The Great Shepherd of the Empire

The growing insurgence of the Rebellion had reached new heights. Pockets of battle were lighting up all across the galaxy by the terrorists in increasing frequency. It was a troubling matter. Equipment was destroyed, their people killed or captured; the Rebels were making a mess of things. What's worse is that several Moffs had been injured in those attacks, one still swam in bacta and it was uncertain if he would live.

Couple this with the recent assassination attempts on Anar's and the High Inquisitor's life, the citizens of the Empire were restless and frightened.

Miranda had tried to spin the attacks on cowardly tactics by the Rebellion to scare the people into joining them. It worked, but only to a point. Reports estimated that sympathizers for the Rebellion increased by 15% and were rising since. She could only charm the people for so long, and Miranda was only one person with authority to keep her sector quiet. Doldur was ruled with an iron fist that would have made her Grandfather proud. Other Moffs used similar tactics to keep the peace, but there were many a politician that enjoyed the money and power more then snuffing out insurgents. Their paycheck was more important then the uniform they wore. It made her sick.

Now Moff Tarkin sat in her chair designated to Doldur within the former Senatorial Rotunda. It had been renovated for the Moffs after the Senate was dissolved by Palpatine. The current topic, increasing sanctions on known planets that support the Rebellion, was almost over. Miranda was bored with it and seconded a motion to dissolve the discussion because it was foolish to believe that a planet that had underground means to move people and supplies would be hurt by this.

They were almost overruled, but the majority of the Moffs saw the wisdom and would reconvene in one hour to discuss other options.

Tarkin talked with no one but her aides. Infuriated with how the Governors accomplished nothing for three hours, she ignored any attempts that they tried to gain her attention and left to grab some coffee for a brainstorming session in her chambers.

A trio of figures looked over the old senate chambers from the Grand Concourse. In the days of the old republic the hall ringing the central chambers would be lined with Coruscant Guardsmen. In the present Imperial Stormtroopers took their place. Governments rose and fell everyday in the galaxy, but some things never changed.

The centermost of the three wore a face of disgust. Karl Valten had no care for politics even during Palpatine’s reign, but as he looked on, the peril of the Imperium looked back clearer than ever. Governors arguing, aides scurrying, and repulsor pods floating in every direction, no solutions…and the central podium remained empty. It was pure chaos in the Inquisitor’s eye; the Empire’s leaders were in chaos.

His eyes fell on the exasperated governor of the Doldur Sector. The Grand Inquisitor had never met her in person, but every citizen in the Imperium knew Miranda Tarkin, the “Face of the Empire”. As the moffs shuffled out for their recess, Valten’s observations of the proceedings played through his mind. Inquisitor Helghast was right it seemed; though Karl would have to judge for himself.

“She is leaving, should we follow?”

A male voice spoke from the Grand Inquisitor’s left shoulder. His short military cut was flecked with white and silver, but looked far from physically old. His eyes were the feature that made him seem the oldest. They appeared to have seen too much in almost too short a time.

“No, you will follow her. Invite the good Governor to the Cathedral” The edges Valten’s lips twitched into a smile. “We do this the politician way.”

The other, a female traced a finger along the transparisteel. Shoulder length raven hair, attractive figure, and a smile that would make a rancor cower in a corner. “And me?”

Karl pulled flat-screen from his robes and handed it to the woman. “Moff Lorbar, take a squad and arrest him. Make sure it is seen, it should be enough to have the proceedings postponed.”

“Veritas Vincit, Grand Inquisitor” An ivory dagger lined carved with intricate runes found itself into his hands as the Agents left. The blade slowly twirled between his fingers.

“Veritas vincit, indeed”

Insider her chambers, Governor Tarkin was pacing around back and forth behind her desk while her aide, Amanda Sinclair, took notes.

"What we need is a show of force. The Empire should concentrate their efforts alongside Intel. If we can find a major stronghold of Rebel insurgents and wipe them out, that would not only set them back, but show our citizens that we're actually doing something instead of bickering and whining all session about what they can't do!" Amanda was jarred by the Moff slamming her fists into the desk. "They're worse then children!"

Children that wanted power. Anar could only do so much in the interim, but with Palpatine gone, certain Moffs were funneling credits from the coffer to fight the Rebellion into their own pockets. Miranda's idea would work if she had support, but the lazy Moffs rather ride out the vacuum of leadership for as long as possible. It wasn't that no one was on her side, she had plenty.

The Moffs were almost split down the middle. Some welcomed her in respect to her Grandfather and Father. They knew she had his intelligence and ruthlessness that made worlds tremble. But she also portrayed a softness and understanding that the people could relate to; convince them that Imperial policies were for their own good.

The others hated that she was a woman. Their chauvinist attitudes were hindering progress, and it was more then apparent today by the almost overruling. She had to stand up and explain the futility of the motion thoroughly, which wasted time.

She fell into her desk chair and took a deep breath to settle her nerves. That was when a call came in. It was Wren. "Governor? There's an Inquisitor Salas here to see you."

Wren Hierax was also a member of the Inquisitoriate. She had taken over as her secretary and doubled as a bodyguard. With the information implicating Executor Sevon with the recent assassination attempts, Inquisitor Helghast thought it prudent she had extra protection.

"The Moffs are reconvening shortly and I cannot be late. Ask him if he can reschedule." She rather stay and chat with him, but Salas arrived unannounced and Miranda cannot afford to arrive late. It would be more ammo against her.

"He says it's urgent, Ma'am."

She sighed and checked her chronometer. There was 30 minutes left until session. That afforded the Inquisitor 15.

"All right. But only briefly."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The doors opened and Salas entered. Amanda made herself inconspicuous as the Inquisitor bowed before Governor Tarkin. "Greetings, Moff Tarkin. I apologize for the short notice of my visit."

"No apologies needed however your time is short." She motioned to Amanda to start getting her things in order for the meeting. "So please forgo the pleasantries. You said it's urgent?"

"Yes, Governor. High Inquis..."

However, he was cut off by Wren's voice over the comm. "Governor Tarkin? I'm terribly sorry for the interruption, but the session has been delayed indefinitely."

It was clearly evident that Miranda was not pleased by this news. "Why?" she demanded.

"Moff Lorban has been arrested. No further information is available at this time except he was seen taken by an Inquisitor squad shortly after the meeting was adjourned for break."

Her eyes immediately rose up to Salas' still form. He betrayed nothing. His stoic figure merely waited patiently for the Moff to finish her call. "Thank you, Wren. Keep me updated as more information comes in."

"Of course Governor."

"Well," Miranda's arms extended outward with an inviting face, "Seems my schedule has been cleared by unfortunate events. I'm all ears, Inquisitor."

He nodded dutifully, "High Inquisitor Valten has extended an invitation to meet with him at the Citadel, Governor." His eyes shifted to her aide. "And only you."

It was only because Miranda was so in control of her outward appearance that she did not blanch. No one got invited to the Citadel of the Inquisitoriate unless it was something extremely important. Otherwise it meant a death sentence. Usually it was the later. This had to be about Executor Sevon and considering the importance of his betrayals, the Inquisitoriate staged an arrest to get the time they wanted. They could do that. They were the will of the Empire, but it wouldn't surprise her if they had something on Moff Lorban anyway.

Miranda stood up and straightened her uniform jacket, excited about this honor but continued keep her feelings in check. "Then lead the way, Inquisitor."

Inquisitor Salas led Moff Tarkin to the landing pad restricted for use by the Moff and their aides. Instead of an armoured limosine or even an Inquisitorial gunship, a strange split-hull starship painted a deep ebony and traced in crimson sat docked on the pad. Flanking the deployed boarding ramp of the Inquisitorial corvette was a squad of troopers donned in the black stormtrooper armor of the Inquisition.

Miranda was escorted to a well furnished state room accompanied by Salas. The trip from the Senate District to the Palace District was a short one and conversation stayed light with Salas betraying no hint as to what Valten wished to discuss.

The Inquisitor was sure to turn on the rooms viewscreeens, bordering the wall of the chamber as the ship approached the Inquisitorial Citadel. The complex was comparable in size to the Imperial Palace and rose high above the cityscape, but few had the pleasure of viewing its intricate design up close.

Seven black towers loomed like sentinels over the surrounding buildings, each one carved with flowing runes written in the ancient High Galactic script, images of the strength and purity of the Imperium adorned entire faces, and dozens of parapets lined by regal obsidian statues of Imperial heroes.

The ship flew past the Central Administration building, the only tower that was partially accessible to the public, and on towards the largest spire. The building affectionately known as the Cathedral was the heart and soul of the Inquisition. Located at the center of the complex with the other towers arranged in a hexagon around it, the Cathedral remained isolated from the rest of Imperial Centre. If it was claimed that the any weapon capable of destroying the Senate Building would also have to be powerful enough to destroy the entire planet, the Cathedral would probably still remain.

Upon landing Salas lead the Governor through a set of great doors lined by Inquisitoriate insignia, blood red, hanging from the ceiling in long flags the length of three men's height. The Inquisitor had never been on this level before and doubted he would ever be brought here again.

This particular floor seemed to consist of multiple massive chambers filled with displays holding what looked like aeon-old artifacts, relics confiscated by the Inquisition for study or for were presumed tainted.

“Thank you, Inquisitor. You may leave.” Grand Inquisitor Valten was found in a vaulted chamber, at its center a towering statue of the late Emperor Palpatine. In each of the four corners stood a soldier in heavy blood-red armor that made each seem like miniature tank than a soldier.

Valten waited for Salas and the guards to exit before turning to face Miranda with a smile and a bow. “Madame Governor, I thank you for sparring your time. It is an honor to have a Tarkin grace us.”

Miranda felt a sense of awe and wonder as she stared at Palpatine's towering visage. It stirred something within her that she hadn't felt since his death. Pride. Pride that had been slowly dwindling since her time amongst the Moffs. But now, standing within the shadow of his monument, a renewed sense of vigor had been sparked to make sure the Empire did not implode upon itself.

Inquisitor Valten's voice was muffled at first while Miranda was lost in a daydream. She refocused her attentions upon him and nodded in great respect. "It is my honor to be invited to the Great Citadel. My time is yours."

Which was true. It was under Valten's orders, no doubt, that this window of opportunity was created.

Revelation of a renewed faith was a beautiful thing in the eyes of the Inquisitoriate, as much as the dark souls of the Imperium could find beauty in anything. Faith in the strength of the Empire, faith in the purity of its path, faith that kindled hope and resolve as the darkness closed in from all sides. Every Inquisitorial structure housed the statue of the Emperor as a symbol of their purpose in the galaxy.

That Miranda found the same strength that the inquisitors found gave heart to Valten. And Helghast had seen the potential and the conviction. The man had come much farther than Karl had ever expected.

“I have to thank you for your confession on Executor Sevon’s treachery. You’ve provided us with significant evidence at your own risk.”

The file Tarkin had provided given shed irrefutable light on Sevon’s designs for the throne at any cost and gave wind to just how deep his corruption ran. From what was understood he had offered Miranda a great deal of power if she were to side with him. It was a proud thing to see her stand by the Empire’s foundations, nowadays it seemed that every person could be bought.

Miranda felt ashamed, but it was only a fleeting thought. The executor had promised her a great many things that had been longed denied. Power and title that were always dangled out in front of her and quickly snatched away for the same reasons she had half the support of the Moffs.

"It was my pleasure to hand over the information. I just hope that something can be done before the Executor can further destabilize a rocky foundation since Emperor Palpatine's death." She frowned, "Already his assassination attempts have the citizens scared, and not in a productive way."

Imperial citizens were to be ruled by fear and intimidation. It only help manners further if they happened to like you and they thought of you as your savior. And that's what Palpatine was. Their savior. He brought order to the galaxy and her Grandfather helped by bringing, and in some instances, creating fear.

“That issue has been solved in part. We set a trap for the assassin and she took the bait. You know of Lileana De’Ville, she’s convinced herself she is following the wishes of her old Jedi master; she is nothing but a corrupt maverick!”

That annoying bitch had made a personal enemy out of Karl Valten, he still bore the scars from his encounter with her…and he would make sure to keep them until he had her head. Unfortunately during the capture she had been able to take down a top-secret Imperial lab in the process. The asset hadn’t managed to tag the target fast enough for Project Nightmare to prevent the damage. An angry growl rumbled from his throat and the Inquisitor slammed a fist into one of the obsidian artifact pedestals.

“We obtained a full confession regarding her involvement with the Executor, but De’Ville managed to escape during transfer to a secure facility with assistance from an unknown organization.”

His underlings had been entirely convinced that those assisting were Mandalorians. From recordings of the ordeal, Valten was inclined to agree, but he could not spend the resources to chase a minor possibility.

“However she has fled for now and Sevon will be on his guard. He will not have the throne.”

It probably wasn't the answer Miranda was looking for, but Valten wasn't playing games with her.

This information disturbed Miranda deeply for several reasons. A Force user was running around freely, a very powerful Force user at that. To avoid capture by the Inquisitors was not a simple feat. But what was worse is that Sevon was aligning himself with a Force user to do his bidding.

"His betrayal runs deeper then I could ever anticipate. To bargain with a Force user to do his dirty work. A Force user he should have been hunting down in the first place." Her tone was sharp, angered by this news. But it was not directed at Valten. She was merely stating disapproving facts. "At least there's enough evidence to ensure his hypocrisies will not come anywhere near the throne."

Valten glanced up at the towering form of Palpatine, the Executor’s corruption was only one part of the danger the Empire was in. Others, too, were beginning to develop selfish notions of power and glory. Even some within the Inquisitoriate were starting to lose their faith in the Doctrine. Inquisitor Valten had been forced to acts bordering heresy just to hold the Inquisition together.

“The Articles of Formation prevent me from taking direct action against the Executor. By Imperial Law both the Grand Inquisitor and the Executor responsible solely to the Emperor.”

Valten turned his gaze back to the Moff. Not many, even the politicians knew the intricacies of power the Emperor had created with his more shadowed organizations. And those current laws were endangering the security of the Imperium. Valten placed no blame on the Emperor, the Executor and the Grand Inquisitor were to be the most loyal subjects to the cause, free from fantasies of personal gain.

“In the current state of the Empire this stalemate will only continue until everything simply falls apart. I’ve sworn to prevent this from happening, but it seems to do so I must break the very Doctrine I believe in.”

The Inquisitor stepped away from the statue with his arms spread, the emotion he usually kept hidden was starting to rise.

“I am not a leader and I will not be a warlord. The Imperium cannot survive without and Emperor to guide it and cleanse the taint of corruption.”

Moff Tarkin agreed with the High Inquisitor fully. Each day that passed without the Emperor, the Empire decayed that much quicker and lazy politicians corrupted by greed delayed such an action, no matter how boisterous that opinion was in session to crown a new one.

"Then we are caught in an unfortunate situation the Emperor did not foresee," she said with much understanding and appreciation of the situation. "Whatever evidence we have, no matter how damning, Sevon will continue to have his title and power. That is unless you wish to act, but that compromises your principles. Something I sympathize with you greatly, but something needs to be done. No one can decide who should take the throne. Anar is the likely candidate, but he doesn't have enough support. Especially with how deep the corruption runs now, and I know the Inquisitors will prevent Sevon from taking it through bloodshed."

A civil war had to be prevented. The Rebellion could swoop inside the chaos surrounding the Empire and finally pull the rug from beneath them. Minimal struggle was key, but what?

“These games of political intrigue are not something I am used to dealing with. If something must be done here, we do it, there is no debate.”
Valten motioned towards a side chamber hewn into the obsidian wall. The room looked to be furnished as a private study, though artifacts mounted on the wall, including several lightsabers, made it seem more like a museum curator’s office than that of an Inquisitor.

“You are also one of the few Moffs who have been able to keep your sector taint free and Inquisitor Helghast seems to have taken a liking to you; impressive in itself.

The Grand Inquisitor offered a seat to Miranda before setting himself down in another chair. If Karl were to go along with Inquisitor Helghast’s ideas, he needed to know more about Miranda’s resolve and integrity. If she had the unfaltering will to do what was necessary and uphold Palpatine’s grand vision for the galaxy.

“Which is why I’d like your assessment of what needs to be done, from a political standpoint.”

Inquisitor Helghast liked her? That was indeed something. To be on the good side of the Inquisitors was one thing, to actually be liked was another. Miranda had their respect and that was a powerful prospect. Her words would have merit to Valten and be taken into consideration. It was time to prove to the High Inquisitor she was worthy of being noticed by one of his people.

"First you need to remove the corrupted governors. I believe the best way to address this issue without causing waves within the Empire is to stage Rebel attacks, which would result in their unfortunate demise." She rested her elbows against the arms of the chair and continued. "The Rebellion continues to assault us because they know we're leaderless and divided. This will rally our people against the Rebels and show the others Moffs that something needs to be done. It solves two problems at once, and with your permission, I could line up potential candidates who would take their place. They would have the qualities suited for promoting the Empire's policies and showing support against the Rebellion."

It was a radical idea, but the Empire needed to be cleansed. Parasites were sucking the life out of its resources and energy, and they needed to be cut away before more damage was done. And if spun correctly, it would cause more anger to be directed at the Rebellion as the people cried out for revenge.

She sighed. "Perhaps you witnessed some of our meeting, if you could call it that? It was a mess of bickering and egos for the most part. A lot of them are good leaders, they're just enjoying the chance to be vocal since no one is overseeing them any longer."

A cruel smile onto the Grand Inquisitor’s face, like looking into the jaws of a grinning dragon. It was the first time he betrayed a hint of the darkness that boiled beneath his skin to anyone outside of the Inquisition. She thought like him, meeting multiple objectives with one stroke of the pen. Miranda was truly worthy of the Tarkin. And for her to be delegated to being a simple Moff after so much service to the Imperium, it was abomination!

Valten leaned forward, eager at the prospect of finally restoring the Empire to order. He would no longer have to deal with this political intrigue as he had been over the last several months.

“Political-gains operations are well within our capabilities.” Valten’s eyes filled with ice. “But the populace cares little about attacks on the military. As long as they have their peace and their luxuries the do not care what happens on the front lines. If we want to sway the people, we will have to persuade them where they care.”


The gears where already whirring in his head, he knew of a way that the people would respond, and it would take very little effort. The plan remained unvoiced, the Inquisitoriate had no qualms when it came to executing civilians if need be. Witnesses were not tolerated by the Inquisitors.

“And many Moffs are comfortable with their aristocratic birthright and status. Examples will need to be made. Publicly."

There was a spark within Valten's eyes. It was a spark of dark malice that laid in hibernation underneath that cool exterior. She only saw a glint of it, but recognized it. People like her Grandfather, Lord Vader and the Emperor himself would smile like that, causing a shiver to run down the spine of simple men, forcing them to stand straight or cower in fear.

She smiled, full of confidence and viciousness. "Simple. You control the damning evidence, High Inquisitor. There are quite a few Moffs, Admirals and civilian political figures that are under the sway of Sevon. Choose your targets," she rose a finger in caution, "but not too many. Only a few need to be arrested to drive the point home. Otherwise it will look as if we can't control our own people. That is an image we don't want our citizens taking home. Political corruption is not new. It will blow over with time."

Excellent, most excellent indeed. A familiar feeling flowed through Valten’s veins, something he had not often felt since attaining his current position. It was like cleansing energy, one that cleared the mind and instilled a vigorous sense of faith. The Inquisitors did not know what to call it, only that it solidified their resolve in the darkest of situations. Heretics called it insanity and reckless bloodlust, but Valten and several others believed it to be the Will of the Emperor sustaining them.

“Madame Governor, my discretion in such matters is...” Valten fumbled around for an adequate term. “…lacking.” Karl was ingrained with the notion that all corruption was to be eradicated; he did allow many things to slide if they were in the interest of the Imperium. But what Miranda spoke of was outside of his territory, it should be up to the Executor or the Emperor. But one was selfishly insane and the other gone.

“I highly agree, but the Empire will not unite behind the Inquisition; nor should they. It is not in the best interest of either.”

The Grand Inquisitor reached a hand into his robes and removed a small box no bigger than a power cell. Its polished wooden surface inlaid with a gold Imperial crest. “I have convened with the other High Inquisitors and we feel that this is the best path for the Empire.”

Valten almost reverently set the box on the table and slid it toward Miranda.

Miranda studied the High Inquisitor, searching for a possible clue as to what was hidden inside the box. Still he betrayed nothing, but there Valten sat, full of resolution and pride. It was strange seeing how a small wooden box could humble a man of his stature.

Gazing upon the Imperial Crest always gave Miranda a swelling sense of pride. It reminded her how her Grandfather was there at the very beginning when Palpatine's Empire was born.

She leaned forward and slid the box closer. The wood was smooth and cool to the touch. There was a small latch in front of the box that easily snapped open with a flick of her thumb.

The times that Miranda had lost her composure could be counted on one hand by three fingers. When Grand Moff Tarkin died, her angered face streaming with tears was broadcasted from one end of the galaxy to the other. The other was when her Father died at Endor. Her grief was not as dramatic but she wasn't herself for several days. Then of course there was Sorsha and that idiot Tarn ...

As she pulled the top back, Miranda's eyes widened in surprise and turned to the High Inquisitor remarkably confused. What he had given her was the Imperial signet that Palpatine had used personally to document items that came from his desk.

Her mouth hung open and then closed as her lips rolled together in thought, trying to find the correct wording, but for once in her life, Miranda didn't know what to say. And she always knew what to say.

The shock on the governor’s face did not come as a surprise to Valten. Most of the Emperor’s personal effects were assumed to have been lost at Endor or had vanished with the few remaining Royal Guards. But the Inquisition had sent agents to collect as many that remained. Inquisitor Helghast was leading a team himself to track down lost artifacts taken by rogue Guardsmen after Palpatine’s death.

“Miranda…” It was the first and most likely only time he would directly use her first name. “…we know that the Imperium cannot survive without someone on the throne, someone who has the support of the people and the will to uphold the values of Palpatine. As you say, Chancellor Anar does not have the support and the other moffs just squabble.”

Karl gestured towards Miranda. “The “Face of the Empire” is what the call you, is it not? And you’ve more than proven your dedication. If you so wish, the Inquisition will stand alongside you and the throne.”

The Face of the Empire indeed! And now she would be called Empress. With the Inquisitors on her side, the rest would have no choice but to accept her position. They were Palaptine's Elite; The word of the Empire and Imperial Law. And couple that with the citizens of the Empire, her power would be absolute.

"I am humbled by your choice. Such matters are not easy to debate, especially in a time as ours when our need is desperate," she said quietly, still gazing at the signet, her signet, with adoration and awe. "I accept this great honor and thank you."

It was not out of duty or obligation that those words thank you escaped her lips. Miranda was honestly grateful that she would be given the opportunity to help bring their Empire out of the chaotic slump it has turned into, which was spiraling out of control between the infighting and increase in Rebel attacks. They could have chose anyone, but they chose her. Never in her dreams did she ever believe she would ascend to the throne ...

She managed to tear herself away from it and closed the box with authority. The stunned Governor was gone in that instant, returned the cool and collective Miranda, whose mind was already racing with possibilities. "When this goes public, those that oppose me in government will more then likely seek to discredit me through covert ways. They would be too stupid to do it openly. I predict quite a few assassination attempts."

“I have been planning for eventualities of the sort.” Valten made a gesture with his hand and several figures clad in blood-red armor melted out of the shadows. How they had been able to remain unnoticed and silent in the heavy power-suits was a mystery. They kneeled before Miranda laying disruptor rifles on the stone floor.

“Empress.” As one they extended a hand, each gripping a small metallic cylinder; pledging their lightsabers in service to the new ruler of the Empire.
Many people heard rumors about the Inquisitoriate, nightmare figures that came in the night to take away those who doubted the cause of the Empire and left no trace. Few believed that they even existed, fewer even would lay eyes on an Inquisitor, and almost no one knew that many within the Inquisitoriate possessed the same power as those they persecuted.

“The Crimson Guard are my best and most loyal soldiers, they have not failed me yet.”

“ We expect many dissenters when the announcement comes, even a few within the Inquisition may oppose one not hand chosen by Palpatine, my Guardsmen are already in place where the most likely of our problems may appear. I suggest that we gather as many allies when the public announcement comes. ”