As the Force Weeps (Battle of Coruscant)

[Dmitri]

The Galactic Congress Hall had fallen, now in enemy hands. This portrayal mirrored the rest of the planet. One by one, what had been regalia of the Galactic Alliance's pride were being stripped away to Imperial ownership. The battle's outcome was a harbinger, heralding what would reflect across the galaxy. The Galactic Alliance had fallen, destined to wither into non-existence. Fragments may rebel, but would be chipped away, the cancerous chaos. Soon Order was in Geist Weiss' vision. Soon the galaxy would know stability and peace, it would know Order.

However, the agents of pandemonium needed to be stamped out. Geist Weiss and Darth Vereor had led a campaign against the Galactic Alliance, the highlight of Galactic Alliance's presence on the planet. First, Weiss had infiltrated the planet as Prince Cane Es Cade, leaking intelligence to imperial agents using the plumbing. He had confirmed Chief of State Nathaneau Bastele and Grandmaster Sigur Vainkainen were in the capital, the latter an unexpected delight. Darth Vereor had led the attack on the Congress Hall and had fought Vainkainen, slaying the monk. Weiss and a Sith Master named Barrel Nidhogg were to target Bastele: Weiss to find him, Nidhogg to capture or kill him. However, Nidhogg had taken too long. Weiss' farce was discovered and was attacked by an Imperial Knight. Before being forced to execute a tactical retreat, Weiss had managed to hit Bastele with a grenade. A later transmission from Bastele to the entire planet demonstrated the damage it had inflicted. It was unknown if the man had survived his grievous injuries. For Nidhogg's sake, he better have, else he would be answering to Vereor why he had failed to get to Bastele and neutralize him. Worse, the man had done a poor job coordinating an attack. It had resulted in the loss three shuttles, twenty-seven Stormtroopers, eleven Sith, and thirty-eight civilian prisoners. It was a catastrophe for Nidhogg, one Weiss suspected the Sith Master would not survive.

Weiss however had other matters to occupy his thoughts. After organizing some men to strip the Congress Hall of its archives, the location which he provided with his intelligence, he had taken the Administrator to a Titan-class Star Destroyer called Mother Ruusan. It was the flagship of High Marshall Konstantine Arkyadvich. With the Star Destroyer Redemption still at Empress Teta, Konstantine had allowed Weiss to use the ship as a temporary base of operations for his team. Nidhogg however was not privy, instead transferred to another ship where he awaited Darth Vereor's judgment.

Upon his arrival on the ship, he was given a summon to meet the High Marshall in the observation deck. He courteously accepted the invitation, and made his way to the observation deck. From the glass, the carnage of battle bled the skies with smoke. Seeing Konstantine, Geist remarked, "Greetings, Konstantine Arkyadvich." It was known to the entire imperial forces evacuation was necessary. Geist, with his hypotheses, suspected Vereor had something under his sleeve, as he had gone immediately to another Titan-class Star Destroyer, stationed above the Jedi Temple. If they planned to do anything with the Force, a greater distance would be favorable. "I offer as advice, but it may be to our benefit to enter apogee. Who knows the effects could reach us at our present location." Indeed, he had no desire to feel whatever would be laid upon the former pinnacle of Galactic Alliance power.

 

[Black Noise]

Theme​

Konstantine Arkyadvich stood silent upon the Titan class Star Destroyer, Mother Ruusan. His eyes were dark and his face scarred with an expression harder than Mandalore's himself. For the past few hours, Konstantine had stood upon the bridge giving orders. Originally, the Grand General had watched over the battles from the surface, making personally sure that his soldiers executed their duties to the fullest of their duties. He witnessed firsthand the fall of the Alliance strongholds, and the devastation of all, Imperium, Alliance, and civilians alike.

The Alliance had fallen, their planet, their strongholds in the senate, their temples, and every hiding place on the world of many worlds. Crashing to the ground in a brilliant display of burning lightsabers and singeing flesh, the protectors of the Alliance fell with the very people they pledged their lives to. The Alliance soldiers fell, almost none escaping the blaster rifles of his 501st, specially dispatched to the world to kill everyone wearing the colors of the Alliance. The 501st did their job well, they made Konstantine proud.

When it was time, he ordered the evacuation of all Imperium Military personnel, Imperium prisoners, and any non-hostile civilians they had room to carry. Konstantine was not, technically, given permission to allow civilians to be evacuated from Coruscant. But damnit all, the Corellian made sure any civilian in already secured areas, that would come willingly, was evacuated off Coruscant. More people to live and hate the Sith, perhaps, but Konstantine felt it was the right thing to do. He had an inkling of an idea of what the Dark Lord and his Empress planned, yet he knew not the full extent. Then again, he rarely knew the full extent of anything he did when it came in the form of an order from the Dark Lord or the Empress.

They awaited the last of the evacuation ships to arrive before the ascent into the apogean of space above Coruscant, and as they did the Grand General saw Geist Weiss's ship also evacuating from the world. The Sith had been allowed by Konstantine to use his flagship as a base for the Alchemist's self-run missions. Weiss was a man Konstantine knew of well, a man who worked almost solely behind the scenes. There were rumors about him, that he lead the Imperium from behind the scenes, that he was the manifestation of evil itself, and, a more popular rumor, that he could be a famous celebrity disguising himself as a Sith just to get outside.

Konstantine did not respond to the Sith immediately, rather, he hesitated for but a moment as he made a waving motion to his comms officer. Seconds later, the fleet rose en masse, moving higher out of the Coruscanti atmosphere. Without turning to Geist, the cold voiced soldier responded.
"Greetings, Geist Weiss. I assume your mission was a success. And agreed, it is a mystery what our Dark Lord and Empress could have planned for-"
At that moment, Konstantine ceased to speak, his eyes drawn down to the surface as the massive Dark Force Nexus could be viewed from space.

To say it made the Grand General hesitate, was an understatement. The man stopped fully, and clutched at his chest as the ships rose higher and he could feel the deaths of millions. Millions, possibly billions, were dying, agonizing, horrible deaths. And even though the Soldier was not Force Sensitive, he could feel it to a degree. Even the deaf can see men scream.

The ship shuddered as, unbeknownst to Konstantine, they were hit with the blast of energy that was the death of Dark Lord Vereor. The fleet, almost in perfect unison, seemed to cringe beneath the weight of the power smashing across them, emanating endlessly from the void created below them. The Grand General stepped back, sighing deeply and speaking quietly.
"Through the Force, I am become Death, the Destroyer of all worlds."

 

[Dmitri]

The High Marshall wasn't blessed with Force sensitivity and consequently did not sense Geist's arrival, as the alchemist noted in a hesitation. The man took a second to consider Geist's suggestion and complied with it. With a gesture, the fleet rose. Geist stood with his decision. Andraste and Vereor were very powerful individuals. Who knew what acts they could commit with the Force. In fact, as Konstantine was greeting the illusionist, a demonstration presented itself. Pandemonium and death ravaged the planet. Geist could feel the effects of the ritual, though was able to ward them off, as they are exited the range of the attack and were only feeling the barest of effects; he courteously warded the rest of the ship as much as he could. They would feel some of it, but not as greatly as could be inflicted.

A blastwave rocked the ship. Geist found himself stumbling. Luckily he was able to balance himself quickly with a nearby console. The High Marshall composed himself too, citing a quote. Geist was uncertain if the man was quoting something or it were his own words. Nonetheless, they appeared appropriate. Still, the alchemist decided to try to consul the emotional wound.

"Indeed, such an atrocity should not be repeated frequently, if at all," Geist commented. As the Shadow Hand to Darth Vereor, though few people knew that, he was privy to speak his mind a bit more freely than the average Sith. Besides, his intentions were always geared for the Imperium. "Sometimes, such an act is needed to wake up everyone, to the realization of how much change is needed. Corruption in the Galactic Alliance shall end. Order shall be established. Not the weak corrupt Order that the Jedi protected, but a stable one. In a way, the act that is being carried out here is an example of the impact it will have on the galaxy. Have you ever heard of the New Order Complex? It goes as such: With order comes chaos, with chaos comes destruction, with destruction comes death, and with death comes new order. Hopefully the death, the losses that we shall remember here, will pave way to a new Order."

 

[Black Noise]

Konstantine shook his head silently, simultaneously listening to Geist Weiss as well as worries both about the ships that were below his own and the ones engaged in military combat elsewhere. Were they still functioning? How many of their own men were killed by this act of friendly fire? How many Imperium soldiers did not make it off Coruscant through the evacuation order in time?

Sighing deeply, Konstantine replied to the Sith Lord.
"One death is a tragedy, a statement even. But a million deaths are a statistic that will be thrown back in our faces like the dirt in the pit we have just thrown ourselves into."

Shaking his head to dispel any emotion that may have begun to show, Konstantine inquired of the Sith.
"What you have described is a vicious, never ending cycle. The new order will one day turn old, and the children of this generation will rise up against it. Using the hatred held within their hearts over this battle, rather, this slaughter, to give them strength. Such strength will be used to fight even when resistance is futile and they have nothing to fight for."

Looking back at Weiss and continuing in a level, purely inquisitive tone, he added.
"Your code speaks of peace being a lie. If so, then is not New Order impossible as well? Or must the New Order thrive upon death and suffering in order to stay strong? Must is leech off the hatred of its people and instill unfathomable fear into their hearts in order to keep them in line?"

Looking back out the viewing windows, Konstantine finished his speech.
"Do forgive my questions, I have lost good men today, friends even. There is little hope in these eyes at our present time."
Gesturing to a nearby attendant, the Imperium Grand Marshall requested a bottle of strong Corellian ale. A man unfamiliar with Konstantine may have thought he was celebrating, however his ship crew knew better than to assume as such.

 

[Dmitri]

Geist stared at the carnage. Geist had never been a fan of the plan in the first place. Worse off, the Empress and Dark Lord hadn't waited for all of the Imperium's forces yet. There was yet a confirmation that the Mandalore himself had gotten off planet, though his whereabouts and condition was unknown. Nevertheless, it was a sight that would burn into his memory.

"Indeed," Geist agreed, probably surprising the High Marshall. "This death isn't exactly necessary. We should have waited for at least our people to evacuate; their sacrifices are meaningless. Throughout the time I fought planetside, I was wondering: why did we fight? Had the Empress and Dark Lord done this at the beginning, it would have saved lives. Even then this pandemonium isn't exactly necessary. Only time will show if it was the right choice."

Konstantine's words had struck the alchemist emotionally. Geist had sought order and had done what he had done in hopes of establishing order. Yet, was this really what he wanted? He didn't even know anymore. "You speak truth. But doesn't every society attempt that? War breeds new order. Order leads to differing interests. That leads to conflict that destroys the foundation of the old, and a new order replaces it. A neverending cycle. A futile exercise. But even so, when forced into the situation, shouldn't one aim to bring order that helps their people? Isn't that the purpose of government and military capabilities?" He sighed, audibly. "To be honest, I don't know anymore. One's imagination has a tendency to view one's goals and methods through rosy lenses. That's the problem. No one knows what's right. No one knows what order should last. No one knows how to move forward in the right path. All we can do is trek forward and hope history doesn't look down upon us. This war has changed the galaxy forever. In the coming years we shall learn if what we have done was the right thing to do."

Geist was confused slightly, but Konstantine's conflicting actions. His words spoke of lament for what had transpired today, yet inquired for Corellian ale. He wondered if it meant something else for the man. He shook his head slightly. "There is nothing to seek forgiveness for. Better to speak truth than to lie and let a false truth seem real. It's one of the faults of the Sith of old. They demanded worship, rather than reality checks." He paused. "My condolences for your loss. I wish this battle had gone differently. It was the Jedi Order and the governmental Galactic Alliance that sparked this war and dragged us into conflict, not its citizens. They should not have to pay for the sins of their masters as they are. It was why I tried to save as many people as I could when I departed." He chuckled slightly, though hollow. "Fate is cruel. So many innocent civilians will perish, yet one of the people who climbed aboard my ship turned out to be an assassin, whose stained with the blood of innocents. Yet he was given a second chance while others are not given that opportunity. I think he realizes it too. He seems to want to help the Imperium keep Order in the galaxy. The irony. A man wants to help the people who ruined his home."

 

[Black Noise]

Konstantine nodded in agreement with all that the alchemist said. When the bottle of ale was brought, rather than pour into celebratory glasses, Konstantine popped the top of the cheap ale and drank deeply. It would be immediately clear to Weiss then that the High Marshal did not drink to celebrate, he drank to get drunk and drown his sorrow.

It took a lot to get the High Marshal drunk, and his speech would not even begin to slur until after at least another bottle. So while he did not yet impede his judgement, Konstantine still spoke freely as though his judgement was impeded upon by the Corellian Ale.
"Who are we. We, we are the thieves, the murderers, the evil that comes in the night to kill, steal and destroy. We, whether we deserve or not, have clawed our way to the top of this bloody, endless cycle and now we question our own existence. You are right to ask, Geist Weiss, who are we to determine the fate of the galaxy and to establish this New Order?"

Taking another swig of the, Konstantine hesitated before continuing.
"You know, Geist, I sleep at night. I sleep well in fact. Despite all the death, all of my failing, I am still able to sleep at night. It is not because of the drink that I sleep, though I will not deny its influence. No, the reason I sleep is because I know, at the end of each day, I have done my duty to the best of my ability. I have protected all whom I could, I have saved everyone I could have possibly saved, and I have brought as much peace everyday as can possibly be brought by one such as myself."

Konstantine took yet another swig. Perhaps he should not be drinking, perhaps he knew he should not be drinking. Yet now, in these times of sorrow, there was never a better reason to drink. So drink he did.
"You're right, these people do not deserve the calamity brought upon them. Not anymore than we deserve the right to govern this New Order. But the simple acts of doing our best to save who we can, protecting who we can, and bringing peace for as long as possible-"

Konstantine took one last drink, emptying the bottle before replying with a grimace.
"Those simple acts. They are sufficient. Sufficient not because of the act itself, but sufficient because our conscience demands that they must be. And that, I believe, is nearly all there is to it."

At that, Konstantine motioned for another bottle to be brought, even though it was clearly evident that his heart was neither enjoying nor wanting the drink. However, Konstantine gave his body what he knew it needed, not what it wanted, and right now, his mind needed the drink; that drink, the fair drought, it was sufficient. Sufficient not because it was, but sufficient because it must be.

 

[Dmitri]

Geist listened. Part of him wondered if he should have accepted the Corellian ale. The man was trying to drown himself in alcohol, to erase his concerns. Normally such talk could be considered treasonous, but Geist decided to let it slide, for now. From what he had heard, the man was loyal to the empire. It was unlikely he would carry out on his contemplation. The man had just seen many people die, including their own, over this invasion. Such doubts could be expected from anyone; maybe even acceptable to some crowds. After all, talk was not always actualized. Geist would keep a watchful eye on the man, of course, but for now would let it go. The alchemist considered maybe informing Vereor later if required.

"Hard to say," said Geist, finally. "But we must continue on as though we are the correct choice. Otherwise we bring shame upon the many who died to bring us to this point. We cannot give up now, not after the sacrifices we have accumulated. Such terms as thieves and murderers can be very subjective. Are we thieves or liberators? Are we murderers or soldiers carrying out a just cause. Justice is the key. Justice is a figment of imagination used to justify actions. And we will use it, must use it, to carry on forward, lest we lose our way. Uncertainty is what has cursed the Jedi Order in the past; bred weakness. We must not falter from our beliefs. History may not forgive us, but we must not think of could happen, but what must happen. Order must be established.

"We all sleep well, because even if we have doubts, we know we do what we must. What we must for our people. For the citizens of the Imperium. For the Sith and the Imperial Military. They are our motivation, our drive. If we let doubt cloud our thoughts, it will weaken us, divide us, and turn us against each other. The sins of the Sith of old were self-destructive tendencies to turn on each other. That must be corrected now. This empire has seen greater unity than ever before. And that is because we have strong leadership, strong wills. Don’t let your will falter, High Marshall. You are strong. Remember those who died here. It was through their sacrifices that we obtained victory here today. It is a time to lament and celebrate. The Galactic Alliance won’t be able to recover after this. Now more than ever we must show that we are united.”

Geist paused to observe Coruscant. They were far into orbit, away from its effects now. “Coruscant will also deter people away from helping the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi, possibly. Remember Muunilinst? Part of the reason they were targeted because they were a major benefactor towards the ELF, which had assisted the Imperial Knights in ambushing Darth Judicar on Lehon. After that event, ELF is barely alive and not many, at least that we know of, have actively sought to help the Imperial Knights. Coruscant may do the same. People may realize how serious this war is, and be dissuaded from helping the remnants of the Galactic Alliance and Jedi Order. With less allies, they have less places to hide. If we maneuver well, we may be able to end this war without having to use such tactics again. That would be preferable, but maybe not realistic? Who knows. At this point in time, all we can do is wait to see how events play out.”

He shrugged. "That is the burden you wear, High Marshall. I do not envy you. I am only a man who hides in the shadows and creates things. You have the burden of leading our military forces. You are our military's role model. If you start doubting our mission, what would happen to the military?"

 

[Black Noise]

Konstantine, slowly, reached for the new bottle that had been brought to him whilst the Alchemist spoke. The Ruusan born Corellian turned the battle over in his hands, examining the maker and various additives listed on the back. Most of what Geist said at first was a simple reflection of what Konstantine already said or was already thinking, and the man was not up to playing the politician and feign interest, not today, not today of all days.

Geist's last few sentences caused Konstantine to resist the urge to smile. A brutal 'discouragement' could just as easily become a martyrdom for people to cling upon and, rather than see as an example to not resist, rally behind as a reason to resist. He had studied well the Rebellion that, nearly a thousand years ago, brought the military power of the Imperial Empire to its knees. They, even so long ago, had fewer supporters and less of a reason to fight than these people that he knew lived in this age.

His only guiding force was his knowledge of the past and his determination to prevent repetition of events. He knew where the Jedi may hide because of his studies of where Jedi hid during the aftermath of the Mandalorian wars. He knew where rebels may hide due to his studies of the Rebel Alliance. He knew what would happen in the future, perhaps even better than the Alchemist. But he would feign as though he did not, he would pretend his doubt was founded in historical facts. Konstantine would pursue peace with the full vigor of his being, he would seek to rewrite history that others saw as the future.

Konstantine brushed off Geist's last comment. He knew his duties, he knew who he was, and he knew more than most what doubt was. Drowning himself in the next bottle, Konstantine smiled lightly.
"What will happen? I'll be replaced, simple as that. Every soldier has worth, or damn well should. But me, I'm just another man willing to follow orders. I've just happened to follow them for so long and so well that I give them now, and take them from two people alone."

 

[Dmitri]

Even through Konstantine's supposed alcohol-induced veil, the High Marshall was failing to hide the small tells that expressed on his face. It wasn't sinister, but calculative. He was thinking of something. What that was, Geist decided it would allow the man his secrets for now. The military was experiencing mixed feelings, no reason to poke at them through mental infiltration.

Geist paused, considering Konstantine's words. He claimed to be a simple man carrying orders. However, just by being in the same room as this man, he knew it was not the case. He vibrated in the Force, he was a force to be contended with, a valuable resource. Many would discount him, because he lacked Force sensitivity, but Geist had learned not to underestimate the unblessed. "I don't believe that for a second, High Marshall. You're no ordinary man, even if you wish to be. Your talents and skills, combined with your knowledge and expertise, allow you to climb above others. We may not agree on how we should fight this war, or should, hell, I know my drive for order has no true course and I only seek ways to achieve it. I am blind, but you, High Marshall, see. You see past the biases, you see people, not Sith and Jedi, Imperials and enemies. You see people as they are, a gift that lets you lead as effectively as you are. It is why, I believe, the outcome of his campaign has affected you as such. We both receive orders from two people, but our methods are different, our goals are different, but it is through people like you that both sides, Imperial and Sith, are able to work together as they do. Do not discount yourself, Konstantine Arkyadvich. You may not be Sith, and that may discredit you in some people's eyes, but that does not mean your role in all of this is insignificant."