Unification: Civil War III Chapter Eleven

Palpatine was enjoying his stay at what used to be Starfleet Command in San Francisco. The only thing that had spoiled the enjoyment of his visit was the news from the Time of Legends. His invasion attempt had failed. His land forces hadn't even fired a shot, and they were easily defeated. And some unexpected visitors from the Delta Quadrant helped defeat his ships.

As he sat contemplating his next move, a young ensign, obviously pleased at having gotten to speak to the great Palpatine, told him that there was a personal communication for him. Telling the young officer to put it through, he half expected to see Thrawn, or Servalan, or Vader on the screen before him. What he did see gave him the fright of his life. James Watt the elder, a man he long thought dead, was staring at him from across the Alpha Quadrant.

"What is this? You're supposed to be dead!"

Watt did not reply to these words. He had a statement to make.

"You have disbanded the Senate, the voice of the people; you have instituted a policy of blatant genocide against the galaxy; you have overthrown the chosen rulers of planets, replacing them with Moffs and Governors of your choice; you have raised taxes without the consent of those taxed; you have murdered and imprisoned millions without benefit of trial; you have unlawfully taken land and property; you have expanded the military far beyond what is necessary and prudent, for the sole purpose of oppressing your subjects.

We, the Free Federation, do therefore in the name and by the authority of the free beings of the galaxy, solemnly publish and declare our intentions: To fight and oppose you and your forces, by any and all means at our disposal; to refuse any Imperial law contrary to the rights of free beings; to bring about your destruction and the de¹struction of the Galactic Empire; to make forever free all beings in the galaxy. To these ends, we pledge our property, our honor, and our lives."

The screen went blank. Palpatine tried to find the source of the transmission, but could not. It had been bounced off at least two dozen relay stations throughout the Alpha Quadrant. As Palpatine sat in his chair, taking in what Watt had said to him, he failed to notice Darkmagus enter the room.

"Your plan failed, Palpatine. Now we shall try mine...."