Embassy Wars — Episode V: The fleeing of the storm troopers (posted July 9)
With the Death Star construction under way, the leaders of the rebellion were struggling to devise a plan to prevent further deterioration of their planet. The Emperor and his newly formed Alliance continued to receive charitable gifts from several foundations in the private sectors of the solar system. Meanwhile, the chief storm trooper was trying to determine how he would fight the Tuskin Raiders without a fully staffed Imperial army of storm troopers.
Chief storm trooper: Captain, we need to call all the command staff together for an important meeting.
Captain: Chief, may I ask what this meeting will encompass?
Chief storm trooper: I have received unfortunate news from Darth Manager. The Emperor has ordered the Federation funds that were to be used for new Tie Fighters to be placed in a fund to achieve a balance in the force.
Captain: Yes, chief, perhaps a meeting is in order since it is well known that this latest scheme will cause many storm troopers to flee to other solar systems and serve there.
A meeting was planned in the upper deck of the Imperial star destroyer. As the chief storm trooper gazed from his quarters at the Death Star construction, he soon realized that this would cause his army to suffer. A captain entered his quarters and advised him of the meeting date.
Chief storm trooper: This meeting is called to order, and the minutes are hereby recorded. I have unfortunate news to unveil. Darth Manager, by the order of the Emperor, has frozen the use of the Federation seizure funds. These funds were to be used to purchase a squadron of new Tie Fighters; however, the Emperor saw fit to use it to achieve a balance in the force.
Captain, blue sector 7: Chief, with all due respect, why then are we continuing to use our storm troopers to seize space smugglers’ assets if we do not profit from it? With our resources spread thin all over the galaxy, we are ill equipped to handle this planet’s domestic troubles.
Chief storm trooper: Darth Manager has assured me that in due time we will be able to access the funds, perhaps as soon as two years from now.
Captain, red sector 4: Chief, all of our veteran storm troopers are leaving the Imperial army and fleeing to other galaxies to serve them. We will soon be overpowered by the Tuskin raiders, and our planet will suffer further losses.
Chief: Does anyone here have any suggestions on how to handle this dilemma? I do not wish to call on Jabba the Hutt and his sail barge for help, but this may be a last alternative.
The captains of each sector discussed the issue and concluded that Darth Manager would need to approach the Emperor and make a plea for the use of the Federation funds.
Meanwhile, at the Beckford command ship, Darth Manager was having a discussion with the Emperor.
Darth Manager: Master, I sense a disturbance in the force.
Emperor: Yes, lord manager, I sense it also. It appears that Princess Elissa plans to do battle with my prize Padawan, Darth Wester. She continues to question my plans and now threatens to control votes on the council.
Darth Manager: Master, perhaps I should train young Wester in the skills of “Smoke and Mirrors.” With the appropriate training, he would make a great adversary to Princess Elissa during the election debates.
Emperor: Very well, it seems you have truly harnessed the power of the dark side as I foresaw.
Darth Manager met with Padawan Wester as the emperor instructed.
Darth Manager: My young Padawan, I have been approved by the Emperor to train you in the ancient art of smoke and mirrors. The Emperor himself has appointed you as a member of the newly formed Alliance. He expects total allegiance.
Padawan Wester: I do not feel I need any further training. I have been on the council for a number of years, and I am the senior member.
Darth Manager: Your feelings betray you, young Wester. You must control your temper so that you may deceive all who will listen. No one will ever be convinced of your opinions if you continue to flare off at your opponents. The dark side of the force is powerful, but once you master it, your deceptive power will be unstoppable.
Padawan Wester: Lord manager, will you teach me this skill?
Darth Manager: Yes, and the Emperor will be pleased to know that his newly appointed Alliance member will soon be skilled enough to handle the Princess of Chavasse.
Padawan Wester: Do not worry, lord manager, her skills are no match for the Alliance. The dark side of the force will prevail.
As Padawan Wester left the command ship, Darth Manager returned to the Forest of Wake in his Imperial shuttle to live in a safe haven among the Ewoks.
Further episodes to come!