Alliances II: Civil War II Chapter Sixty-Eight

With another ship in their small fleet, they set a course for the last known location of the Death Star, in the hope that they could rescue their captured comrades.

On board the Tempest, Koenig sat in the command chair, pondering their next move. He didn't really know those who were now guests of the Empire, but knew they could be of valuable help to the Free Federation.

His thought pattern was broken when Tony Verdeschi called to him from the tactical station.

"Captain, I'm picking up a distress call from a nearby planet, asking for help."

"Confirmed," said Bergman. "What records we have on this system identify the planet as Zykon, a class M world showing sentient humanoid life."

"It's not good, Captain," Tony continued. "A small Imperial garrison has landed there. They're asking for help."

"Contact Admiral MacCleod."

The image of Duncan MacCleod was soon on the screen before them.

"I don't know about this, John," he said.

"The message says it's only a small garrison, Admiral, trying to get them to work for the Imperials. I know we can't all go, so why not just us?"

"The Tempest? Alone? Are you sure that's wise?"

"They're asking for help, Admiral," added Bergman. "We should go."

MacCleod considered the options for a few moments.

"Very well. But keep in constant contact with us. Valkyrie out."

 

In the Royal Palace on Zykon, the planet's ruler, Mentor, stood before his communications panel. A broad smile appeared on his face. He then turned to the lion who was sprawled out near him.

"Well, Maya! Things appear to be going well! The Tempest ship will be here shortly!"

The lion began to shimmer; its form began to alter until it was transformed into a young humanoid woman. This was Maya.

"Then Psyche has managed to make contact with them," she said. "Good. It will be good to meet new people!"

 

Bergman sat at his science station with the ship less than an hour away from Zykon. For ages, he had been studying the transmission. Ever since he had first seen it, something in the back of his mind had told him that it was wrong. Something wasn't quite right with it.

Koenig soon joined him at his station.

"What's up, Victor?" he asked.

"I don't know, John," Bergman replied, rubbing his chin. "It's this transmission. I can't tell what, but something's wrong here."

"What records we have show that Zykon was not part of the Old Republic. It would seem that now, for some reason, it's gained strategic importance on the part of the Imperials."

"I have a bad feeling about all of this, John. A very bad feeling."

Koenig patted Bergman on the shoulder.

"Don't worry about it, Victor!"

Koenig then walked away and seated himself in his command chair. His reassurances, however, did nothing for Bergman.

 

Having used the cavorite drive, the Tempest was soon in orbit around Zykon. Leaving Paul Morrow in command, Koenig, Bergman, and Verdeschi beamed down to the Royal Palace. They were awestruck. Never before had they seen a building like this before. The architecture was unique, like no other in the galaxy.

Soon, Koenig spotted a large bearded man approaching them, with a large smile on his face.

"Greetings!" he boomed. "I am Mentor! Monarch of Zykon! Welcome to my world!"

Mentor warmly greeted all of them.

"See, Victor," said Koenig. "I told you everything would be alright!"

Koenig spoke too soon. Seconds later, from out of the shadows, Imperial Stormtroopers appeared all around them, blocking all means of escape. Each had their blaster raised and pointed at the away team.

 

A few minutes later, a transmission was sent to the Tempest. Morrow was surprised when he saw Mentor on the screen.

"You must be Lieutenant-Commander Morrow!" said Mentor. "I have news for you! Captain Koenig and his men are now prisoners of the Galactic Empire! Surrender your ship, and tell us where the rest of your fleet is, and they will live! If you do not do as I demand, then they will die!"

"Bergman was right!" said Morrow. "It was a trap!"

As Koenig sat alone in his cell, he began to survey his surroundings. An energy field barred his escape from the front, and there were no visible means of escape anywhere else in this small cell. Whoever designed this prison designed it well.

Koenig then heard footsteps and went to the front of his cell. From down the corridor he could see a young woman coming down the corridor. She was soon standing in front of Koenig.

"Greetings, Captain! I am Maya, daughter of Mentor!"

"Then you are part of this conspiracy!" said Koenig. "To turn us over to the Imperials!"

"Why do you hate the Imperials so much? They have brought nothing but peace and prosperity to Zykon since they came."

"And what about the other worlds they have 'helped'?" asked Koenig. "Their alliance with the Dominion, and the pain and anguish they have brought to millions?"

"The Imperials do not cause pain and suffering! They helped us construct our computer, Psyche, which helps us run our planet! They have done this for countless worlds!"

"Why do you think I'm here, Maya, halfway across the galaxy? Haven't you heard of the Rebel Alliance? Can't you see that the Imperials are using your world!"

"You're a liar, Koenig! You don't know what you're talking about!"

Maya then turned and walked away as fast as she could. Koenig began to wonder, could anyone be that naive?