Author: life is shit, unfair and tiresome, nuff said, I wont elaborate. Enjoy.
Might open a Patreon give me a comment if you'd be open to supporting me, maybe enough to buy myself a kebab once in a while, idk. Also sorry it took so long.
Morning came too early on Coruscant.
Its like what, before 6? God damn it, even on a holiday I cant sleep in.
I woke up in the secure quarters of the Diplomatic Spire, the massive cityscape outside the windows already blazing with activity even at this hour, I'd call it morning rush hour but on this planet its always rush hour.
Sunlight poured through the transparisteel, reflecting off endless towers and skyways. The constant low roar of traffic never really stopped it just became background noise after a while.
I sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
Today was Empire Day.
The biggest celebration in the Imperial calendar. And I was going to be standing in the middle of it.
I know for a fact if order 66 and all death of jedi was on a different day and not the same day he proclaimed the empire, that day would be the most important celebration.
Anyways, I dressed carefully, the formal governor's uniform had been pressed and laid out for me dark grey tunic with silver threading, high collar, the planetary insignia pinned prominently on my chest.
A long, formal cape in deep charcoal hung from my shoulders, I adjusted the clasp, then straightened the cuffs. It still felt strange wearing something this polished.
A soft knock sounded at the door. "Come in."Atii stepped inside, already dressed in a more formal version of her usual gear dark tunic, reinforced vest, her new knife at her hip.
She looked me up and down, then stepped closer without asking and adjusted the fall of my cape, smoothing a wrinkle near the shoulder. "Wow, you look like an actual governor for once," she said, voice teasing.
Very funny.
"Just try not to trip over this thing in front of the Emperor."
Oh god, I might as well jump off the nearest edge because that would be political suicide if Vader doesn't kill me instead for showing disrespect.
Torv and Rusty entered shortly after, Torv was in full armour, rifle slung across his back, expression for once hidden behind a standard issue helmet though I can tell he is as grim as ever while Rusty's tall black-and-silver frame moved with quiet precision as he ran one final security sweep of the room.
"All perimeter teams are in position," Torv reported. "We have overlapping coverage on every route to the main plaza. No blind spots."
Rusty added, "Encrypted channels are stable. No unusual activity detected in the immediate area. However, planetary security presence has increased by twenty-three percent since yesterday and is expected to rise and fall wherever large gatherings of important people are."
I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Alright. Let's get this over with." We moved out together through the secure corridors of the Spire. Every step reminded me how exposed I felt here deep in the heart of the Empire, surrounded by trillions, with eyes everywhere.
With the emperors watchdogs and inquisitors aplenty, bodyguards, moffs, cartels and other shit this planet has in millions.
Today was going to be long and exhausting day.
***
The journey from the Diplomatic Spire to the main Imperial Palace took nearly an hour, even with priority clearance on this star wars type of highway but for speeders and flying vehicles, I still don't know how this works exactly or how traffic is coordinated here.
Our convoy departed from the secure landing platform attached to the Spire, I rode in the lead transport a sleek, armoured Imperial shuttle painted in deep charcoal with silver accents and the Elyrian planetary crest on the sides. (Finally came to designing it - though still don't have an image of it, it will be at the bottom - its kind of shit (like this entire slopfic) but its something I made.)
The interior was surprisingly luxurious: reinforced seats of dark leather, subtle lighting, and thick transparisteel windows that gave a clear view of the outside while remaining blast-resistant.
Torv sat directly across from me, fully armoured, rifle resting across his knees, Atii sat to my left, quietly scanning the streets through the window while Rusty stood near the rear bulkhead, his tall black-and-silver frame perfectly still, he will mostly stay in the shuttle and not go with us, too conspicuous and he would bring questions I don't have comfortable answers to, plus it would just bring me unwanted attention from people I don't want attention from.
A small contingent of palace guards and stormtroopers filled the rest of the passenger compartment.
Behind us followed a second shuttle carrying Jaster and a squad of Mandalorians, then two more transports with additional security, servants and medical staff in those are also gifts to be "donated" to the emperor and high officials.
Discretely flying in a large permitter are four Kom'rk-class fighters and a few other shuttles filled with security, they will be flying all the time, I would love to have them just fly in with me but that would be overkill.
Plus, maybe mr Pael gave me a word of advice not to bring that many security but having them fly circles around the permitter is good, other paranoid officials and people of note are doing the same, My men in the Kom'rks are pretty sure they saw some old LAAT filled with what could only be mercenaries flying circles around the permitter as well with their signal showing them as being under payroll of a certain influential man from Corellia.
As we descended through the upper traffic lanes, Coruscant revealed itself in full festive glory.
Massive holographic projections towered over the cityscape, some hundreds of meters tall. The clearly not wrinkled up prune emperor image appearing on dozens of billboards, stern yet benevolent, with sweeping slogans like "One Galaxy, One Empire" and others burning in gold lettering across the sky.
Man really doesnt want people to see his prune looking self, but it was fine when proclaiming that jedi tried to kill him and it left him deformed? I guess I get it, If I didnt know what I know I'd rather be led by a charismatic somewhat handsome politician and not some evil looking wrinkly old man.
Parades filled the grand boulevards below columns of pristine white stormtroopers marching in perfect synchronization, flanked by floating repulsor platforms carrying war veterans and Imperial banners, surprisingly the unsung heros the imperial army are also there, because fun fact.
Stormtroopers are just the elite shock troops and are only used as garrison on the most hostile worlds or if the world is of some importance. Or well if the governor has enough credits to get some while the army are the real grunts, they fight 70% of ground battles, they are in charge of garrisoning most of the worlds and are in charge of any mechanised and heavy units and artillery, while stormtroopers yes have their own heavy core but most of the time they ask the army nicely if they can have their heavy core tag along.
Enormous crowds lined the streets, waving small flags and cheering as the military bands played triumphant marches that echoed between the towering spires.
The joy was surprisingly genuine.
People laughed and waved from balconies, families held up children to see the flyovers some even taking holo pictures with nearby army or stromtroopers and even officers.
Street vendors sold Empire Day sweets and commemorative pins.
In the Core, on the capital itself, support for the Empire felt almost unanimous, all those against the empire I seen in last few days seem to have hidden and it truly shows that the empire is more liked than hated in the core.
The capital, and the core and surroundings are the people who benefited most from order, from safety, from the constant flow of resources that kept this and other impossible cities alive.
They cheered because, for them, the Empire meant stability and prosperity.
Yet even here, in the heart of it all, heavy security was everywhere.
Stormtrooper patrols stood at every major intersection, probe droids drifted silently overhead. Checkpoints with full scanners blocked side streets, the contrast was striking bright celebration wrapped in layers of steel and vigilance.
I watched it all pass by through the shuttle window, the city blurring into rivers of light and colour.
Normal people really were fickle, I thought.
Give them bread, games, safety, and a sense of superiority, and most would cheer for the system that provided it, take it away or disrupt it and have your enemy provide it better and the same people who waved the flags and cheered would switch on you, regardless of how much good will and benefits you gave them in the past.
Because, Afterall it was in the past and people live in the present and not the past or future.
The Empire understood that lesson well.
Reza's voice came over the internal comm from the cockpit. "We've been cleared for the priority governmental corridor. Approaching the Imperial Palace district now."
The shuttle banked gently, and the view shifted.
The old Jedi Temple now the Imperial Palace rose ahead like a mountain of white and gold. Its ancient spires had been reinforced and expanded, massive Imperial banners hanging from the highest points. The entire complex was bathed in ceremonial lighting, with thousands of elite troops already securing the perimeter with dozens of AT-ATs, hundreds of AT-STs and others providing ground security while probably more than a hundred TIE's scream overhead, with more no doubt in hidden ports ready to fly out in manner of seconds.
Though curiously there appears to be some units also forming up in the grand plaza before it.
Our convoy slowed as it joined the line of official transports approaching the main landing zone.
The scale of the palace was breath-taking up close a symbol of power so absolute it made everything else seem small.
I adjusted my cape one last time and felt the weight of the day settle fully onto my shoulders.
We had arrived.
***
The landing platform was absolute chaos.
Our shuttle and the other 2 settled onto one of the designated pads with a heavy thud, surrounded by dozens of other vessels already parked in tight rows.
Shuttles of every size and class filled the massive tiered landing field sleek diplomatic craft, ornate noble yachts, heavy military transports, and even a few large private cruisers. Stormtroopers in pristine white armour stood in rigid lines every fifty meters, while squads of Imperial security officers moved between ships with data pads and scanning equipment.
Personal bodyguards in various liveries hovered protectively around their charges like wolves around their packs.
I stepped down the ramp first, the warm Coruscant air hitting me immediately thick with the smell of ozone, exhaust, and distant food vendors.
Torv moved right beside me like a living shield, Atii stayed on my left, eyes scanning the crowd. Jaster followed a step behind with six of my best palace guards in formal but functional armour. The rest of my security detail, including Rusty, remained aboard the shuttles and with the guys doing the perimeter rounds.
A low-ranking Imperial official a thin weaselly man, kind of reminding me of the Freys from game of thrones. He was dressed in a crisp gray uniform with lieutenant's bars hurried forward to meet us, flanked by two aides.
"Governor Voss," he said, offering a crisp bow. "Lieutenant Vorne, attached to Grand Admiral Pellaeon's staff. If you and your party would follow me, please. We have a private VIP route prepared."
Man, I love being a VIP.
He led us away from the main landing chaos toward a secured corridor reserved for high guests, as we walked, I noticed other officials and dignitaries watching our group with open curiosity.
A few older men in elaborate robes raised eyebrows at the sight of 2 Mandalorians in full beskar walking openly beside stormtroopers and a teenage governor.
I could almost hear their thoughts: Who is this boy to warrant such treatment?
The corridor opened into the lower levels of the old Jedi Temple, now transformed into the Imperial Palace.
And honestly? The games, movies and other media did not do it justice. The architecture was breath-taking.
Ancient stone pillars had been reinforced with polished black marble and gold inlays.
Massive Imperial banners in deep crimson and black hung from the ceiling, swaying gently in the recycled air. The halls were wide enough for entire brigade formations to march through, with towering statues of past Imperial heroes lining the walls.
Every surface gleamed the Empire had poured money into making this place a monument to its own power.
We moved through security checkpoints where our credentials were scanned multiple times. Lieutenant Vorne kept the pace brisk but polite, occasionally pointing out notable features.
"This wing was once part of the old Jedi archives," he explained. "Now it houses the Imperial Historical Collection."
So just a library but with the word 'Imperial' in it. Got it.
We ascended via a grand turbolift that opened onto one of the higher terraces overlooking the central plaza.
The view was quite staggering, below us stretched an enormous open square filled with perfectly arranged military formations, dignitaries, and carefully selected citizens. Massive holographic projections of the Emperor and past victories floated above the crowd.
The air hummed with distant martial music and the low roar of the gathered masses, Pellaeon waited for us near the edge of the terrace, surrounded by a small group of senior officers and officials.
His face lit up with genuine warmth when he saw me. "Governor Voss," he said, stepping forward and clasping my forearm firmly. "It is excellent to see you here on this joyous day."
He greeted the others with polite nods Jaster received a respectful look of recognition, Torv a measured glance, and Atii a small, knowing smile.
"I trust your journey was uneventful?" Pellaeon asked.
"As much as it could be," I replied. "Thank you again for the invitation. "He waved it off lightly.
"Nonsense. After everything you've accomplished in your sector, it was only right. Come, stand with us. The ceremony will begin shortly."
I took my place beside him on the terrace, my small group positioned protectively around me. The scale of the event below was almost too much to take in at once. Millions of people. Endless ranks of stormtroopers. The full weight of the Empire on proud display.
And here I was a fifteen-year-old governor from ass end of no-where.
***
After talking for a short while the anthem started, which to be fair. I didn't even know we have.
I just copied what paellon did, stood up straight hand on heart and held my head up, thankfully I dont need to sing it.
The final notes of the anthem faded, and the massive holographic projections dimmed slightly, leaving the gargantuan plaza bathed in a respectful hush for a few moments.
Then the atmosphere shifted again as officials and dignitaries began mingling across the elevated terraces.
Pellaeon remained at my side, introducing me to several more people I had briefly met during the earlier reception.
I exchanged pleasantries with each of them, keeping my responses measured and respectful. For nearly thirty minutes we moved through small groups on the terrace, the conversation flowing easily between military anecdotes, governance challenges in the Outer Rim, and light compliments.
Occasionally I caught sidelong glances from other dignitaries further away curious, slightly dismissive, or openly calculating.
A few clearly didn't know who I was and were wondering why an unkown teenager with a 'lowly' governor insignia was standing so comfortably among Pellaeon's circle.
The mingling gradually quieted as a deep, resonant tone rolled across the plaza once more.
All eyes turned toward the central stage, far below but made enormous by dozens of towering holographic projectors.
The shrivelled up prune Emperor himself has appeared.
Palpatine walked out onto the prepared platform with slow, deliberate steps, his dark robes flowing around him. Even from this distance, his presence dominated the entire plaza and I can feel quite a lot of pressure on my self.
Note to self, try to avoid being in proximity of that man if possible, while vader is kind of mid at reading minds and people, old palps is a master of that and a politician to boot, he'd eat me alive.
He was flanked by a small but formidable group of the Empire's most powerful figures which include Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin who stood to his right with a few of his loyal and closest lapdogs, rigid and aristocratic, his expression cold and calculating.
The twin horned, staff wielding, blue skinned Chagrian Mas Amedda who probably runs the day to day matters of the empire while the emperor is out aura farming looking out the windows and thinking about his death star or whatever else he does.
Darth Vader loomed like a black monolith slightly behind the emperor his mechanical breathing faintly audible even through the amplification systems, while the emperor tires to rain in his power or at least be subtle about it, Darth Vader isin't. Just looking at him makes the hair stand up on my neck.
Lastly is Lio Partagaz, the head of the Imperial Security Bureau, who is standing slightly behind them all with several other high-ranking politicians and loyalists of various species. both men and women whose names carried real weight across the galaxy, and if I am not mistaken that is a Hutt representative, if the 2 Gamorreansand an a big hutt patch on his coat says anything about it.
The crowd below erupted into thunderous applause the moment the Emperor raised a hand in acknowledgment.
Millions of voices roared in unison.
Which, is quite startling in this huge echo chamber of a plaza.
Palpatine began his speech, his voice amplified perfectly across the entire capital and broadcast to every corner of the planet and beyond to all the galaxy.
"Today we celebrate not merely another year of the Empire, but the enduring peace, prosperity, and unity we have forged from the ashes of a broken Republic. For more than 13 years we have stood as one galaxy, under one vision. We have brought order to chaos. Security to lawlessness. Strength to weakness."
He spoke for a long time, his words measured and powerful.
He spoke of the sacrifices of the Clone Wars, the treachery of the Jedi, the necessity of firm leadership, and the bright future that awaited all loyal citizens. He praised the military for its vigilance, the bureaucracy for its efficiency, and the people for their dedication.
"Together, we have built something eternal. A galaxy where every world, every sentient being, knows its place. Where rebellion is crushed before it can take root. Where peace is not a fragile hope, but an unbreakable reality."
The speech lasted nearly twenty minutes. Every sentence was crafted to inspire loyalty and quiet any doubt. When he finally finished with the words "Long live the Empire," the crowd below exploded into the loudest cheer of the day a wall of sound so overwhelming it seemed to shake the very air.
I clapped politely along with the other VIPs on the terrace. Most of the high-ranking officers and officials around me did the same measured, controlled applause rather than wild cheering. Pellaeon clapped with quiet dignity.
In my mind, the thoughts came fast and unfiltered.
Seeing them in person hits different.
Tarkin looked exactly like the kind of man who would glass an entire planet one second and then sip tea the next as if nothing happened.
Vader… just standing near him made the air feel heavier.
Partagaz had the sharp, predatory eyes of someone who enjoyed his work far too much.
The speech itself was masterful, 10/10 if I didn't know any better I'd give him a standing ovation. Truly a banger, probably laced with some subtle force shenanigans but I cant prove it.
It wrapped control in the language of safety and unity.
It made oppression sound like salvation.
And the crowd below ate it up.
Millions of people cheering for the system that kept them fed, entertained, and "safe."
I kept clapping, face neutral, while inside I felt a strange mix of awe and unease, the real power of the Empire wasn't just in its fleets or its weapons it was in control moments like this.
The main military parade began shortly after the Emperor's speech concluded.
Huge columns of troops started marching into the grand plaza from multiple wide avenues, moving in perfect synchronization. The sound of their boots striking the stone in unison created a deep, rhythmic thunder that vibrated through the entire terrace and up into our bones.
First came the Imperial Army regulars thousands of standard infantry in gray-green uniforms, rifles held at precise angles, marching behind their regimental banners with small specialised units trailing behind each legion like scouts, recon, demolition, engineers and technicians. Their formations were wide and disciplined, stretching across the massive plaza like a living carpet.
Behind them rolled heavy repulsorlift tanks and armoured walkers, their massive treads and legs shaking the ground with each step.
Then came the elite stormtrooper legions in gleaming white armour, their formations so tight they looked like machines rather than men.
Specialized units followed: dedicated scout troopers on speeder bikes weaving in tight patterns, naval troopers in black uniforms, and the feared Death Troopers in matte black armour and green visors, moving with silent, deadly precision.
Imperial pilots marched in crisp flight suits, helmets tucked under their arms while artillery crews pulled floating heavy weapons platforms mounted with massive turbolasers.
Even a detachment of the Emperor's Royal Guard appeared, rare for them to step out of the palace, though considering the emepror is here its no surprise, their blood-red robes and helmets standing out like drops of fresh blood among the sea of white and gray.
Squads of the Imperial Intelligence combat division as well as their field operatives in dark uniforms moved with quiet confidence.
Naval and security forces in crisp blue marched alongside army units, while elite shock troopers with heavily modified armour, akin to star wars version of power armour with highly specialised gear and equipment, walking in squads of 4 to 5 bringing up the rear.
The scale was staggering. Tens of thousands of soldiers, vehicles, and support personnel moved as one living organism across the plaza.
Massive holographic projections above them displayed famous battles and victories, while marching bands played the Imperial anthem on a loop, the music swelling and echoing between the towering spires.
Pellaeon stood to my right, watching with quiet pride, Thrawn had appeared on my left without a sound a few minutes earlier. The Grand Admiral's presence was impossible to miss tall, composed, red eyes taking in every detail with that unnerving intensity.
"Governor Voss," Thrawn greeted me with a small nod. "Admiral Pellaeon." His voice smooth and collected like always.
Pellaeon returned the nod warmly. "Grand Admiral. Good to see you here." We stood together watching the parade as it continued. Thrawn's gaze moved across the formations with clear analytical interest."The 501st Legion, Vaders fist." he noted as a particularly sharp unit marched past.
"Still one of the finest in the whole galaxy, their tactics remain aggressive and decisive shock assaults supported by overwhelming firepower and unbreakable will, Vader's influence is clear in their doctrine."
Pellaeon nodded. "They performed exceptionally during the Purge, they were the ones to spearhead the assault on the jedi temple and then the subsuquent hunts throughout couruscant and since then they have been deployed to where the fighting is toughest like Kashyyyk, Mon Cala and the suppression of CIS holdout. Their loyalty is absolute."
Thrawn continued observing. "The Death Troopers are also impressive. Their stealth and elimination tactics are among the best the Empire has fielded, and the equipment they use is quite sophisticated and they make good use of it. However, I have always believed that quality should be paired with quantity."
The conversation flowed naturally from the parade to broader strategy. They discussed weapon systems, historical battles, and current Imperial doctrine.
Thrawn offered insightful but measured critiques, while Pellaeon defended certain decisions with quiet conviction.
Eventually the topic shifted to the state of the galaxy.
"The Outer Rim remains volatile," Pellaeon said. "Rebel activity is increasing across multiple sectors. We have confirmed sightings of Jedi operatives in several regions. Corruption and blatant piracy and slavery is out of hand, the situation is… delicate."
More like out of control.
Thrawn turned his red eyes toward me. "Indeed. Your rapid stabilization is noteworthy. Few governors achieve so much in such little time."
I accepted the compliment carefully. "We do what we can with what we have."
After the main parade began to wind down, I signalled one of my aides. A small, ornate case was brought forward. I opened it and presented the cultural artifact the intricate carving with embedded crystals we had kept from the sale list.
"This is for you, Grand Admiral," I said. "A small token from Elyria. I thought it might interest you."
Thrawn's eyes lit up with genuine appreciation as he accepted the gift. "Beautiful craftsmanship. The interplay of light and color is remarkable. Thank you, Governor. I will treasure it."
I had a second, slightly smaller but still exquisite piece prepared. I turned to Pellaeon. "And this is for you, Admiral. For your continued support and guidance."
Pellaeon looked surprised but pleased as he accepted it. "You are too kind, Kael. I will display this with pride."
The three of us stood together for a while longer, watching the final stages of the parade as the sun began to set over the endless cityscape, painting everything in deep golds and crimsons.
Honestly, all of it is not that bad.
***
The grand Empire Day celebrations slowly wound down.
The massive crowds in the plaza gradually dispersed, the holographic projections faded, and the military formations began marching back to their barracks in disciplined columns.
The air still hummed with residual energy distant cheers, the low thrum of engines, and the fading echoes of martial music.
Pellaeon gave me a final nod of farewell. "It was good to see you here today, Kael. Rest well."
Thrawn already left hours ago quietly and without anyone really noticing.
With that, my group began making our way back to the landing platform. Thankfully, nothing had happened. No incidents, no surprises and no one trying to tamper with out rides or rooms.
The day had passed without incident, blessed be my luck.
We boarded our shuttles under the watchful eyes of Imperial security, once airborne, the convoy lifted off and began weaving through the upper traffic lanes toward the Diplomatic Spire.
I sat in the shuttle, looking out the window as the glittering city blurred past. Torv sat across from me helmet already off, Atii was beside me, quietly watching the view with me while Jaster and Rusty occupied seats nearby.
Rusty broke the silence first. "The parade was an impressive display of coordination and resources," he said, purple photoreceptors glowing. "The 144th Legion that specialises in urban warfare and the militant arm of the galaxy holo security burau were most interesting."
Jaster grunted. "All that pomp and ceremony. It's meant to impress and put fear into those that aren't impressed. And it does, but parades don't win wars."
Atii leaned back in her seat. "The crowd loved it though. Especially the Core people. You could feel how much they believe in it."
I nodded slowly, still staring at the endless lights outside. "Most of the Core and the Colonies are still strongly pro-Imperial," I said. "The Inner Rim too, for the most part. They benefit from the stability, the trade, the protection. It's only really in the expansion region, mid and outer rim where the cracks are showing."
Rusty added, "Public sentiment analysis from open channels supports that. Core world approval ratings remain above eighty-five percent. Outer Rim sentiment is significantly lower and declining."
I leaned my head against the cool transparisteel, watching the towering spires streak by.
I knew the truth though.
After Alderaan… after the events that were coming the ones I remembered from stories and games things would start shifting faster. People in the Core might still cheer, but the Outer Rim was already bleeding. And the bleed was spreading inward.
The shuttle continued its smooth flight through the glittering canyons of Coruscant.
For now, the Empire still looked invincible.
---
Official Planetary Flag (Rectangular) Deep dark Purple (background) Represents the reddish-purple twilight skies of Elyria, and the mysterious, resilient spirit of the planet.
Rich Gold Symbolizes prosperity, the life-giving sun, and the fertile golden plains.
Vibrant Crimson Red Represents the red-tinged mountains, the earth, the blood and resilience of the people, and the native clans' connection to the land and the subtle reddish hue of the native people.
Design Elements:
Background: Solid deep royal purple.
Central Emblem: A stylized golden sun rising. The sun has soft, radiating rays that gently transition downward.
Border: A thin but ornate crimson-red border containing subtle, flowing native knotwork patterns (interwoven lines inspired by Elyrian tribal braids and beadwork *something like the scandinavian/viking knotwork but thinner and more ornamental takin inspiration from slavic and balkan pagans*). These patterns symbolize the interconnected clans, community strength, and cultural heritage.
Overall Feel: Elegant, hopeful, and grounded. It evokes a rising new dawn over an ancient, resilient land.
Flag Ratio: 3:5 (standard planetary flag)
Official Crest / Seal (Circular or Shield Variant) For use on uniforms, ships, official documents, etc.:
A circular seal with three concentric rings.
Outer Ring: Deep purple with the native knotwork pattern in gold.
Middle Ring: Crimson red with small golden sun motifs.
Center: A stylized golden sun.