Star Wars: Insurrection II - Changing of the Guard

Aboard the Judicator, Coruscant system
Malcor got up from his bunk. Apperantly, they just entered the Coruscant system. They would be at the new Imperial Sith capitol soon. After the victory at Reytha, they were informed of Darth Krayt's coup against Emperor Roan Fel. Now, they were to report to Coruscant for new orders.

He thought back to when he first enlisted. Attended the Academy of Bastion. Graduated as a captain. Only several months ago. His father, Keslan, a colonel in the Army, taught him much of what Malcor needed to know. If only he didn't die during the war with the Alliance. But that was what got Malcor to join the Empire in the first place.

Looking around and seeing how everyone was still sleeping, Malcor realized that he had some time before they reached the capitol. Earlier, the ship also heard the news that Fel survived the coup. Krayt killed a double. A sudden thought came to him. Should he stay loyal to the throne, Darth Krayt and his Galactic Empire, or the remnants of Fel's loyalists, the Empire-in-exile? He never had much opinion of the Emperor, not really ever hearing much of him.

Admiral Zyad made it clear he was staying loyal to the throne. Malcor thought back to that brief meeting they had before jumping into hyperspace. "We are loyal to the throne, not one man!" he had said. Yet Malcor wasn't sure. The oath they swore upon entering the Imperial Army stated they would protect His Majesty, the Emperor. The manuals they had to read had nothing about this sort of situation. Which Emperor should he stay loyal to? Which was the rightful one?

Forgetting that for a moment, Malcor thought of the Empire-in-exile's strength. It was a small fraction of the military, Krayt had said. But that could always be a lie. Something the Sith were known for. . . but nonetheless. If Fel wasn't strong enough to keep his servants in check, what the Sith were, then he did not deserve the position of Emperor.

A few people got up, and left. More were awakening. "Probably all are thinking the same thing," he thought, looking around. Either way, it was saddening that all they had fought for, the hardship on the path to victory over the Alliance, ended up being virtually for nothing, now that they were split and in another war. Malcor, knowing the Sith, realized that Krayt would not let Fel and his loyalists live peaceful by his side. He couldn't tell who he was most angry at: Krayt, for starting the mess, or Fel, for not backing down.

But, seeing how he was on a ship of throne-loyal soldiers, deciding to join Fel did not seem like a good idea. More like suicide. Malcor decided to go up to the bridge, hear the latest news on this civil unrest. He wondered what the rest of the galaxy was thinking.

Getting up, Malcor headed over to the turbolift. He got in, and pressed the button for the bridge. It would be a bit, seeing how big the Judicator was. A true masterpiece, the pride of the Navy. Or so it was. Now, these new Pellaeon-class ships were the main attack vessels. Remembering the Battle of Valrar, which he was at back during the war, a Pellaeon-class orbited next to an old Imperial II-class Star Destroyer. It dwarfed the older vessel by a lot.

The situation could be worse by now, Malcor thought. He knew some Sith history, enough to know of their deception and betrayal. Numerical and technological advantage or not, this new Galactic Empire will not last as long as the Sith are leading it. ''There's probably someone in the Imperial Palace thinking of an assassination plan right now," he deduced.

The lift started slowing down. Someone above him must have requested it, it could not have reached the bridge yet. The doors opened as the lift stopped, and a Navy officer looking about his age stepped aboard. Nodding to Malcor, the officer stood inside as the lift closed. The man was a big shorter, and less muscular. But then again, he was in the Navy. Not the place where you would need much muscle.

The officer cleared his throat. "What do you think of this whole coup?" he asked.

"Oh, I would rather not have to pick sides here," replied Malcor. "But I guess we are loyal to the throne, not an individual."

The officer nodded. "To be honest, I thought about defecting to Fel. Seems like a bit traitorous, on Krayt's part. But then I changed my mind." he said shyly.

"It's fine, I had those thoughts as well," Malcor said. "I just don't want to have to fire at fellow Imperials."

He nodded, and paused for a bit. "I am Commander Zarin Namada, Imperial Navy."

"I'm Captain Malcor Ashen, Imperial Army." Malcor replied.

Zarin shake his hand. The two stood there without saying anything for several moments.

"Well, I guess we are now serving the Sith. Not something I would have expected myself to ever say, I must admit." Malcor said, breaking the silence.

"Indeed, neither did I," Zarin replied. "But I guess we didn't sign up to question orders, but to serve. I just hope they won't have us do any of their massacres."

Malcor shook his head, disgustingly. "I hope not. I don't see why every Sith has to commit a genocide."

Zarin had time to nod as the lift doors opened, and they stepped out onto the bridge to be greeted by Admiral Zyad.

"We are reaching lower Coruscant orbit," the admiral announced. "I was about to order everyone to get to their transports."

Imperial City, Coruscant
Malcor stepped out of the shuttle that carried him and Zarin down to the surface of Coruscant. He had to report to the naval command centre, while Malcor had to go to the Imperial Palace, for some reason. Zarin said goodbye, and the two left to their ways.

He walked down several bridges, linking the Imperial airbase with the nearby Imperial Palace. As he got nearer, Malcor didn't see any of the usual Imperial Palace Guards, but dark robed figures. Must be the Sith of Krayt. Wonderful.

Finally, a non-Sith greeted him. A young Army officer walked up to Malcor.

"Hello, I am Sergeant Resjin Dylak. Follow me please, Darth Hija awaits you." he said.

Malcor nodded, as the thought registered. Darth Kressh?! he thought. What did some Sith want with him? Malcor didn't know him by name, but knew that 'darth' was a Sith title. Nonetheless, he complied and followed the sergeant further into the Palace. This situation was just getting more and more strange.

As they entered a small office, the sergeant stood at the door. "Continue inside." he said, and then left.

Malcor headed in, walking up to a desk with some papers and holorecords on it. And behind it was a small, throne-like chair. Malcor assumed the Sith must be absent for the moment. He was wondering why Kressh would leave the chair facing away from the door when it spun around.

"Hello, captain." She said. The Sith was about his height, and looked to be a Sith hybrid. Unlike most of Krayt's Sith, she was nit covered in black and red tattoos. Though she did have red skin.

"I have been informed of your victory at Reytha," Kressh began. "And I am in need of talented officers."

Malcor nodded.

"We will be striking fast at the Fel traitors, and the Galactic Alliance's remains," she continued. "But first, there is one Jedi holding out in the Outer Rim. He is guarded by an Alliance Army unit, and is in a well fortified stronghold on the planet."

Malcor nodded again.

"Your superior reported that you are a good tactician." Kressh said.

"Well at Reytha I just ordered the walkers to shoot some towers and emplacements, not much tactical skill-" Malcor tried to reply.

"Nonsense. I heard of your performance on Valrar. You practically won the battle." Kressh said. "Anyways, you will be leaving soon. Report back to the airbase, Commander Ashen."