Glory For All:  Tales of the Imperial Forces

By SVC

TIMELINE: Immediately after ROTJ. This story does not refer to any post-ROTJ novels, characters or plotlines.

BACKGROUND: After ROTJ, the battle-scarred remnants of the Imperial Navy watch in horror as the Rebel Alliance reclaims worlds once under the heel of the Empire. Even in the ranks of the Empire, there are those who want nothing less than to seize the Empire's glory for themselves. General Veers, the professional soldier and consummate tactician, must struggle to preserve what countless stormtroopers and pilots died to forge -- an Empire that stood for order. This is his story ... and that of the Empire's surviving rank-and-file, from the raw recruit to officers ...

PROLOGUE:

[On the Imperial Navy command ship, the 'Vindicator']

The logistics officer ran into the bridge room. "Captain, Captain!!"

Captain Tenvor. "Lieutenant, I'm very busy." Two dozen TIE fighters swarmed ahead of them. "Rebellions are breaking out throughout the sector. The rebels are using the battle in Endor to instigate sedition throughout our territories."

The lieutenant caught his breath. "It's Jerjerrod. His last report said the rebels brought down the defense shield generator. The Death Star is vulnerable!!"

"I'm afraid that was his LAST transmission," a voice uttered from the rear. The officers on the bridge turned around. The voice spoke with authority. And one not to be questioned.

Captain Tenvor turned around. "News from the front, General Veers??"

Veers delivered the news with clinical objectivity. "Emperor Palpatine is dead. Lord Vader, by all reports, is also dead." A few officers gasped, while others cursed under their breaths.

"And ... the Death Star??" Captain Tenvor hoped. If the Death Star could hang on for a few more hours, we could mass the largest naval operation in the sector. We could force the rebels to withdraw from Endor. Buy the Empire time to regroup.

Veers took off his hat. "Two vessels, an X-Wing fighter and the Millennium Falcon, penetrated the space station's outer defenses. It is lost."

The lieutenant interrupted. "We've been trying to contact the flagship, Executor. No response."

Veers cleared his throat. "It suffered critical damage -- before it collided into the Death Star. All hands are lost."

The junior officers began calling for revenge. "We strike now!" "It's up to the Navy to bring about the Rebellion's fall!" "Long live the Empire!"

Captain Tenvor knew some action must be taken. But he had limited combat experience. He merely enforced trade embargoes against planets allied with the rebels. All eyes looked to the general who soundly defeated Princess Leia's forces on Hoth.

Veers stepped up to the centre of the bridge deck, flanked by officers, a few TIE pilots and stormtroopers.

"With the loss of the Emperor and Lord Vader, we no longer have a viable command structure. If the regional governors choose not to resist the -- New Republic ..." Veers winced at the sound of those words. "...they would surely sue for peace! We cannot risk fomenting resistance on those planets. In the eyes of the Rebel Alliance, we are the revolutionaries now."

Veers walked along a line of stormtroopers, conducting what seemed to be a fruitless inspection.

"To launch a counterattack now ... would be folly. Suicide. The Rebellion is already moving to reclaim our shipyards and strategic bases. With the loss of the Death Star, this battle is sadly lost." The officers and troops joined in a chorus of boos. Veers held up a hand to silence them.

"The war, however, continues. We shall press on. Without the Empire, the multitude of worlds and species will return to their petty squabbles and vendettas. Mark my words, this democratic `rebellion' will plunge the galaxy into turmoil and constant bloodshed. The Empire brought a purity of purpose. That is order. Yes, they feared our power. That is true. What those countless worlds feared was our dedication to our goals. The Emperor and Lord Vader used the Force to bring about the glory of this Empire. But they, too, were men. Men like us -- with weaknesses. They lost focus, risking all we've fought for ... died for ... to turn Luke Skywalker to the dark side. The fatal mistake was their willingness to place their faith in that Jedi."

Veers looked at a monitor, listing the loss of ships, casualties and bases.

"Coruscant's governor had now yielded the city to New Republic forces," the lieutenant blurted out.

I have to maintain the momentum, Veers told himself, or their will to fight will crumble away in the wind like the dunes of Tatooine.

"It's up to us to continue the pursuit. The pursuit for order." He looked at Captain Tenvor, who finally realized that he had essentially become admiral of the remaining Imperial naval forces. "I know some of you have not tasted battle ... or lack field experience." Veers watched as another squadron of TIE fighters shrieked away from the ship.

"You shall taste battle today. Tomorrow. Every day, until we reclaim the Galactic Empire. Now -- NOW is the time to act. Will you choose to fight for order in this galaxy? Or will you watch in vain ... as Skywalker, the bounty hunters and space pirates shred the Empire piecemeal?!" A thunderous NO and applause.

Captain Tenvor, swept up in the patriotic flurry, seized the moment. "We have enough officers aboard to form a provisional Imperial Council." He looked across at the few remaining naval, military and intelligence officers on deck. "I am prepared to place the Imperial Fleet at the disposal of General Veers in whatever endeavour he pursues."

Another commander stepped up. "I place the Imperial Garrison of Cloud City at the disposal of General Veers!"

A TIE pilot removed his helmet. "I pledge my TIE fighter squadron to the cause of the Empire!"

Cheers of `Long live the Empire' roared throughout the bridge. Stormtroopers raised their rifles in support.

Veers placed a command card before the officers. "I give you the command codes to the Imperial Armoury and Munitions base on Hoth, to be used for our cause."

An eager intelligence officer proclaimed: "I propose that we bestow the rank of Grand Moff to General Veers, as we are agreed that he is the man to lead us to victory!" Many rallied in support, but the call was far from unanimous.

Veers did not trust intelligence officers. They valued political machinations ahead of the purity of warfare. He waved in resistance to this proposal.

"No, no, I must insist -- I cannot accept even a temporary political title. I am neither a statesman, nor a diplomat ..."

He put on his hat, straightened his uniform and tightened his gloves -- the gloves he wore at the Battle of Hoth.

"I am a soldier, nothing more. I would rather serve as a general, than rule as a viceroy." The crowd cheered loudly. Captain Tenvor nodded, knowing Veers was the man to restore the Empire.

"Captain Tenvor?"

"Yes?"

"There are a half-dozen Star Destroyers in the Tatooine sector who request a rendezvous. Your instructions?"

Veers took off a bar from his rank insignia and placed it on Tenvor. "Tell their captains that ADMIRAL Tenvor is now commanding the Imperial Navy, by executive order of our Imperial Council. The Emperor is dead. If they wish to join our struggle, send them my regards. I will see them in person."

"And should they wish to surrender to the Rebel Alliance?"

Veers clutched his fist. "Tell them we will direct the Vindicator to intercept them. And destroy them! They know the penalty for treason. If they choose to be rebels, I shall treat them as such."

The bridge became a flurry of activity as pilots reported to their ready stations, officers scurried to their monitors and stormtroopers marched down hallways.

Veers had reviewed Captain Tenvor's personnel files. He could be trusted. The intelligence officers -- mumbling to themselves -- could not.

"You see those officers?" Veers whispered to Tenvor. Tenvor nodded. "How many of them do you know?"

"I know Lieutenant Reksil. We were in the Academy together. He's personally loyal to me," Tenvor replied, "Commander Burvik defied Lord Vader and sent reinforcements to rescue a squadron of my troops. He too can be trusted."

"And the others?" Veers looked at two officers in particular, chatting with a stormtrooper commander.

"I'm not familiar with them," Tenvor replied. "I believe they arrived on a shuttle directly from Coruscant, when the Imperial governor declared a state of emergency."

"Keep an eye on them. Can I count on your support should the need arise?"

"Yes, General." Tenvor replied. Veers nodded in agreement and walked to the command room. The Empire's new war had barely begun -- and already there were traitors scheming to hasten its collapse.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: I welcome any comments on this introduction to my story. It will be Imperial-focused, with appearances -- at some point -- of Han, Luke, Leia and the regulars. I won't be relying on any of the post-ROTJ novels that are out there.]

Chapter One

Lieutenant Reksil spoke into the transmission speakers again. "Imperial destroyer, Vindicator. General hail to any and all Imperial vessels. The Death Star is destroyed. Please respond. This is the Vindicator."

No response. The Rebel Alliance was relentless. With the death of the Emperor, the Imperial Fleet was in retreat. Coruscant, the heart of the Empire, was signed away to the rebels by that cowardly governor. We could have held the capital. But no, the governor and his weak- kneed minions avoided a bloody conflict with a simple armistice. Some stormtrooper battalions left promptly, not wishing to stomach the surrender of the capital to Mon Mothma. A few others, sadly, surrendered. Or worse -- joined the ranks of the New Republic.

Are we the only Imperial vessels alive, Reksil began to wonder. Then the speakers crackled. "Imperial destroyer Vindicator, we acknowledge ..." Another crackle. "... sustained moderate damage ... arrived in Endor to provide reinforcements ... engaged Ackbar's fleet ..."

Reksil repeated. "Please identify yourself, Imperial vessel."

"This is the Star Destroyer, Avenger. Request coordinates of flagship, Executor."

Reksil bowed his head. "Flagship lost in battle of Endor. Death Star destroyed. Imperial Fleet in retreat."

An awkward pause. "Acknowledged." Another pause. "This is Lieutenant Mitan."

Reksil adjusted his controls. He was losing the frequency. "Where is your commanding officer?"

Mitan spoke slowly. "Captain Zerrek died when a squadron of A-Wings strafed the bridge."

Admiral Tenvor nodded at Reksil, who immediately gave up his seat. It's been awhile since I handled the communications console. He pressed a button.

"This is Admiral Tenvor, provisional commander of the Imperial Fleet. We have formed an Imperial Council and request that all Imperial vessels rendezvous at these coordinates. Tatooine system."

"We have lost our captain," Mitan mumbled. "Our ship is damaged ... and some officers ... they're suggesting that we surrender our ship to the nearest New Republic vessel."

"And your thoughts, officer?" Tenvor wanted to determine his loyalties.

"Sir, I have served the Empire since the Academy. The death of the Emperor changes nothing. If your Imperial Council will have me, I will continue the fight ..."

A small cheer arose in the communications deck. "Thank you. As commander of the fleet, I grant you the field rank of Captain. Captain Mitan, direct your vessel to the Tatooine system. General Veers would like to speak with you."

Mitan gasped. "Veers is alive, sir? Yes, sir, the Avenger and all hands will meet you in Tatooine. Avenger out."

Veers stood in the rear. His face appeared troubled.

"You're worried some of the rank-and-file have lost the will to fight on?" Tenvor guessed.

"The situation is in flux. Many good officers died on the Death Star and on the Executor. At present, we have no Emperor, and only a skeletal command structure. The troops are ready to serve, but we need to give them reason to go on."

"The Avenger survived the Battle of Endor and will meet us in Tatooine," Tenvor reported.

"Good." We need to be certain the other vessels are as committed to the cause. Veers looked to Reksil. "Continue contacting any remaining Imperial vessels. I don't care if they're twelve-man supply ships. I want a full report on a viable Imperial armada by day's end."

"Yes, General." Reksil saluted and returned to his station.

"Admiral," Veers continued, "assemble four of your best stormtrooper squadrons and have them on stand-by. Prepare an Imperial shuttle for each of them. I will accompany the lead shuttle."

"You have an operation in mind?" Tenvor was puzzled.

"I intend to be ready," Veers began, "should members of those Imperial vessels choose mutiny over obedience. If they resist, we will take those vessels by force. I would hate to fight against Imperial troops, but I will if called upon." He looked through the bridge window as scores of TIE fighters formed a defensive perimeter around the Vindicator.

The Empire is hanging on by a thread. I will not let that thread snap because I was unprepared.

[On the Imperial Star Destroyer, the Relentless]

The young captain looked out the bridge window. Five more vessels had huddled together -- here, in this godforsaken sector. Tatooine. A no man's land. Here, the New Republic had no jurisdiction. They were too busy reclaiming more valuable Imperial bases, shipyards and armouries. News drifted through the ranks that the Emperor and Lord Vader were dead. Good, the captain thought, I grew weary of their dalliances with the dark side of the Force.

Vader's death was especially satisfying. The dark lord had been disappointed that Admiral Ozzel arrived too close to the Hoth system, allowing the rebels to throw up a defense shield. The Imperial forces prevailed then, but it could have been a complete victory.

I'm ashamed that Ozzel failed. But I blame Vader for passing judgment on the admiral's mistakes. Ozzel was mortal after all. A loyal servant of the Empire.

And my father. A lieutenant scrambled up the platform to the bridge. "We have news, Captain. General Veers and a few surviving officers have formed an Imperial Council. We may have lost at Endor, but the war continues!"

Excellent. Perhaps I can redeem the family name after all. "Tell them this: Captain Silec awaits their arrival. The Relentless is at full strength and ready to take the fight to the Alliance. Long live the Empire."

Veers has assumed command of Imperial forces, Silec grumbled. I wouldn't be surprised if he gave himself a Grand Moff's rank by week's end. I changed my name at the Academy because I feared the shame my father could bring to my career. Now I'm in a position to claim the glory that rightfully belongs to the Ozzel household. And vengeance, my dear General Veers -- the man whose confidence and military ambition led to my father's death -- will be mine.

Chapter Two

Admiral Tenvor bounded up the stairs to the communications station.

"Report, officer." Outside the window, he saw two TIE fighters break off from the main squadron. Preparing to intercept something?

"L-long range scanners indicate a m-mercenary vessel -- known in these parts -- is concealing itself in a nebula cloud." The young officer was nervous. It was her first posting in space.

"Options?" Tenvor knew that many of the staff were inexperienced. Now they shall taste the rigours of space conflict.

"I ... I notified TIE fighter command of the situation. They scrambled a pair of TIE fighters to intercept and destroy. I've also plotted the fastest route for the Vindicator, should ... the need arise."

"Good. Carry on." Tenvor returned to the bridge.

The nervous officer wiped her brow. Whew! Tass Nemi -- Communications Officer Tass Nemi -- was one of the last to graduate from the Imperial Academy. Since the birth of the Galactic Empire, the leadership had been dominated by the ruling houses of the galaxy: nobles and their heirs, wealthy merchants. Men. But it was a myth that no women served the Emperor. Women could be found in many "supporting" roles: communications, supply, gunnery. Some even managed to command armoured personnel carriers or supply craft. But women on a Star Destroyer -- the finest war vessel ever to leave a shipyard -- no, the leadership chose to retain that privilege for themselves and their sons.

The rise of the Rebel Alliance changed all that. Nearly half the graduating class were women. Nemi had her eyes on a combat role. And not just any squadron, but the elite Snowtrooper Corps. They answered to the snowtrooper commander based on the Imperial Armoury and Munitions base on Hoth. Snowtroopers, in turn, fell under the command of the Imperial Armoured Division -- which meant AT-ATs ... and the personal command of General Veers.

"Did you hear me, Officer Nemi??" Lieutenant Reksil inquired.

"S-sorry, sir? Your orders, sir?" Nemi concentrated on her long-range radar screen.

"The mercenary vessel you spotted? It was a raider. One of Jabba the Hutt's minions hoping to pick off remnants of our scattered fleet. As you can see on your screen, it has been destroyed. Good job, officer." Then Reksil hushed. "Keep your eyes peeled, Tass. You're lucky we went to the Academy together. Veers is not so forgiving of daydreaming."

Nemi smiled. Yes, Lieutenant. She barely had time to refocus when -- at the other end of the deck -- another junior lieutenant climbed out of his sublevel station and sprinted to Admiral Tenvor.

"Admiral! We have a transmission from the Imperial supply ship, Restoration!"

Supply ship? Tenvor was pleased at this information. A supply ship had food rations, building materiel, logistics equipment and ... weapons cargo.

The junior officers watched as Tenvor dropped all protocol, removed his cap and leaped down into the sublevel station.

"Please respond, Restoration! This is Admiral Tenvor of the Imperial Fleet. Report situation."

The transmission had broken. Tenvor tapped the holographic console. An Imperial officer -- likely a lieutenant -- appeared in a hazy blue hologram.

"Admiral! We request assistance immediately." The hologram blinked out, then reappeared. "Mutiny!!"

"Present location?" Tenvor demanded. General Veers knelt near the ladder to observe.

"Tatooine system. Half an hour from the rendezvous. Our captain is dead. Our squadron of TIE pilots have rebelled! They want to turn the vessel into a pirate ship! They're coming to the bridge! .... only a dozen stormtroopers here .... officers making stand in engineering ..."

It's begun, Veers thought. The weak-willed in our ranks are exploiting the leadership vacuum to tear the Imperial forces apart -- seam by seam. The hologram was more erratic.

"... hold those doors ..." the lieutenant ordered ...

"Lieutenant! If you fail to retain the engineering deck ..."

The lieutenant gulped. He knew exactly what to do. "I shall self- destruct the Restoration."

The hologram flittered, then faded.

Tenvor looked up at Veers, who nodded. Tenvor climbed up the ladder and marched to the bridge.

"Activate hyperdrive. Prepare for hyperspace jump. The Restoration's last coordinates ..."

Points of light on the bridge window became long streaks. The Vindicator had joined the hunt.

[Tatooine system, rendezvous point]

Captain Mitan of the Avenger observed the huddled remnants of the Imperial Fleet. Six Star Destroyers, a dozen smaller supply and carrier craft, and probably seventy to eighty TIE fighters -- left astray as the Alliance continued its final push and destroyed their bases and home vessels.

The hologram of General Veers continued the briefing. "You are hereby ordered to hold your positions. I want an inventory of all supply ships and a working estimate of ground troops. I'll worry about armoured vehicles when I arrive."

"And the Restoration?" Mitan had heard frantic communications from the captain.

"Traitors -- TIE pilots if you can believe it! -- are attempting to seize the vessel and intend to become privateers. I don't know how much longer the ship can remain in Imperial hands. The Vindicator will intercept in ten minutes."

"Shall I deploy supporting ships ... I have a gunnery vessel here ..." Mitan suggested.

"No. We will put down the uprising ourselves." Veers hologram faded as Tenvor's appeared.

"Captain? What's your sense of the loyalty of those vessels that have arrived."

"All express loyalty to the Imperial Council ... and submit the usual declarations of sorrow at the death of the Emperor, etc. etc."

"That's not good enough." Mitan knew that only loyal commanders can inspire loyal troops. "Assemble ship captains and divisional commanders aboard the Avenger. The Council will update them on the situation as it stands." Tenvor's hologram faded.

Keep the fleet in Tatooine. That's simple enough, Mitan thought.

"Sir, the Relentless is breaking away from the main fleet!" a bridge officer declared.

"Course??" Mitan demanded.

"Present trajectory ... the Restoration!"

Damn. DAMN! That hot-head, Captain Silec, is itching for another fight. He clicked the communications panel.

"Vindicator, I'm sorry. You are going to have some -- company."

[Aboard the Star Destroyer, Relentless]

Captain Silec watched as his ship zoomed into hyperspace. Within minutes, he would be atop the Restoration.

"Any reports, officers?" Silec demanded.

The communications station was in a flurry of activity. "None, sir. Last transmission stated that the Restoration was falling into the hands of the traitors."

Silec spoke into the speakers. "TIE bomber squadron Alpha. Scramble! I repeat. Scramble! Gunnery decks one through ten prepare for battle."

The communications officers looked at each other in surprise. What's the captain up to?

Silec anticipated their bewilderment. "We're about to demonstrate why the Relentless is the finest Star Destroyer in the Empire's fleet."

"What of Admiral Tenvor's orders to stay put?" Commander Kosst, an intelligence officer asked.

"The Empire is crumbling!" Silec snapped, "We are the closest vessel to the Restoration. We cannot allow it to fall into the hands of pirates!!"

"A rescue operation?" Kosst wondered.

Silec looked at the main bridge window. There was the supply ship, Restoration. It appeared that several decks were in flames. "If we get there in time ... if not, I intend to destroy the vessel. Its supplies are much too valuable!!"

"Sir," Kosst insisted, "there are over two thousand men aboard a ship of that size. Our reports suggest only the TIE squadron has rebelled!"

Silec ignored him. "Bridge, hail them." No response. Silec picked up the speaker. "This is Imperial destroyer Relentless. Respond."

A crackle of sound. "... they're breaking down the door ... E-Web cannon aimed at entrance ... if engineering falls, we're done for ..."

Silec pounded the monitor. This ship is lost! I must prevent that.

"We could ... use a tractor beam to disable the ship?" A stormtrooper commander suggested. His men only had six months' training and were in no shape to lead a boarding party.

"TIE bomber squadron Alpha."

The squadron commander answered. "Orders, Captain?"

"Destroy the Restoration!"

The bomber commander paused. "Sir??"

"Destroy the vessel!!"

The TIE bombers squadron broke formation and showered the supply ship Restoration with a hail of torpedoes.

Kosst pushed aside another officer and tapped the holographic console. "Restoration. Are you still in Imperial hands? Respond!!"

He heard screams. A lieutenant's hologram appeared. "We did it! Mutiny put down! Repeat ... mutiny put down!!"

The officer looked up at the bridge window. Too late. A TIE bomber had exploded the main engineering deck. A sickening purple halo boomed as the Restoration scattered into a million sparks of debris and flame. The hologram faded instantly.

A black-suited commander on the bridge took off his cap. "Two thousand men?! Dead. Just like that."

Kosst grabbed Silec by the shoulders. "Fool! The loyalists succeeded! You just sentenced thousands of Imperial troops and officers to their doom!!"

The stormtrooper commander took off his helmet. "The captain saw the threat. Who knows how many more of its crew sided with the pirates!!"

Kosst was on dangerous ground. Questioning an Imperial captain was an offense in itself. Six months in the punishment battalion. All prisoners stripped of rank. Waste collection and road building, followed by immediate discharge from the Imperial forces. Over two thousand of the Empire's troops vanished ... because of the actions of one stupid man. They did not die in vain. Not if I can do something about it.

"As an Imperial intelligence commander, I have authority to challenge a superior officer if his actions constitute dereliction of duty. You, Captain, have dishonoured the Empire with your rash actions, thus condemning thousands of loyal soldiers to their deaths. By article 699 of the Imperial Military Code ..."

No! He's going to strip me of my command, Silec feared. A few stormtroopers and officers began to gather around him to enforce the arrest.

"Treason! I have saved the fleet from an infection. Those traitors could have used the Restoration to raid our own vessels!!" I must act now. He glanced at the stormtrooper commander, who nodded at another group of troops.

The stormtroopers drew their blasters and seized Kosst, and bound his wrists with binders. The party of troops and officers who had moved to arrest Silec halted.

"I place you under arrest, Kosst, for defying an Imperial captain. Take him to the cellblock."

Silec glared at the group of officers and troops who almost arrested him. "I am captain of this vessel. If you disagree with that, you may serve under Commander Kosst -- in detention!" The group quickly dispersed. No officer was worth incarceration, they thought.

A bridge officer interrupted. "We're being hailed." The imposing shadow of the Vindicator blanketed the bridge window.

Veers and his puppets, Silec scoffed. He walked to the command station to appease this so-called Imperial Council.

The black-suited commander entered the lift. The door slammed shut instantly. He pressed the console: gunnery deck. Commander Tev fought the rebels at Yavin, Hoth and in countless skirmishes. Men had died under his command -- in battle. But two THOUSAND men? By orders of an Imperial officer?? He straightened his cap and wiped his eye. The doors whisked open. The gunners looked at Tev.

"Stand down. This battle's over!" he commanded.

My academy roommate was a logistics officer aboard the Restoration ...

Chapter Three

[Aboard the Star Destroyer, Relentless]

Captain Silec waited for the admiral's hologram to appear.

"Who is the commanding officer of the Relentless?!" Admiral Tenvor commanded.

"I am." Silec declared.

"Did you not receive our orders to await our arrival on the Tatooine system!"

"I felt action was called for to prevent the ship's seizure by mutineers ..."

"Who are you to determine the fate of two thousand of the Emperor's soldiers?"

Silec smirked. "The Emperor is dead. Their lives are ours to command now."

"As is YOUR life, Captain!" Tenvor retorted.

Silec cursed. His impulsive reactions may have jeopardized his plans. He hadn't heard of this `Admiral' Tenvor. Perhaps he received a field commission. With the sorry state of the Imperial Navy, many inadequate officers were thrust into leadership roles they did not deserve. I, though, earned my rank in battle. In the Calamari Campaigns. I must be a marked man ... now that Admiral Ackbar has routed our fleet.

"Sir?" an officer interrupted, "a shuttle craft is arriving!" Silec walked to the communications station.

"Imperial shuttle, Inflictor, requests permission to land," the shuttle pilot crackled over the speakers.

"We will grant entry once we have confirmed the status of your security codes!" the dock controller insisted.

Then a face appears on the monitor. The victor of the Battle of Hoth. "Is this enough confirmation for you?" Veers snarled.

"Uhhh, General Veers?!" The controller quickly tapped the console. "Permission to dock, shuttle Inflictor."

Veers? Damn. Silec, two commanders and a dozen stormtroopers took the lift to the docking bay.

The junior officers and technicians on the bridge traded worried glances at each other. Somebody's going to get in trouble ...

Docking alarms honked throughout the corridors as the shuttle descended on the dock.

The boarding ramp descended. General Veers, two stormtrooper commanders, a TIE fighter officer and about a dozen snowtroopers marched towards Silec's greeting party.

"Welcome, General!" Silec muttered. "Any further news from Endor?"

"To the bridge!" Veers ordered and brushed past Silec.

On the bridge, Veers looked around the stations. He was looking for something.

A radar controller, barely out of the Academy, almost jumped out of his seat when Veers tapped him on the shoulder.

"Controller, do your scanners detect any vessels approaching us in this sector??"

The controller looked at his monitor. "None, sir. The Imperial vessels are still in Tatooine. No other vessels in our sector."

"Good, we're safe for now." Veers returned to the officers on the bridge. His worst fear was an ambush. Or running into Admiral Ackbar's victorious fleet.

"Why did you destroy the Restoration? The weapons cargo alone could have armed half a battalion of stormtroopers?" Veers demanded.

"The tide was turning. I could not risk ... the ship falling into the hands of the mutineers!"

"And you felt the crew of the Vindicator was not up to the task of accomplishing this successfully?!"

"I took the initiative to ..." Silec began.

"Initiative?!" Veers replied. He looked at the scattered debris of the Restoration. He glared directly into Silec's eyes.

"You, an Imperial captain ... responsible for thousands of officers, troops and technicians ... took the authority to sentence two thousand of the Restoration's crew to their destruction??"

"Yes, sir I did." Silec was unfazed. "For the Empire."

Veers had brought the Vindicator here to do precisely that -- if the ship fell to those renegade TIE pilots. But did it? All reports suggested that the crew resisted the takeover. If only those damned communications didn't go down ...

"Your orders, Captain, were to remain with the fleet at the rendezvous point in Tatooine! The Empire was built on obedience. Now that the Emperor is dead, you owe your allegiance -- and your command -- to the provisional Imperial Council."

"Moff Jerjerrod himself appointed me captain of the Relentless," Silec boasted.

"Lord Vader appointed the general as commander-in-chief of the Imperial Army," one of Veers' officers replied.

Veers looked again at the debris outside. "There is a power vacuum in the fleet's hierarchy. Many Imperial planetary governors have either surrendered or made peace with the New Republic. The Navy is the foundation on which the Empire will rebuild. This will not pass if vessel captains presume to make decisions -- without obeying the chain of command!"

"Shall I arrest the captain ... and place the ship under the admiral's command?" the stormtrooper commander stated. He didn't like Silec and knew that the bold captain had crossed the line.

Some of Silec's loyal troopers placed their hands on their blasters. Immediately, Veers' snowtroopers aimed their blasters at them. These were elite members of the Snowtrooper Corps, among the finest troops in the Imperial Army.

Even Silec knew that a premature action now would certainly ruin everything he had planned. "Stand down!" he ordered. His stormtroopers and officers lowered their blasters.

"You would fire on the Empire's most decorated officer?" one of Veers' intelligence officers demanded. "General, I recommend that we arrest the captain and senior bridge officers -- and place the Relentless under the admiral's command!"

"No." Veers ordered. This is exactly what the rebels want! Petty jealousies and schemes tore the Old Republic apart from within. They would surely do the same to the remaining Imperial Fleet.

"If the ship Restoration did fall under the renegades' control, Silec did us a service." Veers saw that his bodyguard of snowtroopers still aimed their blasters. He waved his hand, compelling them to stand down.

"The Relentless and its crew have served the Empire with distinction," Veers began, looking across at the faces of the bridge officers and crew. "It was the Relentless that led the way in the Calamari Campaigns, providing the army with valuable air support. The Imperial Council welcomes the Relentless and its crew to our armada!" The bridge crew cheered.

Silec smiled. He had expected a prompt arrest and loss of his ship. The Imperial Navy must be desperate. With the addition of the Vindicator, this armada has only seven Star Destroyers. Still, this was far better than anyone had hoped when news of the Death Star's destruction reached the surviving forces.

The crew dispersed to continue their work. Veers took Silec aside.

"You disobeyed a direct order from Admiral Tenvor, the commander of the Imperial Fleet by authority of the Imperial Council. Tenvor has the confidence of the remaining Imperial hierarchy -- and my personal support. By necessity, we require a provisional council to convey some stability to our troops. Without strong, loyal leadership, the rank-and-file will be set adrift. Defy another order from your superiors, and I will personally arrest you and your bridge officers, seize your ship and disperse your equipment to loyal forces who put the Empire's interests ahead of their own! If the Emperor were alive, you would already be in the cellblock. Bear that in mind."

"Yes, General." Silec watched as Veers and his party left the bridge. In minutes, he saw the shuttle return to the Vindicator.

He touched a bridge console. "TIE Interceptor squadron Epsilon. I want you on stand-by. Await my instructions."

"Yes, Captain." The squadron commander replied. Battle-hardened and loyal, the Epsilon squadron was among the best in the Imperial Navy. They had scored many kills against the rebels' legendary Rogue Squadron in earlier skirmishes. If they were to be deployed, the commander thought, then the captain was anticipating a vicious confrontation in the future ...

[Imperial Star Destroyer, the Vindicator]

Communications Officer Tass Nemi watched as Veers returned to the bridge. He whispered something in the Admiral's ear, then returned to the command station.

She looked at her monitor. Strange. The signal she was intercepting was not an Imperial transmission. Civilian?! No, most of the civilian craft -- traders, scientific ... even smugglers -- had evacuated the airspace. Too close to the planetary civil wars breaking out between rebel supporters and those still loyal to the Empire.

"... this is Admiral Ackbar ... vessels proceed to coordinates ..." Nemi gasped. "Rebel transmission intercepted!!" she yelped.

Tenvor knelt down to the communications station. "Can you clear up the frequency?"

Nemi pressed a few controls. Ackbar's voice continued. "...rebel vessels proceed to coordinates ... Bespin ..."

"We've lost the transmission, sir. Sorry, sir." Nemi apologized.

"They must have scrambled it." Tenvor held his hand to his mouth. "Bespin? There's nothing but smugglers' dens there."

"No!" Lieutenant Reksil blurted. "Cloud City! That scoundrel Calrissian was its baron administrator!"

"The Alliance plans to seize the gas mines!" Tenvor concluded. "Status of the Imperial garrison there?!"

Nemi checked her monitor. "Our last report stated that they were besieged ... there was an uprising after Endor... if they held on ..."

"There may still be a chance to save it ..." Tenvor ran to consult Veers and others on the Council. Ackbar has finally done it. Moving to seize strategic locations and resources. The gas mines were of great importance. Possession of Cloud City could tip the balance of power in their favour.

"Rendezvous with the fleet at once." Reksil ordered the bridge crew. The Vindicator jumped to light speed. We are on the brink of our first major battle with the New Republic.

Chapter Four

[War chamber, Imperial Star Destroyer Avenger]

Captain Mitan looked at the multitude of officers and divisional commanders in the chamber. About a dozen ship captains, lieutenants (obviously last minute replacements for fallen superiors), an unnerving number of Imperial intelligence commanders, plus the commanders of the armoured, gunnery, stormtrooper, scout, technical and TIE fighter corps. The survival of the Imperial forces would depend on their competence ... and loyalty. The bickering and scheming had already begun.

"I say we counterattack ... now! Strike Mon Mothma's armada while they're still licking their wounds!" one TIE fighter commander demanded.

"We should rally behind our strongest assets: those governors still loyal to the Empire. Establish a viable base of operations!" another intelligence commander insisted.

"We should complete the Emperor's wishes and destroy Luke Skywalker. The Rebellion will not stand without him!" a recently-promoted gunnery vessel captain hoped.

A vain hope, Mitan concluded. You're referring to the rebellion as if it hadn't just defeated Lord Vader and the Death Star.

"What is our most recent estimate of strength, Captain?" inquired the Light Armoured divisional commander. Many officers huddled around the table to listen.

"I'll begin with capital ships: the Star Destroyers. We have seven. The Vindicator is currently the flagship, commanded by recently appointed Admiral Tenvor. He is your new fleet admiral." Some officers openly groaned -- perhaps hoping that the honour of fleet admiral would fall on them instead.

"The Relentless, led by Captain Silec. My ship, the Avenger. Plus the Repulse, the Tyrant, the Nemesis and the Eradicator." He looked at a visibly exhausted lieutenant to the rear of the chamber. "Lieutenant, you're with the Repulse? Please repeat what you told me earlier ... for the benefit of those just arriving."

Lieutenant Sorris rubbed the bruise on his forehead. "The Repulse received the call for reinforcements from the Executor. Then we lost the transmission. We received word from a TIE fighter that the day was lost. Our captain immediately notified the Alliance that he wished to surrender. Our crew was already depleted. Several decks had been obliterated by intense cannon fire. We narrowly escaped a well- armed, Rebel-led Corellian fleet. Our captain had the support of two battalions of stormtroopers ..." The lieutenant caught his breath. No one spoke a word.

He continued. "I and others loyal to the Navy resisted the surrender. The firefight was ... we sustained many losses. They seized several shuttle and carrier craft and fled for an Outer Rim system -- supposedly to make contact with the Alliance."

"How many men joined your captain?"

"One-third of the crew. Twelve thousand in total, including the captain and several bridge officers."

"Status of the Repulse?"

Lieutenant Sorris coughed. "A little over eighteen thousand left. Our TIE squadrons are intact. We wish to remain with your armada. I realize that we are in poor shape: few officers, limited experience. Please don't send us away!" He turned around, not realizing General Veers and Admiral Tenvor were already there in the chamber.

Veers asked the question none wanted to hear. "Casualties?"

Sorris wiped his brow. "After the battle with the Corellians, we lost four thousand troops and crew. Another ... six thousand ... repelling the captain's insurrection."

"Vile mutiny!" the officers cried.

"Yes," Tenvor looked at Captain Silec as he arrived in the chamber. "Mutiny, indeed."

"You survived a battle with a Corellian fleet and successfully defended your starship against its own captain!" Veers exclaimed. "By authority of the Imperial Council, I grant you the field commission of captain." The room exploded in applause.

Tenvor presented Sorris with a new, pressed uniform and rank insignia. "We won't detain you any longer, Captain Sorris. See to your crew. Repair your Star Destroyer. I will notify you of new developments." The new captain beamed, bowed in salute and left for the Repulse.

All heads turned to General Veers.

"I trust you have already read my communique. Status of your ships and troop strength."

Each officer and commander reported. All pledged loyalty to the provisional Imperial Council. But with depleted troops, vessels and differing opinions on the next course of action, this armada posed no immediate danger to the New Republic. That will have to change. Soon.

Veers looked at some of the intelligence commanders, mumbling to their superiors. Plotting, it seemed.

"Commander Burvik is your ranking intelligence officer?" Veers asked Tenvor.

"Yes, General." Tenvor replied.

"And he is loyal to the Empire?"

"Yes."

"Instruct him to retrieve whatever personnel data the Executor relayed to us just before it exploded." Veers looked across at the seemingly impressive cohort of Imperial leaders. How many of you can I trust? How many of you are merely treading water until the Alliance offers you a better deal?

He looked at the monitors, detailing the status of the fleet. The Repulse had endured tremendous damage. It would not be battle ready for weeks. It didn't matter. Its crew proved their worth -- gave their lives -- because they believed. Yes, -- believed -- in the Empire. In order.

It is for soldiers like them that I will keep a tight rein on the intrigues that often interfered with the Empire's conquests in the pasts. Vainglorious governors who attempted to carve personal fiefdoms in the galaxy, purchasing their power with the lives of Imperial troops. My troops. Ambitious captains who recklessly sought wealth, influence and authority -- wasting the lives of their pilots and battalions on pointless adventures.

Veers looked at the eyes of the TIE and stormtrooper commanders. I know what you fear. Some of these fools may waste the lives of your men. That will not happen. Not while I am still a general.

"Sir?" Captain Mitan asked.

"We shall discuss a recent development ... the Alliance's interest in the Bespin galaxy .." Veers began. We need a course of action soon. Or more captains may choose a fate in the New Republic's ranks.

[Aboard Admiral Ackbar's flagship]

The Rebel forces were tense. Despite the destruction of the Death Star and the Emperor, they were still receiving troubling reports. Some Imperial governors choosing to fight instead of surrendering. The Corellian fleet's encounter with a Star Destroyer. At least Coruscant was under Alliance control now.

"So we are agreed?" Ackbar asked the squadron commanders and generals.

"Yes," General Madine replied, "We plan several strategic attacks at once. We can't allow the remnants of the Imperial Navy to regroup for a counterattack." Several nods of approval in the crowd.

Ackbar scratched his head. "My only fear is that we may weaken the strength of our main fleet, if we divert too many ships across the galaxy."

General Lando Calrissian stepped forward. "The Empire's troops are on the run. What they'll need are supplies: for their ships, for their troops. Their ships must be in poor shape, after the pasting we gave them in Endor! But we can't be too confident. We have reports that several Imperial battlecraft -- carriers, gunships, even some Star Destroyers -- were in Outer Rim systems when the Empire collapsed."

"Your suggestions?" Madine wondered.

"Two strategic strikes." Lando pressed a button, revealing a holographic image of the galaxy. "A show of force: here at the Sienar Fleet Systems shipyards. They have a main facility just outside Corellian space. We have to disable their ability to repair and upgrade their ships ... and prevent them from building new ones. And we must take Bespin back. It's still in Imperial hands. The Tibanna gas mines are a critical source for blaster power. Take away their ability to rearm ..."

"... and the Imperial forces would be as harmless as a toothless Wampa." Ackbar declared. "General Calrissian ... assemble your attack squadron. The main fleet will deploy to the rendezvous near the Corellian system. May the Force be with you."

The commanders and pilots dispersed. Lando walked over to Wedge Antilles, commander of Rogue Squadron.

"If you and your pilots are committed to another mission, I'll understand, but the recapture of Bespin is -- important -- to me. I feel partly responsible for their predicament ..."

Wedge interrupted. "Lord Vader forced your hand. Anyway, that's ancient history. You just destroyed the Death Star!"

Lando grinned. "So will you join me? When we win ... I am going to throw the biggest party this galaxy has ever seen!"

Wedge laughed. "You can count on Rogue Squadron ... just make sure I get an invitation to the big bash after!"

Lando, Wedge and the pilots of Rogue Squadron departed from the main Alliance fleet. Destination: Bespin.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: I decided to piece together the chain of command so far, since there are plenty of officers roaming around this story. I hope this simplifies it for you.]

Imperial chain of command

Provisional Imperial Council

Loose association of high ranking Imperial military leaders formed to fill the leadership void left after the destruction of the Death Star and the Executor. This Council includes Admiral Tenvor and General Veers. Divisonal commanders of the various fleet and military corps also fall under their authority. At this point, no politicians i.e. -- Imperial governors -- are included. There is no one leader, but by virtue of his reputation and status among the rank-and-file, General Veers is considered the point-man.

Star Destroyer captains

The fleet consists of seven Star Destroyers:

Vindicator, the provisional flagship: Admiral Tenvor. By order of the Imperial Council, fleet admiral

Avenger: The renowned destroyer, led by recently promoted Captain Mitan

Relentless: Star Destroyer involved in Calamari campaigns, led by Captain Silec (changed his name because he's the son of the late Admiral Ozzel)

Repulse: Survived battle with Corellian fleet and attempted insurrection, led by recently promoted Captain Sorris

Tyrant: Was disabled by ion cannon fire "Our first catch of the day" ... etc. in Battle of Hoth.

Nemesis, Eradicator: Two other destroyers that are part of the fleet

About a dozen gunnery, transport/supply and non-combat vessels have also attached themselves to the fleet, plus seventy to eighty TIE fighters left without a home port/ship after Endor.

Imperial intelligence

Aboard the Vindicator: Commander Burvik, loyalist of Admiral Tenvor Lieutenant Reksil, loyalist of Admiral Tenvor and friend of Tass Nemi

Aboard the Relentless: Commander Kosst, previously the ship's ranking intelligence officer, but is currently in the ship cellblock for defying the captain.

The crew

Communications Officer Tass Nemi, recent Imperial Academy graduate and among the first women permitted to serve on a Star Destroyer, the Vindicator

I'm sure this list will grow. I am only mentioning the primary characters.

Now for the story ...

Chapter Five

[Mess hall, the Star Destroyer, Vindicator]

Tass Nemi had been on corporate vessels before. They had luxurious dining lounges with panoramic windows. Live entertainment. Music. Laughter. Fun.

An Imperial mess hall would have none of those frivolities. She saw nothing but row upon row of steel tables, chairs and an endless sea of grey, olive and black uniforms. And the occasional stormtrooper armour.

She stared at her lunch rations. This certainly isn't fun, she thought. These rations were getting worse since the rebels cut their supply lines.

Cheers erupted in the rear. She turned around. General Veers had stopped in to chat with some of his former soldiers. Then he left.

"Generals and captains have their own dining rooms. I don't think the general will be trading war stories with you this time, Tass." Lieutenant Reksil sat in the chair across from her.

"Yeah, I guess so." Nemi poked at her rations.

"Why so down? Veers just breathed new life into the Empire ..."

"What Empire?" Nemi complained, attracting some irritated glances from other tables. "The rebels have us on the run, Coruscant is in Alliance hands, Imperial troops are defecting and ..." She prodded her rations again. "... I have to eat this slop for the third time this week!!!"

Reksil roared in laughter. "You're bored aren't you? It's not that much better for lower grade officers. If I could only be a Dantooine fly on the walls of the Vindicator war chamber right now..."

"They'd likely swat you," Nemi joked. Reksil had a point, though. The captains and generals were plotting the next phase of their strategy. There were so many options. Should we take a stand on a loyal Imperial planet? Do we recapture a strategic shipyard, thus ensuring the production of more ships? Do we rally the fleet for one last, desperate push against the Alliance fleet? She pouted. Not my problem. I'm just a raw communications officer.

Suddenly, a steel table overturned. Everyone looked around. A group of grey uniformed troops -- Imperial Army, Nemi guessed -- were tangled in a minor brawl with a bunch of TIE pilots.

"Traitors, all of you!!!" one army officer growled.

"Our ship was destroyed! We had no option but to retreat!!" a TIE pilot protested.

"You did have a choice," another army officer yelled, "fight to the death."

"How dare you!" a naval crewman grumbled. "We lost our entire crew! How many has your Army division lost?!"

Now a dozen army and navy men were involved in the melee. Lieutenant Reksil nodded at a group of stormtroopers, who immediately brandished their blasters and separated the two groups. The room fell silent.

Reksil stood between the groups. "Both the Imperial Army and Navy have suffered tremendous losses. Even now, Imperial soldiers and pilots are fighting -- and dying -- for an Empire that no longer rules. Some may not have heard that the Emperor is already dead. They are placing their lives on the line ... while you rabble squabble over past losses! The choice is yours: serve the Imperial fleet here on the frontlines and restore order in the galaxy, or serve the Imperial forces in shame as part of a punishment battalion!"

One TIE pilot removed his helmet. "On whose authority, lieutenant? This Imperial Council?? Don't you get it? Nothing's gonna change. The Imperial elite are only looking after their own ... while we die by the thousands! If the admiral isn't careful ..."

A stormtrooper was about to club the pilot with his rifle, but Reksil held his hand up stop him. "Are you suggesting ... mutiny, pilot? Are you telling me ... and the rest of your compatriots ... that your interests outweigh those of thousands in this fleet? If you are, I can hand your squadron over to someone who is willing to serve!"

"No, sir," the TIE pilot answered, "I am loyal to the Empire. Punish me if you must, but do not punish my men. If you will let this incident pass, I can ensure you that my squadron will serve the admiral with distinction."

The quarrelling men dusted off their uniforms. Reksil nodded at the stormtroopers, who slowly dispersed. "I appreciate your honesty, even though you were dangerously close to treason." He looked at the instigators. "Pick another fight again, and you can expect no mercy."

He walked over to the pilot. "Name, rank and squadron?"

"Squadron officer Vermic, TIE fighter squadron Beta ... of the Executor."

The chatter abruptly hushed to silence again. Nemi weaved through the crowd. "I'm sorry for your losses, officer. We all knew someone aboard the flagship." She patted his shoulder in sympathy. Vermic nodded briefly, then departed with the rest of his TIE pilots amid chants of 'Long live the Empire'.

A loud honk rang through the hall. "This is Admiral Tenvor. All crew report to stations." Lunch would have to wait for later.

Nemi adjusted her hat. Stormtroopers marched to their decks. A pair of TIE pilots jogged toward the fighter docks. Another officer barked some orders at a pair of technicians. A mouse droid bumped into her boot.

"Sorry, little fella, the command centre is that way." The mouse droid reversed and sped away.

"Tass!" Reksil hollered from a lift. "The fleet's deploying! Keep your eyes and ears open!" The lift door slammed shut.

Finally, some real action, she beamed. She hopped into another lift with two mouse droids and a protocol droid.

"Deck, communications officer?" the droid inquired.

"Bridge." Nemi stated. She could barely contain her excitement.

[War chamber, the Star Destroyer Avenger]

Veers nodded. It would be too risky to send an invasion force to occupy the Bespin system. If the rebel fleet was indeed going to reclaim Cloud City, this paltry Imperial fleet could not repel a sustained attack.

But he would send reinforcements.

"The Avenger alone will travel to the Bespin system. I shall remain aboard the Avenger to oversee the operation. Captain Mitan will deploy an insertion group to ascertain the situation on Cloud City. We will hold Bespin, if possible."

"And the rest of the fleet?" another officer asked.

"Admiral Tenvor and the remainder of the fleet will proceed to the Sienar Fleet Systems shipyard near Corellia. The ships will defend the yards against rebel seizures." Veers glared at each of the Star Destroyer captains, including Captain Silec. "You are permitted to engage the Rebel fleet, but you must not pursue ... I repeat ... must not pursue the fleet. We lack the resources at present to think of capturing Rebel vessels. My opinion is that the defense of the shipyards is vital if we are to repair our ships -- or build new ones."

Some of the Army officers grumbled. Veers nodded again. "I realize that our troopers' supplies of blaster power are running low. The Rebels will undoubtedly have us fighting battles on multiple fronts. I hear your concerns. As an AT-AT commander, you have my word that the Imperial Army will have its supplies in the near future. You have your orders, gentlemen." The officers left for their ships.

"Captain Mitan?"

"Yes, General."

"Assemble a crack squad of your best troops, intelligence officers and pilots. Urban warfare requires cunning. We want to give the Imperial garrison on Bespin a fighting chance." Mitan saluted, then returned to the bridge.

Veers tapped the holographic console.

"This is Admiral Tenvor. General?"

"Be wary of the other captains. Assess their strengths and weaknesses. Even some members of your own crew. Vigilance, admiral, is an on-going responsibility. I want you to know that you have my full confidence. As for the Relentless ..."

Admiral Tenvor understood. "... if he attempts another foolhardy stunt, I will arrest him -- that I can assure you. Tenvor out." The admiral's hologram faded.

Veers was uncomfortable with these fleet deployments. It would have been safer to remain in Tatooine and wait for more vessels to arrive. If there were any left to arrive. Fortune favours the brave, however, and the rank and file want action ... something to fill their hours. And distract them from any thought of mutiny.

Cloud City was engaged in an intense, messy firefight between the Imperial garrison and the local pro-Alliance militias. If the troops want action, they shall soon have it.

[Shuttle docking bay, the Avenger]

Lieutenant Mira Knessel worked tirelessly for her vessel, the gunnery ship Grenadier. It was a smaller ship: barely a hundred crew in total. They enforced Imperial trade edicts against smugglers along the Kessel space route. She filed regular reports about vessel seizures, schemes between warring planets and unusual activities by Bothan traders. Spies who managed to provide the Rebels with crucial plans for the second Death Star.

The Emperor was enraged that the plans slipped through the Imperial dragnet. I could have been dismissed ... or worse ... if not for the protection of Admiral Piett, my mentor. And friend.

"The noble houses of the Galactic Empire will surely be the death of us all," Piett had confessed to her during some long-ago Imperial conference on Coruscant. "The future of the Empire lies in the professional officer. Officers like you. Be careful, Lieutenant. Use what you have learned. Rely on your instincts." Then one last, cryptic remark before taking command of the Executor: "The Emperor cannot rule forever. Your service is to the Empire, not to its potentates and lords."

"The Emperor is dead," her helmsman had told her, as frantic transmissions after the Battle of Endor flooded their console.

"And what of the flagship?" Knessel had asked. The helmsman's blank look told her what she feared.

Piett, who -- as a TIE fighter squadron commander -- rescued her family from pirates. Piett, the captain who advised her on a new career in the Imperial Navy. Piett, the admiral who cried desperately to intensify forward firepower, before the Rebellion snuffed out his light forever in a hideous explosion above Endor.

"Admiral Piett, the Executor and its crew ... are lost," she reported clinically to her crew that day. In moments, she would leave the bridge, enter an empty cargo bay, lock the door ... and sob.

She held a moment of silence the next day -- to allow her crew to mourn for lost comrades. And prepare for the fight to come.

That day was today. Knessel wrapped her blonde hair into a bun. She adjusted the black uniform of the dreaded Imperial Intelligence Corps. Some of the enlisted troops detested intelligence officers. Others merely detested her gender. She endured both. But to what end?

She would not look out the window. Out there in space, Admiral Piett, my mentor, died in defense of the Empire.

Captain Mitan's ship, the legendary Avenger, offered her vessel a safe harbour as the New Republic's X-Wing squadrons moved to intercept stray Imperial vessels.

Lieutenant Knessel volunteered to lead the insertion party on Cloud City. The Imperial garrison was low on firepower and would surely fall by week's end. Despite the reservations of some of the Avenger's military officers (objecting to any involvement of the intelligence corps), Mitan granted her request.

"You have two squadrons of stormtroopers. About three hundred. Retake the main spaceport. Then I will land the remainder of the force. That should raise your numbers to eight hundred troopers. Then destroy the ion cannon defenses, which will be heavily defended. The Avenger cannot enter orbit if those cannons are still online! Only then will I send the Avenger into Bespin space to commence an aerial bombardment, if there is still resistance. Good luck, lieutenant."

Mitan's hologram faded. Knessel stepped into the main hangar. One Imperial shuttle and one transport vessel awaited her -- as well as three hundred of the Avenger's best stormtroopers. Admiral Piett will not die in vain. Not after this day.

"You have your orders. Long live the Empire!" she proclaimed. The troops rushed into their vessels. Knessel took one last glance at the hanger, then ascended the Imperial shuttle. By day's end, Cloud City would be in Imperial hands again, she pledged ...

Continued... 

The fine print (how small can I make this?)... and all the usual disclaimers!  No, I'm not making any money.  It's just for fun.  George, please don't sue me.