"Coming out of hyperspace in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... NOW!"

The lines resolved back into stars, and a large planet looming in the distance.

"Set course for the fourth moon, and keep an eye out for other warships," ordered Shan'ku.

"Aye, Captain."

Shan'ku watched out the front viewport as the moon, once a rebel base, now a stronghold of the Empire, grew larger with his approach.

"Captain, we are receiving a transmission."

"Put it through."

The speakers came to life as a sharp, militaristic voice came over them. "This is Admiral Ventu, of the Star Destroyer Thrasher, you have entered Imperial space. Identify yourself, or be destroyed."

"Admiral," replied Shan'ku. "This is Captain Shan'ku, of the Star Destroyer Emperor's Will. I am here to speak with the Empress about offering our services."

"Captain Shan'ku. I recognize neither your name, nor your ship. You will heave to and prepare to be boarded."

"Admiral, I have no intention of being boarded by you, or anyone else. I have only the intent to speak with the Empress."

"You have been warned, Captain. You have 30 seconds to comply."

"Captain," replied a tactical officer, "they are raising shields and readying weapons."

"Admiral, I must warn you, if you do not stand down, you will be destroyed. Allow me to speak to the Empress at once!"

Shan'ku looked to tactical and gave to order to raise shields and ready the main gun.

"Aye Captain."

The two ships met across the empty blackness of space.

Onboard the Thrasher, Admiral Ventu grinned as he watched the display showing the shields of his opponent go up. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed combat against another warship. But his satisfaction turned to curiosity as he watched some strange energy buildup on the blood red warship. That curiosity turned to general concern, then alarm as he realized what was about to happen. He was about to tell his men to stand down and signal a surrender, but the only word that escaped his lips prior to his ship being consumed in the glowing green of a small superlaser had been "Sig-" and then, he was silenced and the Thrasher was a mere memory.

"The fools," muttered Shan'ku. "Continue on to the fourth moon."

15 minutes later, the Emperor's Will was in orbit around Yavin IV.

"Transmit our greetings and tell them I wish to speak with the Empress."

The Empress herself had felt what had gone on in the space above the planet, and decided to personally speak to the captain of this strange ship....

She strode into the control room, passing several shocked soldiers, some new trainees who had never even seen the woman in person. She sat down and turned on a communication screen, connecting with the strange ship. "Captain, you have my attention"

"Empress, I am Captain Shan'ku, Dark Jedi and Commander of the vessel Emperor's Will. This was one of the original plans that Palpatine had, until the Jedi stole an important component for it which was irreplaceable. I have located that part and activated the ship, and I now offer our services for the Empire. This vessel has an unlimited power source and has a smaller version of the Death Star superlaser, capable of destroying a capital warship in a single shot, as you have witnessed. I tried to give the Admiral a chance to live, but he refused to listen. Do you accept our services, Empress?"

She thinks about this for a moment, finding this Captain quite bold. However, she decides to give him a chance. "Very well Captain. But be warned, if you betray me, you will pay greatly. You have clearance to land when ready"

"If I were intending to betray you, Empress, I would have used tis weapon to level the building you are in. You may expect my shuttle shortly. Shan'ku, out."

That went well, he decided. He then turned to exit the bridge, flanked by a pair of bodyguards the Commander had insisted on that were wearing armor similar to the old clone army suits, the style that wasiin the transition phase to becomig the now familiar Stormtrooper gear. He made his way to the docking bay and took the shuttle to meet with his new employer...

She turned off the system, then stood and exited the room as silently as she entered, heading back to her chambers to get ready for visitors.

The shuttle came in low over the jungle canopy. Shan'ku made his final approach and landed at the coordinates he had been provided. He exited the shuttle, flanked by his guards and met with the Imperial representative that was awaiting his arrival.

"Shan'ku, I presume?"

"Yes, I am Shan'ku."

"I am to take you to the briefing room to meet with Her Excellency, The Empress."

"Very well, lead the way."

Shan'ku follwed, aware that there were Stormtroopers nearby who were standing ready to deal the guests should they get out of hand. He was led down a few corridors and brought into a room with a large table, chairs and viewscreen.

"If you will wait here, Captain. The Empress will be with you shortly."

"Of course." Shan'ku took a seat and began to wait.

She walked in, hooded cape flowing behind her, looking at him. "General." she addressed, seating herself across from him.

"Empress... promoting me already? I was a Captain when I walked in here." Shan'ku gave a sly grin.

"I am need of a general. If you prove yourself worthy, you may keep the title."

"As you command, Empress. What may I do to prove myself worthy in your eyes?"

"I wish for you to command those at New Alderaan."

"But of course, Empress. By your leave, I shall depart at once. We shall keep the locals in line, or else they will see first hand the might of our new weapon." *Shan'ku rises and turns to walk back to his shuttle, Clone guards flank him*

She watches him with glittering yellow eyes, then turns away thoughtfully. Yes. They would die if they did not do as they were told...

*Shan'ku returned to his shuttle, guards in tow, and departed for his grand vessel. He keyed up the communications*

"Commander, make ready for departure as soon as I am aboard."

"Aye, aye Captain. What course should we set?" came the reply.

"You will set course for New Alderaan. We are to see that things go smoothly for the Empire there."

"Aye Captain. The course will be laid in and we will depart upon your arrival."

"Very good. Shan'ku out."

*Shan'ku allowed himself a brief smile. Things were starting to go well for him indeed. Now, all he had to do was just stick to the plan...*

Mean while, the Super Star Destroyer The Silence hovered by Yavin.

FEERSE: This is Lord Feerse of The Silence, we wish to land at once. I have some words to exchange with the Empress.

Feerse sat grimly, his trips hadn't gone well and he hoped he could find his answer here.

*Shan'ku glanced at his scanners. Odd... there was now a Super Star Destroyer in orbit. That was definitely unexpected. Oh, well. Let the Empress worry about it. He had bigger fish to fry. Though, if this SSD decided to give him any trouble, well... he would just show it how much trouble he could be back. He docked with his own Star Destroyer and made his way to the bridge as the Star Destroyer moved out of orbit to prepare for the hyperspace jump.*

(Moved from Yavin section)