Balmorra: Broken Empire (Complete)

[Taylor Millard]

The castle was stone and white. Grey-blue roofs, reflecting the eyes of its master, cast a muted tone over the castle. The age of the stone structure was evident through the design and the stone.

It had been constructed over 200 years ago by Ulic Razcal-Millard, back during the Golden Age of Balmorra. When it was its own nation, it's own Empire. Razcal-Millard had been a tyrant, hoping to make Balmorra the equal of the Old Republic. He'd failed miserably, eventually accepting a position in the Senate where he'd stayed for 45 years. He was known for some of the social gatherings held at his 'humble abode'.

But now the castle is silent. A lone Imperial Flag flies above the main portion, whipping in the wind like a Gamorreon to a Twi'lek slave. Several Imperial storm troopers stand at guard, silently conversing with the other.

"Did you hear what happened with the Diktat?" TK-429 asked.

"I just hear he's gone," the other white armored trooper replied, "The Grand Admiral hasn't said anything has he?"

"No...he's been silent...hasn't said a word."

Above the two troopers, a lone figure stood behind a tall glass window staring at the city of Bin Prime. He'd been born there, left to serve the Empire, then returned to serve the Empire more.

But now...things had changed.

Viscera was gone. The same with Grand Admiral Thrawn. Both disappeared while fighting an enemy, even he hadn't faced in the Unknown Regions.

Before he'd left, the Imperial Diktat had issued orders to all Imperial Commanders to keep the Empire whole. But now, a week after his disappearence, things had gotten tense.

Desaria had left first, declaring his own independence. Then that fool Lebron had followed, creating the 'Imperial Remenat' again. With battles near the planet Hoth and skirmishes breaking out, the Empire was fighting ammoungst itself.

Serena Laran was gone too, wishing to have no part with her former commander. They'd parted on friendly terms, but how long it remained was a question.

Grand Admiral Taylor Millard was frustrated and angry. The Empire he'd long to serve and loved was in turmoil.

s'Il was out too, doing the Force knew what. Taylor hardly ever asked where she went, only that she return to him. Now...he wish he knew where she was. He missed her.

Millard hadn't slept in almost a week since he'd heard about his mentor's disappearence. Thrawn was gone and Millard had lost his second father.

He sighed, then took a sip of cafe. His cold blue eyes, now muted and hushed stared at Bin Prime as the sun rose over it.

He folded his hands around his back and waited.

The Empire will not die. I will not leave it.

[Tyrel Kiterix]

He wore red as he normally did when celebrating something. To a degree this was a celebration, although the loss of the Empire was annoying as well. The sight of the Imperial Banner still flying over Castle Millard was a bit of a hope to the man who stood gazing out the window of his office.

The governor's mansion in Bin Prime is smaller than Millard's castle, but still a sight to see. The dark metal frame, surrounded by armor normally used on Imperial AT-MT walkers gave the mansion and office an ominous look. One of power and rank.

And now, the time had come for the power to expand.

Tyrel Kiterix's political life began with a bang 20 years ago. As a young council member he quickly rose to political power by crushing anyone behind him. His momentous feud with the children of former governor Beltrane led to the latter's expulsion and conviction on bribery charges that he'd help get his children re-elected.

Kiterix had used the momentum from the scandal to propel him into the governorship- a place he had enjoyed for 10 years. There were rumors he was conteplating a run for a third term- something unheard of.

But the ambitious governor had a much larger plan. And with the Imperial break-up, now he had his chance.

Kiterix's blond hair was turning peppary and he wore spectacles because he looked 'distinguished'. His larger frame and saggind eyes showed too many late night government feasts and not enough sleep. He'd always considered himself a busy man, and now...he felt it.

But he also knew he had a chance...a chance only Ulic Razcal-Millard had taken years before.

Kiterix walked to his oak desk, pressing the button to his secretary.

"Get me the governors of all the surrounding planets- Omar Prime, Kyrin, Keldarik, Orinoco, Orinoco V, TDK, L’heval, Rivendel, and whatever body is ruling on Kyrinos.

"Also get me in contact with Grand Admiral Millard. I wish to speak with him."

[Taylor Millard]

"Yes," Millard said as he finished his cafe then set it on the desk. It was a large desk, filled with papers and reports from around the system. A single note from s'Ilancy rested in a frame on the desk. The Imperial Grand Admiral smiled at it, then went back to the other papers.

"Sir," the communication officer replied, "Governor Kiterix is requesting you speak with him as soon as possible."

"Very well, put him on," Millard sat at his desk, then watched the holo of Governor Kiterix come to life.

"Yes Governor? How may I help you?"

[Tyrel Kiterix]

"I was informed of the disappearance of Lord Darth Viscera," Kiterix stood on the holoprojecter and gazed at the grim Grand Admiral, "I would like to extend my condolences as well as an offer.

"The governors of the surrounding planets are meeting in the next five hours. You are not only invited, but I wish to know if we can use The Superior as the meeting place. Is that okay with you?"

[Taylor Millard]

Millard let a scowl go over his face, then nodded.

"I was going to have my own meetings with the governors from the various planets. I suppose a joint conference is due then. Five hours from now. We will meet above Balmorra and discuss matters then...Good bye Governor."

Millard signed off, then turned to one of the parchments on his desk. It was a letter he had begun to the Imperial Warlords, in an attempt to keep them together.

My fellow Imperials,

By now we have all received the news of Lord Viscera's demise. I emplore you to please stick with the Empire. If we stay together we can continue our common goal in destroying the New Republic. But at this moment, I implore you to stay together. Remember where your loyalties are...Do not leave the Empire.

Grand Admiral Taylor Millard
Guild Sector

He'd sent the letter off two days ago, and hadn't heard from anyone yet. Either they were unwilling to talk or were all ready fighting.

Millard sighed, then prepared to meet Kiterix and the other governors in five hours.

[Tyrel Kiterix]

Kiterix strode to his shuttle. It was all arranged now. Well mostly arranged.

Four of the governors had refused atttendence wishing to wait until their political upheavals had quieted down before they joined him. If Kiterix was lucky, it wouldn't matter whatever they decided.

Tyrel Kiterix wanted power...most all politicians did. But he saw a vision for Balmorra. An vision he'd begun to implement when he ascended to governorship.

It was true, he had clashed with the Beltrane children, but he had also formed a secret alliance with the brother. He'd wanted more power and Balmorra free. Kiterix saw his opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, when Clara Beltrane died of a spice overdose. Her brother was imprisoned and slated for execution.

How he loved it when plots came together.

Kiterix walked the ramp to his shuttle and smiled.

Everything is almost together...The Empire will rise again.

Kiterix was a politician. But even a politician had a sliver of decency in it.

He wanted the best for Balmorra. He also loved the Empire.

And Kiterix believed in combining the two.

If everything worked out as he planned.

He smiled, and boarded the shuttle.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard was dressed in his usual Grand Admiral uniform. His brown hair was cut short and his cold blue eyes were clear. The black boots on his feet and lower legs shone like the white outside the Superior and he was clean shaven. He'd even gotten a few hours sleep as well.

But now he stood in the hangar bay of the Star Destroyer, greeting every governor who arrived. Ford Mironat from Omar Prime was first, his green robes were smooth, as he smiled to Millard. They greeted each other, then four storm troopers and an officer escorted him to the dining area.

Yiik a'Toom from Orinoco and Orinoco V was second, garbed in yellow and purple. He nodded to Millard- as was customary greeting on the Orinoco planets, and was escorted away.

Taylor clasp his hands together and bowed as the governor of TDK, Umar Evidal Qatar, walked from the silvery Nabooian yacht he used to travel from planet to planet.

Sean McCarthy and Javier Vachon- leaders from Rivendel were next. Honorable men, Millard knew they were (outside of Mironat and Kiterix) the most loyal to the Empire of any of the governors.

Kyrinos sent a representative, a cowering man named Uglim to watch and report back to the leaders there.

Outside of that, no one else came.

Six is enough...they may not listen but they are enough. Whatever Kiterix wants...

Millard, with Thomas right behind him, waited for Governor Kiterix's arrival.

Thomas, his gravely voice coming from Millard's left, said, "What do you think the governor has planned?"

"I am unsure," Millard shook his head, rubbing his chin as he did, "The man is ambitious...his deal with the Beltrane brother proved it. He is also loyal to the Empire though- he knows not to cross anyone here."

If Millard could have seen behind Thomas' red helmet, he would have seen him nodding. The Imperial guardsman agreed...Kiterix was ambitious and loyal.

"Have you heard from Loklorien yet?" was Thomas' next question. He knew Millard missed her, but also had a job to do. And so did she.

"She sent me a message two days ago. Told me she'd enjoyed her time here, but had things to do. I don't know when she'll return."

Again Thomas nodded. He knew how Millard felt for s'Ilancy and had a good idea how s'Ilancy felt for his charge. He was happy for the Grand Admiral but also knew Millard cared for the Empire as well. And that's what he was on his mind now.

It was then the Imperial Shuttle landed in the hangar bay of The Superior and stepping out, with a wide smile on his face, was the governor of Balmorra- Tyrel Kiterix.

Millard greeted him, and waited for him to do the same.

[Tyrel Kiterix]

"Grand Admiral Millard, so good to see you," Kiterix's voice was bright and cheerful, "So sorry to hear about Lord Viscera. But come...we have much to discuss."

He began walking through the Superior with Millard and his bodyguard following. The Imperial Guardsman nerved the Balmorran Governor a bit...but if he came with Millard, then he came with Millard.

Kiterix was wearing a red shirt and black pants- some of his finest clothes. He had to look good for what he was about to do.

He walked in the dining area where the other governors sat. Kiterix knew them all and liked them. Most of them agreed with him. Those who didn't would he hoped.

He greeted them all.

"I thank you for coming today and joining us. You have proven the first step of your loyalty by coming here."

Ford Mironet spoke first, "But of course Governor Kiterix. You do have the most power out of the lot of us."

That's one... thought Kiterix.

"It is fairly obvious," Kiterix began speaking again, "The Empire as we know it, is unfortunately dead."

Millard stirred next to him.

Good, he still feels it can live.

"But, I believe it can continue...in a different form.

"Ulic Razcal-Millard believed it 200 years ago. I believe in it now.

"If we pool our resources and remain aligned with each other we can be as powerful, if not more, than the other factions out there. We can be an Empire...a Balmorran Empire.

"Does everyone agree?"

[Taylor Millard]

A Balmorran Empire?!? Millard's eyebrows raised, That's what Kiterix wants...

He sighed and pursed his lips as he thought. Certainly a Balmorran Empire, keeping loyal to the ideals of The Galactic Empire could possibly succeed.

I will never leave the Empire. It is my home, where most of my family is.

He watched, waiting for the other governors to react.

[Tyrel Kiterix]

The other governors consulted with each other after Kiterix's announcement.

"B-but that's impossible!" Umar Evidal Qatar, from TDK, exclaimed, "Balmorra hasn't been a dominating power in centuries! Why...why TDK has been more loyal to the Empire than Balmorra."

Kiterix kept his cool and smiled, "A slight error Governor Qatar. There were elements of Balmorra who did not agree with the Empire. Now they do."

Yiik a'Toom spoke next, "It's not a bad idea Governor Kiterix. But why Balmorra? Orinoco and Orinoco V have been loyal as well. Why Balmorra?"

Kiterix smiled, "I believe Balmorra because that is where the Empire has been for the last few years, plus it is the military home-"

"Of someone who is from Balmorra!" Qatar shouted, "Millar-pardon me- Grand Admiral Millard's is on Balmorra simply because he makes his home there!"

"Not completely true," Governor Ford Mironat spoke up, "Grand Admiral Millard has a small house on Omar Prime which he visits quite frequently. If I am not mistaken, he has visited TDK and Rivendel on more than one occasion..."

"That might be true," Qatar spouted, "But I'm certain Grand Admiral Millard has given his support to Governor Kiterix's plan."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard listened to the bickering of the governors as Kiterix proposed his 'Balmorran Empire'. Frankly, he was a little suprised himself at the Balmorran Governor's ambition.

Kiterix must have been pondering this for quite some time, he thought, Interesting.

"Ironically," he spoke slowly and plainly, "This is the first time I have heard any mention of a 'Balmorran Empire.

"The Empire is the Empire to me. I believe in it and plan on living my life to honor its name. I, personally, do not know what to think about Governor Kiterix's proposal.

"But my orders, given by Lord Viscera before his departure were to defend Balmorra at all costs. Therefore I will.

"But mark my words, Governor Kiterix," his voice had a slight edge to it, "If you perform conduct unbecoming of the Empire...I will withdraw my support and blockade your planet.

"I will do it with anyone from this table who agrees to an 'Empire' and then goes against it. I would remember that, before making your decision."

It was then his comlink beeped.

"Grand Admiral Millard report to the bridge!" it was Ned Stark his second-in-command, "Grand Admiral Millard report to the bridge immediately!"

"Gentlemen," Millard nodded then hurried towards the bridge to whatever was the problem.

[Tyrel Kiterix]

Kiterix watched as the grand admiral exitted the meeting room.

Good...time to be alone with the other governors.

"I understand your trepidations about this," he spoke calmly, "But trust me, it's worth it. The Sector has seen plenty of growth since rejoining the Empire including economically. People enjoy coming to Guild Sector, they enjoy being a part of it.

"Why shouldn't you want to continue to be a part of it?"

Qatar disagreed again, "It's foolish and crazy. There are plenty of other opportunities for us to-"

"Like what, join the New Republic?" It was Sean McCarthy.

"Are you mad Governor Qatar? Joining the New Republic, especially with Millard in this sector is nuts. Despite a base on TDK, you would be overrun and you know that."

Qater scoffed, "That may be true...but I hold the resources and most of the bacta.

"I will not hear anymore talk of a 'Balmorran Empire' unless I can be a part of it!"

Kiterix spoke again, "But you will....there will be council, much like there is on Balmorra. Each of you will serve on it- unless you are replaced in the elections on your individual planets.

"Even Balmorra will have a new governor, though, if you agree...I will be Emperor of the new Empire."

Qatar slammed his hand down on the table.

"You're a fool Kiterix. A power hungery fool!"

He stood up from the table and glared at the aspiring governor.

"If you want an Empire...you'll do it without TDK. I'll have no part in it."

He turned and walked from the room...

Kiterix sighed, then pushed his glasses up on his nose.

"Anyone else disagree?"

[Taylor Millard]

"Report," Millard said as he reached the bridge. He didn't have far to walk as the dining room was just off the bridge.

"Sir," Ned Stark said quickly, "Two Imperial Star Destroyers have come out of hyperspace. The Intimidator, and the Hannibal. The Intimidator is hailing us sir. No word on who the commander is.

"Shall I launch fighter patrols?"

Millard's cold, blue eyes narrowed as he stared at the two ISDs on the screen.

"Yes...launch fighter patrols. Do not raise shields and do not attack. We will wait to hear their hail and decide from there."

[Tomar]

I stood on the bridge of the Intimidator gazing at the Superior on the view screen.

It had been a long time since I'd last laid eyes on my mentor. I'd tried to keep in contact with him since we'd been separated three years ago.

But when Jaranda moved to Balmorra after Coruscant fell, I knew I would have to return there...and see him again.

He looked the same, Taylor did, his hair cut short and his eyes cold and blue. The Imperial Grand Admiral uniform looked good on him...it fit him for the years of service he gave to the Empire. He'd been rewarded and I agreed with it.

And now the Empire...his beloved Empire had broken in many parts. Those who followed their commanders stayed with them. Some defected to other groups.

I signalled the bridge officer, a young man from Selonia to hail the Superior.

It was time to see what Grand Admiral Millard was up to.

"Intimidator to Superior...Intimidator to Superior, this is General Tomar from Bastion Sector. We wish to join Guild Sector if the Grand Admiral will have us."

I turned to my first officer, Commander Jux Ta. He had something on his mind, I could tell.

"Speak Commander Ta...what are you thinking? Do you have trepidations about joining Millard's fleet?"

[Jux Ta]

Commander Ta was silent for a moment, watching the primary holoprojector in anticipation of the official response to the General's hail.

The state of the Empire appalled Jux Ta. There simply was no getting around the fact that the government had simply splintered itself to separate pieces of military strengths at the first major oppurtunity. This was, he felt, the right choice. He had served under Tomar for years, and the man had never made a noticeable mistake yet.

Ta did not pretend to understand politics, but the Empire's breaking was in his military realm as well. Balmorra was almost certainly going to be the strongest link as the chain of the Empire was reforged - in individual pieces. And in any case, the Grand Admiral was still the Grand Admiral - whether the naval forces near-unanimously admired the man or not. And they did.

"No trepidations, General. If you know the Grand Admiral half so well as I know you, then I am certain Millard's fleet will have a place for us. And there is no other place I would rather choose to be."

Commander Ta glanced up, to meet Tomar's eyes. B.O. Marset signalled that a response was forthcoming from the Grand Admiral's ship.

"This is a day I never thought I would see... but we will see it through. New territory is best met with caution, and as this is all new to me I will continue to be cautious," Ta continued in a low voice. "But apprehension can pursuade the mind before any proofs are given."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard smiled. It had been a few years since he'd seen Tomar face to face. Now he had the opportunity again.

"General Tomar, a pleasure to hear from you," he spoke formally, "Your wife and I were both wondering what had happened to you.

"But I must ask. Why are you here? I know you wish to join, and I would be happy to have you back. But why here? Are you displeased with your current commander?"

[Sarin Vorrann]

The officer who stood at a rigid parade rest on the catwalk his arms perfectly clasped behind his back and legs ramrod straight, bore a great weight on his shoulders. This was not the weight of command.

It was not the weight of guilt.

It was not the guilt of defeat.

It was the weight of conscience.

The Empire had fallen. Many millions departed to combat the Yuuzahn Vong with the Empire's most distrusted allies, the New Republic. Entire sectors had their ships prepared for battle one day, and disappeared the next. Thousands of fighters, their pilots brave but doomed, strode off into the darkness, declaring either victory or annihilation.

And the Imperial Fleet refused to accept defeat. Many hundreds of cruisers and battleships would drift through unknown expanses of space, their innards spilled into the vastness. Bodies would float, fighter wreckage would collide with one another, and the large hulk of former glory would spin for the duration of their lives - until a nearby sun would drag them ino the Inferno, scattering their atoms to the celestial wind to be born again.

The thought of friends, family, all fighting and dying....without him.

The Diktat had chosen many officers and commanders to remain behind to safe guard the Empire until the return of the mighty Fleet. Vorrann had been cursed as one of the talented few.

His only command: defend the Brentaal system with only one ship, the Plutarch-class Command Star Destroyer. While over two and a half kilometers long, the ship could not fight off an attack of strength. Despite whatever ability he had or was thought to possess.

Leaving the system under the care of a commandeered Dreadnaught, the Vengeance headed off in the direction of the Fleet, battle...and certin death.

The Star Destroyer came upon a patrol of Vong warships, which alone could have been dispatched with ease. However, there were five of them, each six hundred meters in length.

The battle that ensued was well fought...Vorrann would admit that. When the Vong warships withdrew to regroup, the Vengeance fled.

The Rear Admiral had done all in his power to give his crew honor. He had even caused personal dishonor by disobeying orders in the search of the ultimate glory. Instead, the ship was now gliding through hyperspace, her hull poc-marked and covered with carbon scoring. Sections of the vessel had been sealed to prevent breech, already dumping their contents into space.

Every memory for the last month flooded back to the former Bastion Setor Feet division commander as the jumpmaster called out the reversion.

The crew was silent as the lines of stars turned into individual pins in the galactic fabric, lightly dusted behind a green globe known as Balmorra.

Silence gave way to gasps as three Imperial-class Star Detroyers could be seen above the planet. This was more Imperial Military Hardware than any of them had seen in over two months.

Vorrann actually lifted his gaze from blankness to the trio of grey ships in the viewports.

" Sir, we re getting some sort of static. I think they are trying to communicate."

Vorrann chuckled. Their receiver array was damaged and in need of refit. They could only send.

" Send this them. Broadband, all frequencies:

" I am reading you as the ISDs Superior, Intimidator, and Hannibal. These IFFs identify you as Imperial vessels. If this is mistaken, fire one shot off your bow, flak fire, set to one kilometer."

There was no fire, but then again, the officers and men of the Vengeance were hoping that the other ships heard them. They could not be sure

" I am Rear Admiral Sarin Vorrann, commander of the Brentaal Defense Force. This ship has been badly damaged in an engagement with Vong forces. We have 80% life support, only one full squadron of operational fighters, and only sixty percent of our weaponry remaining.

" We are unable to contact Admiral Lebron on Bastion or Fleet Admiral Desaria on the Decisive. Our long-rane transmittors are, well, no longer in existance. We have been unable to contact any Imperial stations or vessels. This planet was the only one on our barely functioning navicomputer that could refit us. We have no bacta left. My men are dying. We have no torpedoes remaining.

" Help us."

Vorrann waited a momet before continuing. " We have been incommunicado since our battle. If you are Imperials in those Destroyers, then those are my orders. If you are not, then that is my most impassioned plea."

The Admiral signaled the end and issued orders to repeat it.

What a sorry sight his ship must be. What a sorry sight I must be. At that, he remembered not having a new uniform in many weeks. He sneered. A year's consumables, yes. Provisions, that is another story! bah!

[Tomar]

"But I must ask. Why are you here? I know you wish to join, and I would be happy to have you back. But why here? Are you displeased with your current commander?"

I kept a taut grin on my face as my mentor perceived my unhappiness with Admiral Lebron. The man was a good commander and he knew how to rally his troops, but I found Lebron distrustful...thus our crew made the decision to leave The Imperial Remnant and go back to Millard. It was easier and I believed Balmorra a bit safer than Kamaar.

"Grand Admiral you are correct," I said earnestly, "I would prefer to be back under your command. Thus...The Indimidator is back under your command."

It was then, the newer Star Destroyer came out of hyperspace. The Star Destroyer was heavily damaged and looked in a fair ammount of trouble.

We then got the message...

"" I am reading you as the ISDs Superior, Intimidator, and Hannibal. These IFFs identify you as Imperial vessels. If this is mistaken, fire one shot off your bow, flak fire, set to one kilometer."

"Do not fire Commander Ta," I ordered, "But watch carefully. If he fires upon us then retaliate."

I listened as the message continued

" I am Rear Admiral Sarin Vorrann, commander of the Brentaal Defense Force. This ship has been badly damaged in an engagement with Vong forces. We have 80% life support, only one full squadron of operational fighters, and only sixty percent of our weaponry remaining.

" We are unable to contact Admiral Lebron on Bastion or Fleet Admiral Desaria on the Decisive. Our long-rane transmittors are, well, no longer in existance. We have been unable to contact any Imperial stations or vessels. This planet was the only one on our barely functioning navicomputer that could refit us. We have no bacta left. My men are dying. We have no torpedoes remaining.

" Help us."

"General?" the bridge officer asked, "What shall we do?"

It was a simple answer.

"We wait to see what Millard does. If he attacks we attack with him. If he does not, then neither do we.

"We watch and wait."

[Sarin Vorrann]

Nothing.

They did nothing. No fighters were deployed or weapons charged. That was a good sign.

However, nor were their transports approaching or shuttles carrying supplies.

" Sir, I don't understand," remarked the ship's commander, Commander Allit. " The ships' IFFs are Imperial!"

Vorrann could not answer. He merely lookd on into space and hoped they would send some sort of relief.

The Rear Admiral could give the Commander no answer for the one he thought would undermine what little morale was left. " Maintain station keeping. Cease all forward momentum. Power down the forward turbolaser batteries."

" we could not power them up,sir."

Vorrann smirked. And his answer hit him again:

They're not Imperials, after all....

[Taylor Millard]

Millard listened to the distress signal.

He'd never met Vorran, only heard of him. He steepled his fingers beneath his chin and pondered briefly.

It appears we have become quite popular.

"Sir?" Ned Stark asked as the message played again, "What shall we do?"

"Hail them.

"Rear Admiral Vorran, this is Grand Admiral Taylor Millard of Guild Sector. If you are able, direct your ship towards Balmorra.. It is only a short hyper jump from here.

"If you are not able to jump into hyperspace, you will be transported by Imperial transport to Balmorra while technicians will repair your ship."

Millard paused then continue, "Is there anything else you require? How injured are your men?"

[Sarin Vorrann]

" Sir, they are trying to contact us again."

" Damn!" Vorrann swore, cursing his own destroyed comm antenna.

" Clean it up. Use every means at our disposal. Get every droid on this ship running that static. I want to know what he said!"

The Rear Admiral stayed on the bridge for the next fifty minutes as every action of the ship was directed at clearing the incoming signal.

After fifty minutes, they had partially cleared it up.

" Rear Adm... Vorran, this is Grand Admiral Tay...Millard of .... Sector. If you are able, direct your ship towards ...morra.. It is only a .....yper jump from here.

"If you are not able to .....nto hyperspace, you will be transported by Imperial transport to Balmorra while ...icians will repair your ship."

"Is there anything else you .....How injured are your men?"

A cry of relief went over the bridge. They could not hear all, but what they did allayed all fears Vorrann had asto the owners of those ships. THEY WERE IMPERIAL!!!

" Send reply.: Could not hear entire message. Our comm system is not receiving any signal: at was damaged in our attack. My ship will make best speed to the planetary orbit. I have many men who require immediate attention. They are being placeed on shuttles and taken to the ISD Superior, where your signal came from. I am coming with them. Vorrann out."

With that, the shuttles were loaded, Vorrann boarded, and the massive Star Destroyer lurched towards Balmorra.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard listened to Vorrann's final message and nodded.

"Tomar, here's what I want you to do," he sent to the Intimidator, "As of now you have been 'frocked' to Commodore. Congratulations.

"Your first officer is no longer a Commander but a Captain.

"Tomar if you still have your missile boat, I want you over here. There are several things going on here which need to be discussed. Captain... Ta is it? Good.

"You now have command of the Intimidator and Tomar is now commander of the Superior if temporary.

"You will meet Vorran when he reaches here and usher him into my office. Captain Ta you will join us in a few hours. Commodore Tomar if the commander of The Hannibal is as good of an officer as I think he is then he will meet us there, as well.

"That is all, Millard out."

He turned to Ned Stark, "Ned, you now have command of the flight deck again. I know that's where you prefer to be anyway."

Stark nodded, "Yes sir, thank you sir."

Nodding, the Imperial Grand Admiral strode from the bridge and towards the dining area, almost running over Governor Qatar from TDK as he stormed from the room.

"Pitiful fool," Qatar uttered, "You will die."

He walked to the elevator and disappeared.

[Sarin Vorrann]

The Delta X-9 assault shuttle moved towards the forward launch bay of the ISD Superior, the small flotilla of Imperial shuttles and transports heading towards the primary bay, where more could land and off load his wounded comrades.

As the grey craft become eclipsed by the prow of the Destroyer, Vorrann wondered about Admiral Millard. Was he a Vice Admiral? A Rear Admiral? Did he outrank him, or did this other flag officer exceed his status? Some of the many questions in his mind as the craft touched down.

The side hatch popped and Vorrann exited first, followed by two medics with a stretcher in between. An officer of the Superior was there to greet them. He beganan official gesture when the Rear Admiral interrupted him.

Pointing, he said: " This man is my executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Tarris. He was wounded when a condui explode after the battle. Take him to the medical bay."

Not expecting to not even exchange salutes, the Captain merely nodded to one of the nearby pilots to guide the team to the closest infirmary. Admiral Vorrann started to move with them, but the Captain stopped him.

" The Admiral wishes to see you."

Vorrann agreed, and realized his uniform was in no condition to meet another flag. His left sleeve had been stitched on by a wounded NCO, and his officer's cap upon his cap was bent. One of the red tabs on his rank bar had been colored balck by a explosion, burnt beyond repair. Gathering what pride he had remaining, the Admiral adjusted his tunic and marched off with the Captain.

* * *

" Through there, sir."

The Captain ushered the Admiral into an office in the command tower, with low lights. They were swiched on as Millard entered the room. At that, Vorrann almost hada heart attack.

The officer in front of him had on the stark white uniform and braided gold epaulettes of a Grand Admiral! Stuned for a moment, he immediately dropped to one knee and commenced the formal greeting.

" My compliments, Gran Admiral. I am Rear Admiral Sarin Vorran, Brentaal Defense Force. Authoriztion Code XG-991-Bravo. Flagship: PCSD Vengeance."

As he kneeled, he could not believe it. The one part of the transmission he had to miss was the announcement of this man's rank...

[Taylor Millard]

Millard raised a brown eyebrow as he saw Vorran kneel.

"Enough of that," he spoke quickly seeing the bemused expression on Tomar's face, "Get off your feet Admiral and take a seat.

"You will excuse me, I have matters I must see to. My second-in-command Commodore Tomar will get what you need and resupply you. Admiral," Millard nodded and exitted the room.

He was slightly annoyed he'd been pulled from the negotiating table. Kiterix's Balmorran Empire had reached its first bit of trouble when Qatar from TDK left the table. The Grand Admiral was fairly certain he would not return.

No matter...Rivendel, Omar Prime, Orinoco and V and Balmorra are quite enough.

He entered the dining room again, nodding to the politicians as they sat.

"So tell me, Grand Admiral Millard," Uglim was finally speaking, "Do yoo believe in this 'Balmorran Empire'? Or will yoo sieze control for yourself when yoo see fit?"

Millard sighed...

I thought I made this clear earlier

"My orders were to defend Balmorra. And I will defend it. And those planets under its protection. Whether it's under the name the Empire or the name The Balmorran Empire...I will defend it.

"Oh and Governor Kiterix before I forget, " He added, "You may call it the Balmorran Empire, but it will always be the Empire to me. Is that understood?"

[Tyrel Kiterix]

"Of course Grand Admiral Millard," Kiterix remained unflustered. When one dealt with politicians much of the day, Millard was a breath of fresh air.

So far, no one else had disagreed with his idea of a Balmorran Empire. He'd known from the beginning, when he and Ford Mironat conceived the idea of a 'Balmorran Empire' that Qatar would be a long shot.

But he had to try...and since Qatar didn't agree...then he would have to be force to agree. And Kiterix knew just exactly who to call when it came to that.

"If no one else disagrees...then I suggest we iron out how this transistion will take place," Sean McCarthy spoke, "I, for one, believe Governor Kiterix should assume the title of Emperor and resign from his governorship effective immediately."

The others nodded their agreement then turned to Millard.

"Will you be governor of Balmorra, Grand Admiral? You would be well appreciated there."

[Jux Ta]

Commander... no, Captain Ta smiled to himself. The Grand Admiral was indeed an energetic man. No useless formalities to him at all, seemingly. Ta hadn't even tried to get a word in edgewise as Millard had promoted Tomar and himself just scant timeparts ago. And if he had, he would not have succeeded.

It was looking increasingly like Tomar was exactly right about matters yet again. The man with the right stuff was at the helm of the Empire.

Whichever piece of the "Empire" it was.


Hm, Ta would have to make his own promotions in short order, yank the chain of command up one link behind him as it were. The bridge officer, Lt. Commander Kern Davitt, would officially be promoted to Commander - but had already assumed the position, per Ta's orders. There was work to be done.

The communications officer was still, for the moment, Lieutenant Marset. Though Ta had made it a point in his life to always know all the names of his crew, Marset's first one had always eluded him - he had no official one other than his surname, yet the man had hinted at times that he had a nickname that sufficed. A detail for another time.

"Lieutenant Marset, inform Repairs to prep the spare sensor and communications array packages for transport immediately. Helm, set a course and take us to one kilometer off the Vengeance's top portside bow and set up a preliminary defensive screen flanking their entry vector. Comm, keep the Vengeance up to speed on things in whatever form of communication expedites things best in their current shape. We'll be dropping them the arrays and sensor packages, along with supplies and technicians, as soon as they're ready."

He considered a datapad full of sensor readouts on the Vengeance's condition again, then handed it to a waiting ensign - Vill, he thought - and sat down in the captain's chair.

"And tell Hangar Two to prepare a shuttle for my departure in one hour's time."

A wing of TIEs and two Assault Gunboats flew out of the primary hangar bay as the Intimidator reached the near-derelict PSD, headed aft of the enormous vessel.

[Taylor Millard]

"Will you be governor of Balmorra, Grand Admiral? You would be well appreciated there."

Millard did not even have to think on it...

"No...I am soldier not a politician. I refuse to play politics. I have seen many careers destroyed because someone said the wrong thing. I defend the Empire and that is all I do."

He clasped his hands behind his back, "But I appreciate the offer. I would be better served, though, to do what I was ordered to do and protect Guild Sector. Or the Balmorran Empire.

"Gov-pardon me- Emperor Kiterix, there is a young politician on Balmorra who I believe is a staunch supporter of the Empire- Emil Ghardokian...might I suggest you talk to him about succeeding you as governor? I believe he would serve the Empire well as governor of Balmorra."

He saw Kiterix nod.

"If you are willing, I suggest you decide now whether you will support this 'Balmorran Empire' or not. I will be here for another few minutes, then I have my job to do.

"But you are all welcome to stay here until negotiations are settled. Is that understood?"

[Sarin Vorrann]

This feels great! Rear Admiral Vorrann thought, donning a new uniform for the first time in over a month. He made some cooing noises as he did up his tunic, and noticed the shine on his jackboots and rank bar. He could only guess what General Tomar was thinking outside the room.

Vorrann stepped out, and from his facial expression, he could have been Emperor of the Galaxy; pride and contentment occupied every point on the middle-aged officer's face.

" Shall we?" the Rear Admiral asked; the two began striding down the Port Primary Corrdior, a long passageway with bulkheads and corridors on their left, and a massive transparent lining on their right. To their left was the cold steel of the ship. To their right the cold beauty of space. It was rumored that an officer had once rolled a ball from one end of the ship to the other, after the Captain obliginly angled the Destroyer: the Captain had money riding on such a venture. Vorrann had attempted it once, but could not get more than a thousand meters. The conclsuion of the watchers was that the ship was not angled enough.

" So, General. How does it feel to be stationed under a Grand Admiral?" The two walked on, Vorrann's dark green naval uniform a contrast with the tan one worn by his Army compatriot.

" The same as any other posting. I respect the Admiral as an officer, and would follow him anywhere. More than that, he is a personal friend. I would say the experience is the same, unless your commander is psychotic."

Vorrann chuckled, causing polite bemusement on the General. Sarin got the hint and explained. " My former Sector Group commander was somewhat psychotic. Admiral Lebron."

" Ah."

" What are my orders from High Command? Have they sent a team to investigate my battle reports: it was the Empire's first recorded engagament with the Vong since our prior war."

Tomar opened his mouth to reply, when he reealized that no one aboard that Star Destroyer knew anything of the fragmentation of the Empire, the rampant warlordism, or any happenings of the past month.

" Well, Admiral, things have changed...."

The pair turned and began the long walk back towards the bow. However, Tomar sensed he would need more time than that kilometer walk would allow.

[Tomar]

Vorran must have misread my rank insignia, for it was not a General insignia but a Commodore.

Ah well, it happens.

His question about the status of the Empire surprised me. If he had been under the command of Lebron, as I had, then surely he had heard of the break-up.

But then I remembered my own experience in the Unknown Regions and the lack of information about the defeat at Endor.

And so I told him...about the Vong attack on the Empire at Coruscant and how Lord Viscera and Grand Admiral Thrawn had left to pursue the attackers into the Unknown Regions. How every Imperial Commander had been given individual orders to defend their own planets against either the Vong or the New Republic.

And then the break...How it had first been Telan Desaria and Lei Lebron deciding to declare their own independence and pursue their own goals. How I'd received a letter from my mentor, shuffled to me by Lebron- the plea to stay together as an Empire.

"It was then I made my decision to rejoin Grand Admiral Millard here on Balmorra," I said as we walked down the halls of the Superior. I have served with him for almost 25 years and have never been disappointed at all. The man is the closest thing to a father I have, and I have much respect for him."

We continued our walk through the star destroyer. It was fairly obvious Vorran enjoyed a new Imperial Uniform.

My gosh when were his troops last resupplied?

"How about yourself, Admiral Vorran? How long have you been with the Empire?"

[Sarin Vorrann]

The shock hit the Rear Admiral first. He actually stopped their trek along the starboard side to gaze into space.

Fragmentation. Warlordism. The continued Vong threat. Battles between Imperials!!! It was too much for the officer to handle.

His words came out in small groups, as he was still adjusting from the mental pcitures racing through his head of Star Destroyers against Star Destroyers, Admirals not saluting one another, and men disloyal to the ideal of Empire.

" Not....long enough....I see."

The General/Commodore was most accomodating and understanding. A ship without communcations of any kind and running low on supplies was horrid, but a reality.

" I suppose I should take my ship, pay for the repairs I with what I can, and remove myself. I have no place in this warlordism. I could find the fleet against the Vong and take my place.

" Or I could remain here and throw in my lot with one of the feuders."

" I could not return to Admiral Lebron. He is psychotic. And Moff Khendon I have never met, and would not likely even speak to me. Grand Admiral Desaria I do not know either.

" The question is, who is the most Imperial?"

[Tomar]

I pondered the question briefly.

Who was the most Imperial?

Certainly I was biased in my opinion- I had always seen Taylor as the most Imperial of the group. He'd remained loyal to the Empire even when it was fragmented after the defeat at Endor. Even in the Unknown Regions he'd remained true to the Imperial Cause- not letting anyone ever defect to the Rebels. He was honorable and loyal...

"I admit I am biased in my opinion, Admiral," I measured my words carefully, "But I will never question Grand Admiral Millard's judgement or opinions. He remained loyal to the Empire when he was assigned by Grand Admiral Thrawn to wait for him to return.

"He doesn't waver from the Imperial cause from what I have seen. It is up to you Admiral Vorran, but I plan on staying with Millard for a long time."

We reached the turbolift and I directed him in.

"We should be meeting with him in an hour or so. You may go check on your men in the Medical Bay or accompany me to the hangar, where I will be meeting my men."

[Tyrel Kiterix]

There was a series of 'Yeses' as the various governors heard Millard's offer to stay.

"I wouldn't be surprised if negotiations did not last much longer," Kiterix said as Millard stood there waiting.

He gazed at the remaining members of the called governors and smiled inwardly. All were loyal to the Empire...all wanted to stay in the Empire. This was going well.

Vachon, from Rivendel, spoke, "No I believe I am ready to vote in my support for Tyriel Kiterix to be the Emperor of the Balmorran Empire. We will hold the same policies as the Empire did before yes?"

Kiterix nodded, "Yes I was hoping to. The Empire had many good policies I am willing to follow if you are."

The other governors nodded.'

"Good. Shall we vote then?"

It was a simple vote. Five for and none against. The representative from Kyrinos did not vote though, but said he would bring word back to the leaders of his planet telling them of the decison.

Tyrel Kiterix, now Emperor of Guild Sector and the Balmorran Empire, smiled. The Galactic Empire was no longer broken. Instead, the Balmorran Empire was beginning.

He'd accomplished what Ulic Raskal-Millard had been unable to do. And he was pleased.

(To be continued in Balmorra: Laying Foundations)