Insurge To Fear

[Fab]

PALACIO IMPERIAL, Crete

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Afternoon of this very day. The representatives of the Insurgent movement are taken from their individual rooms, and escorted towards an enormous auditorium at the center of the imperial palace. Their seats are labelled with their names on it, all on the front rows. After they take their seats, they're given water and seasoned bread while they wait for what is coming.

A few minutes later, the crimson red curtain covering the stage is drawn open, revealing a projected screen on a black wall. A podium rises from the wooden floor, at the same time all the other lights on the auditorium shut off. A lone light from the ceiling shines down the auditorium, pointing at a double door, which soon is opened by the guards on each side. A male figures walks towards the podium, dressed in a formal, civilian apparel. He flicks his wrist, checking the time at his vintage analog clock. He nods, adjusting his tie. He picks up some papers from the podium, reads them briefly and looks at the insurgent audience. He puts the paper down and places both of his hands on the sides of the wooden podium. He speaks:

" My name is captain Tavros Hernández. Some of you might recall my name, as I am the one who started this operation. Representing the Empire, I am very satisfied with the results. [With his palm open, he points his arm at the crowd] Minutes ago, I gave the order to dismantle the camps on our forward operating bases. Our reception is officially closed now. That doesn't means there won't be more Insurgents joining us, but odds are unlikely. The case of the Insurgency on Liberty draws to a close. In less than a month, there will be no more organized groups of Insurgents in Liberty and planet Veracruz will fall completely to Liberty forces. "

[Tavros pauses for a moment]

" The captains and commanders present here made the correct choice. The Empire's generosity knows no bounds to those who serve it well, as everyone here has experienced. There is still hope of a life with dignity and respect, here, in the Omicrons. "

[Tavros let go of the podium and walks around the stage, back and forth, slowly. The light above keeps chase]

" I learned that some of you still question why the Empire is extending its hand to the Insurgents. 'Why, a nation so far away, in the depths of Sirius, would care for the struggle of rebels at the other side of the Sector?' some of you might ask. I understand. Most showed surprise when they received the broadcast. The answer is actually very simple: The Empire recognized the valor and strength behind the rebel movement, and wants such strength to add to its own. The Empire has always been watching via informants, news broadcasts, and our own tradesmen in Liberty. It was time we showed our hand. That, or, the Insurgency would be reduced to pages on a history neuralnet book and nothing else. Such expertise, experience, shouldn't be lost to time. It is better used somewhere else. "

" The insurgency has invaluable knowledge of Liberty technology, tactics and internal structures the Empire would adore to know. Not mentioning veteran men and women that could join our own ranks, becoming citizens of the Empire, eventually. "

" The Empire wants these men and women to reinforce its strong arm. The Insurgents want to survive and live with dignity. The Empire can tend to all their needs, given that the Insurgents perform their duties well. "

[Tavros returns to the podium]

" Any questions? Speak freely "

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