might not recover from."
"Unofficially then. I suggest we "retire" Rogue Squadron. They will resign in protest at not focusing on Isard after what she did in this system, then go wage their war against her. At the least, their efforts, alongside whatever covert aid we could afford, would slow the bitch down."
"You're one cold-blooded bastard, and you know that Crix, don't you?" Mon looked at the Intelligence chief in disapproval.
"I am what I am, and you're glad I'm working for you. Do I have the authorization to proceed?" Madine asked.
"Yes, damn you, and your silver tongue!" Mon grumbled.
Leia raised a demure eyebrow at the exchange. If she didn't know better, she would just conclude that there was something intimate between those two.
"What about you, Princess? Do you approve?" Madine asked.
"On principle? Not really. In practice?" Leia glared at the General. "No one should be able to get away with poisoning a whole planet. We should be doing everything we have to bring Isard to justice."
"Good enough. Next, Kaine. His Pentastar Aliment, or whatever he calls his goons these days, continues to consolidate and slowly expand. At this time, they aren't a strategic threat. There are too many warlords between him and us to worry too much. However, he is as competent, cold-blooded, and a true believer in the New Order. Given the time and opportunity, he can turn his corner of the galaxy into a functional mini Empire with the population loyal to him. More interestingly, I've heard rumors that Kaine has found something interesting at the edge of the former Unknown Regions. For good, or ill, he might be the first to figure out what happened over there during that ridiculous light show."
"That is a concern. Do we have any options?" Mon demanded.
"Have words with that Bothan busybody you're so fond of. His agents might have more up-to-date information about what Kaine's up to. Now, on more local matters. An agent of ours stuck at Galantos made contact. Fortunately, no one has bothered to compromise the Holonet in that part of the Core, if for no other reason, because there isn't anything that important left." Madine paused to take a breath. "But I digress. An Imperial battle group made an appearance there – three Star Destroyers with escorts. They're part of a new faction in the Civil War, calling itself the Federated Empire of all things. As of five hours ago, they've left towards Cal-Seti. The way I see it, there are three realistic options for their goals. They're either trying to make contact with Imperial factions into the Core Proper or are heading this way. In that case, they will likely try to test our hold on Coruscant and disrupt our supply efforts."
"That's two options." Leia pointed out.
"I'm trying to follow your lead and be an optimist, Princess! They might have finally seen the light and be on their way to surrender, or defect to our side." Madine gave her a roguish grin that painfully reminded Leia of Han.
Thinking about her scoundrel, she wondered where he was, and what shenanigans he was up to right now? She shook her tired head and forced herself to focus on this latest issue.
"No matter their intent, we can't afford to let Imperials disrupt our efforts here. People are dying despite our best efforts. If they're disrupted, even more people die needlessly!"
"General?" Mothma demanded an answer.
"We can't let such a force run free behind us! If they're hostile, it would be for the best if we deny them the option to either harm us or join our enemies. I recommend we pull back some of our reserve forces and confront them before they reach either Coruscant or Ruan." Madine concluded.
"Make it so," Mothma ordered.
=FG=
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