The Empire begins with the Fourth Scourge.

2746. Loyal to the country

Oswald Tesik buried his head deep, deep in his palms, letting out a low, suppressed sob, his knuckles turning white from the effort. He sat alone in the dark command room for a long time.

Afterwards, he had his life robot bring him some stimulating drugs and food, which helped him recover somewhat before he let his chief of staff in.

“I just received orders from the military that the First Star System Army will continue to execute the Goalkeeper Plan, launching a counterattack on Palancy and Bilbrin,” Oswald-Tesick said slowly. “In addition, the Hegemony super star destroyer will return to Coruscant.”

The chief of staff paused for a moment, then said, "If the Northern Fleet agrees to join us in a pincer attack on the separatists, I think we can at least retake Palancy. As for Bilblin, I'm afraid that will be difficult."

“I don’t think the Northern Fleet will operate with us,” Oswald Tessik said. “Dunne Wessex has a good reason: the Kingdom of Dawn is currently threatening the planet Palin-Minor, and he must ensure the safety of the North. Otherwise, once the Kingdom of Dawn breaches the North, they will have no worries about their rear, and the Empire’s north will face a devastating military threat.”

The chief of staff said angrily, "That's utter nonsense! We all know that the Dawn Kingdom could never have the military strength to threaten both Palin-Minor planet and the core area at the same time!"

"The problem is that His Majesty the Emperor will listen to Dunn Wessex, but he may not believe what we say," Marshal Tesik said. "Therefore, the only thing we can do is fight the Kingdom of Dawn to the death, and use the lives of countless soldiers under our command to prove our loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor. Every warship and every soldier will become proof of the Empire's loyalty."

"What exactly did we do wrong?" The chief of staff's tone was already tinged with sorrow.

"Our greatest mistake is failing to share His Majesty's burdens," Marshal Tesik said coldly. "Begin preparations for battle, execute... Goalkeeper Plan!"

The chief of staff shook his head and said, "Right now, we still need to regroup the three squadrons that retreated from the direction of Palancy, and we also need to send more fleets to block several fronts, including Reecee, Borleias, and Uviuy! Where are we going to find enough mobile forces to launch a counterattack?!"

"Abandon defense and attack directly. Relocate the garrison on Scipio, let the retreating squadron rest here, and then I will personally lead the main force to attack Palancy!" Oswald-Tesick said decisively. "We have two Executor-class super star destroyers; we still have a chance in this battle!"

After thinking for a moment, the chief of staff finally nodded.

Marshal Tesik continued, "Have the border outposts monitor the movements of the Dawn Kingdom fleet as closely as possible, and withdraw the fleet that went to reinforce them. The farther the Dawn Kingdom goes, the more advantageous it is for us! Go and carry it out!"

"Yes!"

After the chief of staff left, Marshal Tesik was left alone. He looked up and stared at the dark ceiling, lost in thought.

……

The heart of the empire, the palace, the throne room.

Palpatine stood beside the towering throne, gently stroking the throne made of rare materials. The material was sturdy yet warm to the touch, and very comfortable to sit on.

“Tell me. Why…why are there so many fools who risk their lives for this thing?” Palpatine gave a twisted smile.

“Because we haven’t killed enough of those petty villains,” Darth Vader’s deep voice rang out. “That makes many of them think they have a chance.”

“Hehehehe…I see. You’re right, Darth Vader. Hehehehe…” Palpatine chuckled, then his expression suddenly hardened, and he asked in a low voice, “Then tell me…what made you so late that I had you on standby around Coruscant?”

“The Technological Alliance was involved in this rebellion, and I received news that Skako has declared independence,” Darth Vader said in a deep voice.

"Oh! You've come at just the right time! Just when I had the situation under control, you appeared... Hehehehe. Is this your keen judgment?" Palpatine mocked.

“The rebellion on Skako is of great importance. I have arranged the fleet deployment as quickly as possible and am coming to Coruscant immediately,” Darth Vader said.

"Thanks to your timely arrival, Zhalin's rebellion failed. I must reward your loyalty handsomely, hehehehe..."

“This is my duty, and I dare not ask for any reward.” Palpatine slowly walked down the steps, his eyes gleaming in the shadows. “My duty? Oh right, my duty… Hehehehehe.”

Darth Vader didn't speak; only his heavy breathing continued.

Huff... puff...

Huff... puff...

Huff... puff...

"What do you think of the goalkeeper program?" Palpatine suddenly changed the subject.

“This plan is very risky and potentially dangerous,” Darth Vader said slowly. “The First Star Force was originally intended for the defense of Coruscant.”

“But how can you win without taking risks? This should be your favorite strategy, shouldn’t it? Anakin… Skywalker. Hehehehe…” Palpatine let out another twisted, dark laugh. “Besides, although Coruscant’s defenses are incredibly weak, if it’s threatened, you’ll definitely lead your army back immediately to fight alongside me… right? Hehehehe…”

“For your safety, my Lord, I will give my all, even my life,” Darth Vader replied.

“Very good…very…very good! Hahahaha.” Palpatine laughed loudly, drawing out his words. “Go, let the flames of Skako light the prologue to the Goalkeeper Project! Hahahaha!”

“Yes, sir.” Darth Vader knelt on one knee, bowed respectfully, and then withdrew.

……

The black Lambda-class shuttle took off, and Darth Vader stood in front of the porthole, looking through the reinforced glass at Coruscant, the planet gleaming with metallic luster, in the direction of the Imperial Palace.

“Investigate what exactly the ‘Shadow Hand’ is,” Darth Vader said slowly. “Where exactly is the Fifth Army of the Galactic Empire located? What is its organization?”

"Yes, my lord." A blurry figure in a black robe suddenly appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee.

As soon as the words were spoken, the figure vanished as if it had never existed.

Darth Vader remained standing, gazing at Coruscant, his heavy breathing rhythmic.

Huff... puff...

Huff... puff...

Huff... puff...

……

Planet Palansi, the base of the main northern fleet of the Dawn Kingdom.

An intelligence officer walked briskly inside the Titan warship, the Divine Messenger. The bridge command center was unusually busy today, with a large number of people moving around, each carrying a large number of documents and constantly performing their duties.

The intelligence officer approached the control panel and urgently told General Trench, "General! An urgent telegram from Military Intelligence: the Galactic Empire may launch a full-scale offensive against Palancy in the near future." (End of Chapter)