I get to conquer the Federation (SW SI X ST)

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Brilliant. They outsmarted Section 31 and outplayed them by playing even dirtier!

Star Trek's most ruthless schemers were outdone by a faction with even more ruthless schemes!

The youth and enthusiasm of Section 31 can't match the old age and treachery of the Star Wars universe.

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It wasn't just the Empire too. The Orions were in on the scheme as well, and they're actually the one of the oldest existing civilizations in the Alpha Quadrant, and were travelling the stars when the Vulcans were still figuring out how to cast bronze and Terran Humans hadn't evolved yet. As you can imagine, the Orion Matriarchs find the notion of 'being made an example of' by those Terran upstarts and their Vulcan lackeys more than a bit laughable. At least the Coruscanti Humans can claim similar eminence to Orion, considering Coruscant was the center of a galaxy-wide civilization for millennia before the rise of Orion civilization, so they're no upstarts.

 

[iceknight90]

It wasn't just the Empire too. The Orions were in on the scheme as well, and they're actually the one of the oldest existing civilizations in the Alpha Quadrant, and were travelling the stars when the Vulcans were still figuring out how to cast bronze and Terran Humans hadn't evolved yet. As you can imagine, the Orion Matriarchs find the notion of 'being made an example of' by those Terran upstarts and their Vulcan lackeys more than a bit laughable. At least the Coruscanti Humans can claim similar eminence to Orion, considering Coruscant was the center of a galaxy-wide civilization for millennia before the rise of Orion civilization, so they're no upstarts.

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Yeah honestly the Star Trek galaxy is lucky the Orion are so old they went through so many peaks and troughs that they decided this ruling the galaxy business is boring, and then buggered off to be a bunch of decadent hedonistic schemers.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Yeah honestly the Star Trek galaxy is lucky the Orion are so old they went through so many peaks and troughs that they decided this ruling the galaxy business is boring, and then buggered off to be a bunch of decadent hedonistic schemers.

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Yup. Why bother with all the troublesome details and dirty business of actually ruling the galaxy, when they can just sit back and enjoy themselves by cutting deals with and making money off whoever's in charge?

 

[The Overlord]

Yup. Why bother with all the troublesome details and dirty business of actually ruling the galaxy, when they can just sit back and enjoy themselves by cutting deals with and making money off whoever's in charge?

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There alot like the Hutt Cartel in that regard only with even larger heights, and even larger falls.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

There alot like the Hutt Cartel in that regard only with even larger heights, and even larger falls.

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That, and they don't look disgusting. Sexy and alluring women, or big and muscular men. Oh yeah...

 

[The Overlord]

That, and they don't look disgusting. Sexy and alluring women, or big and muscular men. Oh yeah...

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I am curious though how long till the federation starts drafting non Starfleet ships into combat, an awful lot of "civilian" vessels in Star Trek are at least lightly armed with phasers and there is ALOT of ships running around in the federation and a supriseing amount of them dont use much of their size and could be retro fitted with torpedo bays, and storage space for more torp ammo. I feel its only a matter of time till civilian vessels are used for hit and run attacks.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

I am curious though how long till the federation starts drafting non Starfleet ships into combat, an awful lot of "civilian" vessels in Star Trek are at least lightly armed with phasers and there is ALOT of ships running around in the federation and a supriseing amount of them dont use much of their size and could be retro fitted with torpedo bays, and storage space for more torp ammo. I feel its only a matter of time till civilian vessels are used for hit and run attacks.

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That's a setup for a massacre, though, as while they might run rings around the bigger Imperial ships, the latter carry plenty of attack craft, especially the Venator Class Star Destroyers. The Empire still has the ARC-190 still in service at this time, as well as the V-Wing, with the latter in particular a predecessor of both the fast and deadly A-Wing and TIE Interceptor.

 

[Z3r0Sama]

Does it still count as a war crime if both polities are not signatories to the same law? Probably? Oh well. Welcome to Star Wars baby! Planets and cities being wiped out by orbital bombardment are a regular Taungsday!

In any case, I look forward to seeing the long term repercussions of such a destructive act.

Will the Federation radicalise and start delving into some mad science, asymmetric warfare, and immoral (by Federation standards) acts?

Will it splinter as the various constituent races start focusing on the defence of their own home space to the exclusion of the greater Federation?

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Did you watch the Clone Wars? War crimes constantly by both sides baby!

 

[Morkail]

Jesus a body double slash suicide bomber that's some
brain washing. Thanks for the chapter.

 

[megrisvernin]

There are more chapters on The Sietch forum, though its on hiatus (i think) there.

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Up to Chapter 20. Thanks btw, reading this there.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

"The Federation flagship has been destroyed!" the report came from the sensor station. "Internal detonation…it appears to be the decoy!"

I pumped my fist in triumph. "Now, all ships!" I ordered while sweeping an arm forward towards the bridge windows and the enemy fleet beyond. "Maximum battle speed! Counterattack!"

Ion engines burned hot as the Imperial Fleet surged forward, turbolasers blazing in emerald lances through space. Explosions erupted across space as Section 31 vessels were destroyed one after the other, their attempts to withdraw in order failing as they were simply overrun by the Imperial Fleet.

I narrowed my eyes while looking back and forth between the bridge windows and the tactical display. "Tone down the artillery fire." I ordered. "Let's not have friendly fire incidents, shall we?"

"Yes, admiral." Torrhen said with a nod before tilting his head. "Shall we launch space-combat fighters."

"Make it so."

"Very good, admiral."

The chief of staff went to relay my orders, the intensity of the turbolasers falling off in less than a minute. By then, however, V-Wings and TIE Fighters were pouring out of the fleet's hangars bays, and swarming the Section 31 ships.

"Standby ion cannons." I ordered. "Target the nearest ships. Stormtrooper battalions, prepare to board. Prioritize enemy officers and computer systems, noncoms and enlisted are nonconsequential."

"Yes, admiral." The Stormtrooper commander in charge of the boarding actions replied before closing the channel.

I then focused on the tactical display, watching as the Courageous knocked out the shields on a pair of Akira Class Medium Cruisers. Then the Star Destroyer fired its ion cannons, energy surges flaring over the enemy cruisers' hulls even as their engines and running lights went dark. Assault boats quickly flew over, latching with magnetic bolts before blowing their way into the ship with blasting charges.

"Now, we should get some answers." I said grimly to my staff officers who nodded in agreement. "Don't hold back, Agent Thorn. I don't care if you have to melt their brains down, find out everything they know."

"Leave it to us, admiral." ISB Agent Thorn said with a nod.

I nodded back, then drew myself up. The battle was still ongoing, but it might as well be over. The Section 31 ships had no way to retreat, and if they weren't simply being blown apart by turbolaser fire or proton torpedo strikes, were being disabled by ion cannons for boarding.

As for the ground battle…

…Orion reinforcements had arrived at the Citadel, and with their fleet lost, the Section 31 troops on the ground were trapped between Imperial Stormtroopers and angry Orion defenders. In short, they were about to be reamed from front and back, the sorry bastards.

Then again, this was Section 31 we were talking about. If anyone deserved to get stomped flat and then smeared against the ground before being burned with the Sun through a magnifying lens, it was those hypocritical sons of bitches.

Say what you will about the Empire, at least we didn't deny we were an autocratic regime out to restore order to a chaotic galaxy behind the barrel of a gun.

"We're receiving reports of the enemy abandoning various ships." Sara spoke up. "Your orders, ma'am."

"We will follow the Alderaan Conventions." I replied. "We haven't had reason to raise black flags, at least not yet."

"When the enemy gets desperate…" Torrhen murmured.

"Understood, ma'am." Sara said with a nod. "We'll tractor the escape pods in, and secure the prisoners for interrogation and processing."

I nodded, and folding my hands behind my back, looked up and through the bridge windows. The battle was already winding down, but there were still quite a few Section 31 diehards who refused to give up.

That much was clear, especially at the sight of a burning Miranda trying to ram a Dreadnought, only to splatter itself against the cruiser's particle shields.

"Fine then." I thought. "You want to be martyrs, then be my guest. I will indulge you in that much, Section 31 worms."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Section 31 officer didn't look any different from any other Starfleet officer. He wore the red and black of the command division, with communicator badge on his chest and rank pips on his collar. Both had been confiscated, however, and the man strapped to an inclined table in a brightly-lit room aboard the Courageous.

The Imperials then left him alone to stew for a couple of hours in silence, after which Agent Thorn personally went to interrogate the man, who seemed to be the highest-ranking among the prisoners the Empire had collected after the battle.

"Commander Jerome Rice," the immediately said as the ISB agent stepped into the room, but leaving the door open behind him. A pair of Stormtroopers could be seen standing guard outside, while a soft hum could be heard from just out of sight. "Serial Number…"

Thorn looked amused as the prisoner spouted a series of numbers and letters before repeating his rank and name, and then his serial number once more. "Ah, yes." Thorn said with a soft clap of his hands. "The classic name, rank, and serial number method of resistance…believe me, I've seen it before, and it doesn't work. They all talk eventually, including you."

The prisoner tried to speak, but Thorn cut him off while pacing in a circle around him. "This doesn't have to be hard, you know." Thorn said. "You could cooperate willingly, and we could come to a mutually-beneficial arrangement. Amnesty, for starters. Asylum, perhaps? Or, if you're unwilling to make a long-range relocation, we could arrange for you and your family to disappear under different identities. Depending on your talents, we might be able to find a place for you within the Imperial hierarchy."

Thorn paused, and nodded once at the impassively-staring prisoner. "So," he continued. "How about you spare yourself a lot of pain and hardship, myself of valuable time, and answer my questions."

"Commander Jerome Rice, Serial Number…"

Thorn sighed. "Alright then," he said, before gesturing at the door. "If that's the way you want it…"

He trailed off then, as a spherical IT-0 Interrogator Droid floated into the room, even the prisoner pausing his rambling at the ominous black machine. Then his eyes widened, at the syringes extending from the droid's utility arms.

"Let us begin." Thorn grimly said, before gesturing for the Stormtroopers to seal the room.

To Rice's credit, he didn't make a sound as the droid injected him with pain enhancers and mental inhibitors. He just stared straight ahead, teeth clenched as the droid scanned him repeatedly to find his body's weak points.

He screamed for the first time when the droid applied pressure to his genitals.

He screamed again and again and again as the droid worked on his joints. The finger joints first, then the ones between his toes, a surprisingly-sensitive part of the Human body. His knees followed, then his elbows, and then his shoulders.

"Have you reconsidered your position?" Thorn asked conversationally after barely twenty minutes of pure agony.

The prisoner's answer was a gobbet of spit on the ISB agent's face. Thorn sighed. "Have it your way, then." He said, before gesturing for the droid to continue.

This time, the prisoner wasn't afforded the mercy of screaming, barely able to breathe as his speckled with micro-hemorrhages while the droid worked on his neck. More drugs followed, first causing the prisoner to temporarily go blind, followed by a non-lethal blood toxin that had him screaming and convulsing, adding to the torment of his already-ravaged joints.

"Come, come," Thorn offered. "It doesn't have to be like this. You can end it anytime you want. It's all entirely up to you."

The prisoner glared, and Thorn sighed. The screaming continued, until finally, after an hour of excruciating agony, the prisoner finally broke.

"…p-p-please…" he sobbed openly crying. "…I'll…I'll talk…I'll tell you everything you want…just please…please make the pain stop…"

"Then let's begin with your name." Thorn said.

"I…I already told you…" the prisoner began, only for Thorn to interrupt.

"Yes, you have." He said. "But, I must confirm it, and we all need to follow proper procedure. Now, tell me your name."

"I…I am Jerome Rice, Captain of the Federation Starship…"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"In all honesty," Thorn began while reporting to me and the rest of the senior staff present at Orion. "I'd say overall the interrogations were a failure. About half our prisoners died during questioning, while half of what was left turned into drooling idiots before we could get anything useful out of them. Mind you, though, what we did get turned out to make for interesting reading."

"Agreed." I said, already looking through the collected data on my dataslate. "That said, securing them will have to wait until after Operation Blue. I'd rather not spread our forces out too thin. That said, one of the…ahem, Section 31 assets, can be secured either as part of that operation, or in its immediate aftermath."

"Pluto…" Torrhen rumbled.

"…officially there's only supposed to scientific research facilities and supporting infrastructure on that planet." Imperial Intelligence Agent Wolf said. "But then again, what better way to hide Pluto's true nature from the rest of the Federation?"

"It's pretty much Section 31's MO when all is said and done." Thorn agreed. "You could even say that's what Section 31 is. A centuries-old conspiracy aimed at building a…utopian society, only since by definition utopia is something that cannot actually exist in reality, it depends on lies and deception, smoke and mirrors basically, to even give the impression of existing."

"Pluto's scientific facilities are all just a cover for that massive prison under the surface." Wolf said. "Hundreds of millions of political and cultural prisoners kept in cryogenic stasis, with many prisoners dating back centuries."

I snorted and smiled vindictively. "Well then," I began. "Shall we break them all out while we're at it? Blow away the smoke and shatter the mirrors, as it were. Show everyone what utopia actually is."

"It would certainly make postwar reconstruction and integration much easier." Wolf agreed.

"And it would also assist in the implementation of Plan Zerek." Thorn said.

I nodded. "Very good then." I said. "Let us draft a plan for securing the Pluto Maximum Security Containment Facility, and how it and its prisoners may be used as part of our mission here in the New Territories."

"Perhaps we should take a break to each organize our thoughts on the matter?" Torrhen offered.

I considered the proposal, and then nodded in agreement. "Reasonable," I said before getting up, the other officers doing likewise. "We shall reconvene on this matter in one hour. On a related note, while concrete action on other Section 31 assets must be deferred until after Operation Blue, when we reconvene, I would be most interested in your opinions and proposals thereof."

"Yes, ma'am!" the officers chorused, and I nodded.

"If there is nothing else, dismissed!"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meetings on the future of the campaign aside, there were other equally-important affairs that needed to be handled. For one, there was the signing of the Treaty of Orion, under which the Orion Syndicate submitted to the sovereignty of the Eternal Throne of the Galactic Empire. In return, the Council of Matriarchs were recognized as the collective planetary governor of Orion and its associated domains, with full rights and responsibilities guaranteed to subject states under the Imperial Charter.

And while Senatorial representation was pending pacification of the New Territories, to say nothing of further integration into the Galactic Empire, the matriarchs were quite sanguine about this. They were under no illusions at the impotence of the Imperial Senate, and as such, had little expectations of any benefits Senatorial representation would bring them.

If anything, they were more curious in how long the Imperial Senate would exist as an institution, before the Galactic Emperor dissolved it one way or another.

The signing of the treaty was a surprisingly modest affair, Imperial officers standing to attention on one side of a large stateroom, while Orion matriarchs and ladies stood opposite from them. Journalists and other dignitaries made up the audience, while broadcast droids both Orion and Imperial recorded the event for posterity.

I signed on behalf of the Empire, while Orion's First Councilor, Matriarch Jayhnaa, signed for the Syndicate. Then closing the folders holding the treaty documentation, we exchanged our copies, before holding hands as cameras flashed.

Normally, a formal reception would follow, but first…

…execution time.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"What does Imperial Law say about this?" one officer asked Imperial Ambassador Ubbal Lee.

"So long as it doesn't contradict the Imperial Charter," Lee began. "Nor does it compromise Imperial interests, local planetary laws take precedence."

"And…the Alderaan Conventions…?" the officer asked.

"Unlike the officers and men of their fleet," Lee replied. "The prisoners below were wearing neither formal uniforms, nor battle equipment bearing proper identification of their allegiance. They are thus arguably partisans, and thus not protected by the Alderaan Conventions."

"…makes sense."

"In any case," Lee continued. "Section 31 doesn't officially exist, and the word from Earth in light of this battle and the attempted murder of the Council of Matriarchs is that the organization is composed of rogues unaffiliated with Starfleet much less the Federation."

"And so the Orions are free to execute them." The officer grimly said.

"Technically the Federation never said as much." Lee pointed out. "But it's not like they could do anything about it either way. They're too busy putting out fires at how they're seen as unable to control fringe extremists among their forces, to say nothing of how various member states now fear they might be held at gunpoint by the Federation. In contrast, we at least are willing to negotiate terms of surrender."

"Huh…well, all the better for us, then." The officer said with a shrug.

"Quite." Lee said with a nod. "It's certainly made my job easier. Both the Federation bumbling to this extent, and that the only ground forces to survive were all noncoms or the odd junior officer not worth retaining for interrogation. The Orions will have the blood to sate their losses from the battle."

"Well, I can't say I don't sympathize with them."

"I'm not surprised you feel that way, major."

All conversation still then, as a pair hulking Orion males began beating a pair of drums, each as wide as an AT-ST was tall. Guards in ceremonial armor led the prisoners onto the raised platform, each of them wearing a penitent's white robes, chained at the wrists and ankles while also collared at the neck.

A crowd of over a hundred thousand jeered as the prisoners were marched along, throwing a hail of spit, insults, and crude projectiles at the condemned. One by one, they were gathered atop the platform, before a horn blew long and deep. At the sound, the crowd fell silent, before trumpet drew attention to a herald.

The herald announced the names of the condemned one by one, and listing the crimes for which they were to be executed: conspiracy to murder the Council of Matriarchs, bomb attacks with the goal of terrorizing and killing the citizens of Orion, destruction of private and public property, armed assault against members and defenders both of Orion's sovereign government, and resisting arrest for the aforementioned crimes.

Finally, the herald then announced that should any of the condemned plead for mercy the matriarchs would now hear their appeals.

There was a long moment of silence, and then to the shock of most of the prisoners, several of their members sank to their knees and begged for mercy. Shock turned to rage, other prisoners launching themselves at their former comrades, savagely beating them with shouts of 'traitor', 'coward', and other such insults.

Matriarch Jayhnaa gestured, and the guards separated the prisoners, those who sought clemency receiving it as they were led away. The drums began to beat, but the guards stood silent and still, while above the councilors and their guest of honor, Admiral Targaryen sat in similarly quiet anticipation.

In their landing, the Imperial officers glanced at their personal chronometers, and then at the Orion Sun as it slowly descended to the horizon. A strong wind was blowing in from the sea, waving through the twelve flags of the cartels currently holding seats on the council, as well as the Imperial and Syndicate flags raised higher than any of them.

And as the Sun's disc touched the horizon, the guards took a prisoner and led them to the chopping block. There, they were forced to their knees, their chains pulled through hoops in the ground to hold them in place, their struggles and defiant shouts as nothing to the bloodthirsty braying of the crowd.

Then the first of the condemned paled, wetting himself in terror as the reality of his situation sank in, as a hulking Orion walked up with a massive axe. The man's face was hidden behind a black hood, but through eyeholes in the mask cold and merciless eyes glared down at the condemned.

"P-p-please…we…I…I was just following orders…" he babbled out, but it was too late, and the council would hear no further pleas for mercy.

The pleas rose to terrified and frantic shrieks even as the axe similarly rose, and then fell with a thud. The dead man's head rolled as blood flowed freely in a stream of crimson against the stone floor.

The crowd went wild, droids flying around to record and broadcast events as they went, the execution beaming out across the known universe live and uncensored.

Cheers and chants filled the air as the dead man's body was dragged away, while his head was raised atop a spike-tipped pole. Then another prisoner was dragged towards the chopping block, flailing against chains and screaming defiance against his fate.

It didn't matter. Barely a minute later, his head joined his comrade's atop a pole, his blood cooling on the stone as yet another prisoner was brought forward for execution.

"So…what exactly do they do with the bodies of the dead?" an officer asked.

"Since the families aren't likely to claim them, cremation." Lee answered shortly. "The ashes are then scattered over the sea."

"Ah…I see…"

The axe fell and yet another prisoner met his end, the crowds cheering as another head rose on a pole and more blood spilled on the ground.

 

[Wild Transient]

*Cackles in delight* The beginning of the end for Section 31. And the myth of the Federations 'Utopia'.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

*Cackles in delight* The beginning of the end for Section 31. And the myth of the Federations 'Utopia'.

Click to shrink...

 

[iceknight90]

Well now. The idea of the Secret Section 31 Prison is intriguing. Makes you wonder just what sorts they've got locked away.

Oh I'm sure there's some harmless dissenters who refused to toe the party line in there, but there's bound to be some stone cold dangerous sorts in there as well right?

Wonder if there'll be any Khan-esque Augments lurking around in cryo?

Also I can't think of the floating torture droid without being reminded of that Robot Chicken skit.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Well now. The idea of the Secret Section 31 Prison is intriguing. Makes you wonder just what sorts they've got locked away.

Oh I'm sure there's some harmless dissenters who refused to toe the party line in there, but there's bound to be some stone cold dangerous sorts in there as well right?

Click to shrink...

Depends on how the Federation and the Empire respectively define 'dangerous'.

Wonder if there'll be any Khan-esque Augments lurking around in cryo?

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Perhaps...but it wouldn't really faze the Coruscanti, since there's an entire species of Augment near-Humans in their galaxy: the Arkanians. Right down to thinking of themselves as the pinnacle of evolution thanks to genetic engineering making them superior in every physical and even mental category to baseline Humans and other near-Humans. Even the more...moderate, Arkanians, tended to be aloof and somewhat condescending to non-Arkanians.

And yes, they're pro-Imperial. They were in charge of the Empire's bio-weapons program, and the New Republic later blacklisted Arkania from membership for it.

Also I can't think of the floating torture droid without being reminded of that Robot Chicken skit.

Click to shrink...

Lolwut?

 

[iceknight90]

Depends on how the Federation and the Empire respectively define 'dangerous'.



Perhaps...but it wouldn't really faze the Coruscanti, since there's an entire species of Augment near-Humans in their galaxy: the Arkanians. Right down to thinking of themselves as the pinnacle of evolution thanks to genetic engineering making them superior in every physical and even mental category to baseline Humans and other near-Humans. Even the more...moderate, Arkanians, tended to be aloof and somewhat condescending to non-Arkanians.

And yes, they're pro-Imperial. They were in charge of the Empire's bio-weapons program, and the New Republic later blacklisted Arkania from membership for it.



Lolwut?

Click to shrink...

I was using dangerous to refer to like; actual hardened criminals, terrorists, rebels, etc. People who could actually pose a physical threat. Rather than say dissenters who pose an ideological or intellectual threat.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

I was using dangerous to refer to like; actual hardened criminals, terrorists, rebels, etc. People who could actually pose a physical threat. Rather than say dissenters who pose an ideological or intellectual threat.

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Ah...well, hardened criminals would likely stay in prison. Terrorists and rebels...that depends. The likes of the Maquis, for example, would be lionized by the Empire, who would find the notion of abandoning an entire sector's worth of territory to the Cardassians only because the Federation was too lily-livered for a war they could have won a travesty if not the same kind of pacifist and idealistic hand-wringing characteristic of the Old Republic at its nadir.

 

[iceknight90]

Ah...well, hardened criminals would likely stay in prison. Terrorists and rebels...that depends. The likes of the Maquis, for example, would be lionized by the Empire, who would find the notion of abandoning an entire sector's worth of territory to the Cardassians only because the Federation was too lily-livered for a war they could have won a travesty if not the same kind of pacifist and idealistic hand-wringing characteristic of the Old Republic at its nadir.

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Imperial Diplomat: Fear not Bajorans! Your oppressors the Cardassians have been defeated. They will trouble you no more!

Bajorans: (cheering)

Imperial: The reign of the Empire has begun!

Bajoran: Wait what?

Imperial: We shall appoint an Imperial Governor shortly, and our Stormtrooper garrisons are already in place. Peace and security will be established. At ANY cost.

Bajorans: Hang on a sec

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Imperial Diplomat: Fear not Bajorans! Your oppressors the Cardassians have been defeated. They will trouble you no more!

Bajorans: (cheering)

Imperial: The reign of the Empire has begun!

Bajoran: Wait what?

Imperial: We shall appoint an Imperial Governor shortly, and our Stormtrooper garrisons are already in place. Peace and security will be established. At ANY cost.

Bajorans: Hang on a sec

Click to shrink...

Well, this story takes place after the Dominion War, so Bajor isn't under Cardassian rule anymore, and also part of the Federation. Of course, that means there's probably quite a bit of deja vu going on right now.

 

[The Overlord]

I love Arkanians, they created a whole bunch of sentient species, been involved with all sorts of Republic, Sith, and Empire projects, and they pretty much take one of my personal matras to heart "There is no such thing as war crimes, only bonus points" The are the literal SPECIES of mad scientists, and they are DAMN good at what they do.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

The post-treaty (and public executions) reception was in full swing, Imperial officers and Orion notables mingling under the light of crystal chandeliers. Servers went to and fro, mostly scantily-clad Orion women, but also with a fair number of young Orion men, providing drinks to the attendees. As in actual alcoholic drinks, and not the synthehol bastardization popularized by the Federation, in particular by the Terran Humans.

More than one Orion notable had privately expressed relief that the Coruscanti Humans had far better taste compared to their cousins.

An orchestra provided musical accompaniment, with periodic numbers sung by an Orion matron with a husky contralto. The songs and music alike were…alien, to the Imperials, but that didn't stop them – or at least the older ones – from appreciating the merits of Orion music. And while the younger Imperial officers only gave a show of polite interest, the Orions weren't exactly offended.

Why would they? The younger Imperials might not appreciate the finer things of Orion civilization – at least outside of Orion alcohol – but they definitely appreciated the fine curves and beautiful smiles of Orion women. And for the Orions, that was enough, for to them, there was nothing more beautiful and valuable than their women, and so long as the Imperials could respect that, then much could be forgiven.

"…honestly," one lieutenant remarked while following the movements of an Orion serving girl's hips as she moved with deceptive grace through the crowd. "The first thing that came to mind when I heard 'Orion Syndicate' was the Hutts. I've never been so glad to be wrong…or happy that these Orions are willing to work with us."

"Agreed." His friend said, taking a quick peek at a nearby matron's cleavage. Not subtle enough to avoid the matron noticing, but the Orion woman just smiled and gave a toast in his direction. "They've got a lot to offer the Empire, and the Empire is very generous to its friends and allies. I for one am looking forward to working with them in the future."
The two men smirked at each other knowingly…

…and then were standing to attention as I walked out of the crowd seemingly out of nowhere. "By all means," I said without preamble, and sipping at my drink as I did so. "Enjoy the Orions' hospitality. Just be certain to conduct yourselves properly as officers of the Imperial Navy."

"Yes, ma'am!" the two lieutenants chorused, and I smiled.

"Now, now," I said. "There's no need to be so nervous. Simply put, don't get carried away."

I toasted the two men, who relaxed and returned my toast with sheepish smiles and gestures. I lifted my wineglass to my lips, closing my eyes to take another sip…

…and then opened them as the music just stopped.

I wasn't at the reception anymore, but at what looked like a conference room of some kind, probably on a Federation starship somewhere if the LCARS display on the wall was any indication. Confusion briefly reigned before discipline put my thoughts back into order, and it wasn't long before I realized only one person could have done this.
Q.

I sighed, finishing my drink to steady my nerves, and placed the empty wine glass on the table. Then I walked past…

…and suddenly came to a stop, staring at my faint reflection on the polished surface of the LCARS display. It…it wasn't me, at least not the me that was Admiral Jaenera of House Targaryen, Viscountess of Summerhall. It was…it was who I used to be…back in the 21st​ Century of Earth, that of a woman who had died because a drunk driver had plowed into her and the wall behind her.

In hindsight…

…while I wasn't as striking as when I was a Targaryen, this body of mine had a homely beauty to it, my old brown eyes having a warmth that my new violet eyes lacked, and while my old dark hair wasn't as striking as my new platinum locks, they complimented me well. I smiled.

Whether as a Latina or a Valyrian, I will always be beautiful, huh?

I can accept that.

The door hissed open, and I turned my head, raising an eyebrow as a familiar bald man in a Federation uniform walked in. A bearded man followed, also in a Federation uniform, then a Klingon and a pair of women, all in Federation uniforms, and all of whom froze on seeing me.

"Intruder alert!" Riker immediately said, while Worf pulled out a phaser and aimed it at me.

"Who are you?" Picard demanded. "How did you get in here?"

"Elena de Guzman." I said with a shrug, using my old name. "And I'm not entirely sure, but if I had to guess the 'how', it'd have something to do with our mutual acquaintance, Q."

"Q…?" Picard echoed.

"You expect us to believe that?" Riker asked skeptically.

"She does seem to be telling the truth, though." Troi chimed in cautiously, but it soon became a moot point, as Q appeared in a flash of light, also wearing a Federation uniform while slouching on a chair with his feet on the table.

"Well, how else could she have gotten here?" he mockingly asked. "I mean, it's not like women just spontaneously appear out of the blue, do they? Mind you, plenty of young men – and even a more than a few older men – have fantasies like those. I've even granted it to a few of them, because why not?"

Riker finally looked at Worf, who reluctantly lowered his phaser. "Why are you here, Q?" Picard demanded while stepping forward. "Why have you brought Miss de Guzman here?"

"Miss de Guzman is an associate of mine." Q cheekily replied before turning to me. "Go on, Elena. Tell us all a story."

Q smiled at that, basically telling me to chart my course through these treacherous waters. I frowned and narrowed my eyes, and then sighed. Well, the best lies have a grain of truth at their heart…

…that, and the truth can just be so deceptive to those unwilling to believe it.

"Honestly, I'm just a clerk working for the law firm of Jonson, Johnson, and Johnston." I began, which wasn't exactly a lie. I never truly died, after all, so in a way, I was still what I was talking about. "It's a very dry and boring job, for all that it pays the bills. Then along comes Q, offering to add some excitement to my life, and…here we are."

"…what year are you from?" Picard asked, eyeing my office clothing suspiciously, already knowing the answer from his archaeological background.

"2018."

"Q!" Picard exploded. "I demand that you return this woman to her time immediately and to stop interfering with the proper course of history!"

Q snorted. "Do you really think involving a simple clerk like her could change anything?" he asked, and I suppressed a roll of my eyes at the trick question. "Besides, you're one to talk. Despite your Federation's precious Temporal Prime Directive, I know for a fact you people travel through time regularly for your own convenience. Do you think I don't know about that whole business between Kirk and the whales? Or your 'time police' messing around just so history remains as uniform – boring, even – as possible across timelines? Or that they've tried to keep this war from even starting in the first place?"

Q paused and shook his head. "Don't lecture me about messing with people across time, Picard." He said. "You and your Federation isn't qualified to judge on the matter."

"I don't know about that." I chimed in, and causing eyes to turn my way. "Well, that whole business between Kirk and the whales, that is. That one was a fun thing to watch from start to finish."

"Wait, how did you know about that?" Riker asked.

I shrugged. "I'm Q's associate." I lied through my teeth, rather than telling them I watched it on a DVD. "I know a lot of things."

"Well, there's your answer, Q." Picard immediately said. "Miss De Guzman has learned things, things someone of her time and age should not know about."

"That's not your decision to make." I quickly said.

"Miss De Guzman," Picard began while turning to me. "I understand it might sound harsh, but you must understand. The knowledge you possess is simply too dangerous. It could alter the course of Human history, derailing the proper progression of events that would see us mature as a species and a civilization, and keep us from learning the lessons we needed to learn before stepping out into space."

"Wow…that's…that's pretty short-sighted, all things considered." I said, genuinely shocked to hear it. I mean, I had expected something like that, even if only subconsciously, but to actually hear it. "Narrow-minded, even. I might not have gone to college, much less have a degree in quantum physics or whatever, but even I can see you're assuming your history is the only valid one for Humanity to have."

"I know, right?" Q asked with a laugh. "They claim so much they've moved past such primitive notions, but they're as arrogant and self-righteous as they've always been."

"Eh…Humans will always be arrogant." I said with small frown. "It ties in with this thing we have called personal identity. In short, it's just part of us."

Q hummed, holding up a hand to silence Picard and his companions. "And do you really think your kind deserve to go out into space with that kind of attitude?" he asked.

"Whether we deserve to or not…depends on how we handle what's waiting for us out here." I replied with a shrug. "If we can handle it, our pride's justified. And if we can't, then so much for our pride, right? Besides, it's not as though you transcendental races are beyond such things."

Q laughed. "Oh, but we are." He said with a wink. "In any case, let's get to the reason why you're here. The Empire's about to launch its grand offensive. One way or another, things will be settled soon enough. And as someone from the 21st​ Century, what do you think of the 24th​ Century?"

"…disappointed." I said after a moment, before looking at Picard and his companions, all of whom looked confused. "I mean, sure, we've become an interstellar civilization, made friends – and enemies – of other species out here, while people want for nothing…but at what cost?"

Q hummed, and I looked at him. "They're as Human as I am." I said with a gesture in Picard and his companions' direction. "But the way they think and act…they're closer to Vulcans than to my kind. And because of that…Human society has just become so…dull, and lifeless. Like robots living in toy towns."

"That's not true!" Riker said.

"Humanity may have been influenced by the Vulcans," Troi spoke up. "But Humanity remains a distinctive culture of its own."

"And toy towns?" Riker asked. "It might seem that way to someone from the 21st​ Century, but only because we've done away with such things that plague your time like inefficient urban design, traffic congestion, pollution, and overpopulation. Humanity looks and acts differently, but we're no less Human than anyone from your time."

"This is why I must insist that you return to your time, Miss De Guzman." Picard concluded. "From a simple and subjective perspective as yours, we are as alien as the Vulcans. But, you have not the experience to properly contextualize the changes that Human civilization has gone through in the past three centuries. And change always appears frightening to those who face it. However, I assure you, it has been, and will be for the best. You may not experience it for yourself, but your descendants will, and see it as the way forward for Humanity as a whole."

I tilted my head. "For someone so enlightened," I began coldly. "And who just saw his planet get bombed by the Empire, you speak so coldly of what you know is coming. World War III…the post-atomic horror…"

I trailed off while shaking my head. "…maybe I was wrong." I said after a moment. "A part of you is still Human, after all. That sheer apathy to misfortune and tragedy when it doesn't affect them, or if it does, it does so in a way they benefit from it. You are very Human in that sense."

"That's not what we…" Riker began, only for Q to silence them again.

"And what about the Empire?" he asked. "They're looking to win this war, so what do you think?"

"Well, they just bombed the Earth, didn't they?" I asked with a small smile, causing Q to smile knowingly back. "But…we also bombed Germany and Japan into rubble back during World War II. They bounced back…so Earth can bounce back too…and…"

"And…?" Q prompted.

"I've seen Coruscant." I said. "It's crowded, polluted, with all sorts of crime and political bullshit going on."

I paused and shrugged. "It feels just like home." He said.

Q smiled back, and held up a hand. "Fair enough." He said, before snapping his fingers…

…and then we were back at the reception, with Q walking past to regard a group of Orion artworks placed on display at a nearby wall. Excusing myself from the junior officers, I followed the transcendental being, and stood next to him.

"Interesting, isn't it?" he asked, sipping at his drink and gesturing at the oil on canvas paintings on the wall. "Each of these took more than twenty years to make, all about subjects Terrans and their precious Federation would find…less than enlightened. A matron enjoying a day out with her husbands and lovers. A matriarch out to big game hunting. A champion celebrating his victory on the arena floor."

"Orions were travelling the stars when the Vulcans were still figuring out how to make and work bronze." I quipped. "By all rights, they should be – and are – more enlightened than any of the Federation's leading races. Instead, they look down on the Orions for clinging to the trappings of a barbaric past that should be left behind and forgotten."

"And what does that tell you, when all is said and done?" Q asked with a smile.

"There's no point in advancing when you forget who and what you are in the process." I said.

Q's smile widened. "Maybe you do understand, after all." He said. "I look forward to seeing what you'll make of this all, when the war ends, and the peace begins."

"Yeah, I do too." I quipped, and Q laughed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Over the following days, the Imperial Fleet converged over Orion. Hundreds of Star Destroyers formed the heart of the fleet, with thousands of other ships forming up into flotillas that in turn made up the Expeditionary Force's battlegroups. On the Courageous, the senior officers assembled for the final assignments for Operations Blue, Balerion, and Vhagar.

The attacks on Mars, Andoria, and Vulcan respectively.

"I will personally command the assault on Mars." I said. "In addition to the first battlegroup, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth battlegroups will be participating in Operation Blue. The seventh and eighth battlegroups will also be allocated to Operation Blue in a tactical reserve role."

I pressed a button on the control panel, and brought up classified information on the holographic display. "Intelligence provided by our Orion allies have also pointed to the Federation having stockpiled large numbers of mines, in particular a self-replicating variant, in the Sol System." I said. "For that reason, all battlegroups have been provided with ion warheads, with fleet commanders given carte blanche to deploy them as needed."

There were a few more issues about Operation Blue that needed discussing, but the most important one was brought up twenty minutes later. "With all due respect, admiral," a grizzled naval captain asked. "I must ask about the necessity to force an unconditional surrender from the UEG."

"A good question." I replied. "And that comes down to the preeminent role of the Terran Humans in the Federation. Yes, they co-founded the Federation alongside the Vulcans, the Andorians, and the Tellarites, but the Federation was originally a Human – Terran – innovation, with Terran influence being the most prevalent out of the founding races within it. You could even say the Terrans are the glue that holds the Federation together. I refuse to take any chances. By forcing an unconditional surrender, we drive it home to both the UEG's leaders and the general Terran populace that they have unquestionably lost the war. This in turn would serve to act against any tendencies for renewed resistance, starting with the Terrans and spreading outwards to other local species."

There were nods of understanding all around, and then the discussion moved on. "The ninth, tenth, and eleventh battlegroups will make up the allocated naval forces for Operation Balerion." I said. "Once the Andorian Defense Fleet has been destroyed, they will remain in-system and provide cover for the ground phase of the operation."

"The outer system outposts should fall quickly." General Amaken Crosal of the Imperial Army mused. "But Andoria itself is going to be a brutal theater, no way around it. The frozen landscape is a natural fortress, and one the Andorians are naturally adapted to. In contrast, we have no such advantage, and indeed, will have to adapt our technology to first."

"I have every faith in the engineering corps on that concern." I said before holding up a hand. "There will be no discussion on the escalation policy with regard to the ground phase of Operation Balerion. By now, you should all have read the psychological aspect of the operation as provided by the ISB and Imperial Intelligence both. Perception, whether by ourselves or the enemy, will be crucial to victory, both in the short-term and the long-term."

There were nods at that, followed by more discussions on other details for Operation Balerion. Then the topic turned to Operation Vhagar. "The twelfth battlegroup will be solely assigned for Operation Vhagar." I said before smiling. "Vulcans are logically pragmatic to a fault. Let's take advantage of that, shall we?"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It took another day before the final preparations were complete, and the Imperial Fleet assembled in formation in interplanetary space in the Orion Star System. On the planet itself, the various matriarchs and ladies watched on screens as the Empire assembled its forces for the greatest military operation this region of the galaxy had ever seen.

Not even the Dominion War had seen such a great concentration of force. More ships, yes, but in terms of firepower and combat capability, not even close.

On the Courageous' bridge, officers and men turned to me as I strode down the central aisle towards the command deck. Torrhen nodded curtly as I approached, Sara a step behind me in her role as adjutant.

"All fleets reporting in." Torrhen said, indicating the tactical display. "We are ready to commence the operation on your command."

I nodded. "Open a channel to all ships." I said. "I will address the combined fleet before we deploy."

"Yes, admiral." Sara said, already working at the controls. "Channel is open."

I nodded, and instinctively drew myself up. "This is Admiral Targaryen to all ships and personnel." I began. "I want you all to listen as you are. In a few moments, we begin the most important part of our campaign. I will not lie to you, it will not end the war, with many more battles awaiting us in the future. But, the operations we embark on now will decide the final outcome of this war. It will allow us to not simply conquer and occupy, but to build new and better for the future, and in so doing, turn the pages of history while leaving all our marks thereon. Soldiers of the Empire, what say you?"

"LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!" a roar erupted across the entire fleet, officers and men on the Courageous' bridge abandoning decorum and discipline to voice their answer. "LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE! LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!"

I nodded. "All fleets," I said. "The words are given: Blue, Balerion, and Vhagar! Commence operational maneuvers!"

A signal chimed across the bridge of every ship in the fleet, then the stars were streaking past to infinity, and the Imperial Fleet jumped to hyperspace.

 

[iceknight90]

I quite liked her shittalking Picard due to Q's hijinks. Very amusing.

I can only hope that the Admiral will also get the chance to shittalk him.

 

[Solaerys]

Irronically, the Federation and Empire are very similar in regards to freedom. Freedom is fine, so long as you conform to the overarching ideology. The Federation cloaks their iron fist in velvet, the Empire doesnt bother.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Irronically, the Federation and Empire are very similar in regards to freedom. Freedom is fine, so long as you conform to the overarching ideology. The Federation cloaks their iron fist in velvet, the Empire doesnt bother.

Click to shrink...

I would say the Empire is slightly freer. In the Federation, the sense of 'choose any color so long as its beige' isn't limited to just Starfleet or the federal government, but extends over the entirety of society. Everyone, whether Starfleet officer, Federation official, or random civilian, dresses the same way, has the same beliefs, follows the same cultural standards, and so on and so forth. You could visit one Federation colony, and you'd have visited them all.

Not so with the Empire. Standardization is only really a thing in the military, because duh, it's the military. The Imperial government is, ironically enough, even more decentralized than the Old Republic, with Moffs and Grand Moffs having great leeway in the day-to-day running of their respective sectors and oversectors. Even COMPNOR custom-tailors its policies and projects per the observations and recommendations of its sector monitors, meaning how COMPNOR works in one sector could and is likely to be very different from how it works in other sectors.

Even Human High Culture only really influences things on the macro level. The Empire doesn't really bother with the micro level so long as there isn't any whiff of dissent or sedition, and even then it likes to keep things running as close as possible to the usual routine, if only to keep the economy running. Worlds and settlements across the Empire are much more diverse than they are in the Federation.

Ah...the economy, the one category where the Federation simply can't compete with the Empire. Where the Federation has a command economy with no money and where capitalism and the free market are regarded as barbaric and primitive, the Empire has at worst a mixed and at best a laissez faire economy. There's nothing wrong with trying and/or succeeding in getting rich, and the invisible hand of supply and demand, whether it's the simple needs of a housewife buying food in a supermarket, a man taking out a loan for a new house, a yuppie looking for a new speeder, to the contracted requirements of the Imperial military and government alike, is what dictates the ebb and flow of the economy, not the whims of apparatchiks and nomenklaturas.

Politically, though, both the Empire and the Federation are probably on the same level. Well, for now, I'd say the Empire is still freer thanks to the presence of the Imperial Senate, but even with that gone, I'd say the Empire would still be politically-freer. What about the Federation Council, you might ask? Come on, seriously, just how relevant is the Federation Council, really? If anything, the Federation is a shadow junta considering how Starfleet officers and commissioners seem to be able to make policy choices and even conduct diplomacy without any real input from the civilian government.

Even without the Imperial Senate, the Imperial government would still arguably be separate from the military with overall control belonging to the former, specifically the Emperor and his ruling council, under which you have various organizations like COMPNOR, the Ubiqtorate, and even the Imperial cabinet.

 

[The Overlord]

The funny thing with the Federation is they do in fact have a currency, but its all but worthless as there is very little to spend it on, and many of the more 'fun' things you could technically buy all come with restrictions. A federation civilian can own a starship for example, and its one of those things they cant just get for free, but what the fuck are you gonna do with a starship? your not starfleet, you cant go out and explore the unknown!, and anyone who even THINKS about going out and striking on their own are just gonna be disappeared by Section 31, so go explore other worlds within the federation maybe? you can get the same experience with a holodeck, and even if you want it to be 'authentic' you could have just gone on a passenger ship to get there anyways. So the only reason to own a starship then becomes to just own a starship. Which would be totally cool and worth it on its own for me, but for a federation civilian? what's the point?

Thats before you even get into the stuff the Federation both does not provide, and you just cant buy either so your shit out of luck there. The only place the Federation currency has value is other nations outside the Federation, or colonies at the frontier that don't have their post scarcity infrastructure set up fully yet where you might see a actual need and use to buy goods and services which is ironic because humans by far do the most frontier colonization.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

I'm pretty sure Picard explicitly says in First Contact that they have no money in the future, and in DS9 Jake at one point gets into an argument with Nog over how the Federation doesn't have money, which Nog regards as nonsensical.

 

[The Overlord]

I'm pretty sure Picard explicitly says in First Contact that they have no money in the future, and in DS9 Jake at one point gets into an argument with Nog over how the Federation doesn't have money, which Nog regards as nonsensical.

Click to shrink...

Yes and no, DS9 for example goes over how the federation has a currency largely for use with outsiders, its one of the several things shit gets contradicted on. ESPECIALLY in books and other non tv show material.

 

[WhiteDragon25]

Wow... there is a lot of Empire apologism here... I may be an Empire fanboy myself, but even I don't have any illusions that the Empire isn't anything but a pack of cold-hearted fascist bastards. The Empire goes around committing genocide and war crimes as if it were a regular Tuesday outing, grinds trillions of people under its oppressive bootheel and exploits them for profit, throws people in horrific prisons for even looking at an Imperial officer funny, and is explicitly led by a psychopathic evil space wizard who cackles at other peoples' suffering.

Say what you will about the Federation's flaws, but they are nowhere near the atrocities the Empire does on a daily basis.

It's hilarious to hear how the Empire that's known for blowing up planets has the gall to lecture the Federation on morality.

 

[AlphaOmega]

Wow... there is a lot of Empire apologism here... I may be an Empire fanboy myself, but even I don't have any illusions that the Empire isn't anything but a pack of cold-hearted fascist bastards. The Empire goes around committing genocide and war crimes as if it were a regular Tuesday outing, grinds trillions of people under its oppressive bootheel and exploits them for profit, throws people in horrific prisons for even looking at an Imperial officer funny, and is explicitly led by a psychopathic evil space wizard who cackles at other peoples' suffering.

Say what you will about the Federation's flaws, but they are nowhere near the atrocities the Empire does on a daily basis.

It's hilarious to hear how the Empire that's known for blowing up planets has the gall to lecture the Federation on morality.

Click to shrink...

The difference is that the Empire doesn't bother to pretend about what they are unlike the Federation.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

The difference is that the Empire doesn't bother to pretend about what they are unlike the Federation.

Click to shrink...

That, and once you get rid of Sidious and COMPNOR (basically clean house), the Empire actually becomes better than the Republic. We see this in the Imperial Remnant after the end of the Galactic Civil War, with many people in the Mid Rim and the Outer Rim seeing them as more effective than the New Republic with all its bureaucracy, hand-wringing, and factionalism. Later on, after the Yuuzhan Vong invasion and the rise of the Fel Dynasty, the Empire rebounded and gained control of most of the Rim, and indeed, completely supplanted the Galactic Federation as the legitimate government of the galaxy towards the end of Legends.