STGOD: The Phoenix Wars (Chapter IV)

[Ra]

*Per-Ra.*

The Supreme System Lord watches the first Ha'tak Mk. II ships assembling in orbit from his vantage point aboard a Tel'tak cargo ship. Out the window, a large, flat, four-section construct floats freely. Rising from the planet below, a black, four-sided pyramid vessel approaches, maneuvering into position under the large gap in the other craft's center. Soon, the Base Module and Core Module dock, forming a complete ship. Clamps, connecting arms, and conduits begin closing with the central pyramid, and the ships become one. In the distance, this process is being repeated with nearly a dozen other vessels.

"I christen that ship the Vengeance," Ra says with a sadistic flash of his eyes.

Srenn nods respectfully. "It is done, m'lord."

Ra motions to Srenn and Captain Kar'm to follow, and they make their way to the back.

"Transport."

As the Tel'tak maneuvers above the new Goa'uld flagship, the trio walk onto the transport pad. The transport rings hum to life, and ascend out of the floor. Seconds later, another set of rings fly back into the ceiling of the Vengeance. An elf awaits Ra.

"M'lord, welcome aboard. I am Findecáno."

Ra examines the command bridge of the Vengeance. He nods in approval. "Excellent! Improved shields, a larger number of cannons, and the fastest hyperdrive we posess."

"I'm pleased that you approve, m'lord. Combat survivability is greatly enhanced, and this vessel's central core can descend and land troops while the base remains to provide orbital support. Also, like all of your vessels this craft has Asgard transporters and Ancient enhancements."

"Quite a useful feature. Imagine the look on Baal's face when he sees this! Enough technobabble, Findecáno. Let's get underway."

"Where do you intend to go, m'lord?" Captain Kar'm inquires.

"The Imperials invaded our space, and destroyed an entire battle fleet, Captain. We're going to the border, where we will make a statement."

"We're not going on a suicide mission with this ship?!"

"Not suicide, Findecáno. Any foe that tries to cross that border dies. We are simply going to make our war declaration! And, I want us to be ready in case Galadriel needs our help."

"Very well, m'lord. We'll jump at once."

OOC: Alright, Ra's going to declare war on the Empire. Big woop. But he hasn't done it yet, so don't jump the gun. I'm saying this so that someone doesn't post about it in the ongoing melee in the Imperial Senate. The declaration won't occur during their session.

[Senator McMahon]

OOC: because Congressman, er, Councilman sounds cool?


"The Chair recognizes the Senator from Tatooine."

The crowds are getting silent when Senator James 'Jimmy' MacMahon walks into the podium. A rational hardliner, he is respected by both conservatives and liberals alike. A staunch gun-supporter, the Senator is also pretty much a living legend; during his duty as Imperial Marshall on Tatooine, he recruited some local militias to raise arms against organized crimes like the remnants of Jabba the Hutt's organization and the drug smugglers. McMahon actually dislikes Darth Kreshna's 'bohemian jet-set' lifestyle; mingling around with the likes of Alexander Xizor and Sandra Kuat, organizing wild parties on places like Ibizan and La Aurora. McMahon believes that the affluents should live a responsible lifestyle like the famous Veers family dynasty.

However, he understands the Imperial Council needs to decide the best for the Empire instead of being overwhelmed by political sentiments. The Senator pauses for a moment before starting his speech.

"The way I see it, Senator Kane and Senator Darren were throwin' some real nice red herring."

The crowd is murmuring slightly.


McMahon continues, "but first of all, I believe Senator Darren needs to be corrected; the Constitution does allow military-grade weapons in civilian's possession. The Kuat family's got Star Destroyers of their own, the Corporate Sector Authority is keepin' their own defense fleet, and back on my home planet Tatooine, we have infantry weapons too keep those Tusken Raiders away. Even during Rebellion, the Emperor didn't ban civilian-possessed weapons. Enemies of the state hafta be crushed like a bug, that's right, but I see nothin' in our Constitution is keepin' patriotic Imperial Citizens from defending their home!"

The hardliners are clapping their hands; some are even go so far by doing a standing applause. "Order! ORDER!!." The Chancellor is hammering frantically, then takes a pill, no, TWO pills of aspirin.

"But the way I see it, it ain't about Darth Kreshna's noble status. Nosirre. The thing is whether he's doin' the job to defend our beloved country or not."

'Jimmy' McMahon pauses for an effect, then continues, "now I ain't the one who loves long talk; here we don't do nothin' but talk and more talk while the Guardian is attacking our home. To make it short, I'm happy to introduce you to Vice Admiral Laurence Stern. This man is one of Darth Kreshna's officers, and he's bringin' some recorded evidence 'bout what those ships have been actually doin' during the war. See the evidence yourself, and make up your mind. But you better make it fast."

Loud murmuring can be heard, but even the Chancellor herself doesn't try to silence them as herself is baffled; she never anticipates this. The liberals are sounding their protest, while the conservatives are getting tensed. Meanwhile, an Imperial Admiral is walking to the podium, escorted by an aide who's carrying a holo-tape.....


OOC: alright, Ra. Let me describe the recording. Meanwhile, you can express your protest? Or maybe some others want to participate?

[Ra]

*The Goa'uld border.*

A lone Star Destroyer is busy firing probe droids into Goa'uld space; all the droids explode violently upon reaching the borderline. Then, a hyperspace window opens beyond. Out of it appears the new Vengeance.

"Hail that Star Destroyer."

"As you wish."

"Imperial dirt! Retransmit this message to your leaders!"

"And whatever for?" The Imperial captain demands.

"Shut up, I'm making a speach."

*ahem*

"Recent events have come to my attention. The Imperial Navy, without due cause or provokation, invaded our space two weeks ago, destroying a civilian convoy, and then eliminating a small fleet of our warships. This incursion will not go unanswered!"

Ra's eyes flashed. "The state of neutrality between our two governments has ended. As of now, the Goa'uld declare war on the Galactic Empire! You will rue the day you dared violate our space and our declaration. We have your precious Eclipse dead in our space as a token of our victory! Many more war trophies shall come to our posession now. You will be taught to respect our Sovereignty, and respect our agreements with you. And tou will learn that lesson with the blood of your countrymen!"

"You finished?"

The Imperial ship's bridge broke out in laughter.

"Retransmit the message, or you will be destroyed."

"That's hilarious! We haven't had this good a laugh in ages!"

"Very well, then. Srenn, fire!"

"Yes, m'lord."

The Vengenace moved forward, and began showering the Star Destroyer in golden bolts. Unlike the other examples of her new class, the Vengeance had an Asgard cannon in addition to her weak Goa'uld cannons. This had been installed in a stop Ra made at Avaris Prime. When he got the Asgard weapon, he would not say. But the results were too real.

"Fire the weapon."

Powerful blue bolts shot out from the tip of the Vengeance's pyramid module, wrecking the Imperial shields. Under the continuing bombardment, the Star Destroyer began to fall apart in a shower of flames.

"What the hell? Send out an emergency beacon! With his message!"

A small pod flew away from the Imperial warship as she finally exploded in a brilliant plume of hypermatter-fueled flames...

[Dark Silver]

Meanwhile, as Ra's Vengence was issuing it's demand and destroying the Star Destroyer, a small fleet of Guardians Ships made their way through Hyperspace.

Deep within the leadship, the Guardians meet in Council, a lone figure, dressed in dark robes stood in the center of their glowing circle, waiting.

Why do you suggest this course? Since when does out Speaker hold your ear?

The robed figure lifted his head, weighing his words, before he spoke, "He does not, but he does raise a valid point. Even a token force of your warships may sow descent amoungst the Army of Light. As we speak, the Go'uld System Lords issue a Declaration of War against the Empire. You provide small force...say three hundred ships, and I will show you how descent is sown amoungst your enemies. Once we have them in Chaos, then you may attack the Pheonix Incarnation...and release it back into the Primordial."

Very well you shall have your ships... Do not let us regret this decision

The man smiled beneath the hood of his robes, as he faded from the Guardian craft.


Two hours later, fifty Guardian ships left hyperspace, appearing in the Avis Prime. Before sensors could detect their approach, thier forms shifted, turning into Amilian warships.

Upon the bridge of the lead Amilian ship, the dark robed man watched his target to within weapons range, "Open fire"

Moments later, biolasers rained down upon Avis Prime and the shipyards there

OOC:
Ra, you decide the damage coming out of this, I'm oddly enough, not up to writing a large space battle, and I find myself still unable to properly write for this.

[Vice Admiral Stern]

OOC: Alright, since the Guardian was just attacking again, I'd like to remind everyone that the Guardian are powerful. In fact, they're the only power that can challenge the Galactic Empire.

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Meanwhile, on Coruscant....

As the crowd is getting louder, the Chancellor feels she has no choice but letting Darth Kreshna's admiral to testify in the Council. She knocks with her hammer, "Considering the recent development, the Council wishes to see the evidences presented by Vice Admiral Stern."

Senator McMahon nods with satisfaction, then steps aside. As the Admiral steps up, the Chancellor asks, "Vice Admiral Stern, would you mind introducing yourself to the Council before delivering your presentation?"

Stern replies, "Laurence Wilson Stern, Vice Admiral. Serial Number KA34560001237689. I am currently serving in the Sith Inquisitor's personal fleet, under Resolution 12-3306 by the Second Amandment of the Constitution."

"Laurence Wilson Stern, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth during your testify in this Council hearing?"

"Yes, but under the condition that I am only allowed to share unclassified information."

Stern is speaking in arrogant tone; typical of Imperial military officer. However, this is not a trial; at least not yet, so the Chancellor has no choice but accepting the condition.

The Vice Admiral then gestures to his aide to play the recording. A large holo-display appears in the center of the hall, showing an Imperator-Class Star Destroyer performing surgical bombardment on an empty planet.

"The planet," Stern narrates, "is an uninhabitable planet in Goa'uld space. There is nothing alive on it. Or so it seems."

The audience watches in horror, stunned and silenced as the planet's surface starts to ripple and writhe, as if the planet is actually alive itself.

Moments later, Guardian vessels appears out of nowehere, starts firing on the ISD. Stern continues, "the Guardian thought they can ambush us. Fortunately we had prepared."

The Star Destroyer seems to be helpless; it shields buckle under the pressure of heavy Biolasers while the ship itself is unable to escape because it is trapped by the planet's gravity well. Suddenly Imperial ships jump out of hyperspace; pinching the Guardian vessels between the planet and themselves. Star Destroyers, Star Cruisers, and a gigantic Eclipse Star Battleship are firing on the Guardians. All of the ships have Darth Kreshna's special insignia on them.

The Guardians fiercely fight back, but they are outnumbered and the Imperial ships are well co-ordinated. Heavy barrage of Turbolasers are hurting the vessels, while tractor beams and gravity well projectors are putting some serious structural stress on the Guardians. Some of them starts to be torn to shreds under the heavy gravitational forces.

The original ISD continues to perform its surgical bombardment as its burden is lifted. Eventually, as the Turbolasers are hitting what appear to be the final spots, a hugemongous dark shadow is being released from the planet, with a horrible scream of death that sends a shiver to the watching audience, down to their spine.

But the more peculiar phenomenon is that the Guardian vessels suddenly behave strangely; as if the vessels actually have emotion. Some of the vessel appears to be mourning, while most others writhes in pain as if feeling the pain of their dying friend. The planet, that is.

And the hologram ends.


The Chancellor needs time to recover from the shock. She is not sure why or how, but it was just the most blasphemous display she's ever seen. Not that she feels sorry for the Guardians, but she is utterly horrified by the peculiar nature of the enemy they are fighting. She feels like watching a twisted introduction of a dark secret, some horrible truth that is better kept unknown for the sake of every sentient beings' sanity.

After taking another aspirin, the Twi'lek Chancellor says, "Do- do anyone have question for Vice Admiral Stern?"

[Destructionator XV]

A'millian Star Empire - Milky Way Galaxy Command Starbase...

A fleet of starships is returning to base. In their centre, the Galatica-class Genator II, flagship of the Destructionators flies proudly, approaching standard orbit. A female-resembling Destructionator XV model series android beams down to Lord Adam's office.

"We have returned. Times are not well."

"Indeed, but they are better than before. Thevile Khardem is rotting in a cell as we speak. We are early free of him, but there are still problems."

"And when word get out of his capture and treachery? What of the die hard beleivers?"

"That is where you come into play."

"License to kill?"

"The A'millian government has no knowledge of your existance, and can therefore not license you to do anything... nor restrict any of your actions."

"Understood. First things first..."

In the A'millin prison...

"Guard, I releive you."

"I demand to see a neutral representive."

"But, of course. We have already signaled Altera IV, the nearest neutral world. They will be sending a representive as soon as they can."

She glances at his hands.

"Please, let me remove those."

Destructionator XV lowers the forcefield and removes Khardem's shackles. They now stand together, with nothing between them. Naturally, the door to the brig room is sealed. There is a desk and chair. Destuctionator sits behind the desk

"Have a seat."

Khardem sits on the other side of the desk, suprised by the politeness of this interrogation.

"I'm sure you are feeling better, now that you are out of that crapmed cell. I dislike imprisoning people like that. It is a terrible way to treat a sentient being."

"Then why would you do it?"

Destructionator smiles. "We both know the answer to that question."

"Yes..."

"Now, I understand you are part of a very ancient race. Did you know that A'millian Prime boasts some of the most impressive ancient technologies in the galaxy?"

Khardem sits, thinking, responding slowly and carefully. He doess not want to fall into a trap, but he knows his charisma may be the only thing that can save him now.

"Yes, I know that the ancient planetry artificial control net is most impressive."

"Apparently when it was first discovered, the control centres contained priceless atrifacts of the ancient, advanced civilaztion. But now those artifacts are gone."

"What happened?"

"What happens to those kind of societies. They were tossed away; discarded in favour of studing the technology. Technology that was to be used for barbaric war efforts."

"Barbaric? The A'millians I have seen are a logical, civilized race."

"But they were not always like that. Millena ago, before the Modern times, feudal warfare was prevlant. A'millians were savage. But, yes, they grew out of it and became the scientists we know them as."

"A race of permavergins. Perhaps they would still be alive today if they never entered that 'enlightened' period."

Destructionator was slightly annoyed at that thought. Without A'millian's love for science, she would never have come into existance.

"And if they were still barbaric they would have never banded together to form an interstellar power. They would never of accomplished anything."

"They might still be alive today."

"Life as barbarians or death as bringers of knowledge to a galaxy. The choice is clear."

"The choice is always so clear, is it? That is the problem with the modern A'millian empire. You are never willing to look beyond your honour and do what needs to be done. The Guardians can help you with that."

"With what? What needs to be done?"

"Defeating your enemies. Your people went easy on them before, and look what it cost you. And now you are doing the same."

"You want to take control of us."

"Not control, a cooperative effort."

"Let's not waste time with issues we can't resolve. Would you like to visit the Climatrol centres on A'millian Prime?"

Khardem carefully contemplates. "What I would like... is to be returned to my people."

"My dear Khardem. You are a criminal. You attempted an armed coup against the rulers of the empire. The least that will happen to you is you will stand trial and be punished. I am offering you an oppourtinuity to be... civilized."

"And what is the price for that oppourtinuity?"

"Cooperation."

"I need to know how many Guardian ships are in A'millian space and how they intend to attack."

"You have held me here for the last days, before, we were partners. Everything I know, you already know."

"We know you are a spokesman for the Guardians and you still have a strong telepathic link to them, in fact, we think you were speaking with them from this very cell. We have also seen them attacking other powers, including the Galatic Empire and the Goa'uld."

"It seems you already know more on the situation than I do."

Destructionator stares at him for a moment, then presses a button. Two other Soongian Destructionators enter, grab Khardem strongley, put restraints on his wrists, then leave. Khardem struggles to break free. Destructionator XV presses another button and Khardem's arms are raised up above him.

"Wasted energy, Khardem, in such a futile effort. You will soon wish you have not wasted it here."

"Torture is expressly prohibited by section 34 of article B of the A'millian criminal suspect regulations!"

"Are you in good health? Are there any allergies or other medical conditions I should know about?"

Khardem says nothing. Destructionator walks up to him, holding a dagger.

"Beautiful, itn't it?" She says as she holds it very colse to his throat. He is now obviously very tense.

She then cuts away at his cloathing, leaving him naked.

"From this point on, you will enjoy no privlidges of rank... no rights as a sentient. I will refer to you as nothing else than 'worm'. You will have no other identity."

Destructionator walks out of the room, leaving Khardem humiliated, cold, and alone in a dark room.

***

The next day..

Khardem is still in the same position, his head slumped from exaustion. The door opens and Destructionator walks in and sits at the desk, the room still dark.

"Good morning, worm. I trust you slept well?"

The Destructionators bring Khardem down and sits him in the chair then leave. Destructionator XV sips a beverage.

Khardem watches, his mouth dry.

"You thirsty?"

Khardem nods slightly.

"I would imagine so." She drinks the rest. "Well, it is time to move on."

"I told you everything I know."

"I'm sure you have."

Destructionator points to a set of four lights on the wall behind her.

"How many lights do you see there?"

"I see four lights."

Destructionator walks behind him, looking up.

"Why, that is strange. I see five." She looks back at Khardem. "Are you quite sure?"

"There are four lights."

"Perhaps you are aware of the feeling in your chest. It is a small implant.. a remarkable invention. By entering commands into this control" she holds up a small keypad "I create any level of pain in your body. Please forgive me, but it will be much easier to simply show you."

She presses a button on the device and Khardem screams in pain.

"Amazing, isn't it. Many people think they can take it, but they are never prepared for the intensity of the pain."

"I know nothing about the Guardian's plans..."

"But, I never asked you about the Guardian's plans..."

"...I asked how many lights there are."

[Imperial Congress]

Vice Admiral Stern's recording has quite considerable impact on the Council; the pro-Darth Kreshna faction is gaining more favor than they have originally started. No longer the liberal's influence dominating the Council.

However, it only makes it harder to decide. The Chancellor originally thought that the hearing would be a short one, since the majority already wanted to strip Darth Kreshna's noble authority anyway, so she thought it would be a quick and swift decision, and she could go home soon.

Now, the tides has somewhat swayed, those who seek to strip the power of the Sith are no longer a significant majority. The Chancellor sighs; today is Ben's birthday, and I should be home soon. Moments after Admiral Stern's presentation, she decided that the Council should go for a vote.

For now on, the most dominant result is dissolving Darth Kreshna's fleet permanently; integrating it into the Imperial Navy, while keep the Sith's political power and nobility status intact. However, it is still unpredictable, and the result can change anytime......




OOC: alright, vote you barstards! Vote!!

[Robert Walper]

Faced with the remnants of Mordor's armies and the Borg Drones, the mage crossed his hands. His voice carried impossibly. "Sauron. I have come for your throne. This Middle-Earth shall be my castle-world from which I shall extend my hand. Kneel or flee. All else is obliteration."

Robert watched the event unfold via his holographic chamber. The newcomer had leveled the majority of the great gate into the lands of Mordor, issuing a challenge to Sauron for his power and lands. A most curious individual thought Walper. He hadn't foreseen this individual coming, so he decided to test the capabilite of this challenger.

Over a dozen Borg cubes assumed orbit, positioning themselves relative to the planet bound location of the entrance to Mordor. They analysed the surrounding area with sensor sweeps. Weapons capable of leveling entire cities powered up. Tractor beam emittors powerful enough to scoop entire futuristic colonies off the surface of a plant also came online. All of them focused on or around the individual.

Borg transporters went into action. All the drones and Sauron forces in the area disappeared into the greenish glow of dematerialition, moved from the location targetted by weapons capable of potentially reducing the area to slag.

Meanwhile, Lord Walper reached out with his senses, trying to determine the nature and capabilities of the newcomer. Tapping the Force potential of the entire Collective, Robert was ready to unleash whatever level of power was required to bring this arrogant fool to his knees. Robert concentrated, sending a telepathic message to the lone man standing at the demolished gate:

Who dares to challenge my power and holdings?

[SirNitram]

I am Nitram, Survivor of the Netherese Empire. Hear my name, and weep in fear.

The thought raced back across the telepathic link so foolishly made. For, the master mage detected, this individual had a link to a vastly larger set of minds open. While protected formidably against technological infiltration, the mind was clearly not thinking anyone would be brazen enough to attempt to hijack the Collective, even for a nanosecond.

Tahalshia seized a strand of the interlinking skeins of energy called 'The Force', yanking viciously on it. The shockwaves of this unnatural manipulation would certainly attract attention, as a terrible disturbance as the mage fed himself on a part of the local Force. But it was merely a distraction; while the Jedi would be reeling and trying to stop the invasive, destructive act, a thought raced through the interlinking minds to the Cubes in orbit.

IFF codes clicked over. Borg Cubes with weapons hot and targetted suddenly detected each other as opposition. Far above Mordor, destruction began, but not on the head of the invading mage.

And that, Tahalshia spoke into the mind that had touched him, was not even a show of raw power. Kneel or flee.

[Robert Walper]

And that, Tahalshia spoke into the mind that had touched him, was not even a show of raw power. Kneel or flee.

Lord Walper mentally balked at the attack from the individual. He focused on bringing his thoughts into order, and by extension, those of the Collective. Fortunately, only the cubes above the planet had been affected. Walper immediately had them shut down, their weapon systems falling silent. Naturally the cubes had been shielded against their own employed weapon frequencies, so the actual damage done was quite minor.

Robert concentrated, his mind probing and closing the telepathic vulnerabilitry this clever manipulator had exploited. He would not be caught so flat footed again.

One of the orbiting cubes began to crumple as if crushed by a monstrous hand. Billions of tons of twisted bulkheads, and hull material was compressed into a roughly spherical shape several hundred meters across. The lump that was once a massive cube accelerated towards the planet incredibly. Impacting the atmosphere at almost mach 10, it created a massive shockwave of sound and compressed air. The ship now turned projectile swiftly approached the figure on the planet's surface.

I will crush you like the bug you are Walper hissed mentally.

Meanwhile, the rest of the cube fleet had successfully restarted their systems, purging the results of the IFF code error. They hit the planetary surface with tractor beams, causing earthquake effects on par with level 8 intensity. Nitram was knocked off his feet from the result.

And the metallic meteor cast a shadow upon the ground, darkening the ground where Nitram lay...

[SirNitram]

Tahalshia hadn't expected the telepathic parlor tricks to do much damage; more a display of his opponent's innate vunerabilities before him. And now the man had gone and done something rather rash. An involuntary grunt had come when knocked off his feet, but the tiniest expenditure of arcane power had lifted him off the ground entirely, free from the shaking, unstable surface.

The falling lump of metal, that could be construed as an issue. With a sigh, Nitram resigned himself to it: Some of his carefully horded power would have to be expended. Compressing a vast ritual spell that expended rare and priceless materials and took a week to perform into a few seconds naturally sucked at the precious reserves the Neth had secreted away from mileenia. Still, he could not have this interloper ruining his throne-world.

"By Proctiv's power... Ascend."

Mount Orodun, home of the Cracks of Doom, snapped free of the ground. With ridiculous amounts of power behind it, it was tossed, into the air, it's flat bottom angled to absorb the incoming impact. It all happened in moments, a deflection that shouldn't be possible. And a display of power to silence this arrogant man/golem. Few attacks could penetrate a mountain as a shield.

Where the dread mountain once stood, lava flowed freely, a new, hellish place, a lake of molten stone..

[Robert Walper]

Lord Walper viewed the spectacle before him. This being was most impressive with his abilities. Robert grudgingly admitted that while his own powers were vast, they were dependent upon a Collective organization of trillions to fuel his Force potential.

The orbiting cubes ceased their tractor beam assault, but maintained their positions in orbit.

Walper tapped his fingers lightly on his armrest. While he was fairly confident he could kill this being if he went full out to do so, the expediture of effort would be vast. Not to mention the destruction of the planet would be a likely outcome. And he couldn't allow that. Middle-Earth was required to further his goals in the larger picture.

Grimacing with not an entirely pleasant feeling, Robert decided upon a course of action.

A large viewscreen panel materialized beside Nitram. Apparently Walper was no fool to tempt telepathic communication again, even if he was, for the most part, capable of shielding further take over attempts.

The panel flickered to life. "Being Nitram." Robert began. "You've demostrated impressive power and will against my assault. I feel further conflict between us would result in far more destructive results and loss of energy on both sides. Furthermore, I require this planet for my own purposes, and it's well being is a factor."

Lord Walper sat back, the two way viewing screen showing him the Nitram figure. Walper maintained his mental guard.

"I'm willing to entertain....'suggestions' on your part that may result in both of us preventing further unnecessary hostilites that hinder both of our objectives. State your intentions."

Leaning forward, Robert continued with conviction and malice. His eyes blazed with Dark side energy.

"However, keep in mind I will reduce this planet to rubble before accepting any terms of 'leadership' on your part."

[SirNitram]

Impudent child. Was the reply. You have expended one of your precious starships to try and harm me, and have not. I have shown you mercy; you presume to think you can do anything against me.

The competent was like a smack in the face. The mage released the mountain from his concentration, and it remained up. The vast magical potential of the world he stood on was being tapped by this man, reorganizing it to adjust Mordor's conditions.

You have no taste of magic; merely the parlor tricks of a Jedi. This world is wasted on you and the would-be Godling Sauron. Untold potential for those who can wield it.. And you cannot. The snarl was mental but no less firm. If you think yourself mighty enough to render it useless, go ahead. Feel free to unleash your fury. If you manage to harm this world beyond my capability to repair.. I will exact the price from your personal hide. Do not presume to be in a position of strength.

[Ra]

*Meanwhile, on A'millian Prime*

The Lady Galadriel's mission to A'millian Prime was almost complete; she'd assisted the A'millians in overthrowing Khardem, but still needed to tie up some other loose ends. And, she needed to think of her next more. Galadriel walked quietly in a large park near the Capitol building. It was twilight, and the stars were beginning to come out. The air was cool and soft, slowly blowing through her golden hair.

Galadriel could perceive the things happening across the heavens; Walper's conquest of Mordor, as well as his current problems with a certain intruder... Good, she figured. As long as this powerful being kept the Evil of Mordor at bay, it would make her job easier.

Galadriel also knew of the Guardian attack on Ra's secret base outside of Melian's protection, and of his delaration of war on the Empire. Fool, she thought. Although the reaction was natural, and mostly chest-beating on his part, it would certainly not help things. After all, they had just regained Captain McKenzie's trust.

But that didn't matter. What was most urgent on her ancient mind was the final Quest. How would she find this Jedi that was prophesied? Where would he or she be? Galadriel had her doubts about Amiwen's plan to clone Aayla Secura. She felt it was not the answer. No person should be forced to fulfil a certain destiny. Destiny was set up by the choices a person made in their life.

Amiwen's plan was bound to peril. In her desperation, the clone could side with the enemy to escape her predetermined fate. Amiwen was a powerful Istari, but she was not wise or very experienced. Galadriel, wisest among the Elves, knew that the true Quest was in fact to find the Last Jedi. As Galadriel sat on a stone bench, she meditated. The answer then seemed blatantly obvious; Ra and the Empire were now enemies. Who opposed the Empire as well? There were two; the Guardians, and the Rebel Alliance...

Although nearly exterminated by the new Imperial order, there still had to be some Rebels around. No government that spanned a galaxy could eliminate all organized resistance. That was difficult on a planetary scale. Galadriel, from what little she knew of the Rebellion, knew that they had been lead by Force-adepts. One may yet live...

The Lady of A'millian stood across the stone path from her. "Am I disturbing you, Lady Galadriel?"

"No. As it turns out, I believe I have an answer for our Quest."

"Still doubtful about the clone idea?"

"Yes. I have forseen its failure. However, there may be another."

The Lady sat on the bench next to the Eldar queen. "Do tell."

"Is there not an organized resistance against the Empire?"

"Yeah, albeit very small. They got nearly wiped out by the Empire."

"Yet some may survive. Isn't the Rebellion leader a Force-adept?"

"I think so. But isn't this a bit risky? We don't know hardly anything about these Rebels. Also, they wouldn't help outsiders such as us."

"Ra has declared war on the Empire in his folly. Yet, we have the chance to make better of it."

"Well, in that case we may have a plan. After all, you know what they say; The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'll consult Lord Adam. We'll let you know of our decsion in the morning."

------------------
OOC: Like the final dialogue said, the ultimate decision is up to Destructionator XV. The plan has its pros and cons, of course. Militarily, the Rebels are nothing in KAN's Imperial timeline. They won't make good military allies. However, the last lightsiders are also working for them.

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

Meanwhile, on Coruscant...

Darth Kreshna sits relaxed inside his limousine, monitoring the Council's poll through the portable holo-TV.

However, his mind is not really focused on the poll, and not quite relaxed either.

Despite the fact that Kreshna is a Force-blind, his Phoenix telepathy senses a great disturbance in the intangible realm. No, it is not the Guardians. It is... something else.

He doesn't feel any fear, though, for he is the Phoenix; the manifestation of all living energy that were, that is and that will be. Even the weak telepath Jean Grey exhibited godlike powers when incarnated by the Phoenix, let alone a Sith. He is the most powerful Phoenix Incarnation ever, for the living energies in the past, present, and the future that is the Phoenix is now magnified and amplified by the corruption of the Dark Side. Now Darth Kreshna is as much as the devourer of the life-forces as the personification of them; his cosmic omnipotence would make Galactus, the Beyonder, Eternity, and even Living Tribunal cower in fear.........

.....if the he knows how to use it.


See, the manipulations of his power have been all based on instinct. Kreshna is still learning how to use his omnipotence, like an infant learning to walk. Worse, he is a Force blind. He is like a person who walks through concrete wall, crushing it without even realizing the wall is there. However, despite his blindness, the Sith Inquisitor can still feel the cosmic battle light happened in the nether realm. And amidst the swirling chaos, he also sense something.


Lord Walper is in trouble.

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

"Ra has declared war on the Empire in his folly. Yet, we have the chance to make better of it."

"Well, in that case we may have a plan. After all, you know what they say; The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'll consult Lord Adam. We'll let you know of our decsion in the morning."

Suddenly the holo-phone rings. Galadriel picks it up. A confused Captain McKenzie appears in holographic form. The Captain asks directly, "is that true, that the Goa'ulds have declared a war against the Empire?"

Both Galadriel and Lady Adam give a confirming nod. McKenzie exhales, "well now THAT's just great! How am I supposed to support you if you are in a war against us?"

Without waiting for answer, Ronald continues, "listen, there's a recent development on Coruscant; the Congress is running a pool to decide the future of Darth Kreshna's personal fleet -the fleet that I'm in. I don't know how the result would be, but I don't think I would have more freedom if I'm transferred to the Imperial Navy. Nevetheless, things are going to be more complicated. Not to mention your government just declared a war against the Empire. Sigh...."

After staring on the ceiling for a moment, Ronald McKenzie says, "so, do you ladies have any suggestions how to carry our mission?"

[Robert Walper]

Lord Walper is in trouble.

Subspace dispatched message: To Imperial Forces

Lord Walper appears upon the display viewer. He nods faintly. "Darth Kreshna...per our alliance, I require the use of one of your assests..."

Kreshna nodded knowingly. "Go on."

[Robert Walper]

Impudent child. Was the reply. You have expended one of your precious starships to try and harm me, and have not. I have shown you mercy; you presume to think you can do anything against me.

The competent was like a smack in the face. The mage released the mountain from his concentration, and it remained up. The vast magical potential of the world he stood on was being tapped by this man, reorganizing it to adjust Mordor's conditions.

You have no taste of magic; merely the parlor tricks of a Jedi. This world is wasted on you and the would-be Godling Sauron. Untold potential for those who can wield it.. And you cannot. The snarl was mental but no less firm. If you think yourself mighty enough to render it useless, go ahead. Feel free to unleash your fury. If you manage to harm this world beyond my capability to repair.. I will exact the price from your personal hide. Do not presume to be in a position of strength.

Lord Walper smirked. He hadn't expected the Nitram being to be reasonable. Nitram's arrogance continued to amuse him.

"So be it." Walper replied. "Witness the inevitably destruction of 'your' world."

The viewer switched off. Walper turned slightly, facing Sauron. He said nothing, but Sauron nodded ever so slightly. The extraction process of Middle Earth had been completed. Robert turned again to his chamber viewer. Almost a hundred Borg cubes dropped out of transwarp directly over the planet of Middle-Earth. Without hesistation, they began bombarding the surface of the planet, focusing on the first large continent far beyond the borders of Mordor. Walper reached out with the Force, shielding the ships from any mental incursions or attempts to hinder them, while also mantaining his own mental defenses and guard.

The crust of the continent began to peel away as raw energy stripped the surface of it's regular surface, revealing the hot mantle beneath. The destruction continued to spread across the continent at an alarming rate. Within a hour the entire planet would be reduced to slag.

"This Nitram being will inherit nothing but planet reduced to a useless sphere of death." Robert stated with satisfaction.

[SirNitram]

An hour had passed. The world of Middle Earth was a roiling, shifting ocean of molten metal and stone. The organic components had been largely incinerated, and would take years to settle from the atmosphere. The atmosphere was so hot it would torturously burn any living thing to death. Still, chunks of stone floated on the ocean, drifting almost lazily.

Except one, which, hidden from the craft above, was heading West. Atop this chunk of stone that had once been Mount Orodun, Nitram made his way to the lands of the Valar, or whatever may remain. It would take time, but the Walper-creature had been useful. The renewal of this world was sped up by such a vast input of energy.

Behind him, in what had once been Mordor, ancient volcanic vents opened up, and the molten stone began to reshape itself...

[Ra]

Galadriel replies, "All we require is a means to locate and reach the Rebel Alliance. Of course, if you were to help them, you would be accused of treason. I will not ask this of you."

"Rebel Scum... how are THEY supposed to help?"

"They are led by a Force-adept, correct? This Force-adept could host the Phoenix. All I need is this person's location."

"Alright. I can do that. But you'll have to arrange travel yourself."

Captain Tarret comments off-screen. "Captain, you're talking to a woman that owns an Asgard shuttle. She could go anywhere in this galaxy in seconds."

"Oh..."

[Robert Walper]

Robert viewed the molten planet with some amount of interest. He had been expecting some effort on part of the Nitram being to prevent the destruction of the planet's surface, but the fleet had completed it's objective without interference.

Several cubes broke off from the fleet, slipping into transwarp speed. They headed towards the new planet that would become Sauron's new Middle Earth. Onboard the cubes, the almost billion of Sauron's surviving troops were in stasis, along with many relics and 'unique' objects Sauron had demanded be kept from destruction. Some hadn't yet been acquired by the minions under his command, but Borg technology, sensors and remarkable extraction ability had gained him all in a mere matter of hours. The remaking of a new Middle Earth would commence in secret under Sauron's supervision.

Walper faced his viewer as it announced the incoming transmission from the sphercial station that had just jumped into existence.

"Lord Walper." began the Imperial officer. Robert nodded. "Darth Kreshna sends his regards and greetings. He has agreed to your use of this battle station."

Robert smiled. "It appears my fleet actually accomplished the mission I set them upon. The Nitram being seemed content to let them do their work."

The Death Star commander frowned. "We are not to annihilate the planet as you requested?"

Lord Walper actually shrugged indifferently. "My fleet was merely meant to be a distraction while you proceeded to truely destroy it. However, don't let the success of the cube fleet hinder your anticipation. You are free to fire when ready. I shall monitor your battle station from here, and protect it from meddling from this Nitram creature. I suggest you destroy it as quickly as possible."

The Imperial Officier grinned. "It will done my Lord. This station is the ultimate power in the universe."

Robert frowned, the Imperial Officier flinching as the tickle of his throat contracting came to his attention.

"Do not presume to rise above your station, Commander."

The constriction having faded from his throat, the Commander nodded submissively. "Understood, my Lord." The Commander's viewer flickered off. He turned to his subordinates. "Begin primary ignition."

The monstrous battle station's reactor powered up to maximum capacity. Green energy beams fired into a point, gathering a split second before lancing out in a unimagineably powerful burst of energy that closed upon the molten planet's surface.

[SirNitram]

The vast stores of energy racing down at the rapidly-cooling planet caused Nitram's attention to shift. He sighed, like a teacher dealing with a particularly annoying student who wouldn't learn the lesson.

"A tantrum? What, did I take your favorite toy? Alright, I'll have to get the cane..." He murmured, and vanished through a Gate.

Thousands of telepathic probes raced upwards towards the Death Star; enough to keep Lord Walper on his toes as he tried to protect the borrowed battlestation. Unfortunately for him, no Jedi had ever mastered extradimensional travel, and thus he had no chance to block the real attack behind the feints. As the shot hit Middle Earth, Nitram appeared behind the Commander, and the slim, completely mundane knife he held, entered his spine and killed him.

The guards in the room had only enough time to reach for their weapons before red sigils glowed on the floor, a Death Circle snuffing out their lives. The rest of the station was still firmly Imperial, but it didn't trouble the mage. A shapeshifting spell later, and he spoke with the face and voice of the late Commander.

"All gunners, all gunners. Fire on the Borg fleet immediately. Communications, initiate a distress call to Coruscant. The Borg have betrayed us. Repeat, the Borg have betrayed us and are aboard the Death Star. Engineering, security, initiate anti-boarding tactics.."

Middle Earth, the jewel of the galaxy that two powerful beings fought proxy wars over, failed to explode. It vaporized, but held it's shape, titanic magics sucking up energy as best it could as the world was terraformed. Whoever could twist the rapidly evolving situation to their hand would have quite a prize on hand.

[Robert Walper]

Lord Walper ordered the Borg fleet to retreat into transwarp. All vessels still capable did so immediately.

Robert's viewer switched over to Darth Kreshna's personal channel.

"I regret to inform you Kreshna, that the being Nitram has taken over your battle station. It is beyond the ability of my conventional forces to retake or counter the station. You might benefit trying to use this event to manipulate your current problem with the Imperial Senate."

Lord Walper sat back, and studied the twisted and altered Middle Earth planet.

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

On Coruscant....

Inside his limousine, Darth Kreshna is burning with rage; his Death Star has been taken over by a powerful being called 'Nitram'. First, the Imperial Council is trying to take away his personal starfleet, and then the Death Star? He is screaming with rage, shattering the glass in his hand with a squeeze; his eyes radiates fire.

Many, many lightyears away from Coruscant, the Death Star is suddenly enveloped by a bird-shaped flame aura; a raging, screaming, bellowing firebird of destruction.

And the magical being called 'Nitram' is expelled out of the battle station; being thrown many light-years away from both the Death Star and the planet called 'Middle Earth'.

As the Death Star is now encased in a cosmic impenetrable barrier, it gradually shimmers out of realspace; The strands of Darth Kreshna's Phoenix Aura penetrates every single atom of the mighty battle station, and moments later, the Death Star materializes again in the safe confines of Borg space. Through telepathic interference, all personnel suddenly become aware that the order to destroy the Borg was a fake.

It is, however, a mere display of the Phoenix's immense cosmic power; a Force/telekinetic power of unlimited magnitude that no longer obey the time-space continuum; the power that can efectivelly alter reality at whim. However, as the Entity itself is omnipotent, the host is still learning to wield the ultimate power. Obviously the deed is too much for Darth Kreshna, as he faints inside the limousine; the cognac bottle falls crashing on the car's floor as the chauffeur is looking back over her shoulder to see what's going on.

"Mr. K! Are you alright??"

She quickly set the limo on autopilot and then watches in horror as the Sith Noble is sprawling across the jock; flame radiates from his eyes. There is something really wrong.

Darth Kreshna murmures slightly, ".....hospital....." then falls unconscious.

The chauffeur overrides the autopilot, then heads to Palpatine Memorial.






OOC:

(1) the premise of the Phoenix is like this: while the Phoenix itself has potentially unlimited power (thanks to Palpatine's tinkering on Darth Kreshna as the Phoenix host; while Kreshna was still a TIE Fighter Pilot), the power is simply too much for the host. I was inspired by Marvel Comic's Secret Wars, where the Beyonder's reality-altering power was simply too much for Doctor Doom's human psychology.

I was also inspired by Marvel Comic's Infinity War, where Thanos, wielding the ultimate power of the Infinity Gauntlet, was defeated by his own self-defeating tendency in the sub-counscious level.



(2) Alright, if the Guardians want to make a major offensive, you can do it now! Allen?



(3) I guess Galadriel would feel some GREAT disturbance in the Force, to the point it is hurting her.



(4) Darth Kreshna is unconscious in the hospital; however, his 'spirit' will encounter some enemies and meet some friends in the 'dreamworld'. I was inspired by Chuck Sonnenburg's Worlds Without End saga (Worlds Without End, Shadows of the Night, and Against All Odds), where Annika Hansen's spirit is wandering in the 'dreamworld'; fighting the Borg Queen, as well as fighting the 'Seven of Nine' aspect of her personality.

I don't have anything set in concrete so far, but I guess good writers like Jonathan (Ra) can write that part as well. Maybe Darth Kreshna will be fighting his Phoenix persona in the 'dreamworld'? Maybe he will meet Irene? Maybe the Guardian will try to attack him in the 'dreamworld', try to eliminate him forever and end the Phoenix madness? Maybe Galadriel would go to the dreamworld as well?



(5) At Robert: sorry, I have different thing in mind. See, the Death Star being taken over will only stir the Congress further to dissolve Darth Kreshna's fleet; cursing his decision to lend the battle station to the Borg.

On the other hand, Darth Kreshna in critical condition can draw sympathy from the people, and will be a nice political commodity to his supporter.

Remember, though: Imperial public still doesn't take the Phoenix seriously; they are rational people (just like us in this 21th century) and don't believe in superstitious, supernatural phenomenon.

All they care is a powerful alien race called 'the Ancient Guardians' is attacking the Empire, and it started during Darth Kreshna's expedition in the Sol System (when Daleks, Trollish, and A'millan forces were attacking the Death Star; which was defended by the Empire, the Goa'ulds, and the Borg).

Oh, I'm sure Darth Kreshna's 'Phoenixness' is a nice material among the 'UFO Magazines', but the general population refuse to take that shit!

[SirNitram]

Once again on Mount Orodun.. Or the island of stone and metal that now floated in the ruins of Middle Earth that was once that dread mountain.. Nitram coughed. He hadn't seen such titanic power in untold years; it was truly mindboggling to see it stretch that far. A burning desire for this might flickered into him, but he quelled it for now. That sort of majestic incarnation of might would have exhausted it's user, and if that user were not a truly ridiculous idiot, they would be under heavy guard until they were ready again.

Besides, he had other work to do. He mended the damage to his pattern done by the Phoenix's vast display; a simple enough matter, if somewhat time consuming. Reconstructing this world would take longer, but Walper had provided the raw energy required to work the reformating of ancient Middle Earth into a proper Throneworld. He would nary even have to transmute most of it; in the cauldron of energies from the bombardments, matter flowed in ways it hadn't since the dawn of time.

Still, thought the Neth. The Borg were now an enemy; they would probably not relent easily. He would have to consider raising allies or pawns against them; the Sith they took orders from was just powerful enough to be a nuisance.

And then, he would turn his gaze to Phoenix....

As the lands of the West reconstituted themselves with titanic magics, the last survivor of Netheril considered his next move...


OOC: No mystical compulsion affected the Death Star; their commander just told them to fire on Borg Cubes. Imperial discipline's a wonderful thing.

And no, I don't think Walper can destroy reconstituted Valar territory. I think the Guardians might be upset by such a move.