“Representatives of the Republic,” Victor stood tall, eyes clear as he stared down the Senate chamber from his dais. Today he could finally put an end to his charade as a Senator from the boonies who fell into his position as Chancellor. “It is with great pleasure that I introduce a group of honoured guests to this esteemed gathering.”
Doom spread his arms wide as a series of spotlights locked onto the apex of the Senate hall’s roof, alongside the holorecorders that broadcast this event to the entire republic. Highlighted by the glare, Dan-EL, May, Qui-gon Jin, Count Dooku, Revan and the Exile, floated down from above. Each of them wore Kryptonian armour, formed from the symbiotes under their skin.
“May I introduce, Emperor Dan-EL of the Kryptonian Empire, his wife, Empress May, and the high ranked members of the Order of Krypton,” Victor let a small edge touch his smile as he bowed to the Kryptonians. What was about to happen next would deal a death blow to the stagnant Republic, one they couldn’t avoid. “They have come here today to deliver a message, one that Garnib fully supports.”
“As Chancellor Victor has said, I am Dan-EL, Emperor of Krypton,” both Dan and May floated before the floating dais, neutral smiles on their lips. His voice filled the hall, even with the support of an audio projector. “Our Empire has spent its time observing this Republic and found it wanting.”
May waved her hand and projected a vast display, images of the darkest scores of the galaxy, many under Republic control. The spice mines of Kessel, Nar Shaddaa’s bleak, crime ridden depths, hologram after hologram of downtrodden citizens without hope in their eyes.
“These conditions are too dire for Krypton to ignore, when we have the ability to step forward and help,” Dan flicked his fingers and a file was delivered to each of the Senator’s seats, a written charter of Krypton, the foundation of its laws. “We extend an offer to all in this room, those of you who can agree to follow our tenants are welcome within the Empire.”
A murmur built, a ripple of discussion and shock that threatened to fill the chamber with noise. Dan turned his gaze to the Hutt representative, one of the loudest and a key origin of the wave of sound.
“For those of you who choose to remain within the Republic, know that it’s bloated hulk won’t protect you from our reach,” the projection behind him shifted, a live feed from the Hutt’s home system. Bright flashes filled the empty space, an endless legion of Kryptonian Star destroyers. “The Hutt Clans are beyond redemption, we have dispatched one of our fleets, as well as ground forces, to every Hutt controlled world… within the next galactic standard hour, their territories will be under Kryptonian control.”
A hushed silence replaced the former discussion, forced into place as the Senate took in the size of Krypton’s fleet. Each vessel was more than five kilometres long, surrounded by dozens of lesser support ships and thousands of fightercraft. They advanced with surgical precision, an unstoppable occupying force.
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It took less than five minutes for Nal Hutta’s planetary shields to fail, a signal for countless troop transports to surge forward. Nestled in their bellies, teams of Kryptonians waited alongside an unfathomable number of Killik warriors. The insect Hives had spent the last five years committed to a vast expansion, all for this moment.
“The rest of the systems who are non-compliant with Krypton’s laws will be given one month’s time to make the necessary changes,” the holo-image divided into dozens of screens, each a star system within the Hutt’s bloated territories. The same scene repeated on countless worlds, a civilization conquered as the Republic officials watched. “Membership with our Empire is not mandatory, but we won’t accept bad behaviour from our neighbours…”
Dan waved to May, who stepped forward and cancelled her projection. She met the gaze of the Senate, her own eyes filled with mysterious runes. A wave of nearly undetectable force emanated from her, a mental lure that dulled the thoughts of the entranced representatives.
“The Order of Krypton will intervene in any acts of slavery or oppression, no matter who commits them,” the other members of the Order floated to form a semi-circle behind Dan and May, runic lights behind their pupils. “From this day onwards, the cries of those forgotten by the Republic will no longer go unanswered… even those who claim Mastery over the Force shall not be above the laws!”
Radiant, multi-coloured lightning flickered around them, twisted serpents that never touched the ground. Dan moved forward and wrapped his hand around May’s waist as they both stared down the collective Senate. A slight tremble shook the ground, a shift of the walls that brought a return to the worried murmur.
“We have already taken steps to restore the lives of those who huddle below this fine institution,” Dan smiled as the building unfurled around them, reordered by Ultron’s commands. Five years on this planet had been enough for the A.I. to replace everything with himself, Kryptonian nano-tech that covered every inch of the world. “The poor and suffering of Coruscant’s undercity have long been uplifted, freed of the Republic's uncaring hands.”
Exposed to the open air, the Senator’s shivered, uncomfortable under the light dusting of rain. This involuntary response stilled as the clouds above darkened. A mighty hand, larger than any mountain, pierced the overcast sky and swept them clear. A childish, mechanical face beamed down at the terrified Senate, before she placed her hand against the ground.
“We will be collecting the neglected citizens of this world. All those who wish to, will be transported to Kryptonian colonies,” May projected a zoomed in image of Astra’s hand, where countless civilians were being shuttled aboard. “Krypton’s reach has no limit, and all who want relocation, from anywhere in the galaxy, can be given new homes that come with security and comfort.”
“Planets that wish to join our Empire need only contact us via the holo-net link within your info documents,” space rippled around them as Dan-EL and his group prepared for a phantom jump. “Membership to the faded bureaucracy will only lead you and your planets to ruin.”
A flash of light and they were gone, but their Titan remained. Astra still loomed over the world and took in a vast chunk of its subterranean population. More Kryptonian transports touched down, all across the globe, a pillaging of populace that the Senate could do nothing to prevent.
“As my final act as Chancellor of this failed, mediocre Republic, I would call on you all to abandon it for a brighter future,” Victor smiled as he stripped himself of his Chancellor's robes and crushed his metallic badge of office upon the floor. “Garnib and its allies will stand with Krypton, may this institution crumble to the dust that birthed it.”
Doom let his armour form over his skin as he rose into the air. Emerald-black lightning flickered around him, eyes lit from behind by a red glow. He gave a final glance around the exposed Senate, satisfied with his work. A flash of light and he was gone, freed of the tedium of this broken system.