Nine years, nine months, and twenty-third day after the Battle of Yavin…
Or forty-fourth year, nine months, and twenty-first day after the Great Resynchronization.
(Five months and eighth day since the arrival).
Humming a cheerful tune softly, so as not to raise unnecessary questions about his mental state among the surrounding sentients, Moff Joshua Victus entered his office.
The man proceeded to his desk, casually tossing a datapad with the latest intelligence reports onto it and slumping into his chair.
Turning his back to the entrance, he continued to perform the well-known melody while pouring Corellian whiskey into a glass.
The drink had cost him dearly at the time — a collector's edition, no less.
He had kept this bottle nearly untouched for years, as there had been no occasions worthy of opening it.
But today's news had unequivocally pleased him.
It wasn't a grand victory, but it was certainly a good reason to celebrate.
The threat, though not entirely gone, was deferred.
And, judging by the trend, it was fading altogether.
Taking a sip, he savored the truly divine taste of the drink, then added ice and turned to face his workstation.
"Your bantha!" he instinctively recoiled, spilling the whiskey.
"You're in a good mood, Moff Victus," said the man standing before him.
They were separated by five meters and a heavy desk, but the very fact that someone had appeared in his office, where no one had been just moments ago, frankly alarmed him.
As did the fact that the security alarm hadn't triggered.
Not a single Hutt-damned sound!
"You've grown far too bold!" he roared, setting the glass aside and brushing droplets of the precious collector's liquid from his uniform. "This one glass alone is worth a couple hundred credits!"
"An expensive container for overhyped swill," the man smirked. "Shall I compensate you for the drops you spilled in your fright?"
"How did you get into my office?!" Victus growled, ignoring the jab and scanning the room with his eyes to understand how this could have happened without his knowledge.
"As always," the man replied calmly. "With your permission, I'll take a seat."
"I didn't allow it!" the moff snapped.
"And yet I'll sit," the man pulled up a soft chair and sprawled in it as if he were the master of the office. "It occurred to me that, in light of recent news, we should have a talk."
"Funny, I had no such thoughts," Victus muttered. "I've changed my mind."
"Oh," the interlocutor smiled knowingly. "I suppose it's because you received data about the New Republic withdrawing some of the ships blockading Lianna."
"Our intelligence works, not relying on cheap tricks," the office's owner snorted.
"Now I understand where this sudden pride and arrogance in you come from," the visitor smiled. "You've convinced yourself everything will turn out fine."
"The New Republic has withdrawn half its star cruisers," Joshua said. "The rest pose no threat in a direct attack — we'll tear them apart right in orbit."
"Only if you call on Moff Gronn and his ships for help," the guest smiled.
"We can fend off the junk the New Republic is trying to scare us with on our own," Joshua declared.
The interlocutor smiled for a moment before asking:
"So, I take it this is a subtle hint that you have no intention of continuing our cooperation?"
"I'm telling you that straight," Moff Victus said irritably. "You came to me in a difficult time. The agreement — my loyalty in exchange for ensuring Lianna's safety — was driven by the New Republic's threat. That's gone now."
"That doesn't mean the threat won't arise again," the visitor noted. "I wouldn't advise you to so easily dismiss cooperation with me and those who sent me here."
"Burn in hell!" Victus advised. "Do you think I haven't figured out where the wind's blowing from? The New Republic may exaggerate how they act against us, but your "patron" is clearly just exploiting the situation for their own gain. You took advantage of my desperation and conveniently showed up at the right time, in the right place. The tension's lifted. According to my information, the New Republic is postponing its assault on Lianna. This reprieve will be enough for me to buy assistance.
In the galaxy, there are thousands of mercenaries and pirate fleets who would gladly offer their services for cold, hard credits.
Truth be told, Joshua had already scouted a good dozen sizable groups that would, one way or another, aid in Lianna's defense.
"You reproach us for acting based on circumstances," the visitor chuckled softly. "As if that's something bad."
"Get out of my office," Joshua growled. "Before I call security and you spend the rest of your life in a cell."
"As you wish, Moff," the interlocutor said in an icy tone, instantly losing his congeniality. "With that, our offer is withdrawn. The next time you need our help, first recall what you've said here and now."
"I certainly won't forget it," Joshua smirked.
"And we even less so," the look the visitor gave him made Joshua deeply uneasy.
But the choice was made.
To backtrack now would be foolish.
And pointless.
***
The hologram of the Commander-in-Chief of the New Republic Defense Force, General Garm Bel Iblis, appeared majestic.
Those who could boast of knowing the Corellian from his days in the Senate or had seen holorecordings of his speeches might say this sentient had stepped back in time, now embodying, as before, strength, confidence, and resilience.
Lord Sarcev Quest was one such individual.
"Citizens of the New Republic!" Bel Iblis addressed the audience in a resonant and firm voice. "In these challenging times for our state, I am pleased to announce that deliverance is near…"
"Yeah, right," snorted Carnor Jax, sitting nearby, toying with dice he manipulated telekinetically in front of him.
The Emperor's Hand chose to ignore such childish behavior, focusing instead on the Republic's news broadcast.
"… several years ago, the brave soldiers of the New Republic, under the command of General Wedge Antilles, captured the super star destroyer Lusankya," the hologram reminded. "This symbol of Imperial terror lay in the New Republic's reserves for a long time. But now, the time has come. We have repaired this ship, and it will no longer serve as an instrument of terror and oppression but as our sword against the forces of evil…"
"And a scratch for their own libido," Carnor interjected.
Sarcev remained silent, intrigued by the Republic commander's message.
It was rare for sentients of his caliber to appear in news broadcasts, addressing the entire galaxy.
It seemed the Corellian had taken a page from Grand Admiral Thrawn, who had pioneered such practices and reaped considerable political dividends.
The rumors and gossip reported to Sarcev by his personal informants were proof enough.
With the loss of the Ubiqtorate, military officers who previously dared not speak against the ruling authority began raising their heads, discussing galactic events.
But that was only half the trouble.
In the Pentastar Alignment, crews of several warships had already deserted — along with their ships. It didn't take a seer to guess where they had gone.
The Dominion welcomed defectors with open arms.
And the fact that Grand Moff Ardus Kaine did nothing to punish the deserters only added fuel to the fire.
Hastily formed punitive squads couldn't fill the vacuum of durasteel resolve that the Ubiqtorate had used to maintain control over Imperial Space. Nor, to be honest, in the Pentastar Alignment.
Many of Orinda's military personnel recalled the Ubiqtorate's destruction of a passenger liner carrying the families of the Void Wanderer's crew and the public execution of General Theol Drost, who had aided traitors.
Now, potential defectors were clearly plotting something sinister.
At best, desertion to serve Thrawn, whom they evidently saw as an independent ruler.
At worst, with their help, the Grand Admiral might attempt a military coup in Imperial Space.
Without directly intervening in the territories controlled by Orinda, Thrawn could use traitors to dismantle the Imperial Ruling Council.
Then, he could easily exploit the resulting power vacuum from "unfortunate accidents" to seize Orinda and its territories.
Whether this happened now or after the conspirators dealt with Palpatine was irrelevant.
What mattered was that such a possibility existed. And with each passing day, it grew more real.
Spies had reported, ever since the desertion of the Void Wanderer and the subsequent disappearance of the Ubiqtorate's star destroyers, that the Bilbringi garrison was showing defiance.
As on Ord Trasi, there were numerous Thrawn supporters, whom, for some reason, he had abandoned six months prior, ceasing to use those shipyards.
Back then, it seemed merely the whim of an overreaching Grand Admiral embarking on a solo venture. Good riddance to him.
But now, a rather unflattering picture was emerging.
Sarcev had done considerable work to relocate Drost's and Captain Abyss's associates, Thrawn's supporters, away from Bilbringi and Dominion territories — to the southern borders of Imperial Space.
Yet there were always those who fled their posts, clearly heading to Thrawn.
The Ubiqtorate had eliminated many, keeping the rest in line through fear of execution.
And now, Imperial Intelligence was gone.
Most (if not all) of its agents and operatives were dead. Agent Blackhole had vanished, along with the remnants of his fleet.
Once again, the threat of rebellion loomed.
Yes, that was likely exactly how Thrawn had planned it.
And he had surely been nurturing this scheme ever since his return from the Unknown Regions.
Now, step by step, he was realizing the complete subjugation of the Empire.
And Palpatine was in his way…
This could have been grounds to align with him. But that was a foolish idea — the conspirators would expose themselves, and the Grand Admiral could easily eliminate them by simply informing Palpatine.
No, the game needed to be played more subtly.
"We have endured much from the baseless and barbaric attacks by the Empire and its satellites on the New Republic," Garm Bel Iblis continued.
"Yeah, "baseless,"" Jax snorted. "First, he violated the unspoken truce and kept attacking Imperial targets, and now he plays the innocent."
"We lost many, but now we are ready to strike back at our enemies," the Corellian declared. "I am pleased to report that the repairs to Lusankya will be completed in three days. Immediately after, citizens, we will strike our enemies, eliminating threats to the New Republic's existence one by one. We will root out the Imperials from the galaxy's body and establish peace, fostering freedom and prosperity for every world…"
After enduring a few more minutes of Republic propaganda, Lord Quest switched off the recording.
Listening a second time to the Corellian's pompous promises to eradicate all supporters of Imperial values who weren't their allies and posed a threat brought Lord Quest no pleasure.
"The Republicans have completely lost their fear," Jax declared, flicking his hand to send the dice crashing into the wall.
The force of the impact was such that the tiny objects shattered with a distinctive sound.
"They dare threaten us," the guardsman continued his outburst. "When I come to power, I'll strangle each of them with my own hands."
"Patience," Quest replied, mentally calculating his next moves. "We must act more subtly."
"Are you suggesting we keep rattling our sabers, waiting for the moment to carry out Palpatine's orders?" Jax snarled. "I'm sick of wasting time and waiting for the chance to cut his decrepit throat and claim what's rightfully mine."
"But making foolish, rash moves is also unwise," Quest said reasonably.
Of course, the Imperial Guardsman had no legitimate claim to the Imperial throne.
Even as a Force-sensitive sentient, he remained merely a pretender, nothing more than a bundle of ambitions.
And that suited Sarcev perfectly — pushing a young, brash claimant to the Imperial throne allowed him to remain in the shadows, wielding power over the entire Empire while Jax played the role of a nominal leader.
As the Emperor's Hand, Sarcev had shone at court, enjoying the life he had been granted. He alone had escaped Palpatine's wrath after lying with the Emperor's mistress (and secret agent, like himself) of the Galactic Empire.
After Endor, the foolish woman had vanished, likely dead, but Sarcev, who had briefly considered finding her, was no longer interested.
His mind was preoccupied with replicating the success of Sate Pestage in his prime, while avoiding his unfortunate end, of course.
And Carnor Jax was the perfect piece for this game.
Ambitious and arrogant, he had served with distinction as one of the Emperor's bodyguards in the past. Yet, throughout his service to the Empire, Jax's loyalty was not to Palpatine but to himself and his chances of rising to the pinnacle of power.
It remained a mystery how Jax had passed the grueling selections for the Imperial Guard and concealed his thoughts and ambitions from Palpatine for so long, not to mention his Force sensitivity.
Jax was not aboard the second Death Star during the Battle of Endor, thus escaping death.
Along with part of the Imperial Guard, he remained at the Palace on Coruscant when news of Palpatine's demise arrived. Since Jax held no significant position at court at the time (and outside his helmet, only his fellow guardsmen saw him, let alone anything more), he pursued his ambitious plans for power by serving Sate Pestage, who had taken the Emperor's place.
After the Grand Vizier died with his throat crushed by Admiral Delak Krennel's mechanical hand, Jax "inherited" service under the Director of Imperial Intelligence, Ysanne Isard, alongside the other guardsmen.
And that's when the nurturing of his ambitions with real actions began.
His relentless and fervent service to those in power bore fruit.
By Isard's order, Jax and several other guardsmen were placed under the command of one of her agents — Lumiya, who, as it turned out, was a Force adept.
It was Lumiya who first recognized Jax's potential in the Force and began training him as her Sith apprentice. Together, they eliminated many of the Emperor's former dignitaries who had contributed to his defeat at Endor, including those versed in the Force.
Whether Jax trained under anyone besides Lumiya, Quest didn't know, but he suspected his ally wasn't entirely forthcoming. During his Force training with Lumiya, Jax specialized in telekinesis and foresight.
It was she who, while advancing and mentoring her apprentice, gradually introduced him to the circles of power, arranging meetings with many high-ranking figures in Imperial politics.
That's how he met Lord Quest, who had already secured a seat on the Imperial Ruling Council.
As an experienced and cunning intriguer, Sarcev Quest saw in Lumiya's apprentice exactly what he needed to seize real power in the Empire.
A nominal leader and military commander.
Trained as an Imperial Guardsman, Jax, having served in the Emperor's personal guard, possessed exceptional command skills that could prove useful in future military campaigns.
After Lumiya vanished, killed during another hunt ordered by Isard, before the latter was smeared across Thyferra's orbit, Jax was left alone, and Quest could mold him as he pleased.
Time passed, but the former Emperor's Hand's goal remained the same: gaining control over the Empire.
Not a fragment, not Imperial Space, but the entire Empire.
And for that, it was worth straining his intellect to eliminate any obstacles to his plan.
"Things are about to get very hot," Jax declared. "The Republicans, if they're not lying, will bring Lusankya into service in three days. We'll need to keep a powerful strike group under operational control to hit wherever that pathetic Corellian sticks the super star destroyer."
"The strike group is already assembled," Quest said, having issued that order back when the ship first appeared at Rendili.
The best captains and crews available in Imperial Space.
And, most importantly, unwaveringly loyal to Quest himself.
"In that case, we should strike preemptively," Quest declared. "Destroy the ship before it becomes a threat to us. The New Republic with Lusankya on one side, Kaine, his Pentastar Alignment, and Reaper on another, Thrawn on a third… We might not last long enough after the old man on the throne dies if we leave such a ship in the Republicans' hands!"
A valid and timely point, but there were nuances.
Thinking like a commander and guardsman, Jax aimed to destroy the enemy without much consideration for alternatives to his decisions.
It was precisely this narrow-mindedness that made him an excellent puppet.
"By the time Palpatine dies, you'll already have taken his place," Quest promised. "I've uncovered the secret to his immortality during my last assignment on Byss."
"Really?" Jax grew intrigued. "And what is it?"
"Clones," Sarcev looked at his ally. "He has so many, they could form a combat unit."
"Meaning he can extend his life indefinitely," Jax said, disappointed.
"Only if you don't destroy them all," Quest noted cheerfully.
"I'm not suicidal," Jax firmly defined his place in the galaxy.
"Of course, of course," Quest agreed. "I've found connections to Palpatine's personal physician, who manages the clones. When things start, I'll have more opportunities to visit Byss. I'm considering bribing the physician."
"To sabotage the clones?" Jax immediately caught the hint.
"Yes, that would solve the rebirth problem," Quest confirmed. "But killing him still remains."
No matter how he viewed Jax, compared to Palpatine's power, the guardsman was a mere shadow. In open combat, the Emperor would obliterate the upstart guardsman without even noticing.
"I need knowledge of the Dark Side," Jax declared. "I've already mastered everything I know. To kill Palpatine, I need more…"
"Idiot," Quest thought.
"Everything must be done gradually," he said with emphasis. "First, we need to return you to Palpatine's inner circle."
"That won't be easy," Jax said. "The psychopath might recall that I didn't answer his summons to Byss."
"As if you're the first," Sarcev chuckled. "That's no issue."
It would have been far harder if Quest, as previously planned, had acted on his instincts and installed Jax as a member of the Imperial Ruling Council, assigning him command of an operational group to gain political points through minor campaigns against the New Republic.
But a disturbance in the Force, which the former Emperor's Hand felt six months ago while contemplating this, stopped him from making a reckless decision.
And time proved it was the right choice.
"We need to figure out how to get close to Palpatine," Jax said furiously, slamming his hand down and knocking his closed guardsman helmet off the edge of the holographic terminal, a role he continued to play.
There was nothing simpler than keeping an ally close — pass him off as your Imperial Guardsman, protecting you day and night.
No questions about why you spend so much time together behind closed doors. Naturally, you're both working.
"Stop damaging your uniform," Quest ordered, telekinetically retrieving the helmet. "I've already solved that problem."
"Oh, how so?" Carnor asked sarcastically.
"As always, groveling and waxing poetic about my concern for the Empire's future and the Emperor's safety," Quest chuckled softly. "The old lunatic is so convinced everyone around him is loyal that he doesn't notice them practically spitting at his back."
"Yes, it takes some skill to surround yourself with the most talented scum in the Empire," Jax joined in with a laugh. "So, what did you do?"
"I ensured you became one of the Imperial Sovereign Protectors," Quest said.
A shadow crossed Jax's face.
Only the best Imperial Guardsmen were handpicked to become Sovereign Protectors. In the past, they underwent years of selection and training aimed at achieving perfection in martial prowess. Extremely high standards were set for combat training, endurance, strength, agility, mental acuity, reaction time, loyalty, and intelligence. They accompanied Palpatine on his secret journeys or were sent on his most critical covert missions in the Emperor's interests.
This included piloting escort fighters for Palpatine's ships, such as his personal shuttle.
Typically, those with weaker Force connections received basic training in wielding this energy. Combined with rigorous selection and brainwashing during preparation, this was enough to make them formidable opponents against Force-sensitive beings — Jedi or Sith — daring to confront Palpatine directly.
Yet the entire training regimen for such a high post invariably eradicated any independence or personal ambition. It was rumored that the best among them were later trained as dark Jedi, but verifying these rumors was impossible, as the Emperor was adept at keeping his secrets.
Even years after his supposed death, no one had unraveled the mystery of whether Shadow Guards, trained as Jedi, existed in his inner circle.
"Are you sending me for brainwashing and drills, Quest?" Jax hissed, placing his hand on his blaster.
"I need you," the advisor declared. "I wouldn't risk that. No, you'll join the Sovereign Protectors without any vetting. From what I understand, someone's opened a hunting season on Palpatine's Dark Side Elite. Membership in the Sovereign Protectors and your Force sensitivity will allow you to get close to Palpatine for the decisive strike at the right moment. Plus, it'll give you a chance to find those who'll serve you later."
"There are surely those in Palpatine's inner circle who'd gladly defect once I eliminate him," Carnor reluctantly agreed. "Fine, but how are you going to pull this off?"
"General Bel Iblis will help us," Quest smirked, nodding toward the holoprojector.
"Lusankya," Jax narrowed his eyes.
"Exactly," Lord Quest agreed. "It was once the Snow Queen's favorite toy, which she squandered ineptly. Along with her life. You'll lead the strike group of star destroyers I mentioned earlier. Hit Rendili, seize the super star destroyer, and bring it to Orinda. I'll deliver the ship and you to Palpatine. Preliminary arrangements for your transfer to the Sovereign Protectors are already in place. Palpatine, frankly, doesn't care — he's dreaming of capturing Skywalker and destroying the New Republic."
"Then why this whole circus?" Jax grimaced.
"For your future advisors," Quest smirked. "Such a grand victory over the New Republic, snatching Lusankya right after they launch their offensive, will be the prologue to your rise. You'll prove to everyone in the Empire and its remnants how great and talented you are in military matters."
"And you won't miss the chance to claim you've been preparing for this since Lusankya fell into rebel hands," Jax didn't ask; he stated. "You want to curry favor with Palpatine as a backup in case I fail, don't you, advisor?"
And that insight didn't sit well with Quest.
As an obedient puppet, Jax suited Sarcev perfectly, but as someone capable of spotting pitfalls and playing his own game…
It seemed Lumiya's teachings hadn't been fully eradicated.
Ambition was beginning to outweigh this sentient's usefulness.
Sarcev knew the man's strengths and weaknesses well and was aware that Jax wasn't particularly skilled in subtle Force manipulations to read the advisor's emotions.
But if he so easily saw through Sarcev's plans, that could become a problem.
Even at their first meeting, Jax had demonstrated foresight abilities, not just in battle.
For some reason, he couldn't predict Thrawn's moves, but he had read Quest.
For the first time in their collaboration.
Wasn't that a warning bell?
Quick decision-making and finding optimal solutions in the most hopeless situations had always distinguished Quest at the Imperial court.
He easily discarded his own plans if they hindered more important goals.
And now was the time to do just that.
Jax was becoming an obstacle.
Such a puppet was no longer needed.
"I have no intention of betraying the one on whom my future greatness depends," Quest said as naturally as possible, showing disdain and disbelief. "We're tied together. If you fail, I fail. I know enough about how Palpatine dealt with those who disappointed him. I have no desire to die and be resurrected like Bevel Lemelisk. The Lusankya operation is designed solely to give you weight in Palpatine's circle. If I wanted more influence myself, I'd lead the attack personally."
"But you decided to send me," Jax noted. "While Palpatine orders us to sit and prepare, you choose to send a strike group across half the galaxy. Smells like treason. How many of us will Palpatine behead for failure?"
"None, if you succeed and return his favorite toy," Quest declared. "Right now, as the New Republic hysterically prepares for Thrawn's announced strike on Sluis Van, all paths to Rendili are open. We can't let that blasted alien take all the glory. We must show our ability to crush enemies. The more Republican casualties, the harder the blow, the faster Palpatine will bring you closer and expose his back."
"The victor isn't judged," Jax quoted an ancient saying.
"Exactly," Lord Quest confirmed. "Despite confidence that Palpatine will deal with Thrawn, we must show that while the Grand Admiral busies himself collecting star destroyers and fighting small battles, we're doing everything to please the Emperor. He's always been susceptible to flattery and ego-stroking. The operation to seize Lusankya is the surest way to prove ourselves. The more we demonstrate our value to Palpatine, the better our chances he'll let us manage the Empire's affairs and eliminate Thrawn. You may not follow the news, but the Dominion is about to expand to fifteen sectors."
"Half of which are backwater outskirts."
"Not for someone like Thrawn," Sarcev countered. "He's already crushed two rebel factions and had his fun with the Republicans. Plus, it's suspicious that despite having talented commanders, Kaine can't track down Republican raiders or missing shipments. That bothers me. As does the fact that Thrawn, despite his starships constantly fighting, has no significant issues with logistics, repairs, or supplies."
"You think the Grand Admiral and Grand Moff are colluding behind Palpatine's back?" Jax instantly grasped, once again proving his insight.
And with that, he sealed his fate.
"Yes," Quest said more calmly. "Which means we'll have the chance not just to use the Tyrant's disappearance as a pretext for attacking the Dominion but to turn all these minor oversights and inconsistencies against the Pentastar Alignment. Your victory over the Republicans will let me push you as a commander for such operations. Crush the traitors, and the entire military machine will bow to you after Palpatine's death, fearing what you could do to them for disobedience."
"I like this plan," Jax grinned, suspecting nothing.
He grabbed his helmet and headed for the exit.
"Prepare your ships, advisor. I'll bring us victory."
With those words, he left the room, leaving Lord Quest alone with his thoughts.
Sarcev, chuckling softly, moved to the soft couch.
Settling onto it, he leaned back, gazing at the starfield painted on his apartment's ceiling.
As he'd anticipated, Jax hadn't suspected the trap — Sarcev could guarantee that, as, unlike his protégé, he expertly wielded the Force.
Jax had become undesirable, so the plan needed revision.
Naturally, he wouldn't hand over his elite ships to the guardsman.
Instead, the advisor would assign to the strike group those starships whose crews clearly sympathized with Thrawn. Yes, losing the ships was a pity, but it was better to rid himself of all undesirables at once than to hunt them down individually.
Was he certain Jax could achieve victory?
Yes, if he hadn't shown his defiance.
In that case, Sarcev would have shared his suspicions about what General Bel Iblis's message truly meant.
Unlike the former guardsman, the Emperor's Hand understood how professional the Corellian was. There was no error or bravado in Garm's message, as Jax had assumed.
It was calculated manipulation.
Could the guardsman have seen through the double game?
He was certainly capable, but he'd crossed the line separating reason from foolish ambition.
And it was highly unlikely he'd think to check old intelligence summaries about the movements of the Republic's fleet. A small gift left by the Ubiqtorate before its mysterious demise.
Sarcev ran through the revised plan in his mind repeatedly.
And ultimately realized it needed improvement.
Besides the ships of potential traitors, he should send a few more with unquestionably loyal crews.
Jax might have gained sudden clarity, but he couldn't plan two steps ahead.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have so foolishly flaunted his knowledge, acting from the shadows as a Sith should.
Three or four star destroyers with loyal crews would suffice to throw the guardsman off if he realized the strike group wasn't as loyal as claimed.
It remained only to figure out what to do with the plan to eliminate Palpatine.
Known as an intriguer and charmer, Sarcev was less suited than any other Imperial dignitary to be an ambitious, charismatic nominal leader of the Empire.
Nor could he infiltrate Palpatine's inner circle as Jax could…
Someone else was needed, someone more capable…
And yet, how fortunate that when proposing a candidate for Sovereign Protector to Palpatine, Sarcev had wisely withheld the name.
After all, anyone could be under that red-black armor.
They just needed to be loyal, trained, and Force-sensitive…
He'd have to search thoroughly.
***
After the agent's hologram finished its report, it took me a few seconds to decide:
"You've done well, Bravo-I," I said. Not a muscle twitched on Torin Inek's face. "Wrap up your operations on Lianna and head to the Bosf sector."
"What will my assignment be, sir?" the man clarified.
"Establish contact with the local underground and the leadership of the mining enterprises," I ordered. "We know Bosf is under siege and Corporate Sector sanctions. You must secure the local leadership's agreement to join us in exchange for our patronage and protection."
"It will be done, sir," the agent replied, and the hologram faded.
Exactly two seconds passed before the silence of my dimly lit quarters was broken by Captain Pellaeon.
"This isn't good," he said. "Moff Victus has rebelled, meaning our agreements on Lianna are void."
"You're absolutely right, Captain," I agreed. "We have no chance of voluntarily securing Lianna's orbital assembly plants for TIE-series fighters or their patents for the production we need."
It's frustrating when agreements fall through.
But honestly, I didn't expect it to be that simple.
Provoke the New Republic to attack Lianna, arrive leading a fleet to repel them, and gain what I need for TIE-series production in exchange. I need the latter on a massive scale.
We're spending considerable funds retrofitting old fighters and interceptors to plug gaps and bolster defense forces.
TIE fighters are barely being produced — we're repairing old ones, selling them under Krennel's old contracts, which will soon be closed. For now, these line fighters remain on the heavy cruisers of the regular fleet because producing enough TIE interceptors isn't yet feasible. Too many ships in the regular fleet need immediate support.
"Has the Red Star squadron finished in the Korva sector?" I asked the commander of my flagship.
"Affirmative, sir," Pellaeon confirmed. "They're currently undergoing urgent repairs at the orbital yard in the Meram sector and guarding shipments to Korva. We're establishing defenses and bases on new territories."
Understandable.
Several major hyperspace routes lead to the Dominion.
There's the Veragi Trade Route in the north through the Kanz sector. Captain Akrey Dobramu is currently deploying minefields using Project Asteroid-II rocks, unaware his work is mere disinformation.
Then there's the Braxant Run, originating from the Hydian Way in the east, passing through the Kwelli, Venin, Lahara, Oricho, and Nunian sectors — the latter two not under our control but awkwardly positioned between Venin and Lahara.
The Celanon Spur, starting in the Pentastar Alignment, crosses Imperial Space sectors, passing through our Lahara, Tragan, Ciutric, Sprizen, and Kwelli sectors, ending in the D'Astan sector, where the Hydian Way is within reach, connecting to any point in the galaxy.
The Salin Corridor, beginning in the Kwelli and Sprizen sectors, spans half the galactic arm, linking the Hydian Way and Perlemian Trade Route in the galaxy's northern regions…
These are just the main hyperspace routes to reach a Dominion point — from the northwest, northeast, west, east, and southern directions…
Of course, the astrological situation allows for attempts to send ships "star to star," but given the region's numerous gravitational traps and distortions, such a journey is extremely dangerous and could take weeks, if not months.
I demonstrated the folly of such "infiltrators" to the enemy in the Battle of the Oplovis sector.
Blanketing the space around the Dominion with disguised asteroids is a dream, and an unattainable one. That's thousands of light-years.
The only sure way to block an enemy's approach is to place mines directly in their path.
And the main routes are effectively blocked. Once stations with gravity wells are deployed, we'll be able to stop the first strike at the threshold.
Then… there will be war.
And a slaughter.
"Inform Commodore Erik Shohashi that his subordinates have a new assignment," I ordered.
It took a few minutes to coordinate all starship movements.
Not a small number, in fact.
"Additional forces are being placed under his command," I explained to Gilad, detailing the plan I'd outlined and transferred to an information crystal. "This specifies the deployment point and rendezvous location. After the meeting, inform the operational unit commanders to begin relocation."
"Yes, sir. Any orders for us?"
"Of course," I confirmed, opening the intelligence section on my computer. "Our agents report starship movements near Rendili. Our people at the shipyards say Lusankya is undergoing installation of its final main engine."
"They're about to be ready to start operations," Pellaeon noted.
"Yes, but where's the crew?" I asked. "A super star destroyer, hunted by half the galaxy, remains without a crew during final construction?"
"A trap for us?" Gilad tensed. "They want to lure our fleet to attack Rendili?"
"Come now, Captain, they're not so foolish as to believe such cheap disinformation would be seen as weakness. They've grown significantly. The fact that Garm Bel Iblis discussed a plan with Mon Mothma and the Provisional Council in the Imperial Palace to lure us into a trap, then spent considerable time moving among Defense Force ships, shows he's prepared surprises he intends to keep secret until execution."
"But they must know a super star destroyer without a crew is a tempting target," Pellaeon insisted. "For us and the Imperials. Kaine may not need another Executor, but for Orinda, it's a chance to boost prestige. Their fleet is ready to strike, their army mobilized. If not us, they'll attack."
"They won't," I assured him. "Imperial Space, like the Pentastar Alignment, is preparing for the Emperor's campaign. We know Palpatine expects Isard to steal the ship. Thus, no one else will interfere, fearing his wrath. Based on data about the Victory-class star destroyer under the Snow Queen's command, she's also preparing an attack. Lusankya is automated enough to be taken from the shipyards with minimal forces before the nearby New Republic ships can react."
"Sir, then I don't understand what they're banking on with this show of defenselessness," Pellaeon admitted. "The New Republic doesn't know who gave what orders to Kaine and the Ruling Council. They know Isard is alive and likely realize she'll try to seize the ship. And we've signaled our interest in Lusankya. But, Hutt's bones, how do they plan to pull this off? What's their bet?"
"Good question, Captain," I commended. "The problem seems unsolvable, doesn't it?"
"Exactly," Pellaeon confirmed.
"Then let's solve it piece by piece," I suggested.
Gilad gave me a suspicious look.
"We know Lusankya is nearly ready to enter service, but it doesn't even have a single watch," I said. "We know up to a hundred star cruisers and support ships of the New Republic's Third Fleet are in the Auril sector. We also know the Republicans keep pretending they'll attack Lianna as soon as the super star destroyer's repairs are complete. What would you do in this situation?"
"Knowing the intelligence and what Delta Source told us…" Gilad paused. "The New Republic thinks Lianna is our ally. If they seize the planet, they'll weaken us…"
"In the long term," I agreed.
"Controlling Lianna, with Lusankya and the Third Fleet's support, they could hold it indefinitely," Pellaeon continued. "Our forces are enough to retake the planet…"
"But with heavy losses, right?" I asked.
"Up to half our starships," Pellaeon confirmed. "The rest would be so damaged they'd be out of commission for a long time…"
"And that would open a path into the Dominion for the New Republic," I said.
"But we know they plan to lure us with Lusankya," Gilad reminded. "Trap us and crush us."
"And for that, they've brought in a capable admiral from the Second Fleet to command Lusankya," I noted. "Plus, Bel Iblis, with Leia Organa Solo's input, knows I've planned an attack on Sluis Van, where they've amassed many Imperial ships."
Gilad looked at me, as if expecting the answer on my face.
"They're not planning two or three major operations at once," Pellaeon said. "That would leave many of their sectors defenseless for too long."
"They've already left them exposed, preparing operations against us and Lianna," I said. "But you're right — they can't handle two large-scale operations. Yet, Bel Iblis is moving his ships from Lianna to Sluis Van. And, as we know, those starships haven't reached their destination. That's odd, given the time elapsed."
"So what are they after?" Pellaeon asked rhetorically, staring stubbornly at the desk.
"Come now, Captain," I encouraged. "You've dismissed what we know that they don't. That's a critical part of the plan."
Gilad looked at me.
For a few seconds, he seemed frozen, then his face lit up with an idea.
"That's it!" he exclaimed impulsively. "Bel Iblis isn't just luring us with Lusankya. He's hoping someone else will strike!"
"Partially correct," I agreed. "They aim to lure the real Isard, wherever she's hiding, to seize the super star destroyer. They also expect Imperial Space won't sit idle once they learn Lusankya is nearly ready. The temptation to possess such a ship is too great."
"And then the plan becomes a chain of events," Pellaeon continued. "Isard has many informants and surely knows her ship is almost ready. It's naive to think she's far from Rendili."
"Of course. Operational intelligence is useful when you can act on it quickly. We know Isard and her star destroyer are near the Ruul system. It's close to Rendili, and there's a sophisticated computing center in a B'omarr Monastery temple from Imperial times. Isard has every means to get information quickly, so she's already acting."
"She must know the time window is small," Pellaeon picked up. "Missing one engine won't weaken Lusankya. Isard doesn't have enough people to wait for the crew to arrive."
"So she'll strike just before the crew arrives," I agreed. "Four days, if we believe Garm Bel Iblis's message broadcast on the HoloNet. She won't get another chance to seize the ship. Without Lusankya, there's no restoring Palpatine's trust. The Snow Queen and Palpatine have a strange relationship, but she's loyal and would rather die than fail."
"They're deliberately provoking her," Pellaeon realized. "They must at least suspect how she plans to seize the ship and will be on guard."
"Yes, the trap is clearly set," I agreed. "But it's not just for Isard. Broadcasting on the HoloNet wasn't necessary to inform her. The lack of a crew and Bel Iblis's claim that the ship will soon be staffed and sent on combat missions against the New Republic's enemies is a bold statement."
"An overt threat," Pellaeon understood. "That's sure to stir up Imperial Space. And the Pentastar Alignment, too…"
"Captain, don't forget the timeline," I reminded. "Iblis mentioned three standard days until the ship's ready."
Pellaeon thoughtfully tugged at his mustache.
"They're betting on Imperial Space," he declared. "For Kaine to send ships to seize it would take at least five days. Especially since he'd travel through New Republic or Imperial Space territories."
"But the latter need only two, maybe three days to reach Rendili," I said. "And that's if they assemble a suitable strike group within a day."
"Their forces are at the border," Gilad drummed his fingers on the desk. "So, in a day, they could muster maybe a dozen or two star destroyers."
"That's enough to break through Rendili's shipyard defenses and reach Lusankya's docks," I said. "Now, cross-reference the data on the redeployment of ships from the Auril sector to Sluis Van."
"Those starships haven't reached their destination," Pellaeon said. "Bel Iblis has set an ambush! Somewhere on the shortest route from Orinda to Rendili, a trap awaits Imperial Space's strike group!"
"Exactly, Captain," I allowed myself an approving smile. "Using the same trap three times. First, to capture Isard. I'm sure most of the technical staff aboard are New Republic special agents who'll let Isard and her people seize the super star destroyer, then eliminate or capture them. It'll be quiet, no shooting, and any ship movements can be explained as pre-delivery trials. Next, unaware that Lusankya is a trap, Imperial Space's strike group of star destroyers falls into an ambush where Bel Iblis's ships destroy them."
"And then they offer to trade the super star destroyer for Skywalker, luring our fleet into a trap," Pellaeon laughed. "Sir, it's a brilliant trap! One bait, three catches!"
"As I said, Captain, the New Republic has been studying its mistakes."
"But there's a flaw," Pellaeon said suddenly. "Palpatine ordered the Ruling Council to prepare for a campaign."
"As far as we know, yes."
"So they won't dare attack, lest they incur his wrath!" Pellaeon declared.
"Possibly," I agreed. "But let's bet that, per our intelligence, a conspiracy against Palpatine is brewing within the Imperial Ruling Council. The conspirators need resources and a symbol of their success. The beauty is they don't know Isard is alive and tasked with seizing Lusankya. So, there's every chance they'll make their move. And, notice, it's easy for them to write off losses and failures. They've already sent Tyrant and Starweb to their doom, claiming the orders were falsified. Recently, three interdictor cruisers deserted from them — and that's just what we know. Yes, failure will make them look bad, but success could boost some advisors' popularity, even with Palpatine. Plus, like with Tyrant, I suspect Lord Quest, sending ships to seize Lusankya, aims to achieve multiple goals. For instance, he'll send those he deems undesirable. With the Ubiqtorate's fall, per intelligence and Grand Moff Kaine's words, many military and civilians are considering defecting to the Dominion. It's unlikely Quest and other conspirators won't seize the chance to eliminate them through the New Republic's hands. I believe Quest may suspect the trap and use it to remove those who don't support him."
Pellaeon nodded, agreeing with my thoughts.
"Sir, but in that case, we lose Lusankya," he said. "If we go for it now, we'll fall into the same trap as Imperial Space's strike group."
"Don't be so naive, Captain," I advised. "Imperial Space's plan to seize Lusankya became obvious when they disposed of Tyrant and Starweb. It was merely a test of reaction with additional motives. They still think we destroyed the ship and crew, since they're out of contact. A double benefit — use the ship as bait and, if destroyed, gain grounds to attack the Dominion, while testing Palpatine's reaction. The latter worked — no response to the ship losses. So, the scheme continues. Plus, don't forget Isard has informants among the Imperials. She knows what this situation threatens and will act accordingly. To avoid exposing herself early, she'll strike when ready, disguising it as Imperial Space's actions. The best way to cover her tracks for now."
"I understand, sir, but… You didn't answer — how will we get Lusankya if we can't reach it in time without risking a trap? Not to mention, per your plans, you intend to use Isard and hand her to Shohashi as payment for an alliance."
"Exactly," I confirmed.
Pellaeon had been told much during our visit to Lorrd.
But, as always, not everything.
"But how, if the Republicans capture the Snow Queen and Lusankya is beyond our reach?" Pellaeon was surprised.
"Study the art, Captain," I advised for the umpteenth time.
"Of course, sir, but… What art will help us win this holochess game if we're facing a stalemate?"
"Don't exaggerate, Captain," I smiled. "Contact our covert clone-pilot cells in the Core Worlds and arrange a rendezvous at these coordinates," I handed over another information crystal.
"Yes, sir, of course," Pellaeon faltered. "But you know there'll only be a few. Five or six squadrons, no more…"
"That's all we need, Captain," I said. "Their task is simple — guard the target until we arrive at the rendezvous in five days."
From Gilad's expression, you could see what "my brain exploded" looks like in reality.
"Sir, I don't understand," he admitted. "Why and how are we going there if both Isard and Lusankya will be captured by the enemy? Fighting the entire New Republic fleet for them is foolish."
"Naturally foolish," I agreed. "That's sabotage, which we won't engage in. No, Captain. Bel Iblis's plan is good. I'd even say brilliant. But it has a significant flaw. Two, actually."
"I'd like to know what," Pellaeon muttered. "As your deputy and second-in-command of the Dominion's forces, I need to understand the plan's basis."
"Two simple things, Captain," I said. "The plan is designed for one goal — the New Republic aims to gain grounds for military action against the Empire, which will break the unspoken truce. As a bonus, they get Isard and a chance to show citizens they can solve problems. And by defeating me, they plan to go on the counteroffensive. I'm sure Bel Iblis secretly hopes we'll also go for Lusankya and, if trapped, turn on each other. Honestly, I admire the strategic approach and plan he's devised. In other circumstances, it would surely work. But there are two nuances. First, our special forces and storm commandos are already moving to the target, and our intelligence has been operating there so long Coruscant can't even imagine. Second, hoping to catch Isard at Rendili during the theft of Lusankya, Bel Iblis, with his tactical brilliance and experience, forgot that the Snow Queen is no fool."
Gilad blinked a couple of times before whispering:
"She's outsmarted them."
"Exactly," I nodded. "And we've outsmarted her."
"It'll be a bloodbath," Pellaeon sighed.
"On the contrary, Captain," I assured him. "It'll be beautiful."
***
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