For The Glory (Star Wars Fanfiction, Post-Episode 6)

A Story I wrote a while back for a friend. I decided to post it here, Hope you enjoy!

BACKGROUND: After ROTJ, the battle-scarred remnants of the Imperial Navy watch in horror as the New Republic reclaims worlds once under the heel of the Empire. 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.

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 Armory 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.

I'm in no position to comment on Star Wars fanfics. I don't know any of the lore behind it. That being said there are no notable mistakes and it was generally an entertaining read.

That being said, this reminds me of that erotic fanfic I wrote about Romulus and Lennins_Beard.

I approve of the above statement.

Chapter 2 coming your way.

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 batallions 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 12-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 squadron 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.