STGOD: The Phoenix Wars (Chapter IV)

[Ra]

*Per-Ra*

The Goa'uld mothership Vengeance had returned to the Supreme System Lord's throne world. As she entered orbit, a Ha'tak pyramid section ascended past, docking with a positioned base module. Behind the now-complete ship, nearly a thousand other motherships were stationed beyond. Ra's great fleet was now assembled.

Ra and First Prime Srenn were standing on the Vengenance's command bridge, observing this vast armada.

"Quite impressive," Ra said impassively.

"We are ready," Srenn stated.

"You have something to report?"

"Our secret asteroid base has been attacked by the Guardians. There were no survivors. We also lost over ten of our new vessels that were under construction."

"The Guardians wish to draw our attention. I won't give it to them. We will proceed with our plan. These ships all have cloaking technology. We will attack lone Imperial ships. Small flotillas will ambush them, destroy the target, and get away before they can be caught."

"An unusual tactic for our forces, but effective."

Ra smirked.

"M'lord, something else."

"Oh?"

"What are we to do about the Borg cube in our space? The one the Collective loaned to us."

"I'd forgotten about that thing. They are still allies with the Imperials. Use them against the Guardians."

"As you wish."

Ra noticed Srenn's concern, and adressed it with a calm tone. "Our attacks on the Imperials are just a distraction, Srenn. We will use that distraction to deploy... the Item."

Srenn looked intrigued, or as close to intrigued as a Kull warrior could be.

"My 'visitor' gave me a sample of a special virus he called a 'psychic agent'. After much research, my scientists can only tell me that it may or may not work against the Guardian Main Nexus. It is a risk I want to take, in order to destroy the bastards once and for all."

"The Phoenix?"

"According to him, it would be destroyed with the Guardians. He didn't explain, only saying 'it's complicated'."

"Then that is why they destroyed the secret asteroid base? To save themselves?"

"But of course!" Ra said with an evil laugh. "However, the Guardians were too late, as the research was moved to Omur IX. Unfortunately, I need Galadriel's Asgard shuttle to complete the mission. It has a cloak that Imperial CGT sensors cannot overcome."

Srenn grimaced. "Then we should call her back at once!"

Ra shook his head. "She will come soon. I have the feeling..."

[Sandra Kuat]

On Coruscant....

Xizor-Astoria Suites; the most luxurious skyscraper on the Imperial Capital, the residence of the riches and the affluents. Its location is strategically placed on Coruscant Metro. In front of the building lies the Royal Avenue; to the west, the Imperial Palace stands among the city lights; to the South, the famous Palpatine Square can be seen.

On the 1337 floor, inside her penthouse apartment, a woman is watching the news while lying naked on the bed. She is Sandra Kuat, the scandalous jetset who belongs to one of the richest family dynasty in the Empire. It is the very same family who have been building Star Destroyers and other warships for the Empire through their hugemongous enterprise; the Kuat Drive Yard.

"Watching politics again?"

Sandra turns her head, then leans against the man who said the words; Prince Edgar of Hapes. He is a cousin of Prince Isolder who rules the small nation. The Prince continues, "or probably it's because the Sith Inquisitor's been hot on the news lately?" Jealously can be noticed on his voice.

"Oh, come on, sweetheart. Kresh and I were just friends. Best friend, but nothing more than that," Sandra Kuat replies with a half lie, "for example," she caresses the Prince, "I never did this to him. And this... and this..."

"Mmmmm..." the Prince lazily closes his eyes. Their relationship has been well-known among the gossip newspapers and the papparazis; some are even speculating that they're going to marry soon, although both of them know it's just an old news being repeated over and over again.

Suddenly all the pleasures stop as Sandra is being tensed. Apparently it is the news that distracts her.

"........following the Council's decision to disband the Sith's Military Authority, Imperial Sith Inquisitor Darth Kreshna is now hospitalized after falling unsconscious on his limo. The doctors suspected the cause was overconsumption of alcohol, but recent lab result shows only little trace of alcohol in his blood. Darth Kreshna is notorious for his alcoholism and...."


Sandra Kuat is getting anxious now. Although the infatuation between them was only short-lived, Darth Kreshna is still her best friend. She makes note to herself to visit the hospital tommorrow morning....

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

Meanwhile, on Sol System...

The planet Earth has been pretty pretty quiet since the war has been more concentrated in the Imperial Galaxy. Imperial defense on this newest colony has been sparse; notably since the Death Star was sent to the Borg space. The government is unhappy and the diplomats are still contacting the Borg to claim back the battle station.

In fact, There are only a couple of World Devastators, several Star Destroyers, and an Eclipse; not to mention Imperial forces has been busy with paperworks they have to deal with regarding to the integration of Darth Kreshna's personal fleet into the Imperial Navy.

Aboard the Eclipse, Admiral Hauser is unhappy; he was the secret suporter of the fleet integration from the very start, but the amount of administrative tasks is overwhelming. Vice Admiral Stern has been transferred to the Executor Command Battleship Phoenix; the only asset Darth Kreshna is still allowed to retain. Captain McKenzie is not here to help him either, since the Captain is busy patrolling the Goa'uld border.

Hauser sighs; if Earth is invaded now, the defense force would be helpless; not to mention the Empire is still officially at war with the A'millans, and political tension with the Goa'ulds has been increasing lately. He hopes none of them would try anything funny......



OOC: alright, folks. This is Earth, the Sol System; where everything started. Who knows the solution to the Guardian War will be eventually found... here?

[Robert Walper]

Deep in the heart of Borg territory, the Death Star dropped out of hyperspace. It approached the Borg Unicomplex, assuming a stationary position relative to it. It would remain there under the direct control of Lord Walper, courtesy of Darth Kreshna. Kreshna's plan to save the enormous asset of his personal forces was now realized.

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

On Coruscant....

"With all respect, Sir, we need that goddamn Death Star!"

Grand Admiral Thorne starts losing patience patience; the politicians never have the balls to do what necessary. He is having a holo-conference with the Secretary of Defense Matthew Dahlman. The main reason of the dissolving of Darth Kreshna's forces is because the Navy needs another Death Star; while there's no planet to destroy, its combat value worths thousands, and probably millions of warships.

The Secretary replies, "the Department of Foreign Affairs still consider the best diplomatic approach to reclaim the Death Star. See, Darth Kreshna lent the battle station to Lord Walper just before the Council decision was made and....."

"Jesus Fucking Christ, Matt!! Any military decisions made by the Sith Inquisitor is not valid anymore since the Council's decision! And why should we afraid to claim what rightfully ours from the Borg? I mean the Borg??"

Matt Dahlman sighs, "Vic, would you just chill out? The Empire is at war with almost everybody now; the Guardians, the Goa'ulds, the Trollish Imperium. Granted they are all small nations, except the Guardians, but we are not going to lose another ally. Not in this current situation."

Grand Admiral Victor J. Thorne replies with scowled expression, "well I hope Lord Walper will honor our alliance and give the Death Star back to us. Meanwhile, I guess we should put Darth Kreshna into arrest for doing such thing. Yes, I don't care he's on hospital now, Matt. We are talking about national issue here!"



OOC: alright, this is quite a dillemma; it seems Lord Walper is quite reluctant to return the Death Star, while the Empire doesn't want to loose another ally. This is actually Darth Kreshna's last blow to hurt the Council, but as a player, I still haven't decided whether the Empire would strong arm the Borg or not. I guess this is the consequences of playing TWO characters: Darth Kreshna and the Empire.

At Robert: this is your dillemma as well; would you enjoy the Death Star, insisting to keep it because 'it belongs to Darth Kreshna, and he lent it to me!' while risking the Empire's wrath...

...or will he stay rational, keeping a cool head and return the Death Star? By doing so, he will lose the battle station, and he may risk the Phoenix's wrath as well. Not to mention the Death Star crews are loyal to Darth Kreshna, so they may refuse to return and asking political aslyum.

Either way, Lord Walper ain't going to face the Guardians alone; if he return the Death Star, he can expect military aid from the Empire since both nations are allies. If he doesn't, he can expect Darth Kreshna's Phoenix power to help him against the Guardians and other supernatural beings.


Nevertheless, the situation is getting more complicated. Robert, please don't rush up into a solution yet. I still have no idea either how to resolve the issue. Anyone have suggestions?

[Ra]

*A'millian Prime*

The Lady Galadriel was sitting quietly in her guest room when the Lady entered.

"You wished to see me?"

Galadriel stood, and nodded nobly. "Yes. Last night, I felt something. A powerful disturbance, more powerful than any I have felt previously."

The Lady walked up, her face stern. "I know of what you speak. The Phoenix again?"

"It has never wielded such power openly. And worse may come yet."

"You seem..."

"Yes. The power was vast, a great fire and pain coursed throughout my body. The Phoenix directly attacked a powerful being aboard the Death Star. It was as clear in my mind as day. But it also clearly showed what must be done. I must go and seek the Force-adept that leads the Rebels. I have also seen that Ra is planning his attack, one I fear will end in doom for us all. Much must be done, Lady of A'millian, yet time is short."

The Lady deeply ponders the situation, and then looks up. "Very well. I will see to it that your ship is ready."

[Robert Walper]

Robert faced the large viewer that showed the high ranking Imperial personnel facing him.

"In the name of the Imperial Senate, you are hereby requested to return your current holding of the new Death Star loaned to you by Darth Kreshna."

Lord Walper looked back at the officier addressing him.

"This platform was given to me by Darth Kreshna. And only to him will I relinquish it."

The group started muttering amongst themselves, although Walper using the Force knew immediately what they were talking about. He continued.

"I warn you. Any hostilities towards the Collective on this matter would be extremely poor reasoning on your part."

The leading group member looked up. "Your Borg forces are no match for the might of the Empire if we decide to take the station by force, Lord Walper. You'd be best to submit to our request."

Robert stared directly at the Imperial.

"Keep in mind, General, I now have access to a full operational Death Star weapon's platform. Equivalent to potentially millions of your capital ships."

The General glared back. "The Death Star will not open fire upon any Imperial forces without express orders from Imperial command."

Robert smiled. "You underestimate me, General. Your precious station is under my control, regardless of your Imperial personnel manning it. You've no doubt noticed your attempts to communicate with the station or it's personnel have failed, and will continue to do so unless I deem otherwise."

The General stiffened at his throat contracted ever so slighty. Lord Walper continued.

"Your Imperial forces could, quite possibly, inflict fatal damage to my conventional forces. However, I assure you that even without the Death Star under my command, you would suffer damage far beyond your most dire projections. Any hostilities initiated towards myself I will interpret as a act of war, in which case, the Death Star will go on a rampage within Imperial territory, destroying every planet I see fit or desire."

Robert's comment was coinicided by images sent the viewer. Coruscant, Kuat shipyards and mny other major installations and planets displayed on the screen.

The General relaxed as the invisisble grip upon himself disappeared.

The Sith's eyes glowed with Dark Side energy. "I trust I've made my point."

[Ra]

*Imperial Space*

A lone Victory-class star destroyer, the HIMS Imperious, was on patrol in the outer rim. The captain stood on the bridge listening to a report when the sensor operator called out.

"Seven hyperspace signatures incoming, Captain!"

"Sound alert," the captain snapped.

Several hyperspace windows open, revealing large pyramid-shaped vessels. The Ha'taks immediately opened fire, pounding on the Imperial shields. As the Imperious unleashed its compliment of TIE's, the Ha'taks swarmed the defenders with their Death Gliders, while several Al'kesh bombers attacked the shields shields. The fierce exchange of fire toke place well beyond visual range, but close enough for the Goa'uld to jam all Imperial transmissions.

"The Snakes are blocking our transmissions," the crewman snarled with disgust. To think that such a primitive fleet was beating them.

"Why are their shields not failing?"

"It appears they've upgraded them. However their weapons are still weak."

"If this volume continues we will be forced to disengage... Do you want to explain that disgrace to the Moff?"

The crewman gulped. Moff Gosaan was a notorious woman, and quick to anger.

"Bring the main guns to bear, maximum power."

The Imperious' gargantuan turbolaser turrets rotated onto the nearest Ha'tak, and opened fire. Although the ship was damaged by the attack, her shields managed to hold.

"Some of their bombers have broken through our firing solution."

"Then stop them."

The Al'kesh bombers evaded fire best they could, but two out of the four ships died in bright plumes of flame. The remaining bombers continued to spit energy warheads at the shields, pounding a single point as a Ha'tak assisted with its heavy guns. Finally, the second Al'kesh disintegrated, just as its wingman unleashed a last volley of bombs.

"Our ventral shields are fluctuating. Reassemble them at once!" the captain barked.

The Ha'taks then maneuvered into a new formation. The vessels then concentrated fire on the weak spot the Ha'taks made, firing with all weapons they could bring to bear. The shields finally went down in that one spot, and yellow bolts impacted on the reactor bulge. Before the Star Destroyer's other shield generators could cover the spot, the bulge armor was penetrated, and the Imperious exploded in a collosal plume of hypermatter flame. The Goa'uld had won their small victory, at the cost of nearly fifty fighters, and all their bombers.

As the ships jumped away, a pair of A-wing fighters monitored the situation from a distance, finally returning to their carrier vessel. Captain Arram of the Rebel Alliance listened to the report come in.

"This is Green Four. The seven ships have jumped away. The Vic is destroyed."

"We've been hiding from that ship for two days... How fortunate that these aliens would destroy them. Return to hangar, Green Four. We'll be making our escape. Navigator, prepare to jump."

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

On Coruscant...

Grand Admiral Thorne was very unhappy. The Empire is the sole superpower among the galaxies; her military might and industrial capacity of the Empire dwarfs every other nations out there, including the Borg. Even during the war against the Guardians, the Empire should be able to steamroll everybody else to oblivion.

But thanks to the politicians, now the superpower nation is worrying about diplomacy and alliances! A true hardline military man, Thorne always hates politicians; their indecisiveness has driven his beloved country impotent against those small, insignificant nations. Allies. Who needs allies when you are simply the biggest boy in the neighborhood?

Still, it is not the war against the smaller nations that worries him. In fact, neither the Trolls, the A'millans, the Goa'ulds, nor even the Borg can afford a prolonged war against the Empire. Imperial fleet strength and industrial might is simply beyond all of them combined. It is the war with the Guardians that worry him; an enemy with no base to destroy, infrastructure to eliminate, and economy to cripple. The Empire is more than able to keep a good defense, but it is, nonetheless, nothing but defense.

A firm believer in offensive doctrine, Thorne hold the 'no war can be won by defense alone' mantra up to the letters. In fact, he has laid an offensive plan against the Borg to defeat Darth Kreshna's Death Star; by using the two Death Stars the Empire currently has, combined with the 85th and 117th fleet to fend off the cubes. Still, the Secretary of Defense rejected his plan. The Grand Admiral thinks in disgust; Matt has been certainly losing his edge.

But above everything else, he loathes Darth Kreshna. The Sith Inquisitor has been ruining the Empire with his shenanigans. First, he's been wasting the Imperial resources at his heart's content; and then, he handed out the Death Star to the Borg. Darth Kreshna should be tried and executed for treason! In fact, there are only two things that keep the Sith Inquisitor from being dragged into trial; his Sith nobility status and his popularity among the public.


Sith, they're nothing but trouble, Thorne thinks. Unlike other conservatives, the Grand Admiral is among the few that don't believe in the Sith tradition anymore.


But there is some hope. In fact, Grand Admiral Thorne never thought before that Senator Jameson Clark shares his views. The Senator is gaining more power and influence in the Council, and during the tea party in Senator McMahon's mansion, Clark and his secret supporters -including Thorne- had committed to return the Empire to its glory.


It is time for the Empire to reform itself.



OOC: remember the President Clark from Babylon Five? I imagine Senator Clark would be the Imperial President later (probably after the end of the Guardian War). And then the Army of Light (probably including the Borg?) would unite together against the repressive President Clark!

[Robert Walper]

Several Borg cubes dropped out of transwarp, approaching a lush world. The planet was much like Earth had been in it's youth. Filled with uncountable assorted lifeforms and plentiful resources. It would do nicely for Sauron's plans.

Sauron gazed upon the planet from inside one of the cubes, the massive display showing the planet in crisp detail. The Dark Lord was somewhat awed by the change in his perspective. Once he had considered the conquering of great lands a feat worthy of god hood. Now he stood in command of a montrous fleet of vessels, capable of reducing a planet's surface to red hot magma. This fleet would help him create a new Middle Earth for him to rule. Suaron remembered Lord Walper's instructions.

Build me an army worthy of the Borg.

And Sauron would so do. While Sauron did not entirely trust this new Borg creature that claimed to need him, so far he had done nothing but help Sauron establish an entire new planet for himself and his forces, with promises of even more power to come. Thus Sauron was willing to assist the Borg leader in turn for the time being.

Two Borg cubes assumed position over the planet, and then lanced out with green tractor beams, tearing up a small portion of the surface of one of the great continents. Soon a great lake of laval flowed freely. It would serve nicely as the center piece of Sauron's fortress.

In the center of the molten rock, the great tower of Sauron's materialized along with it's rock base. It settled nicely, Borg sensors monitoring and adjusting it's position to achieve a perfect foundation. The tower, once thought impregnable by Middle Earth forces, was now even more so. Enhanced with Borg technology that Sauron did not entirely understand, Lord Walper had promised the tower would withstand even heavy planetary bombardment. Sauron nodded with statisfaction. Even his great eye had survived the journey with ill effect. Already his mind could view the planet's surface, soaking up the raw resources soon to be exploited.

The almost billion of Orcs, Uruk'Hai and other assorted minions were beamed to the surface. They immediately began to work establishing buildings and infrastructure. With the assistance of the advanced Borg technology, the planet would be terraformed into Sauron's image within days.

[Robert Walper]

Robert strolled into the command center of the Kreshna's Death Star. The station's commander, righted himself and turned to face the Sith directly.

"Lord Walper. I was not informed of your wish to board the station." Or permission to do so. he thought quietly.

Robert nodded. "Merely ensuring this asset is in functioning order. I recall it having been taken over by the Nitram being not so long ago. I felt it best to make sure it was back under Imperial control myself."

The commander relaxed somewhat. The Borg leader had a point. "Agreed. However, we would appreciate it if you followed through on standard procedure when boarding the station."

Lord Walper glanced back at the commander from his observant gaze of the control room.

"You are in Borg territory, under my command as per Kreshna's instructions. I expect them to be followed."

The commander nodded. "And so we shall." Within reason and a lot of guard.

Robert smiled. "Good. It would be most unfortunate if I had to leave a Borg presence here." With that, he strolled off the bridge.

The commander turned to his subordinate. "Monitor him closely. If he so much as touches a panel on this station, I want to know about it."

"Yes sir." was the crisp and immediate reply.

[SirNitram]

Nitram meditated on his new home, as molten rock released it's heat in jets of steam. A world was being reformed at a nearly fantastical pace, and he found it soothing. While he had accelerated the processes, he let nature take it's course for the most part. The mage sat on a rock not far from the ocean of lava, but already the land was taking shape.

The Walper entity within the Borg hive-mind had proven itself to be ridiculously irrational and ignorant. Presented with a vastly more powerful being than itself, it purposefully sought to anger and drive said being to violence in reprisal. Presented with an opportunity to ally with this being, and it not only struck, but tried to destroy the most valuable real estate in the local cosmos. Mystically speaking.

The artificial world sporting a planet-killing weapon, however, bore every sign of being from another group. This Galactic Empire was everything the Borg, clustered around their madman, wasn't. The design showed exceptional insight into the universe and engineering principles, the discipline acheived by training and logic, not crippling augmetics. As he plucked at strands of connection.. What the less enlightened would clumsily refer to as 'The Force'.. he found the worlds of the Empire and the minds on it.

Decadent, prideful of their humanity, xenophobic... It was, for better, or more likely, worse, alot like home. Netheril had collapsed when Karsus, that impudent amatuer, had tried to wield the power of the Gods without sufficient enlightenment and selflessness. The appearance of the so-called Phoenix entity... A disruption on the most elevated levels of reality, a cascade back towards the material that amplified one to Godhood... Could only be seen as a sign. The Neth held the power of Avatar in his mind, though he dared not invoke such dread power unless it was direly needed. But the Phoenix's wielder could easily be a match, prophecy wise, with Karsus The Mad.

Therefore, it would behoove the mage to save humanity from itself this time. He turns his mind to the Empire, and began searching for the minds around which the entire machine rotated and danced.

[Robert Walper]

Walper walked down the well light halls of the Death Star. It was refreshing to experience an enviroment reflecting a more human nature. His appearance gave the occasional passerby pause and curiousity, as his form was more Borg in design than human. Minor application of the Force sent the more curious and intently staring individuals scurrying on their way.

Robert easily sensed the Imperials monitoring him. Hardly unexpected. If anything, the more their attention stayed on him, the better. Robert continued strolling through the station, checking into completely uninteresting rooms and areas, showing no interest in more secure or sensitive areas.

Eventually he ended up in a conference room. He leisurely walked over to the end of the table, and sat at the head position. Leaning back, he relaxed. Robert liked his seat and view in the Unicomplex much better.


The Death Star commander wandered over to one of his men operating the internal sensor grid.

"What's he up to?" he asked.

"He seems to be just...well, doing nothing." replied the officer.

The commander frowned. "That's my chair he's sitting in damnit!"

The officer cleared his throat. "Appears to be the case, sir."

The commander growled his annoyance, toggling the communications console.

"Security. Report to the main conference room. Escort an uninvited guest out of there."

"Is that wise, sir? I was under the impression we don't want to provoke him...?" asked the officer.

"There are limits to how much of an assertive position I'll allow this Borg leader to exercise on my station." the commander spat out. The commander waited for the reply from security. None came.

"Security! I repeat, get down to the main conference room and remove our uninvited guest immediately!"

There was still no answer.

"Watch him!" the commander ordered, pointing to the sensor operator's screen. However, in doing so, he notice the figure was no longer in the conference room.

"Where'd he...!?" the commander sputtered in anger.

"I'm right here." Robert replied, now on the bridge. The commander spun around, his blaster appearing in his hand, pointing directly at the Borg's head.

He snarled. "You're behind security suddenly being unresponsive, aren't you?"

Robert smiled. "True."

The commander's hand went to his belt, toggling a switch. Throughout the entire station, the main battle alarm went off. The general alarm would have every available man running to battle stations.

Yet, the Death Star's halls remained empty, no personnal ran to their stations or duties. The entire crew complement appeared to be gone.

"There's been a change in plans." Lord Walper continued. "You and your crew will be shipped back to Imperial space. However, the Death Star will remain in my possession."

The commander pulled the trigger of his blaster. But the bolt merely smacked into Robert's personal shielding. The blaster was pulled from his hand, landing in the Borg's grip.

The commander reddened with his rage and lack of control of the situation.

"You've just declared war on the Empire. You and your Borg scum will be annihilated by the might of the Empire."

Robert shook his head. "I have no intention of declaring war on the Empire or attacking it. As far as I'm concerned, the Empire and us are still allies. However, I've decided to replace the Death Star command structure with my own, since you and your station decided to open fire upon my primary base of operations."

"We did so such thing!" the commander protested, but he had barely begun when the Death Star's super laser fired directly into the Borg Unicomplex. The main portion of the base exploded violently, reduced to white fragments and insignficant debris.

"Such a back stabbing action from my Imperial allies." Robert said.

The commander and his surrounding staff disappeared in the green glow of the transporter, the commander spewing forth insults as he disappeared.

Thousands of Borg drones began beaming into the massive station. Borg technology and components began to interface with the Death Star's systems. Soon millions of drones would be capable of manning the station, each with their own regeneration alcoves.

With the Imperial crew now off the station, Walper released his hold upon the many hundreds of crew whom would've triggered the alarm, seeing crew members being beamed off the station. Taking the base with conventional tactics and force would proved extremely difficult, if not impossible. But with the Force at his command, Lord Walper had now secured it without firing a single shot.

Robert toggled the Death Star's communication panel.

"Imperial Center. Due to treacherous action on part of your Death Star personnel, I've lost a major portion of my primary base of operations. Fortunately I was able to survive, but this action cannot be without consequences. I have therefore removed all Imperial personnel from this station and will control it directly myself. However, in the interests of maintaning our alliance, I'm generously shipping your crew back to Imperial territory rather than treating them as prisoners or victims of assimilation. I will also assume their actions were independent and not sanctioned by your government. Hopefully I won't regret the decision to remain allies."

Toggling the communication channel off, Lord Walper smiled. Now the Death Star was truely under his control.

[Robert Walper]

Two Borg cubes began to leave the Unicomplex area. Onboard, the captured Death Star crew were held in stasis. All Imperial personnel had neural transceivers attached to the base of their skull. Most were unaffected, but the few people who knew what really transpired were having their memories altered. Within several hours, their minds were convinced beyond doubt they had fired upon the Borg Unicomplex first, although the cause had been a unexplained computer fire control error.

Borg drones continued stripping computer compenents out of the Death Star's primary systems. Soon none of the original cores or programming was left. Borg control nodes and processors completely replaced the station's operating systems. Gigantic slabs of Borg components and hull material became apparent on the station's surface.

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

Two Borg cubes began to leave the Unicomplex area. Onboard, the captured Death Star crew were held in stasis. All Imperial personnel had neural transceivers attached to the base of their skull. Most were unaffected, but the few people who knew what really transpired were having their memories altered. Within several hours, their minds were convinced beyond doubt they had fired upon the Borg Unicomplex first, although the cause had been a unexplained computer fire control error.

Borg drones continued stripping computer compenents out of the Death Star's primary systems. Soon none of the original cores or programming was left. Borg control nodes and processors completely replaced the station's operating systems.....

....or so the Borg thinks.

Despite all the nanoprobes, control nodes, processors, and softwares the Borg has been implanted to the Death Star, they still cannot get the fully administrative privilege. Yes, they can still use the mighty battlestation for combat purpose, as well as destroying planets, but the root-level control on its very core computer system is still beyond their control.

The Borg soon realize there is something wrong. They already know about the Imperial design philosophy which relies less on centralized computer; where every sub-system can be overrided manually. Well, that problem has been handled by manning the sections by drones and replacing most manual controls with computer-connected interfaces, but they realize there are things beyond their control.

For example, the Borg just realized that there are several types of targets in the security entries that keep the superlaser from firing at; which is rigged directly to the superlaser itself. Some of the 'no-no' targets are Darth Kreshna's home planet (Coruscant) and the Executor-Class Command Ship Phoenix. The Borg has tried to erase the entries many times; replacing with their own, but everytime they restart the system, the entries will just return. The Borg has even tried to circumvent the problem by not restarting the system, but some times later Darth Kreshna's entries will just re-appear, replacing the Borg settings. Again.

Lord Walper stands frustrated in the Death Star bridge. Yes, they can still use the Death Star for combat, but the lack of full adminstrative control on the mighty battle station irritates him; for he, after all, is still a Sith. A Sith always wants control, no matter what.

The layout of the bridge disturbs the Borg Lord as well; it is way too plush, too many superficial luxuries. And what is this thing called 'minibar'? The bridge, after all, was built and designed according to Darth Kreshna's personal taste. Lord Walper reminds himself to get rid of all the unecessary luxuries from the bridge after they done with the current problem.

Eventually Lord Walper becomes impatient. He injects his own assimilation tubule to the bridge interface, trying to gain control himself. His Force-enhanced assimilation capabilities is trying to penetrate the core......

.....suddenly, a large impressionist painting on the wall opens aside, revealing a flat widescreen monitor. Robert is surprised; isn't Imperial display technology supposed to be hologram-based? Nonetheless, the monitor looks expensive, and it is further confirmed as it starts displaying an image of Darth Kreshna with perfect clarity.


Darth Kreshna




The image speaks.

"Robert,

When you watch this recording, I know you have been trying to completely assimilate the Death Star. MY Death Star. However, as you probably have discovered now, you can never gain the root privilege; no matter how hard you try.

I consider you as an ally, and I trust the Death Star in your disposal with good will. I knew the Empire, sooner or later, will seize my assets. Alas, I failed to find a trusty ally to keep my battle station from being confiscated by the Empire; Galadriel is way too pacifist, Ra had been flirting with my beloved Irene, and Commissar Petrosjko and the Imperium of Man is nowhere to be seen. Only you the only one ally left. I trusted the Borg's rational traits would keep you from doing stupid things, like trying to take over my battle station.

But your Sith's lust of power and control gets the better of you; otherwise you'll never see this recording you are watching now. The Dark Side is a bad thing, Robert. Yes, some people can control it, using it to reach the ultimate power, but the risk is high as well. The Dark Side can give you godhood, or madness, or both.

You may sneer at my advice, Robert. But I am the living proof of my words. The woman I love more than anything; I have killed her. I have no control over my own power. The power starts consuming me, driving me into madness. The Phoenix Entity was originally nothing but a force of nature. It was neither good nor bad, but just like the storm and the rock and the waterfall, it simply was. Alas, now it is not the way it was anymore. Now the Phoenix is nothing but a swirling flame of madness and destruction. I cannot control it, I cannot even control myself.

But I have been straying too far away from the point. The point is; no matter how hard you try, you will never fully take over my Death Star. The Borg is technologically advanced, and has been specializing in computer and electronics. Yet you have to admit that there are technologies more advanced than the one in your disposal.

Yes, you can use the Death Star to help you defeating your enemies, you can fire upon the planet you wish into oblivion, but no matter what, you are nothing but a user in my battle station. You will never get the administrative privilege, Robert.

And while I appreciate the Borg enhancements you have grafted on my battle station -otherwise you won't see this recording-, please refrain yourself from making further alterations. Yes, you can push your way through the means of brute force, but it will only cause the Death Star to stop functioning. Worse, tinkering with core systems will cause the station to explode. So please cease your useless attempt, because it is as pointless as building another Death Star.

And trust me, doing such thing is still beyond your industrial capability. Yes, you can try to disassemble the Death Star and try to reverse-engineer the battle station, but even if manage to do such thing, it will still take decades, even for the Borg. And I urge you not to try disassemble the battle station, for I have planted thermal explosives in certain places, and only my genetic pattern can disarm them.

You can still use the Death Star for your war purpose, but keep in mind that you are a guest on my battle station. And please treat my crew with respect; they are my loyal people and they already risked their lives by defecting from the Empire. By the time you watch this recording, you may already expelled my crews out of the battle station. Let them back to the Death Star, Robert. Sending them back to the Empire is effectively killing them, since they have nothing but death penalty waiting them back home. Also, don't forget it was them who helped you during your battle on Middle Earth. Somehow you owe them.

Oh, and feel free to drink anything you find on the minibar, but please leave my bridge and my quarters intact. I don't want Borg implants sprawling everywhere to ruin my decoration."

At this part, Darth Kreshna gives a playful wink, but then his face becomes more serious as he continues.



"I should tell you before the insanity overcomes me again; the Empire is not the one you should worry about. The Empire is a fool! They don't know what they're facing. Yes, they can hold their own against the Guardians, even in prolonged war, but horrible thing awaits. The end of the multiverses is near, and I will be the harbringer of the destruction.....

....unless I can overcome this madness. What I fool I have been! My Old Master. He is the one behind all this, for the Nightsister Millenium is real, and from the ashes of the universe, a New God shall arise. If I cannot overcome myself, then I beg you to kill me, for the consequences is more horrible than no man could ever imagine................."

Darth Kreshna's expression suddenly distorted. Flame starts to radiate from his eyes as his body is getting shrouded with fiery aura. The Sith Inquisitor starts laughing maniacally when the recording abruptly stops.





Lord Walper contemplates; maybe he should re-consider his persistence in controlling the Death Star to the full extents? But one thing is clear; something is happening out there; something horrible that is even beyond his comprehension.









OOC: The Death Star was build during our skirmish on the Sol System, remember?

[Destructionator XV]

At the starbase...

Lord Adam sits at a briefing table surrounded by his officers in a holodeck. All around them, a holographic representation of the galactic cluster is displayed.

"Sir, devlopments in enemy space," one of the lower ranking officers begins as the hologram zooms in to just this quadrent of the galaxy, "here, the Borg have acquired a new weapon, but at the cost of great damage to their Unicomplex."

A gargantuan battle station is seen around a battered Borg base.

"They have also acquired a new planet, and a new ally."

The holograms shift to Sauron's world, and the two cubes with it.

"Actually, I am a little more concerned about that Death Star. This base's defenses are very good against conventional weapons, but I don't think we could hold up against a superlaser."

"That is why we must strike first. This new planet current has light defenses. We could overwhelm them with excessive force."

"I'm failing to see how that would stop the Death Star fom curbstopming this base."

"Frankly, sir, if they come for us our only hope will be a trench run, and I am fairly certain the Borg would have put a fucking door over that stupid exaust port. Our best plan is to attack and disorganize them. This new world looks like the best target."

"Prepare the fleet. We move out tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

[Robert Walper]

Lord Walper was back in his primary chamber. The destroyed sections of the Borg Unicomplex were being rebuilt. Even for the Borg, the damage was quite severe. But it would be repaired within days.

Onboard the Death Star, the Imperial crew were being reinstated to their positions. The Imperial crew would man the station. Robert had decided that Kreshna's suggestion of using the crew was acceptable. Walper did not wish to make an enemy of his most powerful ally. Yet.

The Death Star's main computer and memory cores were even being restored with the original components. Unfortunately, removal of the systems had caused far more problems than solutions, despite his intentions of complete Borg technological control. Robert knew that given time, even the Imperial's advanced battle station would succumb to Borg technology. But time was a resource that was currently limited. Lord Walper's Force sensitivity had alerted him to an upcoming battle, one which he had been expecting for some time. He would be prepared.

Kreshna's suggestion had been heeded, but Robert hadn't entirely abandoned his plans. The Borg components on the station's hull would remain; they would prove useful. And despite knowing what the reaction of the Imperials would be if they knew, the reinstated station crew was under control of the Collective hive mind. Every individual had a neural transceiver still attached. Not drones, but under Walper's direct influence nonetheless. He wouldn't have to worry about relaying orders while the Imperial's slow command structure decided whether or not to follow on them.

Walper had sent a message to the Imperial command, noting that the Imperial crew had been returned to controlling the station. However, they would not know about the crew's submission to the hive mind. The message seemed to appease them somewhat...they had been furious at the previous take over. Robert suspected they would not have tolerated the act. Another reason he had decided to alter his plan.

The Death Star was now fully functional, with the Imperial crew now manning her. All their skills and training would be applied, but they were now part of the hive mind so long as they had the transcievers directing their every thought and action.

A tremor in the Force spoke to the Sith. An enemy closes. Robert nodded. So even Sauron could sense the up coming conflict. So much the better.

[Ra]

*The Outer Rim*

Telarau was a barren, forgotten world orbiting a dying star. That dim, dying red star was not dissimilar from the organization the planet was sheltering, the Alliance to Restore the Republic. The Rebel Alliance was a victim of its own success; with the death of Palpatine, the Empire reformed; the Senate was reorganized, and freedoms restored.

To many in the Empire, the Rebel Alliance was obsolete; millions left its ranks. Worse, the Imperial Navy's vengenance over the Emperor's death was swift; in addition to losing many members and underground supporters, much of the Rebel fleet had been decimated in the days following the Battle of Endor. This was the hopeless situation that welcomed a small blue-green vortex of energy.

The Lady Galadriel's Asgard shuttle swooped out of hyperspace, descending toward the dead planet. In the distance, a flight of X-Wings broke, and charged at the shuttle on an intercept course.

The flight leader checked his scanners.

"The ship doesn't register as any known design. It looks Imperial, though. Request instruction."

"Rogue 6, we confirm that the craft is an unidentified bogey. Hold your distance and assume escort while we interogate it."

Rogue Six adjusted his helmet. "Copy that."

The X-Wings spun around sharply, and flared their engines up, reversing direction and moving in behind the alien craft. Galadriel watched this on her scanner display, and was ready to raise her shields in case they attacked. However, she didn't foresee such a thing happening. Suddenly, the radio crackled.

"Attention shuttle. This is Telarau Monitoring Station Seven. Identify yourself and state intentions. You will have no further warnings."

Galadriel spoke in her deep, soothing voice. "This is the Lady Galadriel. I wish to speak with your Leader. I bring an offer of friendship, if she is interested."

"That answers practically nothing..." the man at the comm muttered. "Who are you working for, and what is your vessel's identification?"

"I am working for no one. However I have allies with the Goa'uld. This vessel is theirs, named 'X-11'. It was captured from another race."

"Right. You work for the Goa'uld? Let me check-"

"Let her land," a female voice ordered.

And like that, the Asgard shuttle was cleared to land. Galadriel stepped out of the ship, wearing contemporary Imperial clothes rather than her typical white dress. As she walked across the tarmac, a group approached, led by a female figure...

[Robert Walper]

Two Borg cubes closed upon Sauron's new world. Between them, tractored with green beams of gravity force was a large asteroid. The small body was almost five kilometers in height, and over a kilometer in diameter. It's cone like shape pointed towards the planet. The top of the asteroid had been flattened out, with a huge glass dome enclosing the area. In the center within the dome was a massive mountain, with one side a sheer cliff that lead directly onto the ground.

The Borg beams disappeared, and the body settled into an optimal orbit. Within the domed asteroid, and at the very peak of the mountain stood Sauron, Lord of the Rings. He had personally over saw the remaking of this solar body. It would suit his needs for truely ruling the planet quite nicely.

Transporter activity began, and much smaller pieces of rock began to appear beneath the asteroid, quickly descenting to the planet's surface. Montrously strong cables held the rocks in place, forming what almost appeared to be a knotted rope from the surface to the orbiting body. In time, Sauron would intent this to be his independent means of gaining access to the world along with his forces.

In the darkness of space, reality seemed to ripple and distort. A greenish glow proceded an enormous armada of additional Borg vessels assuming orbit, almost a thousand in all. Sauron viewed the spectacle without worry. He knew who was coming, and why.

Lord Walper materialized beside Sauron. Turning, he took in the impressive view.

"A most noble effort, Lord Sauron. Worthy of a ruler's perspective."

Sauron merely nodded almost imperceptibly.

Robert also nodded back. "Return to the surface, and continue your efforts. You will know when I need your presence."

Sauron disappeared in the same manner in which Lord Walper had arrived. Robert walked over to the very edge of the sheer face of rock, casually glancing to the ground hundreds of meters below. He smiled.

And that is where he shall announce himself. Lord Walper thought smugly. He cocked his head ever so slightly, as if hearing something. And behold, he arrives.

[Destructionator XV]

At the edge of Sauron's system...

There is an impressive display of light as the A'millian attack fleet drops out of warp. Coming in from another vector is the Guardian bioships, in a seperate mission with the same goal.

The Guardian ships advance quickly and begin tearing into the Borg lines. A ways behind, the A'millian fleet follows, tring to let the Guardian fleet take most the fighting.

Despite the heavy assuslt from the Guardians, the Borg are being micromanaged to perfection. Every ship doing its role exactly in a way to maximize benefit to the Collective.

Lord Walper was overseeing this battle personally; Adam reconigzed his foul stench when he came to the system. With his expert control, there would be no way to defeat the Borg.

"Robert Walper must be neutralized"

[Robert Walper]

Robert was focused intently on the Borg armada. The Guardian ships were extremely powerful. The Borg fleet would normally be heavily outmatched. However, using his own devised tactic, the Guardian ships were actually being held in check. The forward line of Borg vessels would engage the Guardian ships. Their shielding was enhanced by Walper's Force powers, coupled with energy tranfer from the other ships out of range. Once a cube took too much damage, it fell back, another fresh one taking it's place. The Borg fleet was still taking losses, but at this rate, victory for the Guardians was in serious question.

[Rebel Alliance]

And like that, the Asgard shuttle was cleared to land. Galadriel stepped out of the ship, wearing contemporary Imperial clothes rather than her typical white dress. As she walked across the tarmac, a group approached, led by a female figure...

The woman introduces herself, "my name is Princess Leia Organa of the Rebel Alliance."

Ra's party introduces themselves, then they walk to the conference room. Galadriel tells them their purpose, as well as the reason why. Princess Leia contemplates for a moment, "then the rumor is true."

She continued, "much to our regret, we don't have any Jedi anymore among us. The last Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker, was killed several years ago. Darth Kreshna killed him," then her face shows anguish, "Luke is my brother."

Leia's expression looks pained, but she keeps continuing, "Darth Kreshna... We never thought he would be so dangerous. His Lightsaber skill is almost unsurpassed by anyone, but my brother was confident, believing that his Force was stronger than him. The Sith Inquisitor disarmed him in a Lightsaber duel, and my brother turned the battle into a pure Force fight."

She pauses for a moment, then says bitterly, "it was a big mistake."

Galadriel feels anxious, waiting for Princess Leia to continue her story.......

[Ra]

OOC: It's just Galadriel. Ra has no part in this, he's about to arrive at the Seventh Planet.
-----------------------

After Leia finishes speaking, Galadriel remains silent a moment, and then replies. "It is with great sadness that I hear this. You then know why I have come."

"I... got a feeling that's why you would want our help. You're somewhat... noteworthy across the Empire. Some people accept that you died over Coruscant, and others... don't. The same types that spread rumors of the Phoenix claim that you're some still alive."

As Leia gazed upon the alien, she got an impression that Galadriel was ancient... more ancient than any lifeform she'd encountered. Then, as she looked on, Galadriel's sparkling blue eyes pierced into her, seeming to search her thoughts and intent.

"You know why I am here. You do know the power within yourself."

Galadriel was somewhat intrigued when she pierced right back, probing into her mind. "I am a politician, and the leader of what's left of us. I can't be your Jedi savior."

Galadriel nodded, and pondered a moment.

Leia was eager to move on to more temporal matters. "Most people think that the Alliance is dead. That we're a... victim of our own success, as it were. They say that the Empire is a democracy now. I beg to differ. The Senate may have been reformed, but much of the galaxy is still controlled by Moffs that don't answer to anyone but the Senate. The people have no control over what they do or say. Things may be better in the Core Worlds, but throughout the galaxy the Moffs' brutality remains. And on top of that, a... "Organization" exists. It essentially operates with complete impunity. In the last year, we've discovered some of what they're doing. Genetic experiments, kindnappings, some people even claim that they're in league with the Guardians."

"And some of that is true. The Organization has even tried to gain the allegiance of Ra's countrymen. They have not been unsuccessful."

"What we both face are... impossible odds."

"Indeed, what saved the Goa'uld was intervention by a greater power, not by their own strength." Of course, Galadriel was vague about Melian. "And their leader is not the wisest of even his own kind."

"But bold. We caught one of his squadrons attacking a Victory out in deep space. For a race so behind us technologicially, they put up a fight. I expect you'll be wanting some weapons in return for your help, right?"

Galadriel smiled. "I am not interested in the tools of war, young Leia. My offer of help is genuine, but what I need help with is the Quest."

"I'm not a Jedi, Galadriel," Leia insisted. But from the look in her timeless eyes, she saw that Galadriel knew something even she might not have realized.

At any rate, it was going to be a long day...

[Kreshna Aryaguna Nurzaman]

OOC: Gah! And I can't edit it since it was a Guest (NPC) post. :sad: But hey, it's Ra's party, not Ra himself, isn't it?

By the way, please be subtle with The Organization; they're more like The Syndicate in X-Files. Their existence is highly secret. Perhaps Leia only knows them vaguely?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Coruscant...

Grand Admiral Thorne feels like scapegoat.

Thorne doesn't understand what's going on anymore. Even the Borg themselves initially claimed that it was a fire control accident, but then the media blames the Imperial Navy -not Darth Kreshna- for deliberately firing upon Borg! And worse, there are indeed evidences -albeit inconclusive- showing control transmissions being sent from the Imperial High Command on Coruscant to the Death Star, indicating it was the Navy who was responsible for remote-controlling the Death Star to fire upon the Borg Unimatrix. The evidences that have been leaked to the media.

Now the media is zealously accusing the Empire for attacking their own ally -the Borg.

Thorne didn't feel sorry for the Borg; he hates the alien like plague, and looks on Darth Kreshna's decision to ally with them with dismay, but this whole shenanigan gives the Imperial Navy a bad name. Politicians! He thinks with disgust. Now even the liberals start supporting Darth Kreshna; insisting that the Death Star should stay on the Sith Inquisitor's possession instead of the bloodthirsty Imperial Navy. They seem to completely forget who supported the dismantling of the Sith's personal starfleet on the first place! Oh, look who's talking, Thorne rolls his eyes.

The Grand Admiral is still confused, though. Why the Death Star fired upon the Unimatrix? Was it a conspiracy between Lord Walper and Darth Kreshna to put the blame on the Imperial Navy? But why the existing evidences point to Coruscant?

And the worst of it, while the Sith Inquisitor still lies comatose on Palpatine Memorial, the number of flowers being sent -mostly from females- keeps increasing everyday. Even the media starts depicting Darth Kreshna as a hero, while berating the Imperial Navy for firing the Death Star on its own ally. Yes, it must be a conspiracy, the Grand Admiral thinks.

As Grand Admiral Thorne is passing through the officer longue, he almost throw the asthray to the Holo-TV as it is showing the news; another anti-war demonstration on Coruscant, berating the Navy for attacking the Borg.




Meanwhile, far away from the Imperial Pentagon, someone is also watching the news while caressing the Angora cat on his lap.




Number One is pleased. The insiders told him that Darth Kreshna was going to be arrested, and The Organization should stop it. They knew from the very start that they need the Phoenix to conquer the Guardians. The fake evidences they have planted were not very conclusive, yet it was subtly intentional; letting the media to draw their own conclusion and condemning the Imperial Navy.

Of course, the hardliners would react, and The Organization has planned it as well. In fact, they has prepared Senator Clark to take over the government and rule with iron fist, but it will happen later. Right now, they still need the Phoenix.

And nothing will stop their plan to conquer and exploit the Guardians.

[Ra]

*The Seventh Planet*

A blue vortex of energy came to life in high orbit. Above the seventh planet, where the war had begun for the Goa'uld, Ra now returned. A fleet of Ha'taks and the new avanced ships waited as the Vengeance settled into orbit. There were so many Goa'uld vessels that they appeared to be a dark cloud hanging over the planet. Over a thousand ships in total. Other hyperspace windows opened as more of the large Class-II ships arrived from Goa'uld space.

"Hail the fleet."

A Jaffa crewman nodded once he opened the channel.

"This is your God speaking. Today we take the fight to the Imperials. We move for the Third Planet, the cradle of the Tauri. We will crush the Imperial menace under our feet."

First Prime Srenn smiled sadistically. Now the moment the Goa'uld had desired since the embarassment at Abydos was at hand. Or so he believed. However, without his knowledge, several of the other Kulls on the bridge watched him closely...

-----------------
OOC: The lead "Kull" watching Srenn is Haldir. Several of Galadriel's other soliders are also in disguise.