Everything and everyone was ready; soldier, vehicle, equipment. They were all waiting for only the signal to join their comrades on the planet to repulse the Rebel invasion and surpress the local insurgence. And out of nowhere, in the very last moment the plan was canceled.
Not long after this, the stand by was lifted as well. Of course, no one knew what was going on, even the commanders learned it later.
Earlier
An entire week has passed since the day of the surprise Rebel assault on Rodia. After Colonel Liiton marched into Iskaayuma, more and more Imperial units followed in the upcoming days, until almost ten thousand of Palpatine's soldiers were in the capital. In this jungle of buildings and labyrinth of canals however they were suffering heavy losses and fighting didn't subside at all.
The situation was further complicated by that basically everyone was fighting everyone; the Imperial forces and the pro-Empire Rodians against the outer and local Rebels and part of the Rodian militia, the Rebels against the Imperials, and the local militia against both the Rebels and the Imperials.
The armed forces of Manilawa's government were fragmented, some of them defected, others stayed loyal to the new Grand Protector. During this time, Manilawa wasn't idle politically either. He gave free hand to the press, released political prisoners and ceased the activity of the secret police.
For days, people were waiting for him heatedly to choose a side. Previously, he was against any armed conflict and seeked a peaceful solution, but over time his opinion began to change. The fact that he told General Polson to leave Rodia with his Rebels and even deployed his troops against both him and the Imperials was telltale alone, but on this day, he took a crucial step. He declared that the fight of the people against both invaders was not the mutiny of a renegade mob, but a popular uprising.
It was quite late in the night and he was in his office, when he heard a knock on the door. „Enter."
It was his secretary coming in, visibly excitedly. „Sir, you have an incoming call. Jt's General Derdan."
This surprised Manilawa very much. What does Rodia's Imperial military commander want? „Thank you Chanim. You may leave."
As soon as he was left alone, he turned on the holo projector on his desk and a few moments later, the glowing figure of the old, mustached soldier appeared.
„General. What made you to contact me at this late hour?"
„I came to negotiate Grand Protector. I talked with the High Command earlier. This bloodshed doesn't serve the Rodian people. If you guarantee that you remove the Rebels, we are ready to pull out of the cities."
It was true that the populance was suffering, but Manilawa knew that the Empire was asking for this because of the serious, unexpected casualties they were facing.
„I must amit, you have made a wise decision General. I have never asked the Rebels to come here, I do not consider them as allies. It will be done. However me and my cabinet have another clause too."
„And that would be?"
„We want the withdrawal of all Imperial forces from this planet as well. Rodia is not the Empire's enemy, and we can secure its safety and stability with our own armed bodies. The Empire wants safety, but people can not feel safe if there is constantly a blade on their throats. I assume, you can understand that." said the Rodian politician.
The general was silent and seemingly hesitant for the friction of a second but then he was rather willing, much to Manilawa's surprise. „Sure. I will contact my superiors. That's beyond my authority, but I would say, it is possible. A delegation will arrive to you in the morning."
„We will be waiting for them. Thank you General." And with that the call ended. Right after this conversation, Manilawa contacted Polson to demand the going of him and his Rebels. It was almost shocking for him how well things were going. Polson, despite being one of the most fanatical Rebel, partly fulfilled the request. He agreed to pull out of the settlements, and concentrate his army at three different points near Iskaayuma, Equator City and Waliyoo. A chance to take a break came in handy, not everything was going according to his plans, just like in the case of their adversaries and he was losing way more of his men than he thought. Not to mention that he lost his blockade and outside of the transporters, he was left without any naval support. Yet, he didn't make preparations for leaving Rodia.
In Iskaayuma the cease-fire came like a miracle. The sides were battling each other in many other cities too, but the capital was hit the worst. Debris filled the streets, many buildings were damaged more or less, and the bodies of the fallen needed to be taken away.
In the forenoon the Grand Protector's face appeared on the intact news screens around the city to adress his people. „Fellow rodians! It is time for me to inform you about the recent turn of events. In order to stop the shed of the blood of all the species who call this planet their home, and to ensure the unfolding of peace, Rodia's government announces an immediate and general cease-fire. All armed forces have been ordered to fire only if they are attacked. Negotiations are underway with both the Imperial and Rebel forces about their withdrawal from our native planet. Those who fought against the government shall not fear; the leadership gives full amnesty to those who lay down and hand over their arms by 21:00 p.m. We want peace, not retaliation. Those who stood with us and fought for the freedom their home now have the opportunity to apply to be a member of the newly formed, provisional „planetary guard". I promise you all that we are going to enact the reforms needed for a free, stabile, justiceful and happy Rodia. Long live the rejuvenation! Long live our home! Long live Rodia!"
His announcement was greeted with bursting joy. People were celebrating all over the streets, hugging and singing, especially when they saw the rows of Imperial tanks and troop transporters heading out of the city.
„Get out of here! Long live free Rodia!" some yelled at them.
„They're going, they're really going away!" joyed others as the Emperor's army was leaving them behind after long days of hard, ineffectual fighting.
The Imperialist citizens found it better to stay at home, but from their windows they were watching with reliefe as the Rebels were also pulling up stakes the same time.
Due to the mentioned political events, everything changed. Local rodians and humans joined the new planetary guard with a law enforcement role, authorized to bear arms and take action if needed. The Rodian militia and police were now their ally, their officers played an important role in training, organizing and strengthening descipline. The situation was still very fragile; the Imperial army was still in its camps, and the fleet was still over their heads. Despite of this, things seemed to take a positive turn.
It was only the next day however when a serious, decisive incident happened. Because of certain news, people got suspicious that the headquarter of the dissolved secret police was still occupied by members of this infamous and hated organization, with a large number of prisoners in its underground prison cells.
Around noon, a crowd began gathering in front of the building. When they saw signs of movement inside but found the door closed, they grew even angrier, shouting loudly, demanding to let them in.
That was when a shot sounded from an upper window and a guard member fell on the ground. „For the Empire!" shouted someone inside and numerous other blasters were fired. The people down on the square began running as fast as they could to take cover. The members of the planetary guard who were present returned fire from behind corners and other hide-outs. Reinforcement soon arrived and the siege has began.
An hour later a speeder came with a heavy machine gun mounted on its back. With blatant rumbling it sent multiple shots into the headquarter, effectively sealing its fate. The building was stormed by the angry mob that grew even bigger after people heard about the engagement. As it turned out, there were indeed secret police members in there and they were now facing the Infinite fury of the people who were letting out years of fear and frustration.
Many were shot on sight, others were not so lucky. They were dragged out of the building and practically linched, beaten to death then dragged all around the place by their feet, tied after speeders.
If nothing else, this gave the Empire a reason to urge what they were planning to do anyway...
X
Marcus was letting the hot water flow down his body as he was standing in the shower of his quarters. He was frustrated just like everyone else. Did they really destroy the enemy blockade and faced near death for nothing? Why is this weak step? People who fought and killed soldiers of the Empire were walking around down there unbothered. He fisted the wet wall in anger. They are being treatrd like equals, a legal authority and not like what they are: criminals.
He was still high on adrenaline, but chose to hit the bed to have some sleep, a soldier can never know when will be the next time he can afford that luxury. For a while he was lying on his back with open eyes. And during this time he kept thinking about Lena. It's been a while they could meet each other, interacting frequently probably would have raised suspicion in others. Mersalli was the only one who joked with him on this once, but even if he was serious, Marcus trusted his old friend with his life that he's not going to mention it again or dig deeper.
The young captain then decided to look for her later, he thought that enough time passed. He wanted to check on her, even if he looked through the list of the fallen and wounded after the battle and luckily she wasn't on either of them. Knowing her, he doubted that she has been shaken mentally at all but who knows.
Eventually, he's got at least a few hours of sleep. It didn't last for long, but was still refreshing. Dressing up, he headed out of his accomodation, walking through the long corridors of the Sovereign. He still had a bit of time, his service started only a couple of hours later. Both he he and Mersalli were having free time, Dargan was the commander on duty until then. Knowing his first-officer/best friend, he was probably in the cantina.
After a while, he passed by the shooting practice room, and behind the strengthened, blasterproof glass, he finally noticed a familiar, slim female figure on her own. Lena was firing her SE-14r service pistol at a human shaped target, hitting it one after another on its chest and head, not missing a single shot.
„I wouldn't be in the place of those rats." he said, entering the room.
Lena turned around and allowed herself a moderate smile. „The barrel jerks up a bit more than it should. I needed to get used to it." she said, putting the weapon back into its holster, hanging from her waist belt.
„You did get used to it as I see."
„What? Did you expect anything less?" she smirked, approaching him slowly. „I practiced a bit with this little one too." she said, pointing at an E-11 rifle on the nearby stand. „Quite a nice piece."
„I wanted to ask if you are okay, but I think I already got an answer." he said. „The same energy as always."
„Well, I didn't say, my heart didn't jump almost jump out of my chest. But in general yeah I'm alright. Really, what happened exactly?"
„That madman on the Rebel cruiser thought he was a Reek or something. He wanted to ram us."
„Hm. Okay, that was actually a good last attempt. If I was him, I would have done it at lightspeed."
„I don't think their hyperdrive was operational by that time. You should have seen it, that ship looked like sponge. A flaming sponge." he grinned.
„Ha ha! You know, I'm kind of a pyromaniac myself too. Luckily there are people around we can live it out on."
„People... I'd rather use the term „trash"". said Marcus. „And what's a better solution for bio trash than burning it to ashes and scattering it in space?"
„I'd say that's just perfect." replied Lena. „And? What now?"
„I would really like to know that. We were told to wait. The last thing I heard was that they started negotiating with the putschists. A foolish thing if you ask me."
„It is. And i'm convinced they won't get away with this that easily. Plus, there's an even filthier scum down there as well." said Lena, referring to Polson's rebels.
„Don't tell me. Guess we need to wait for the big brains to make a decision." shrugged Marcus.
„Ehh. I had to realize I don't take this kind of waiting well..."
„What would you do if you wouldn't be here now?"
„Preferably..." said Lena while pushing a button on the wall, activating the shading of the glass wall, blocking the view from outside. „I'd request a leave, find some warm resort planet, check in to a comfortable inn, take an hour long shower and a sleep. Then would come swimming in a lake, sunbathing etc. Zeltros for example."
„Mind if I join you? Sounds alluring." smiled Marcus, crossing his arms.
„Hmm, we can talk about it." said Lena flirtingly, snaking her arms around his neck. „But only if you promise to be careful with Zeltron women. They are said to be very... tempting."
„Well, while it's true that they usually look very good..." teased Marcus, earning a faked killer look from the female colonel. „I guess I can withstand." he laughed, placing his hands on either side of her hips.
„And I guess I'd rather choose Murkhana." rolled Lena her narrow eyes. „So? During the next leave?"
„Murkhana then."nodded Marcus.
„Captain requested on bridge, captain requested on bridge." sounded Dargan's voice from the loudspeaker.
„They always find the best moments..." groumbled Marcus. „Wonder what they figured out this ti..." Before he could finish, Lena silenced him with a deep, long kiss.
„Here. Hopefully this will last for a bit." she grinned.
„I hope so. It's hard to be without it." smiled back the Sovereign's commander once more then headed to the bridge of his warship where they were waiting for him.
Lena on her part returned to the various blasters, shooting more targets to pieces.
„What is it Dargan?" asked Marcus as he entered the bridge.
„Someone would like to talk with you Sir." said the gunnery-officer. „Here." she said, escorting him into the communication room behind the bridge. Inside he found a well dressed Rodian man in the company of two stormtroopers.
„Come to talk in the name of the new government?" asked Marcus sterilely.
„On the contrary Sir. I am Ochari Amano, Minister of the Interior of Mirodan Chattza, the rightful Grand Protector of Rodia, faithful supporter of the Empire." explained the alien man.
„I see." said Marcus interested , switching to a much friendlier tone when he learned he's talking with a committed subject of the Emperor. „How did you manage to get here?"
„I kept hiding for days in cellars, attics and secret recesses of loyal Imperial citizens. Today I learned that the Rebel blockade was destroyed and finally found someone who agreed to fly me here with his private ship."
„Whoever he is, make sure to reward him generously along with those who kept you safe."
„I already promised them 60.000 credits per capita from my own fortune." said Amano. „But to get to the point: I need your help Sir. I have to talk to your superiors to inform them about the situation on the planet."
„Say no more Minister. I'll arrange a meeting as soon as possible." stated Marcus firmly. Within a couple of hours, General Derdan arrived from the planet, followed by Captain Lauris from the Conqueror. Along them there were the chief naval and army officers from both Destroyers, including Lena. They wanted to avoid long distance communication as much as possible; they knew the Rebels were probably trying to intercept their broadcasts. There was only one holo figure in the room: Moff Wilton Selmar, governor of the Savareen Sector.
The participants all sat around the huge, round, black table. „Now that everyone is here, we are listening to you with interest Minister." said the Moff. „How serious is it on Rodia?"
„Very much Sir." began Amano. „The planet is still endangered by the invading Rebel army and our inner enemies are intrigueing too. The lawful Grand Protector is inprisoned and expressing any loyalty to the Empire is extremly dangerous for our citizens."
„What would you say about Oreno Manilawa's government?"
Amano was silent for a while; he needed to think carefully about what to say. He wanted to get back into power but he also wanted to avoid being seen by the people as an invader. If the Empire arrives as an aggressor, everything can backfire horribly. „It means no danger for the Empire's integrity." he stated finally. „Though I also have to say that his politics contains... defiant elements." he added.
„Are there any signs of him cooperating with the Rebels?"
„Directly not. But instead of deploying all of his forces against them, he fought both them and the Imperial army. I'm afraid there is a risk of him running a maverick way within the Empire."
„What are your proposals for this problem?" asked Selmar. „You may request anything that is necessary. I assume you that the only question is how firmly should we step up. I spoke with Emperor Palpatine yesterday. And he gave us free hand to take any steps in order to restore law and order. So? Did Manilawa fling away the Empire's tolerance?"
All eyes in the room were fixed on the Rodian. „I absolutely do not suggest an armed intervention Moff, that would irreparably destroy our reputation in the eyes of the people. I believe that putting enough pressure on them will break them enough to hand back power to us."
„With your permission Moff, I disagree." interrupted someone suddenly. It was none other than Lena.
„Yes? Would you express your concerns to us Colonel?" enquired Selmar.
„Resistance, rebellion, defiance and „maverick" ways are concepts that shall not be allowed to persist. In fact, they shall be uprooted and eradicated without mercy." explained Lena. „If we soften up toward them we will start an inevitable chain reaction and other worlds will follow Rodia's example. What we have to do is clenching our fist around their neck and strike down as hammer. That is the only way we can keep all star systems in line and keep up the status quo."
„I agree with Colonel Barani's opinion Governor." added Marcus from the other side of the table. „There is already the threat from the Rebel Alliance. Loosening our grip on Imperial worlds is something we can not afford. Not to mention that Imperial citizens are endangered down there." he said, sharing a telling look with Lena across the table.
That was when General Derdan's communicator began beeping and flashing. „Incoming call from Colonel Liiton from Rodia everyone." he said putting through his subordinate who appeared in the middle of the table. „Yes Colonel?"
„You should see this Sir. It came from our spies in Iskaayuma. And without any further comments he played a holo recording, showing everything that happened at the secret police's headquarter in the capital; the siege, the murders, the desecrated corpses, the atrocities, the destruction of Imperial files, documents, symbols and objects.
For a minute there was deep silence in the room before Selmar spoke again. „Well Minister? Your opinion now?"
Amano sighed mentally. „I can not argue with what we saw Moff. The Manilawa administration committed treason and the risk of open rebellion and secession is high on Rodia."
„You may return to your duties." dismissed Selmar the session. „I consult with the supreme leadership for a final approval. Captain Rienar and Lauris. Stay close, I'll need you soon to inform you about the decision."
The room was cleared, with only Derdan staying inside with a holo Selmar.
„There is no other way we can act." said Marcus to Mersalli who arrived in mean time. „You should have seen it Zeck. Barbarians..." he hissed angrily.
Not long after this, Derdan came out. „Come in gentlemen." he said and Marcus entered the room again together with Lauris.
Right in the moment the door closed behind them, he stumbled, seeing the newly appeared hologram. The visitor's upper body was glowing above the table, towering over the officers present. His pupils dilated, his feet felt like lead, the beating of his heart accelerated and he felt the artery behind his ears throbbing wildly. Finding a tiny fraction of composure, he performed the deepest bow of his life, shivering in his whole body. „Your Highness." he said respectfully, trying not to stammer.
X
Four hours passed since the meeting, but he was still under its effect. And Marcus knew well that he's never going to forget it as long as he lives. Maybe not even after that...
„Captain, we recieved data from Coruscant." said Mersalli, dragging him back to reality. His friend looked at him with a mixture of envy, sympathy and fright as he handed him a data pad.
Marcus opened the recieved file and the first thing he saw was its name: Operation Hailstorm.
