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The HoloNets were on fire tonight- breaking news across a dozen channels in countless regions of space. Beings of all sizes, all shapes, beings of every age group and demographic of the millions species in the galaxy gathered with held breaths and pounding hearts. Not in the better half of a decade had such anxiety rested on the simultaneous broadcast- a live feed of the Hutt Imperial Palace on Nal Hutta. Was it true? Could the Emperor really be dead?
Over four hours had come and gone since the fateful Bogan assassination attempt on Bothawui, resulting in at least seven confirmed deaths and over a dozen additional injuries, with no official announcement from the Empire. Speculations were rampant on the evening news channels- estimations of the coming downfall of the Empire, the Republic's involvement in the assassination... If only they knew the half of it.
Finally, the reporters in the boardroom quieted down enough. A black-haired man stepped from the left side of the stage, striding to the center podium through the murmurs- a man in a military uniform? The officer cleared his throat and centered himself, looking directly forward at the half-dozen cameras and thirty-some microphones in front of him. He took a moment to gaze across the press members before speaking.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Grand Admiral Jaka Tyrell of the Imperial Second fleet. I will be fielding questions about today's attacks." Tensions rose. It was extremely atypical for the Emperor to not respond to such a senate meeting.
"Today, there was an assassination attempt on Bothawui on a critical Hutt target." Gasps- it was true?! The Grand Admiral raised his hand and shook his head in a calming gesture- although the effect had been preplanned and anticipated, High Command must strive to appear above such pageantry.
"As you all no doubt know, his almighty Emperor Tusa Ujalli Hai was to finish his inspection of the newly-completed Bothan Shipyards today. Before his convoy could reach its destination of the capital building, it was assaulted by two beings now identified as agents of the Dark Jedi of the Bogan- a Mr. Yueh Kravek and a Ms. Traina Lee'ra. The vehicle carrying the VIP was destroyed, and all on board have been killed. That being was not the Emperor." Gasps and shrieks of anger and joy from across the galaxy- tears and fists. The Emperor was alive- the war continued.
"Due to a last-minute scheduling conflict, the Emperor was unable to attend the christening of the Bothan Shipyards, and instead sent the now-deceased Duke Ereiss. The Bogan assassins did not receive this intelligence, and now another soul is lost to their treachery. In the good Duke's honor, the Empire has decided to christen the new shipyards Ereiss Docks, so his spirit may live on and guide us in this war for liberty." Questions exploded from the peanut gallery, but one stood out- "What are we to do about the Bogan?" Tyrell smiled, and nodded slightly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, beings of known space- I give you Emperor Tusa Ujalli Hai." A roar of applause from the Outer Rim territories, wail of children from the Core.
The curtains behind Tyrell split, and the Imperial march blared as the head slug himself slithered forward, decorated in his best- a multi-million dollar ensemble of fine fabrics and gold, woven into an elaborate and intimidating costume fitting of a god. Resolve spread across his face, the Hutt stopped at the podium and surveyed the assembled beings, pouring regality through the cameras and into the universe. The shit had hit the fan.
In a booming voice he spoke- "Today is a dark day for the Empire!" he called, exhuming strength and power with every tendon in his muscular body. “Today, there was an attempt on my life! Today there was an attempt on OUR SOCIETY!”
Now bellowing, the Hutt rose to his full, terrifying height. Anger and fear were prevalent in his voice- uncharacteristic for the Emperor and frightening in its own manner. Had things devolved so badly? Had things gotten to the point where even a god could tremble?
“Five years ago, we made a deal with the Bogan. Despite the warnings of the Jedi and of the Republic, we gave their fledgling culture the chance to flourish, and they have used our ships and our strategies to subjugate an entire star system with a false religion! With blood rights and sacrifices, these monsters have enslaved innocent beings, and now they have turned their murderous lust outwards! These animals must be stopped!” A meaty fist slammed on the podium to emphasize the action, with a ripple effect of billions of startled beings.
“This act of transgression has not been their first. As you beings of the galaxy have seen, the Bogan have recently made moves to side with the Republic- the same Republic they fought against at Ando Prime! If it is not clear to the Republic, it is clear to me- today, we must correct our past errors and fight against the Bogan!” Another violent slam on the hardwood, another anguished tone to the Emperor’s voice.
“Today, I make a declaration of intent- we will launch our ships against the Bogan of the Esstran sector. It is with a heavy heart I declare another war in such a dire hour, but it is our duty- not just to the Empire, but also to the Republic, to the Jedi, to everyone in between. To all the beings of the known universe and beyond- now, the Hutt Empire stands against the Bogan for you. Now, we fight for you. Now, we die for you.” The universe erupted- cheers, cries, screams… Anger, joy, sorrow. With a deep, honorable bow, the Emperor of the Hutt Territories turned and moved back behind the curtains, the Grand Admiral stepping to make a closing statement that would be washed out by the noise of a universe. Instead of the end of a war, it was the beginning of another, but such was the way of the galaxy.
The Emperor smiled. Such is the way of Tusa Ujalli Hai.