A/N: Hello readers! Yes, I know it's been a while since I updated this story. But for various reasons I am back at writing it. So stay tuned for what I have planned in the future.

In just a few minutes after leaving my office my officers and I arrived on the bridge of the Aegis.

Once we did the four of us headed straight for the main holotank, and upon reaching it I used the terminal to activate it. As well as send out comm requests to the bridges of the other two ships under my command.

Which are both Imperial-I class Star Destroyers. So named Carnage and Torment respectively.

And just for the record I did not select the name of the two ships. Nor did anyone currently under my command. No, the people in need of thanks for deriving the names of those two vessels are firmly cogs in the machine that is Imperial bureaucracy.

Which is why I am so thankful I was able to name my own flagship.

Moving on.

Immediately after I sent the comm requests to Carnage and Torment using the holotank they were answered.

Then a few seconds after they were two holographic images, one of each ship's respective captains, appeared above the holotank.

The first holoimage that appeared was of a man. His height is 1.78 meters. He is 49 years old, sports a dark skin tone, brown hair, with a full beard, and one dark-brown eye. Which is his left. While his right eye is a cybernetic one. On full display without any cosmetic features to hide or draw away from it.

The name of this man is Zeibbik Brintors.

The captain of the Carnage, and like numerous other elder members within the Imperial military a veteran of the Clone Wars.

The second holoimage that appeared was of a woman. Her height is 1.73 meters. She is 29 years old with jet-black hair, in the form of a bob-cut, and matching jet-black eyes.

The name of this woman is Shralys Morest.

The captain of the Torment.

After both Zeibbik and Shralys projections appeared over the tank they saluted me and my officers.

Once they did we returned the salute.

All the while ignoring the whispers of those officers currently on duty on the Aegis bridge.

For their curiosity about this situation is about to be addressed.

"So, it's time." Zeibbik simply stated.

Referring to the fact I'm about to disclose the Imperial loss of the Battle of Endor, and the deaths of Vader and Sidious, well really just Vader for now, to all personnel aboard all three ships.

Since I disclosed the details of what I had learned in regards to Endor to both Zeibbik and Shralys before even informing my own officers earlier, right after I received the communication.

"Yes. It is Captain Brintors." I replied. I then looked in the direction of the current comms officer on duty. "Lieutenant, give me a ship-wide open channel to the Aegis, Carnage, and Torment." I commanded.

"Right away colonel." The lieutenant quickly replied.

Then a minute later I had what I needed.

"My fellow soldiers." I began. "This is your overall commander, High Colonel Treize Khushrenada speaking. I am doing so because a few hours ago I received a highly important and priority message from Imperial Central. Which informed me that our forces at Endor were defeated. To make matters worse we suffered heavy casualties, including the destruction of the second Death Star. But the most devastating news I received in the message is that included in the lives of our personnel lost at Endor was our leader Emperor Palpitine, as well as Supreme Commander Vader." I explained.

An eerie silence, along with high tension, settling in over the Aegis bridge as soon as I finished speaking.

I'm assuming it's the same across the rest of the ship, as well as the Carnage and Torment as well.

"I know this news is a lot for many of you to process. In that regard you are not alone. As your commander I feel the same. I know things are uncertain at the moment. But even so, we cannot let that prevent us from fulfilling our duties. Not only to the Imperial citizens we chose to take up arms to protect, but also to the Empire itself. Which still remains. And if we let it be destroyed, if we allow our loss to dissuade us from our duties in guarding what still remains, then the lives of all those lost will amount to nothing. Which I will not let happen. No, I cannot let it happen. For I stand for the Empire ideals. Like I believe all of you do as well."

"We do sir." One of the officers on the bridge proclaimed.

"Long live the Empire!" Another shouted.

"Long live the Empire! Long live the Empire! Long live the Empire!..."

Which began a chain reaction of everyone on the bridge beginning to chant the same phrase with both passion and conviction.

Bringing a smile to my face.

As this happened I turned my attention back to my senior officers. For I had said all I needed to do the rank and file.

"As always colonel you have a way with words." Shralys spoke. "For ever since I took command of the Torment I have never once had my bridge this lively."

"The same can be said for me." Zeibbik added. "Why I haven't heard soldiers so riled up since my days in the Clone Wars." He explained. Zeibbik then got a nostalgic look on his face."I never realized how much I missed this sound."

"You're welcome then." I replied. I then put a serious expression on my face. "But put everything else aside for the moment I want all final checks completed on all ships within the hour. Once that is done we will depart for Imperial Central immediately. Also, begin deploying security personnel in full force. For until we reach Imperial Central we will be under wartime protocols." I spoke. Since given the current situation in regards to the Imperial command structure I didn't want anyone getting any ideas in regards to either mutiny or defection. For I will not tolerate such things on ships under my command. "Any questions or suggestions?"

No one spoke a word.

"Good. Then see it done. Meeting adjourned." I said.

I then had the comms officer cut the connection to both Carnage and Torment, and end the ship-wide open comm channel.

After which I made my way back to my office, my officers already on the move implementing my orders as I left the bridge.

Entering my office I returned to my seat behind my desk.

I then leaned back in it.

My mind filling with thoughts of what I knew was to come.

"And so it finally begins." I muttered.

So it begins...

Standing on the Aegis bridge I kept my eyes, and body, firmly faced forward, towards the viewport.

Ready and waiting to issue any commands if needed.

Since we were about to emerge from hyperspace. But we had no idea what to expect.

For although my flotilla has not encountered any adversary of any kind, be they rebel forces, pirates, and those that have turned their back on the empire and struck out on their own, since we departed from Sluis Van a week ago it would be foolish, and quite arrogant of me, to let my guard down.

Especially since I've been trying to contact anyone I can think of on Imperial Central for the past week and have gotten no response whatsoever. Its been total radio silence ever since Endor occurred and I received my orders for me and my forces to return from the ISB Central Office.

Who is also not responding.

No matter if I use regular Imperial communication channels or the specialized ISB ones.

I've got nothing.

Which is why the wartime protocols I had instructed my highest ranking officers to initiate a week ago are still in effect.

For again, I will not allow myself to be caught off guard.

Not when the time has finally come for me to begin enacting the various plans I've been setting up and working on for years.

Oh no.

As my mind began going over those ideas, like it had been largely during the past week, I was build out of my mental musings as my flotilla finally exited hyperspace on the next leg of our journey to Coruscant.

The Yag'Dhul system of the Inner Rim.

Meaning we have finally completed our leg of the journey using the Rimma Trade Route hyperspace lane. So now all that is left for us to do is jump on the Corellian Trade Spine, then make a quick turn into the Corellian Run, and then we'll finally be at Coruscant.

Though I do wish I knew I had a better understanding of its current status to better prepare not only myself but my people as well. But what can you do?

Mentally shrugging I prepared to order Melec to immediately begin having all ships prepare to make our next jump to hyperspace.

Only to stop when one of the sensor operators spoke up.

"Colonel Khushrenada, captain Somi, our long range scans just picked up several ships heading in our direction." They quickly spoke.

"Raise deflector shields, establish communication links with Carnage and Torment, prime weapons, inform the fighter wing to be on stand-by, and take the entire ship to battle ready alert status." Melec quickly and succinctly ordered.

For as I stated before, although I am in overall command of this small force of ships, when it comes to running the Aegis smaller operations Melec is the one in charge.

Allowing her to issue commands, which would put the Aegis in a position to do battle if needed, I walked over to one of the holotanks and activated it.

I then used the tanks terminal to sync it with the ships computers, specifically relating to the data our sensors and scans were getting of ships heading in our direction.

A few seconds after I did this several holographic images appeared over the holotank.

Images depicting Imperial ships.

But at the moment that means hardly anything.

"Colonel, captain, incoming communications signal from our fellow Imperial vessels coming in." The current comms officer on duty suddenly spoke.

"Batch it through to the holotank I'm using." I spoke. "Captain Somi." I said.

Not needing to say another word.

Since Melec joined me at my side like I wanted.

Then a second after she did two holographic images appeared next to the tactical display I currently had running on the holotank.

The images themselves being of two men I was familiar with.

The first was of a man named Adye Prittick. An admiral in the Imperial Navy. Who is known for many instances of indecision and hesitation.

To put simply he's what many refer to as a "joke admiral" within the Imperial Forces.

He's nothing compared to the second man currently standing, in holographic, form before me. No, this man is a real soldier, as well as one of the only reasonable Imperial around. Who like me cares for his men, and the Empire as an ideal in and of itself. Meaning he's willing to allow for it to change. Which is why it's no wonder he became an integral part of founding the Imperial Remnant that appeared in the original timeline.

And if you're wondering of whom I speak I think the answer should be obvious. Even so I still tell you.

The man I'm referring to is none other than Gilad Pellaeon.

One of the most iconic characters in the Stars Wars franchise, for those who know the true canon, and a man who will help shape the fate of the galaxy for close to the next five decades.

"Imperials, identify yourself." Admiral Prittick spoke.

"Greetings admiral and captain, I am high colonel Treize Khushrenada. Overall commander of this small force." I spoke. I then gave a salute.
Which both Prittick and Pellaeon returned.

"High Colonel Khushrenada, tell me, what are doing in this system?" Prittick questioned.

"A week ago I received orders from my superior on Imperial Central to return there, after our forces major losses at Endor, so that my forces could help bolster the capital worlds defenses." I explained.

Intentionally leaving out the fact that I'm a member of the Imperial Security Bureau.

For when many people of the Empire see us coming they tend to run the other away.

A scenario I do not need right now.

At the mention of Endor I saw both Prittick and Pellaeon faces tense up for a quick second. But almost as soon as their twitches arrived they disappeared.

"I see." Prittick spoke. "Well it seems you and your people arrived at just the right time colonel. My forces were just about to make they're return run to Imperial Central as well. So why don't we all travel there together."

"Of course admiral." I replied.

Seeing there isn't really thing else I can say at the moment. Given Prittick forces outnumber my own 2 to 1.

There is no reason to antagonize this man.

Besides, traveling with them will give me more of a reason to commune with Captain Pellaeon in the future.

For he is one of numerous Imperial's I would enjoy having at my side as I reformed the Empire.

After I gave my reply to Prittick he cut off the transmission between the Aegis and his own.

A few seconds later Pellaeon followed the admiral's lead.

Once he did I integrated my ships into their formation. Then soon all of us made the jump to hyperspace.

In the final stretch to Coruscant.

39.3.14 GrS
Corsuca Sector, Coruscant Sector, Coruscant System

As our ships dropped out of hyperspace I found myself marveling at Coruscant.

Despite the fact I have seen it many times now since being reborn in this universe all those years ago. Especially since it is my home planet.

Yes, that is correct. When I was reborn in this world the planet I happened to reincarnate on was none other than Coruscant itself.

Though I wasn't born to an upper-class family. No, I was born in the lower levels and spent my youth growing up in one of the numerous COMPOR orphanages set up by the Empire, until I became old enough to attend the Imperial Academy.

For in this universe I have no idea who my parents are.

A fact which I came to terms with several years ago.

Anyway.

I immediately stopped marveling at Coruscant, once I noticed the fact there was hardly any space traffic moving to or from its surface. Not to mention all the Imperial ships and space defense stations circling it in a protective cocoon.

'Now I understand why no one responded to my communication attempts.' I thought.

For it seems just like me, with my own forces, someone on Imperial Central had made the wise decision to lock the planet down to prevent any unwanted chaos or concerns.

As for who that was, well I have a few ideas but until I get more information I can't say for sure.

Though my instincts are telling me the person who is responsible for what I'm currently witnessing is one of my future competitors in regards to leading the Empire.

Which reminds me, I need to make sure they get taken off the board sooner rather than later.

Because I do not need nor want to deal with the problems they will create. Either for me personally or the Empire as a whole.

"It's a complete planetary blockade." Melec muttered.

"An appropriate response, given what has happened over the past few weeks I think." I spoke.

Right after I did the comms officer on duty spoke to me. "Colonel, a small fleet of ships from the blockade are converging on our position. They are demanding we power down everything but non-essential systems and then wait for further instructions." They explained.

"See it done." I ordered. "And relay those same orders to both the Carnage and Torment."

After all now that we've finally reached the proverbial gate I don't want to not be allowed entry due to some easily avoidable mishap.

Quickly responding to my orders Melec relayed my orders to both captain Zeibbik and Shralys, meanwhile the rest of my ships crew did as instructed by our fellow Imperial's converging on our position.

So when they arrived in range they did not target us.

No instead they began targeting the ships commanded by Admiral Prittick.

Save for the Chimeara.
Telling me even more that I should work on bringing Pellaeon around to my way of thinking.

"What is Admiral Prittick doing?!" Melec exclaimed.

"He's likely allowing his ego to cloud his judgement." I spoke. "Well if he gets himself and those serving under him killed he'll have no one to blame but himself." I said.
Though that didn't happen.

None of the ships under Prittick's command were shot at or attacked in any way.

But the man did waste 20 minutes dragging out a simple and easy process.

Again, all likely due to his own ego.

Truly distasteful.

Once Prittick finished throwing his little tantrum our small force was summarily processed. We were then allowed to approach Coruscant itself. But after nearing its orbit all ships were then systemically boarded and searched by companies of Stormtroopers.

Which only makes sense.

Because again, the overall leader of the Empire, the man who kept it together for over two decades, even if it was to satisfy his own power hungry urges and God complex, Palpitine is effectively dead to only a small number of sentient beings in the entire galaxy. Having no idea, unlike yours truly, his ghostly essence, spirit, whatever you wish to designate it, is now residing in one of the numerous clones he prepared for this exact scenario. Where he will bide his time and consolidate his power once more before making his presence once again known to the galaxy at large.

Hopefully still in over half a decades time like in the original timeline of events that was described back in my previous life.
But back to the main point.

If those securing Coruscant weren't taking such procedures now out of all times then I would think the Empire might truly be doomed. So I'm glad they didn't disappoint me.

Over three hours went by before the ship inspections were complete.

Immediately after they were I received a message from director Sollaine to directly report to the ISB Central Office on the surface.

Once I did I immediately went to inform my senior officers of this development.

"I'll arrange a protective detail for you immediately." Rix spoke, right after I did.

"As always lieutenant colonel Horne your efforts are appreciated." I replied.

I then waited for my security detail to be arranged.

Right after it was we headed down to the Aegis docking bay and then entered a Lambda-class shuttle to make our descent towards "the most wretched hive of scum and villainy in the known galaxy" to quote a certain man.

For that is an apt description of Coruscant. Especially with the Empire occupying it and using it as its capital for the past 20 odd years.

Our former emperor really was a sadistic voyeur.

He loved to watch those with high status upon Coruscant tear each other apart, while he simply sat back in his throne. Either stirring shit up himself for amusement or capitalizing on the weaknesses of the infighting within the ranks of the Empire.

So I'll give the man that he was a cunning bastard.

In no time at all my shuttle reached a landing pad on the surface operated directly by the Security Bureau.

Once it did my security detail headed out first and began sweeping the area, and preparing a perimeter for me.

When they finished accomplishing this I was escorted outside.

Where I began marveling at how quiet it was.

Usually Coruscant is filled with sounds. Whether from the traffic of space and speeder craft, to the people of all levels who call this world home.

Yet for the first time in my entire life, since coming to this world, I was experiencing a Coruscant I had never encountered.

It's quite refreshing.

Taking in the silence I began walking, my security detail stepping in line with me.

That is until we reached the ISB Central Office.

Once we did I ordered them to wait outside and then headed through the front entrance by myself.

Immediately after I did my entire body was scanned.

Then a few moments after the scan concluded an old acquaintance appeared before me.

My mentor, Colonel Wullf Yularen.

"Colonel Yularen. Good to see you are still in one piece." I said.

"You as well colonel Treize. And it's lieutenant general Yularen as of a couple of weeks ago." Wullf explained to me.

"I see. Well congratulations on the promotion. If anyone deserved it you did sir." I spoke.

"Thank you colonel. But enough pleasantry. Follow me. Director Sollaine is eager to meet with you." He spoke.

"Of course." I replied.

I then began following Yularen through the halls of the ISB Central Office.

Surprise!
Wullf Yularen is alive and well. How you ask? Treize influence obviously. But if you want details then you must keep reading the story.