Lucian Gris finally regained his composure and scanned the destruction on the bridge. He noticed his captain lying under a pile of debris near the helm. The young officer ran over and pulled his superior from the wreckage. His captain was still alive, but appeared to be in critical condition. The man was badly burned and blood was gushing from an open wound in his forehead. Gris was consumed by fear, but refused to let his subordinates see this. He stood erect, showing false bravado, and shouted out to two crewmen, “You there. Take the captain to the infirmary. Now!” The men quickly scurried over and did as commanded.
While crewmen scoured through the wreckage for more survivors, the Second Lieutenant realized that he was the only officer to remain unharmed on the heavily, damaged bridge. His underlings looked to him for orders as the vessel continued to take on heavy fire. The young man understood that this was a rare opportunity for advancement and quickly took advantage of the situation. He puffed out his chest in exaggerated authority and gave the order to initiate the cloaking system.
Emperor Palpatine had discovered a different power source for cloaking shields. A few prototypes had been randomly installed on eight of the fleet’s newest destroyers. Lucian was eternally grateful that he served on one of the vessels that incorporated this experimental device. Though often used on most crafts, cloaking devices never held enough power to conceal such large vessels before. They required stygium crystals for power. These rare crystals were only mined on Aeten II in the Outer Rim and the supply was depleted long ago. The cloaking device proved its worth in this day’s battle. Gris’ ship wasn’t fired on again as the Imperial Star Destroyer disappeared among the stars.
Lucian knew the only way he’d survive this day was to run from the enemy. He decided to head to the gigantic asteroid field that orbited beyond the Outer Rim. It was uncharted territory and only a few had dared venture into it. Surely no rebel ships would follow. The young man planned to hide among the orbiting debris.
Gris told the helmsman to plot the course and gave the order to activate the hyperdrive. The Imperial Star Destroyer sped to the relative safety of the asteroid field and carefully made their way to the interior. The destroyer remained hidden there for days. The young officer tried to contact his superiors numerous times, but it seemed all communications had been severed. Lucian Gris never received further orders.
Chapter One
- Geonosis -
Far from Endor, eons before this major battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance took place, life forms of a different kind struggled for survival in another system. Geonosis was a heavenly body ringed by billions of asteroids of varied shapes and sizes. Scattered among the lumbering satellites were smaller bits of frozen ice, rocks, and dust that gravity held together in an orbit around the sphere that bordered the edge of the galaxy.
This planet was once completely submerged under water and quaked with volcanic activity. Magma erupted from the core creating gigantic mountain ranges that slowly rose from its depths to the surface. Billions of volcanic vents covered the seabed allowing life giving matter to spew violently from them. Microscopic organisms formed and clung to the growing towers as they fed on the precious elements that billowed into the sea. These organisms slowly evolved and moved from the seas to enormous marshes that bordered them. Jungles rose from the bogs as the organisms evolved and eventually inhabited the entire surface.
Sea levels slowly diminished through the ages leaving nothing but vast expanses of arid, flat, rocky terrain that stretched out over most of the sphere. Other portions contained mountainous peaks that jutted sharply into the heavens. Geonosis seemed a desolate planet devoid of all life forms, but upon closer inspection, one would see caverns gouged into the craggy ridges. If these caverns were explored, it would be acknowledged that the orb was indeed inhabited. It was populated by several different species of air-breathing arthropods.
Centuries elapsed as the survivors of the insect’s warring evolution merged into one intelligent species. Their mingling through the years produced insectoids that were dark green, while others were colored a reddish brown. They bore a resemblance to termites, though they stood approximately four feet in height, almost as tall as human beings who now populated systems throughout the galaxy. Some insectoids were wingless, and as such were classified low class among their kind. Their winged brothers soared among the clouds as these flightless creatures labored for the upper class.
As the new species spread throughout the planet their predecessors disappeared through extinction. The survivor’s knowledge advanced at an incredible rate. The abundance of the planet’s precious ores were detected and mined by the insectoid race. They used the metals to produce their foundries. Building their extensive city underground, the inhabitants were able to keep their existence hidden from the prying eyes of the galaxy.
Years passed before Geonosis’ resources were discovered by other systems. Many grew wealthy because of the commerce now shared between the planets. Their leaders profited greatly from this alliance. The winged insectoids amassed a vast fortune and became very powerful as they ruled over their small domain. The excess of rich, vital ores Geonosis provided ranked it as one of the Trade Federation’s most valuable members.
*
Poggle the Lesser was the current monarch of Geonosis. His underground foundry had been employed to manufacture an army of droid soldiers for Count Dooku. The Count, also known as Lord Tyranus, was once a Jedi Knight. The Jedi were warriors endowed with what was known as “the Force.” The Force was a universal power that granted them supernatural abilities. This gift allowed the Jedi to use their powers to police and protect the galaxy from evil. Dooku had become disillusioned by corruption in the Galactic Senate and believed that the Jedi had been corrupted as well. He left the Order and fell under the influence of Darth Sidious. Darth Sidious was a Dark Lord of the Sith. The Sith, like the Jedi, had knowledge of the Force and used their abilities to fulfill their greedy desires. The Jedi were Darth Sidious’ hated enemy. He easily persuaded Dooku to join him in his endless quest to eliminate them.
The creation of the robotic army Poggle the Lesser manufactured was just one of the many steps taken in the plan developed by the Sith Lord in his unquenchable desire to rule the entire galaxy. Darth Sidious used whatever means possible for this endeavor. Part of his plot involved luring the Jedi into a number of traps that he hoped would eventually lead to their downfall.
When Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Knight, was captured and held prisoner on Geonosis, the Jedi went to rescue him. They were attacked by the Droid Army led by Count Dooku. Yoda, who was a senior member on the Jedi Council, brought a cloned army to the planet and a battle broke out. Due to the clones, the battle turned in the Jedi’s favor. Because of this, Poggle ordered his warriors to hide in the catacombs. There was no need for his followers to die in this day’s battle. This confrontation was the first conflict in what later became known as the Clone Wars.
*
Years passed while the insectoid warriors hibernated inside the dark catacombs. When Poggle’s son Ceris was finally awakened from his slumber, he learned that Darth Sidious’ plot was already well in progress. The Sith Lord had hidden his true identity from everyone, including all his followers. Darth Sidious was known among the Republic as Senator Palpatine, the Ambassador from Naboo. He’d won over the hearts and minds of the population on Coruscant. The man was highly regarded throughout the galaxy, and was a well-respected member of the senate.
The Sith Lord had secretly instructed Viceroy Nute Gunray to use the Droid Army to invade the peaceful planet of Naboo. Gunray was the leader of the Trade Federation, and a member of the Separatist Movement. The Separatists were an ambitious group of beings in the system that withdrew from the Republic because their ever increasing demands were repeatedly rejected by the legislature. Darth Sidious used this invasion as a means to oust the current Supreme Chancellor, using his control over the senate to be elected to this extremely important position.
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Ceris had learned that Darth Sidious’ apprentice, Count Dooku, was killed by a Jedi Knight. This was part of the plot conceived by Darth Sidious to turn the young warrior to the Dark Side of the Force. The Sith Lord had foreseen that this powerful Jedi, who now fought against the Sith, could some day take Dooku’s place by Darth Sidious’ side. He’d been right. Due to the Sith Lord’s manipulation, the young man soon pledged his alliance to him.
The Separatist leaders played a major role in Darth Sidious’ plot to seize control of the Republic. For this reason, he ordered General Grievous, the new Commander of the Droid Army, to send the Separatist leaders to the volcanic planet of Mustafar in order to hide them from the Jedi. He sent Poggle the Lesser along with the group. The Sith Lord couldn’t take the chance that he’d be captured. The insectoid had knowledge that must not be revealed under interrogation.
Darth Sidious told Ceris that, while under his protection, the Separatists had turned on Poggle and murdered him in order to gain control over Geonosis and its valuable resources. One of the most valuable ores mined on the planet contained the element vanadium which was fundamental in the construction of all space vehicles. When blended with durasteel it increased the tensile strength of spacecrafts enabling them to withstand the tremendous pressures exerted on a ship when entering hyperspace. Without vanadium, space travel would be seriously compromised. Hence, it was a sought after and brought fortune beyond belief to those who controlled this most valuable resource.
The Sith Lord also told Ceris that he’d been enraged by the Separatist’s treachery. He’d sent his new apprentice to the planet to retaliate for Poggle’s death. Lord Vader had exterminated all the assassins. After executing his orders, Darth Vader engaged in combat with his former Jedi Master. He didn’t come out the victor. The young man was seriously wounded during their battle. He’d been burned beyond recognition and his lungs were severely damaged. This injury caused him to be placed in a life sustaining suit. The black, armored suit only enhanced his menacing demeanor. In seeking vengeance against the Jedi, Darth Vader ultimately proved to be invaluable to Darth Sidious in his quest to dominate humanity.
The Dark Lord had acquired an inordinate amount of authority while he presided over the Republic as its predominate official. Under his pseudonym, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine used his substantial influence to turn the minds of the population against the Jedi Order. He accused the Jedi Council of attempting a coup against the senate and trying to assassinate him. Sidious used this apparent Rebellion as an excuse to order the extermination of all the Jedi. They’d been tagged traitors to the Republic and had a high price on their heads. Sidious then appeared before the senate and appointed himself “Emperor of a new Galactic Empire.” No one dared to openly oppose him.
Emperor Palpatine had since sent Ceris a special package. Instructions accompanied it which was to be carried out in stages. Everything was to be opened upon his authorization alone and the orders followed without deviation. He also informed Ceris that the contents were highly classified and must be kept from all eyes but his, friend and foe alike.
Ceris was completely astonished by being honored with such an important assignment. Ceris would do anything the Sith Lord asked of him. The insectoid was now secured as ruler of Geonosis and owed his Master a great debt. Darth Sidious had also sought revenge for his father’s murder. It was an honor and obligation the creature would never forget.
Ceris was well aware that this exceedingly important parcel, as well as the mysterious orders within, needed to be kept in a secure place until his Master called for it. The insectoid vowed that he’d protect the package with his very life, keeping the contents safely concealed from the Sith Lord’s adversaries. Holding the package protectively in his arms, he returned to the catacombs and entered into hibernation while awaiting the Emperor’s summons to proceed.
The new Emperor was confident that this extremely important task would be carried out with the utmost secrecy. He was well aware that Ceris was terrified of his wrath and would never disclose this information, or alter his orders in any way. Like his father before him, Ceris was a coward at heart. The simple-minded beast could never fully appreciate the importance of the parcel’s contents as he carried out his instructions like an obedient pet. Besides, the creature was extremely pleased with himself now that he was installed as the new ruler over his tiny realm. Ceris hungered for power, lusting after his father’s throne. Sidious had done what this coward dared not do. He’d given the creature Poggle the Lesser’s crown.
This gesture on Palpatine’s part would ensure Ceris’ complete loyalty, even if he learned of the Emperor’s true role in his father’s death. The Separatists had not really tried to murder Poggle, nor had they tried to take control of Geonosis’ resources. Darth Sidious had needed Poggle the Lesser’s foundry in order to construct a new, deadly weapon. Since the battlestation’s construction was well under way, Poggle was no longer needed. Darth Sidious ordered Vader to kill him.
It had also been necessary to eliminate all the Separatist leaders he’d sent to Mustafar in order to end the Clone Wars. The war was no longer been viable as it had secured his domination over all possible enemies. Sidious’ careful plotting through the years had finally achieved his goal to eliminate all the Jedi. The Sith ruled the galaxy once more.
*
Many standard years passed before the new leader of Geonosis was roused from his hibernation. Upon awakening, Ceris was notified that he’d received authorization from Emperor Palpatine to open his instructions. They read as follows: “In the event of my death...,”
Chapter Two
- Orders Received -
~ƒn00/07/00 ABE: Seven standard months after the death of Emperor Palpatine.~
“We’re entering the system now sir,” the helmsman said.
“Good,” Lucian Gris replied. He turned to the communications officer, “Tell them we’ll be entering orbit shortly.”
“Yes sir.”
It had been many months since the Imperial Destroyer fled from the battle over Endor. Gris wondered why, after all this time, he’d finally received a coded message to report to Geonosis. It wasn’t wise to venture near the Outer Rim. The Rebel Alliance patrolled the outermost systems and could easily pick up their vessel on sensors. He only entered this area of space when absolutely necessary.
Gris hadn’t been in contact with any ships from the Imperial Fleet since the Death Star’s destruction. His only source of information came from the scattered outposts they raided. He learned that most of the Great Armada was destroyed or captured by the Rebel Alliance. Once knowledge of Emperor Palpatine’s death was spread through the systems, the Resistance gained allies as they massed in their vendetta to rid the galaxy of the Empire’s Forces. This “New Republic” soon declared victory.
Gris’ captain had been seriously wounded in the attack and could no longer perform his duties. His vessel, badly scarred and damaged, had barely made it out of the system. The young officer was aware that it had been his duty to stand fast and destroy as many rebel ships as possible, but doing so would’ve been a suicidal attempt. His decision to flee had been his only option in order to save his life.
Except for the infrequent raids they made on the outer planets to keep the ship functioning and sustain the crew, Gris had stayed within the relative safety of the asteroid field. So far, he’d managed to evade the New Republic’s patrols during their incursions inside the Outer Rim. Not having received orders, nor being able to communicate with the fleet, Gris had sometimes thought about surrendering to the Alliance, but feared the consequences of such an act. He was glad that he’d decided to hold out. After all this time, the Empire had surely regained control over the galaxy.
When his shuttle landed on Geonosis Gris was escorted to the main council chamber in the subterranean city. When seated at the huge, oblong table, he expected to see others from the fleet, but there were only a few officers he recognized among the various life forms th
at had assembled in the Grand Conference Room. Were their destroyers the only ones summoned? It was inconceivable that only eight Star Destroyers remained of the Empire’s Armada. Of all the countless ships in the most powerful fleet in the galaxy, that couldn’t be possible.
As Lucian Gris looked around the huge hall he was surprised to see members of the Trade Federation in attendance after hearing the rumors about the massacre on Mustafar. Many of their leaders had been a part of the Separatist Movement. It was whispered that Emperor Palpatine ordered their execution. He always sent Darth Vader to do his bidding. This one man alone, if you could call such a dark, menacing presence truly a man, slaughtered all who were there. Not one soul had been spared.
Thinking of the former Sith Lord sent chills up Gris’ spine. Vader was the Emperor’s most loyal servant. He’d always followed Palpatine’s orders to the letter. He’d forced his way into the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and eradicated all within. Most of the Jedi had been on assignment throughout the galaxy and had gone into hiding when they’d learned of the massacre. They’d escaped death, but Vader hunted each and every one of them down through the years. The Jedi were all dead now. The Sith Lord eliminated all of his Master’s enemies.
Darth Vader’s violent reputation was well known. He’d been greatly feared among all in the Empire. He had a quick temper and would not hesitate to destroy anyone who displeased him. His powers within the Force allowed him to reach out through space and crush them at will, without even laying a hand on them. Lucian Gris had seen this formidable figure kill on pure impulse. The Second Lieutenant was extremely grateful that he’d escaped assignment on Darth Vader’s Super Star Destroyer, the “Executor.” He was aware that the heir to the Emperor’s throne died alongside his Master on the second Death Star, but with the incredible powers Vader possessed, Gris still held a deep fear of such a merciless assassin, dead or alive.