The Long Goodbye

SUBMITTED BY: EN Khadgar / Iota 1-2 / ISD Chimaera / Imperial Navy
HOLONET REGISTRATION: <khadgar1@shaw.ca
SUBMITTED ON: 2008.04.29

It is nine years after the Battle of Endor. The Galactic Empire lies fragmented in the wake of the victories of the so-called New Republic in the Galactic Civil War.  Various Imperial factions are vying for power within what remains of the Empire while the Republic continues to expand its presence.

 

Within the context of the larger Galactic Civil War, a smaller civil war has been in progress for several years in the Greater Estioch Cluster. Supreme Moff Stephen Zanaris leads the Imperial Union in the ongoing war against a splinter group led by Moff Aris Dukhat. Dukhat is the latest successor of Moff Elias Raven. Raven led a mutiny against the Union from Ackros in the Greater Estioch Cluster, citing Zanaris’ arbitrary and repressive policies as the reason for the mutiny. Raven managed to secure all previous Union holdings in the Lesser Estioch Cluster and expanded the splinter group’s presence in the Greater Estioch Cluster at the expense of the Union.

 

On the Imperial Union capital world of Genevieve, an agent in the employ of the Union’s Intelligence service, known as “Khadgar”, was approaching the Supreme Moff’s palace in Imperial Center and receive his latest assignment. During his approach to the palace, he is unaware of the interest vested in his fate…

 

Supreme Moff Stephen Zanaris sat behind a desk in his office looking intently at a computer console situated at the center of the desk. Zanaris was a portly man with black hair and thick eyebrows. He wore a white uniform with a gold epaulet on either shoulder. Across his chest were a number of medals and an insignia that closely resembled the traditional Grand Moff insignia.

            “Kingfisher to Carp,” Zanaris said to the screen of the computer console.

            “Kingfisher,” was the reply spoken in a gravely voice by the contact on the other end of the communication line, whose image appeared on the screen. There was a brief pause before the response continued, “You have failed to uphold your end. You have allowed Dukhat to linger in the Greater Estioch Cluster virtually unhindered. There is also the fact that you are at risk of being exposed by one of your own agents close to learning the truth. You are becoming useless to us, and useless things have a way of disappearing.”

            “The agent will be dealt with soon,” Zanaris said quietly, conveniently avoiding the subject of the dismal state of the war.

            “I should hope so. You hopefully realize that if you are compromised we cannot help you.”

            Zanaris nodded gravely and simply said, “Yes.”

            “Very well. Keep me informed of your progress.” With that the image of the contact on the screen faded to a blue screen with a green Imperial insignia on it.

 

*           *           *

 

Within the palace at Imperial Center was a command center, from which Zanaris led the Union. At the front of the command center was a screen which displayed communications or tactical information as was needed. At the center of the command center was a sturdy red swivel chair on top of three stacked squares. The bottom square was closet to the screen and the top square the furthest from the screen. The corners of the squares faced the screen and the edges served as stairs to access the chair. Behind the command chair was a platform which ended at the back of the command center. Above the platform attached to the back wall was a banner bearing the Imperial insignia. At the left of the platform was the exit to the command center and to the right a long terminal lined the edge of the platform. Three officers manipulated controls and watched monitors at this terminal so that they could provide information to the Supreme Moff. Two stormtroopers stood guard on either side of the exit.

            Zanaris entered the command center and was greeted by his second in command, Moff Dargis Brook. Brook had previously had a full Moff’s commission in the Greater Estioch Cluster, but under Zanaris had been relegated to carrying out simple tasks in the command center and serving as an apologist for Zanaris’ policies.

            “Sir,” Brook said when Zanaris entered the room, “the fleet is ready to commence the attack on your order.”

            Zanaris nodded at this information and lumbered across the command center until reaching his command chair from which he could command the battle ahead. As was frequently the case, Moff Brook stood tall beside the command chair with his arms behind his back awaiting the commands of the Supreme Moff. He had neatly combed brown hair and generally had a neutral expression on his face in contrast to the intense and worn look of his superior.

            “Signal the Pandora,” Zanaris said in a raised voice, “I want this attack commenced before Dukhat smashes our fleet to pieces! Is that clear?”

            “Yes sir,” Brook replied in an unassuming voice. He walked down from the command platform and toward the terminals in the corner of the room. Within minutes small representations of six Star Destroyers and support ships appeared on the screen.

            Zanaris stood up and watched with intense interest as the representations of Star Destroyers and their support glided across the screen. Soon the Union fleet entered hyperspace and the map shifted to a new location where a dense cluster of enemy capital ships approached the Union fleet. Moff Brook resumed his usual position at the Supreme Moff’s side as the enemy fleet approached the Union battle fleet. Within minutes, one of the enemy ships erupted in an explosion and faded from the screen.

            A slight grin appeared on Zanaris’ face and he said emphatically, “We have them!” Unfortunately for him, a Union Star Destroyer and Dreadnought faded from the screen shortly after.

            Brook leaned close to Zanaris and said in a low voice, “Two of ours, sir.” As he said that another Union Dreadnought faded from the screen and he said to Zanaris, “Shall we withdraw them, sir?”

            “Never,” Zanaris said sharply, “continue the attack.”

            As another Union Star Destroyer faded from the map, Brook said, “That was the Inflexible, sir.”

            Zanaris frowned and said quietly, “Pull them back.” As the remaining Union forces withdrew, the Supreme Moff continued in a louder voice, “Why? Why? Why? Why can we not defeat them?”

            Brook replied his usual neutral voice, “Inexperience. They are brave, but many of the most experienced officers retired or died long ago.”

            Zanaris sat in his command chair and said, “Inexperience?” He considered this briefly and said, “Bring me the Academy Commandant.”

            The two stormtroopers at the exit quickly compiled with this order and within ten minutes the Commandant of the Genevieve Academy was brought to the bottom of the raised command platform. The Commandant looked up at the Supreme Moff and gave a crisp salute.

            “General Sorrel,” Zanaris said, “our recent engagement with Dukhat’s ships proves that you have failed to train officers sufficiently for service in the Imperial Navy.”

            “But Excellency,” Sorrel stammered, “the recruits filtering in are young and our losses are crippling!”

“Silence!” Zanaris bellowed and continued, “Do not blame the Imperial Union for your personal failings, general.” He motioned to the stormtroopers flanking the Commandant, “I want this man assured a place on the first wave of TIE Fighters that next engages Dukhat’s forces.”

Resigned to his fate, General Sorrel did not resist and was conveyed from the command center by the two stormtroopers.

 

*           *           *

 

Khadgar was walking along a street and approaching Zanaris’ palace, which served as the headquarters for Intelligence as well as the Imperial Union overall. He glanced to either side of him and shook his head. After the Battle of Endor he had agreed to make Genevieve and its capital city of Imperial Center his home. The name “Imperial Center” had been chosen to emulate the official name for Coruscant while the planet was under Imperial rule. The city had been thriving when he had first arrived, bustling with trade and activity from the Union army and navy. However, years of neglect and conflict had taken their toll on the city. Many of the monitors and screens posted around the city that had once served as a source of information were now in disuse and disrepair. Many of the buildings in the city had been bombed by Moff Dukhat’s forces or simply allowed to decay. Numerous requests to fix the city had been sent to Moff Zanaris to begin active repairs on the city, and he generally replied to any suggestions saying he would take them “under consideration”. However, “consideration” in the case of Zanaris meant that he would lose the request and forget about it. It was well-known that he preferred to devote the Imperial Union’s resources to continuing the war with Moff Dukhat’s splinter group rather than to the restoration of Genevieve.

            As he was mulling over the state of the city, Khadgar heard sirens sound out all around him. Another damned bombing raid, he thought. The Imperial Union still had significant fleets, but they were unable to guard the entire Union simultaneously. Hence Moff Dukhat’s fleets had periodic opportunities to conduct bombing raids on Genevieve itself. It was well-known in Intelligence circles and among higher ranking army and navy officers that Moff Dukhat had little interest in continuing the war. It was mainly Moff Zanaris’ bitterness toward the betrayal of Dukhat and his predecessors that fuelled the continuation of the war. Dukhat ordered the periodic bombing raids because he hoped to prompt an end to the war and induce more defections to his side, but he did not desire to capture Genevieve.

            In response to the raid, Khadgar dove for cover in a nearby alley and awaited the end of the raid. The bombing raids in themselves did little damage, but the effect on morale was devastating. As the bombers glided away into the atmosphere of Genevieve, Khadgar resumed his walk toward the palace. Upon reaching the main entrance, he presented his identification to a stormtrooper and was admitted to the palace. He arrived in time to see the face of Moff Zanaris appear on a monitor situated just inside the entrance of the palace.

            “Citizens of Genevieve,” he said in his oft-used loud voice, “once more the hated forces of Moff Dukhat have attempted to break the resolve of the Imperial Union. However, we remain strong. I ask that you remain loyal, secure in the knowledge that we will overcome the mutinous scum of Ackros and deliver a crushing blow to Moff Dukhat. We will have our victory!” After the speech the screen faded to a blue backdrop with a green Imperial insignia and a short version of the patriotic Imperial March theme was emitted from somewhere on the monitor.

Khadgar was generally unimpressed by these speeches and thought privately that the Imperial Union should sue for peace with Moff Dukhat and end the fruitless war. After pausing to watch the speech he continued down a corridor and arrived at a turbolift. After riding the lift up a number of floors he walked down another corridor and arrived at the main Imperial Intelligence office. He pressed a button beside the door and was quickly admitted into the waiting room.

The secretary behind the reception desk looked up briefly from her work and said, “He’s expecting you.”

The head of Intelligence was known simply by his title, “The Advisor”. The Advisor was a greying man sitting behind his desk and motioned for Khadgar to approach when he entered the room. “Please, have a seat.” As Khadgar was sitting down, he said, “Tea?” and offered a pot of hot water and tea bags from his desk.

“Thanks,” Khadgar said and started to prepare himself a cup while the Advisor started to ask him about his recent work.

“What have you discovered?” the Advisor prompted.

“I am close to tracking the source of the leak from this palace,” Khadgar replied. Some highly classified information was known to be leaking from inside the palace itself and Khadgar was attempting to find the source of the leak.

“It was too bad about Reesing,” the Advisor said quietly. Reesing had been an agent under Khadgar’s command that had been eliminated recently under mysterious circumstances while investigating the leaks from the palace.

Khadgar frowned and said, “Yes,” in an equally quiet voice.

“How do you feel about the affair?”

“I’m not happy about it, certainly,” Khadgar said awkwardly.

“This must be very trying. Perhaps you’re feeling burnt out? We understand that sort of thing here.”

Khadgar could see where this was going, “I’m an agent, Advisor, and intend to continue as one.”

“There is a position here that would suit you.”

“I want to find the source of that leak,” Khadgar insisted.

“Very well,” the Advisor conceded, “we have a lead on man named Jundt suspected of ties to Dukhat’s people. He may be tied to your problem.”

Khadgar nodded. He had heard of this Jundt and respected his record in the army. It was yet another case where today’s traitor was yesterday’s celebrated officer. But if Jundt really was connected to the leaks from the palace, Khadgar had to find him and put a stop to his activities. “I will start immediately,” he concluded.

“Excellent,” the Advisor said simply.

 

*           *           *

 

Khadgar went to what he considered a prime source of information, a local tavern called the Swarthy Bantha. The clientele was generally less than stellar, but that is exactly what Khadgar needed. He entered the tavern and situated himself in close proximity to several tables.

            One of the tavern patrons said a little too loudly, “What's the difference between Moff Zanaris and a dead commlink? Nothing, try talking to him!"

            It wasn’t long before a man in a trench coat approached him, tapped him on the shoulder and escorted him outside.

            Rookie, Khadgar thought. A lot of these newer agents dragged in the first person that uttered a treasonous couple of sentences rather than waiting for more valuable information. In this case he did not mind, however, since he was able to take the seat of the offender.

            One of the other patrons scoffed, “Who are you?”

            “Just a man looking for some information.”

            “Oh yeah?”

            Khadgar lowered his voice, “I have some valuable data that a certain Mr. Jundt might like to have.”

            The anonymous tavern patron cast a knowing glance to the others sitting at the table and grinned slightly, “I see. And what makes you think we can tell you anything?”

            “Well, I just thought you might like this list of Imperial agents operating in Genevieve. I guess not.” Khadgar conveniently neglected to mention that it was a list of dead agents such as Reesing.

            “Not bad, let’s see it.”

            Khadgar produced a chip from his pocket and handed it to the woman.

She inserted it into a portable console and examined it for a few moments. “You can meet one of Jundt’s contacts at what is left of the publications building,” she said, returning the chip to Khadgar.

“Thank you,” he replied. But he was feeling uneasy. That was easy. Too easy, he thought. Still, he thought he should have a look at the old publications building.

 

*           *           *

 

Moff Zanaris was once again contacting someone from his desk. “Zanaris to Larch, come in.”

            A man appeared on Zanaris’ console screen and said, “I am here, your Excellency.”

            “General Larch, are you prepared?”

            “He will not escape, Excellency. Once again the beauty and glory of one of your designs benefits the Empire.”

            “Very good, General Larch. If you do not fail me, it will be a great boost to your career.”

            General Larch was enthusiastic about this prospect and said, “I will not fail you, Excellency!”

 

*           *           *

 

The old publications house was a relatively short distance from the Swarthy Bantha, so Khadgar went there on foot and mercifully avoided the decrepit Genevieve transit system. As he approached, he could see that the building itself was still intact. He observed as much as possible of the building from a distance, but could not deduce anything about the building from its exterior. He reluctantly approached the building from the back and moved towards an aging door. The door was marked “RESTRICTED” and locked, but it was old and did not stop Khadgar’s foot. After the door fell, Khadgar cautiously entered the building. He found himself in a large room full of crates. Upon closer inspection, he was shocked to discover the insignia of the Rebellion on several of the crates.

            Khadgar did not have long to consider the implications of this, because suddenly a number of stormtroopers appeared from behind various crates and surrounded him. Once it was clear that he would surrender quietly, an officer appeared from behind one of the crates.

            “What have we here? A spy?” General Larch said.

            “Yes, one of ours,” Khadgar replied.

            “I should think not,” Larch said, “I believe his Excellency should hear of this treason personally.”

Khadgar was escorted quietly to the command center of the palace for an unwanted personal visit to Moff Zanaris himself. After entering the command center, the stormtroopers urged Khadgar to the bottom of Moff Zanaris’ command platform.

            “This traitor was found in the old publications house to deliver supplies to those who would sabotage the Imperial Union on behalf of Dukhat,” General Larch said.

            Moff Zanaris stood from his command chair. “What were you doing in that publications house?” he said to Khadgar.

            “I was investigating the activities of a suspected spy named Jundt.”

            Zanaris turned around and addressed the three officers working at the terminal toward the back of the room, “What do you have on this ‘Jundt’?”

            After a minute, one of the officers replied, “He died several days ago, Excellency.”

            “Don’t try and play me for a fool. As I suspected, you’re obviously one of Dukhat’s spies. There is but one penalty for spies and saboteurs from Ackros. General Larch, see to it that this man is executed quickly.”

            Khadgar was shocked; he had committed no crime and was slated to be executed based on circumstantial evidence. He attempted to muster a defense, “Supreme Moff, I never-“.

            “Hold your tongue, spy,” Zanaris snapped, “You may proceed, General Larch.”

            General Larch bowed, “Very wise, Excellency. It shall be done immediately.” He motioned to the two stormtroopers, who escorted Khadgar out of the command center and down a long corridor.

            Khadgar had earned a positive reputation among a number of officers in the Imperial Union, so Moff Brook was selected to deliver a speech explaining the reasons for his execution in an attempt to suppress any doubts. The speech broadcast on monitors across the city and was preceded by footage of Khadgar entering the publications house and examining the crates, which were shown to bear the Rebellion’s insignia. “People of Genevieve,” Brook began, “I bring you grave news. What you have just seen is evidence that one of our trusted agents, Khadgar, is actually a spy on behalf of Moff Dukhat. He has been part of an underground network smuggling Rebel supplies provided by Ackros to spies and saboteurs operating here. Therefore, he will be executed for his actions. I know that some of you may have doubted Moff Zanaris’ actions, but we ask for your continued loyalty. Only with your support can we continue this war and finally defeat Dukhat and his mutineers.”

            As the speech was concluding, Khadgar was nearing the site of his would-be execution. However, there was a space of time in which he, the two stormtroopers and a passing officer were alone in a corridor. Unexpectedly, the passing officer raised a blaster and shot one of the stormtroopers. Not one to waste an opportunity, Khadgar brought his elbow swiftly to the chest of the other stormtrooper and made sure that he quickly hit the floor of the corridor.

            “Who are-Khadgar began.

            “Be quiet! Follow me, quickly!” the unknown officer said.

            After quickly but quietly moving through a number of corridors, the pair arrived at a door.

            “Stay low when we get in,” the woman said. She pushed some buttons beside the door and it slid open.

            Khadgar quickly went through the door following the woman’s lead. She crouched hastily shuffled behind a collection of crates. She carefully opened one of the crates and motioned toward the inside.

            “In there?” Khadgar said skeptically.

            “That’s right; it’s either that or another trip to the Supreme Moff.”

            Khadgar hesitated a moment but entered the crate, which was then sealed behind him.

 

*           *           *

 

Khadgar lost track of how long he was in the crate. He felt very cramped and was anxious. He had no idea where he was going and how we would get there. For several hours he stayed in the crate, which was moved from time to time. It seemed like this was the end of his long goodbye to the Imperial Union. Eventually the crate was opened. Khadgar staggered out of the crate and stretched after spending hours in the confining crate.

            “Welcome, Khadgar,” a female officer said.

            Khadgar quickly stood and faced the officer. “Where am I?” he said.

            The officer chuckled slightly and said, “You are on Elrood, capital world of the Galactic Empire Reborn. We know your record and had you extracted from your appointment with death. Our trade route with Moff Zanaris does have some use. I am here to offer you a chance to join us if you wish.”

            Khadgar considered the offer. He had heard of this “Galactic Empire” from the outside, but did not know a lot about its internal workings. From what he had heard, it was better than living under Moff Zanaris’ reign. Relations between the Galactic Empire and Moff Zanaris had become somewhat tense of late due to a close relationship between the Galactic Empire and Moff Dukhat. However, as yet the Galactic Empire had not been involved in the civil war in the Greater Estioch Cluster. Khadgar returned to the conversation abruptly, “I accept,” he started, “with the condition that I am allowed to pilot a starfighter.” He had been an Intelligence agent for some years, but before that had been trained as a pilot. He yearned to once again return to the cockpit of a TIE Fighter.

            “We are always looking for experienced pilots. If you will follow me, we will leave for the Imperial Academy immediately. Welcome to the Galactic Empire, Cadet Khadgar.”