Star Wars: The New Imperium/Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Two weeks after the Battle of Endor

The chamber filled quickly as the councilmen and their guards entered. The chamber, which consisted of a large circular table adorned with the Imperial crest, at one point had been the meeting of the Joint Chiefs of the Galactic Empire. The organization included the top officers of the Imperial military and different agencies, who reported directly to Emperor Sheev Palpatine. Their last meeting was just a little more than two weeks ago, in fact. That institution was unlikely to ever convene again, however.

This chamber was now used by the Imperial Interim Ruling Council. Since the death of the Emperor and Darth Vader at Endor, some of the top political and military officials of the Empire who were present on Imperial Center had come together to form this provisional body. They recognized the need for a new government since the death of Palpatine, and quickly formed the Interim Ruling Council to prevent the Empire from splintering. A council that he, Mas Amedda, now led, as the Lord Chancellor of the Empire. Their current task has been to locate an heir worthy of succeeding Palpatine as the Galactic Emperor.

And Amedda had found one.

Kylo Ren sat in the seat next to Amedda's, looking through his helmet at the arriving councilmen. His black cloak and grey metallic mask attracted the attention of the attendees who were entering the room. Ren continued sitting there without making a sound. When Amedda saw that all twelve members of the Interim Ruling Council were present, he stood up from his chair and began speaking.

"I am glad all of you haven received my message," Amedda began. "I have found a solution to our main problem."

"And what would that be?"

The person who asked the question was Tano Malvek, a wealthy aristocrat who had worked for the Empire for years. A tall Human male wearing elaborate robes, he represented the typical pampered Imperial bureaucrat.

"That would be me," a gruff voice answered.

Kylo Ren stood up next to the Lord Chancellor as all eyes turned to him. Ren was apparently a Dark Side Adept who served the Emperor, turning up on Coruscant a day ago and requesting an audience with whoever was in charge. Amedda agreed to speak with him, out of curiously more than anything else. The adept told him about his background of serving the Emperor, and proposed a plan: that he becomes the Emperor while Amedda serves as his deputy. Amedda would have power over the government, like under Palpatine, but Ren would be the head of state.

And if I can control him, the Chagrian thought, perhaps I would be the one in command, with him being a figurehead. Ren could become another Darth Vader, maybe.

"I have served the Emperor longer than most of you, and was one of his best Dark Side Adepts," he began. "He told me personally that in the event of something happening to him, I should succeed him as Emperor."

The councilmen immediately began murmuring amongst themselves. Trying to determine how much power they will lose or gain, no doubt, Amedda thought. After a minute the chatter died down.

"Would we still have our positions on the council?" asked General Paltr Zarin, the commander of the Imperial Army.

"Indeed," Ren answered. "The council will remain in place until the Rebellion is fully defeated."

"And how do we know you are worthy of being the Emperor?"

All eyes turned to Tann Hissa, a Grand Moff who asked the question. Ren outstretched his arm with his hand curved, pointing toward Hissa. The Grand Moff did not realize what was happening at first, but began coughing. As he did so, he also brought his hands up to his throat in a useless attempt to stop what was happening. After several seconds of Force choking the man, Ren let him go. Hissa dropped onto the table, breathing heavily.

"Any other questions?" Ren asked, looking around. No one said a word. Now then, we can get down to business. Since their victory at Endor, the Rebellion has become emboldened, striking Imperial space. Many of our officers have defected or gone rogue. But I am telling you now, that they will be stopped. A new offensive will begin soon, and as the new Emperor, I will lead it personally."

The councilmen nodded in agreement. Ren paused for a bit and continued.

"Gentlemen, we will soon see the complete destruction of the Rebellion."