A rock slowly cut through space, well it was actually going about 46,000mph but that was irrelevant. It was nearing it's target and would soon be reduced to nothing but small pebbles or dust anyway. The target was the 'Yuuzhan Vong' as he had named them himself, and we're a group of quite honestly terrifying individuals from the planet named Holle or 'Hell' by an admiral of his.
That of course was due to the planets weather system, geography, and terrain. As it was such an inhospitable place it was a miracle that the Vong even managed to survive at all, nevertheless make it to a type II civilization on the Kardashev scale. They really we're one of the galaxies greatest achievements. To begin life at such a disadvantage and still manage to beat the odds, it was quite admirable. He'd give the bastards that.
"Impact in 2 minutes, my emperor" an officer informed him. It was too bad that the Vong had finally met their match, humanity. For the past 8 years he and his subjects had been the vanguard keeping the Vong from reaching Earth and wreaking havoc among it's inhabitants. Although he was quite confident the people of Earth could weather and beat back the Vong, even if they had their Cubes bombard the planet continuously for weeks. Billions would still die, and he did not want that to happen to his people, even if they we're irrational morons. That was mainly directed at the Americans.
He himself was actually an American, being the only person in his empire that wasn't born on the moon. He had been abducted when he was in the 11th grade when he stumbled onto a operation the old leader was commencing. He was scared shitless as well as tortured. But through a lot dumb luck and bullshit within a year he had managed to gain absolute power within the empire and after two years completely won the hearts and minds of his subjects after leading them to safety from the Vong and showing them how bad they really had it with their old leaders.
"Impact in 1 minute, my emperor" the officer sounded again. He looked towards the planet, it looked like the moon except for two main reasons, the first being the Saturn like rings of ash and rock that circled it, and the 2nd being that under the layer of grey ash and dust that gave the planet it's moon like appearance was actually a landscape that looked more like the fictional planet Mustafar. The Yuuzhan Vong had spent countless decades building their cities on the rocky, unstable, and fiery terrain that they had to work with, Or at least that's what his spies had told him. Millions had been lost to these massive construction efforts alone.
When the Vong began their exploration of space they began to pillage other planets of resources to build up their own, although they did actually colonize other worlds as well, and formed quite a powerful empire. When they had first found Earth and it's surrounding planets they didn't think much of anything at first. They simply moved in and began to set up a small outpost on the planet of Mars in preparation to begin draining the entire system of it's resources as they had done to so many other systems before. That was when they met the humans, or more specifically his branch of humans. One small fight led to another and soon a war broke out. Thanks to Luke actually being a competent commander as he first demonstrated when the then small Vong force attempted to overrun the system he had helped lead a successful defense, stopping them before they could reach Earth and alert the rest of humanity.
That and coupled with the fact that they we're short on fighters and needed the manpower, plus since he already knew of their existence anyway the old leadership decided to keep him on. That was the biggest mistake they ever made and thus began their downfall.
"30 seconds". When the war first broke out many we're afraid, they we're not prepared to fight a conflict such as this, they didn't have the materials, the troops, the ships, they came up short in every category. However thanks to him and his new circle of competent leaders they had solved most of these issues. Mainly by simply automating a lot of things and making robots do most of the dirty work fighting the Vong, much like the current U.S. military doctrine. As well as him being able to do many impossible feats himself, although that was another story in and of itself.
Plus they had also advanced much in the research and development of medicine, including their own version of Bacta. While nowhere even close to being the Bacta from Star Wars it did stop infections and could preserve the injured human's life long enough for them to be rescued and if possible without his interference, returned to service.
"10 seconds". The asteroid was in view now, it raced past them at speeds that we're once thought impossible to achieve by humankind. He really wished that there was another way to end this war, but there wasn't. The Vong simply refused to surrender. Much like how Imperial Japan pushed the U.S. to drop the nuke in 1945 the Vong had pushed them to this. He knew this wasn't ethical by any stretch of the imagination but he didn't have much of a choice. They refused to surrender. Gambling on the fact that he did not have the strength to launch a successful invasion of their home planet, which he did not. Luke had tried to negotiate peace on ten separate occasions with the Vong this year alone, all to no avail. Their 'God-Emperor' would simply not allow it. "I would rather have been deformed and killed at birth then surrender to these lowly hoomans" Luke recited in his mind. With his response being but a simple "Very well".
"5 seconds!". The asteroid was now tearing into the atmosphere. The Vong we're sure to have seen it by this point and were probably realizing that death was on their doorstep. From his small, cloaked spy ship he watched as the asteroid finally slammed into the main city of the planet. Killing billions instantly and shooting a fireball of ash and rock thousands of miles into the sky. Soon the fireball began radiating outward in a perfect circle, leaving nothing but a pool of molten magma behind. He could also see small dots emerge from the planet's surface that the fireball had not touched yet.
"My emperor, we're detecting multiple ships attempting to leave the planet" the officer reported. "Shoot them all down" he ordered immediately. He could not allow any Vong to escape and rebuild their society.
At that moment over 100 "Star Destroyers" (man he liked Star Wars) emerged from lightspeed and began to engage the fleeing ships in their previously assigned sectors of the planet.
They we're exactly how you would picture a Star Destroyer, in fact he based a lot of if not his entire military on the imperial one. Well not the whole 'have a bigger force than your opponent throughout the majority of the war and still somehow suffer spectacular defeats' thing. No his version was for one thing properly suited to fighting a war, and two this was reality and not Disney's fucked up family friendly version of Star Wars which also meant no plot armor for the Vong. Which meant his navy was making short work of the small craft that we're desperately attempting to escape his clutches.
Meanwhile the planet was not fairing much better. As by now the entire surface was covered with ash and fire, and this was only the beginning of his plan to end the war. For the next three months straight his fleet would completely bombard the surface of the planet, destroying everything, all the way down to the deepest bunkers to make sure that the Yuuzhan Vong would never be a threat to them again. Suddenly he received a message from Admiral Alexander Muller.
"My emperor, we have destroyed all detected Yuuzhan Vong vessels and are awaiting your orders" he stated. "Very good admiral, send out our fighters and scan the vessels. Make sure every last unidentified ship we encounter is destroyed and the occupants killed unless they surrender" he replied. "Understood my leader" the admiral replied, and the transmission ended.
Luke then looked back to the planet, the state it was in looked deplorable. The rings had almost vanished as clouds of debris and ash now covered it. The surface that was visible was now molten red, signifying that it was covered in lava now. Which meant that billions of individuals had died, within five minutes an entire civilization was dead. He now had more blood on his hands than Hitler, Stalin, and Mao combined. This was worse than all mass extinction events, genocides, and war time casualties in history, and it had taken him all a grand total of 15 minutes to execute.
A small tear came from his right eye and slowly slid down his cheek, he knew that the Vong we're genocidal, sociopathic maniacs, but he also knew they didn't all deserve to just die like that. Especially the innocent young, but thus that was the tragedy of war, it turned the innocent into the guilty. The strong we're the ones who survived while the weak would perish, and today the Vong we're the weaker ones. He knew he didn't get them all, there had to have been at least a couple of ships from the hundreds that had taken off in attempt to escape the fireball and did actually remain undetected and escape. He also knew there we're Yuuzhan Vong colonies that would have to be taken care off. But those could wait for tomorrow, for today they cut the head off the snake.
"I'm going back to quarters, I don't want to look at this any longer than I have to" he said to his staff. With that he turned around and walked off the bridge deeper into his ship, beginning to regret what had just happened but deep down he knew that he had no other choice if he wanted the bloodshed to end.
A boom sounded as the Star Destroyer known as KMS Executor, or Luke's personal flagship of the Imperial Navy descended out of Lightspeed as it descended upon the last known Yuuzhan Vong fleet. It had been 4 months since the destruction of Holle, and it hadn't become any easier to bear the guilt that came with ordering it's destruction. The Kaiserliches Sicherheitsamt or simply known as the Imperial Security Bureau... he really should try and come up with different names other than just copying George Lucas and simply translating it to his language. Eh he was a Star Wars fan, and most probably didn't ever have the chance to lead a space empire in real life so he was going to make the most of it anyway. Regardless after many long hours with the bureau working in collaboration with the navy they had managed to track the last known Vong fleet to these coordinates in deep space.
In order to make sure something like the Yuuzhan Vong, and they're were "somethings" in this galaxy. That had long since been confirmed... In order to make sure those somethings could never threaten humanity to such an extent ever again he had devised a plan to colonize other planets and bring his species up to par with the other races as fast as possible. He had even picked out a few planets already, but none of them could even compare to Earth. Most didn't even have an atmosphere, although that could be fixed by creating one artificially. Which had been perfected long before his time.
"My emperor, are you well?" a voice asked. Turning he saw that it came from the ship’s captain and personal friend of his, Max Kohler. "I am fine Max, thank you" he replied. Max's expression suggested otherwise. "Are you sure, I know that this war has had it's effect on you Luke. You have worked your ass off and it shows, we're all concerned for you" he gestured to the ship's bridge.
Following his gaze he saw all of the officers, staff, and the few guards on duty smile when he looked in their direction. They respected him greatly and would probably follow him to hell itself to keep him safe. He had done a lot for them over the years, though he acted like he was in a contract to serve them. "The cons of being a leader of a nation" he thought.
He looked at himself in the reflection of the glass. He had bags under his eyes, as he got next to no hours of sleep each night. He also rarely ate as well, as he simply didn't need to anymore. He would simply inject the nutrients he needed into his body, it was a lot less painful than consumption anyway. He also devoted a lot of his time studying the art of war, science, philosophy, other cultures, religions, and even elements like romance. The reason for the last was to help in wooing his subjects and enemies, and he was beloved for it. Plus, as Grand Admiral Thrawn stated, "to defeat an enemy you must know them", and it helped.
"Perhaps I have been" he replied to Max. The man's eyes contracted even more, turning his expression into a serious gaze. Max opened his mouth to say something but he beat him to the punch. "Look, I know that this war has taken it's toll on all of us. Save for perhaps the youth" he replied. "But soon it will be over, and I will then begin to distribute power where I see fit and maybe even take a vacation for your sake. But until then I will not slack in my duties to keep you all safe" he finished. "I know and trust you on that Luke, just don't work yourself to death is all I'm saying" Max replied. "I understand, thank you Max" he said. To which Max nodded.
"Now" he began, as he turned to address the bridge's crew. He also pressed a button which allowed him to speak to the entire ship at once over an intercom.
"Attention, this is your emperor" he began. "It is an honor to speak to you today, aboard one of our great nation's many recent achievements... and once more we play our dangerous game, a game of chess, against our old adversaries, the Yuuzhan Vong... For 8 years now you have played this game and played it well, but today I am glad to tell you, the game is different, as we have the advantage. For once we rid the galaxy of this last fleet before us we shall have well and truly won the war" he paused as cheers filled every corner of the ship. Only once they quieted down did he continue.
"Today we shall purge the last of the Yuuzhan Vong and then and only then we shall pull our great empire into a new era. One of peace and prosperity, as well as make contact with our brothers and sisters from Earth. Where I hope a great amount of our future wealth may come from through trade. As well as lay the groundwork for an empire that stretches across the stars, and maybe even one day beyond. As today is a great day my friends, for we march into history!" he finished.
Cheers once more filled the ship, and even one of the crew members began to sing their nations national anthem, only to then be slowly joined by the rest. Slowly filling the ship with hundreds of singing voices. Max smiled at him.
"Well it took us 8 years my friend, but we are finally on the brink of victory" he said. "Indeed, though you left out the part where I almost died 20 times for the first 2 years I was here" Luke replied. Max's smile turned into a frown. "I know, and I can't even believe I supported a regime like that" he said and looked away. "Don't worry my friend, you didn't know any better". Luke placed a hand on his shoulder. "Plus how would you have known how bad the old leadership was, you had nothing to compare it too" Luke reminded him. "Yes I know but-".
"Alarm, many objects of varying sizes detected" 2nd officer Karl Lange shouted. He looked out and there enough it was, the last known Yuuzhan Vong fleet slowly coming into view. Although there was plenty of ships, most we're very small and could easily be destroyed by his Star Destroyer's powerful guns. The ship was even outfitted with many small batteries specifically designed for fighting off small ships as well, as he had learned from the actual Imperials.
"Soon it will be over my friend" he said to Max. "Yes, I just hope we can end this with as minimal casualties as possible. All of these poor people have suffered enough, I want them to have a normal life" Max replied. "Indeed Max, I want that for them too. But first we will have to conquer one last piece of hell" he replied. "Yes I know, and I am just as ready as this entire ship is" Max said. "Then let us go forth, all personnel... battlestations!" he shouted. Immediately an alarm blared throughout the ship as the crew raced to their stations. A young woman began reciting his orders throughout the ship's intercom as other Star Destroyers and supporting ships emerged from Hyperspace. 'ME - 303' TIE 'Fightercraft' scrambled into the vacuum of space as the capital ships opened up with their long range gun batteries.
The battle had been going well for the empire. The Vong had attempted to use small spacecraft with powerful armaments to destroy the Star Destroyers but between their powerful point-defense turrets, shields, and the swarm of ME - 303 fighters the Vong had been torn apart. Then they tried lightspeed ramming vessels into Luke's ships, however his 'Do - 441' 'SB', or Space Bombers had something to say about that. As the Vong had focused the majority of what was left of their own spacecraft to try and get in close to distract the Imperial fighters, that just left their ships attempting to lightspeed ram open for his bombers to attack.
As the battle progressed he saw that many of the Vong's ships were quickly being destroyed, which also presented an opportunity. The Vong's command ship was open. Luke knew that taking out their chain of command would help greatly in the battle. So he ordered his aide, Phillip to gather his flight suit and prepare his personal fighter. He was going to oversee this personally. "My emperor" a voice called just before he left the bridge. Turning he saw it came from Kohler. "Be careful, sir" he said. Luke just gave the man one of his genuine smiles. "Don't worry, I'll be fine Max. You just focus on the battle at hand" he added. He knew and trusted Max as a competent military officer who honestly could have probably won this battle with his eyes closed. Nodding Max turned around to watch the battle go on as Luke continued to the hanger bay.
Once he had reached the hanger he and his aide raced to put on his flight suit. Although he was the emperor of his nation that had never stopped him from joining the front lines. From his early days as an officer to his current position now he had always liked to fight from the front. It was one of the reasons why the military respected him so much. Plus having a personal view on the battle often helped with commanding it, as he could see first hand how the battle was progressing and react accordingly.
With his suit now on he raced to meet up with his personal guards. All hand selected and originally from a very controversial political organization meant that these guys we're the best of the best his empire had to offer. Upon seeing him they jumped into their ME - 303 ‘TIE’ fighter (which did actually look like the TIE fighters from star wars as well) and he jumped into his personal ME - 146 'Interceptor', which was a new prototype. Once they we're all ready they raced out of the hangar in perfect formation.
"What's the plan my leader?" Flight Baron Hanz Winter asked. Luke looked towards the enemy fleet and could see that they throwing everything they had at them. "We are going to board their command ship, Captain Kohler slowly advance the fleet with us and we will destroy what remains of them with our combined arms. Once that is accomplished we shall deploy our bombers to destroy whatever remains of their fleet" he ordered. "Understood, my emperor" they both replied.
For the next few minutes the Imperials utterly annihilated the Vong. It seemed that the Vong's best and most capable had died with their planet, which made sense as to why they put their best to defend their home planet with their fortress world strategy. "Unfortunately for them they had never suspected his trump card" Luke thought as he blasted an enemy fighter into oblivion.
The Executor was performing beyond his expectations, slaughtering the Vong's fighters mercilessly. Soon the bombers we're sent out once more and began decimating the enemy fleet along with the Star Destroyers as they opened up with everything they had.
As ship after ship and fighter after fighter exploded Luke noticed that a squadron of Vong fighters we're making their last stand, committing themselves to a suicide run on a squadron of bombers. "Squadron, move to intercept those fighters. Get them off our bombers!" he ordered. Just like that they followed him, no hesitation at all. It showed just how much they trusted and respected him. Especially since he always liked to win battles with as few casualties as possible. He cared for his subjects, which was a hell of a lot more than his predecessor did.
They came at the Vong on their flank before shooting at them from behind. One seemed to either realize what was happening or panicked and fled. "I got him, you guys just focus on escorting those bombers" he called out. "Affirmative my leader" Winter replied.
As Luke broke off and closed in on the fighter he began to dodge wildly in an attempt to avoid his ship's laser guns. This went on for about a minute. The guy was good Luke would give him that. But not as good as him as he demonstrated that by landing two good hits on the Vong's spacecraft, dealing quite a bit of damage if the smoke emanating from it meant anything.
Realizing his defeat the Vong pulled a 180 and began firing back at him while still traveling backwards. A move that for the human race had been made infamous by German fighter ace Verner Voss back in the first Great War. Luke managed to dodge the shots and expected for the Vong to resume his course, except that was not what happened. Instead the Vong set his engines to full power in a desperate attempt to ram him in a kamikaze attack. Although he only realized this a few seconds from impact. He tried to desperately dodge to the right and down at the last second but was unsuccessful as the spacecrafts collided. An explosion was the result of the Vong's suicidal act.
Luke awoke to a horrifying sight, from his view in the cockpit he could see that what remained of his fighter was currently hurtling towards a planet. The reinforced glass had yet to break but he could see that this planet had an atmosphere as the tell tale streaks of heat made themselves known, that and the somehow still working control panel was blaring alarms about the rampant temperature of the atmosphere to not responding parts of his fighter. If this kept up then it didn't matter if the glass broke or not...
Pressing his hands to each side of his spacecraft he began to use his 2nd trump card, as much as he hated to call it this he began to use magic. Now the Yuuzhan Vong had always had the ability to use magic to some extent, though it was nowhere near on par with something like the Nightenstars, which we're basically mages in their own right. But when he had suffered his first and only personal defeat at the hands of a Yuuzhan Vong general his body became deformed to put it nicely. Although he had managed to slice off some of the bastard's "magic conductors" which basically served as a magicians wand.
It also let him create an illusion with his magic to make him look like a normal human. Although underneath he looked like he had taken a lava bath and then touched the elephants foot that resided underneath Chernobyl, one out of those two things we're true. He was also in constant and extreme pain but that was a different matter altogether.
Channeling his power he began to hold his spacecraft together as it threatened to break apart under the stress of the forces of the atmosphere being put upon it. Czzscchh, "and there goes the glass" he thought. Quickly he threw up a small forcefield in an attempt to shield his body from the wind. The ship howled in said wind, screaming with a siren which was basically just a modern day Jericho Trumpet.
Soon he broke the sound barrier in terms of speed as well as the cloud cover. He could see that it was currently nighttime where he would be crash landing. He could also see that there was a small town as well. "Am... am I on Earth!" he panicked. If he was then he hoped it was some small little country or county that was out of the way and therefore difficult for a police or government response time. This way he could keep himself secret from the authorities. He always wanted to reveal his nation to Earth but it was not the time for that yet, they we're not ready.
He had maybe 10 seconds at most before impact at this speed, and since he did not want to kill some poor bastard sleeping in their home nor did he himself want to die he instinctively yanked back on his flight stick. However his spacecraft surprised him by going up, which he wanted... and then to the left. Doing multiple barrel rolls before he could level it out he saw that he was now over a forest, and descending rapidly. Bracing himself for impact was all he had before his interceptor slammed into the ground at likely over 800 miles per hour.
Author's Note
Anyone who can tell me the movie where I took inspiration for Luke’s speech gets a cookie.