“Krypton currently holds over a hundred worlds within the unreachable space of the unknown regions,” Ultron projected a star map, focused on a dispersed cluster of systems. Marked in yellow-gold, each one represented a planet under their control. “I have relocated nearly a trillion slaves from the greater galaxy, dispersed equally amongst them.”
“Using my new position in the senate, I can be certain of the majority of the outer rim,” Doom’s hologram manipulated Ultron’s map to show the opposite edge of the galactic disk. “Only the Hutt’s refuse to bend the knee, they may need a firmer hand…”
“The Hutts are going to be the target of Krypton’s active participation in the greater galaxy,” Dan shook his head and turned to his newest group of summons. The pirates’ ships were being upgraded to fit the modern times, his long term solution to the inevitable. “Each of you will begin your work to replace the criminal enterprises in the galaxy as soon as the campaign begins.”
“What if we run up against Krypton’s forces?” Shanks met Dan’s eyes with an unflinching gaze. “It will be hard to create a kingdom of pirates in the shadow of your Empire.”
“Your new ships will all be connected to the network,” May addressed the red-head’s concerns with a small wave to Ultron. “As long as you give us enough information about the ships you recruit, they’ll be left alone.”
Shanks bowed his head slightly and stepped back, while Merlyn tapped his staff on the audience hall floor. The Wizard motioned to the few of his students in attendance, then to the map above.
“I will make certain the force sensitives on New-Krypton are receiving the necessary education,” Merlyn glanced at Ultron, who changed the holo-gram with a flick of his wrist. The World Tree on New-Krypton appeared, now over half a kilometre tall and still growing. “We will construct our temple on the branches of Yggdrasil, and then begin the collection and training of all force sensitives we can find within the galaxy.”
“I also want you to gather genetic samples from all who join the Order,” Dan nodded at Merlyn’s words, eyes focused on the powerful tree that graced Krypton’s surface. “When we have enough data, I’ll begin my attempts to create truly force sensitive Kryptonians… Doom, is your position as Chancellor enough to bring the core into the fold?”
”Not completely,” Doom scowled at the mention of his place as Chancellor. “A vocal minority of core worlds are against my rather meteoric rise through the bureaucracy.”
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“Once we begin, I doubt many will have the courage to complain,” Ultron reformed the holo-display once more, to show the territories of the Republic. “The only true issue is Corellia… their shipyards give them the illusion of power, and I doubt they will accept governance beyond the ineffective hands of the senate.”
“My forces can sweep the planets of the Corellian system,” Maul stepped forward, still wrapped in the armour of Mandalore. “It would be a good test of the clones Ultron and I have spent the last five years training.”
Dan shook his head, a denial of the former Sith’s request. He transmitted a command to Ultron, who projected a series of systems in the Unknown regions. The worlds of the Chiss Ascendancy, where Grand Admiral Thrawn still served as a Commander.
“I’ll deal with Corellia, you have another job,” A flick of his fingers zoomed in on a section of space, not far from the original location of New-Krypton. “The Yuuzhan Vong have increased their probes into galactic space, your job will be to hunt and kill any of these Outsiders you can find.”
Maul bowed his head and stepped back, eyes focused inward as he considered his mission. Dan nodded and shifted his attention to Goku and Allen, who had his massive eye locked onto the galaxy map.
“Goku, you and Allen will return to his universe… I want you to act as the protector for Krypton’s interests as Ultron expands our forces over there,” Dan glanced at the A.I. , who nodded his silver head. “Work with Allen and the Coalition of Planets to push Vitrum back into their box… if you meet an opponent beyond your ability, call me or May to make the trip.”
“Uhh… could I ask a question?” Allen shuffled forward, uncomfortable under the eyes of the crowd. His gaze flicked from face to face, until it settled onto Dan, filled with worry. “You seem to be planning the expansion of your Empire… should my people be worried?”
“Probably not,” Dan gave the orange alien a small smile. “Krypton isn’t Viltrum, we won’t force unwilling systems under our banner… although it would be far easier, that path leads to ruin.”
“That’s a relief…” Allen rubbed the back of his head and flashed a sheepish grin. “I’d hate to be an enemy of any of you, and I doubt it would end well…”
Dan laughed at the man’s honest assessment of the Coalition’s chances against Krypton. Allen’s universe had powerful beings, but nothing that could stand for long against Dan or May. Even the older Kryptonians like Kara and Cal would soon be a match for a Viltrumite one-on-one.
“You’ve grown more arrogant in your time away,” Merlyn shook his head at Dan’s show of mirth. “I can feel the power within your body, but it hasn’t yet reached the point where you can be truly fearless… dark forces exist in the galaxy, and they will target us the moment we begin this plan of ‘peaceful’ conquest.”
“I know that I’m still no match for Abeloth, but beyond her…” Dan shrugged. The Ones no longer interacted with the galaxy at large, and the Yuuzhan Vong would only be a challenge for Krypton’s fleets. “Nothing here will be a problem, even if the galaxy united against us.”
“Perhaps,” Merlyn sighed and waved his hand. A shadow detached from under his feet and formed into the ever smiling Etrigan. “Either way, I’ve decided to transfer Etrigan to your direct command… he will shadow you, even when you travel beyond the universes.”
“The Wizard thinks you need a sitter, a protector that can remain with you all the time,” Etrigan snorted as he slipped to Dan’s side and melted into his shadow. “But I can sense a change in you, better than he… I am intrigued to see how far you’ll climb!”