[K20 - Terminus - AE] The Strategy of Conquest

 

 

 

 

 

The chamber was silent, save for the faint hum of holo-projectors embedded within the High Command’s war table. The men and women seated around it were the most powerful figures in the Ashlon Empire—Grand Admirals, High Generals, and Intelligence Chiefs—all waiting for one voice to speak.

At the head of the table sat Emperor Ashlon, his expression unreadable.

A flickering hologram of the Outer Rim hovered above the table, star systems outlined in glowing red. Some already bore the sigil of the Ashlon Empire, marking conquered worlds. Others remained neutral, unclaimed, waiting to fall. But the key systems—those still under New Republic control—stood as obstacles to Ashlon’s vision.

"The Grid is secured," Admiral Carthos Vale began. "Our fleets control all major hyperlanes between Terminus and the Mid Rim. The warlords are pacified. The corporate alliances have bent the knee. But if we are to move beyond the Grid, we must act swiftly. The Republic is fractured, but it is still dangerous."

General Renla Vos nodded. "We've intercepted transmission relays from Mon Cala and Coruscant—New Republic reinforcements are being diverted to reinforce the Hydian Way. If we strike now, we could take the corridor before they react."

At this, Director Luthis of Imperial Intelligence leaned forward. "There is another matter. We have confirmation that a resistance cell has reemerged on Dentar V. A Republic agent is rallying former officers to their cause. If we do not snuff this out, it may spread beyond containment."

The room fell into a tense silence. The battle for control was not over.

Finally, the Emperor spoke.

"The Republic underestimates us. They see only scattered remnants of the old Empire, not what we have built. That mistake will be their downfall."

His eyes shifted to Admiral Vale.

"Begin Phase Two. Deploy the Second Fleet along the Hydian Way. If the Republic sends reinforcements, let them burn."

Then to General Vos.

"Mobilize the ground forces. I want Dentar V pacified within the week. No delays. No survivors."

And finally, to Director Luthis.

"Find this agent. Kill them. Kill anyone who follows them. The people will learn that resistance is not rebellion. It is suicide."

The council bowed their heads in unison.

The Emperor’s will had been spoken. The campaign would begin.

As the holograms flickered and new battle plans took shape, the Ashlon Empire prepared to move once more—not as survivors of a fallen regime, but as the architects of the next era.