"This is not just a war for Alsakan's colonies; you are fighting for the prosperity of your state!"
What is a military muster? It is a place where they brainwash you.
What is a state? It is an armed group of people striving to fuck you in the ass.
What are patriotism and nationalism? They are attempts to force an individual to abandon their own interests.
Every society passes through a clan period of social relations. The state needs to retain workers on its territory, or better yet, force the servant to hate identical servants on foreign territory.
There are only two forms of government: republic and dictatorship. Elections and democracy are merely methods of deceiving the population, a more efficient form of legitimizing power, but control always remains with a limited group of individuals holding the most capital.
You can eat a pie made of shit or shit shaped like a pie; the situation remains unchanged. The primary advantage of a republic is the slower degradation of the ruling apparatus, insurance against a monarch's poor decisions, and the impossibility of conservatives seizing power.
A dictatorship functions perfectly in critical situations and allows for the rapid implementation of necessary decisions. Long-term plans spanning decades work flawlessly, and the project manager does not change every few years, but the system degrades with each passing year.
A newly formed dictatorship is dozens, perhaps hundreds of times more efficient than that same dictatorship a few centuries later. A republic can enact reforms painlessly, whereas a dictatorship usually requires a coup d'état.
Therefore, the population is conditioned with a slightly different brand of patriotic propaganda.
Alsakan is a monarchy, but many of its administrative apparatuses are borrowed from a republican parliamentary system. The Alsakan royal family consists of tens of thousands of princes and princesses, and only the most worthy ascends to power. The monarch's power is not absolute; there is a procedure to replace an incompetent representative of the royal family.
The Sith Empire chooses a ruler only once; then the Sith'ari dies, and his killer becomes the new leader. The Sith Lord is far from the most worthy or capable administrator. That system is closer to a dictatorship than a republic.
Right now, the Alsakan officer was trying to apply the knowledge he gained during soldier training, but I could barely hold back my laughter. Hundreds of gray-violet conscripts filled this room.
Every single one of us was an exceptional, egotistical bastard. We possessed the gift of the Force and understood our value to the Sith Empire. Our loyalty was fundamentally different, and our motivation did not align with Alsakan's herbivorous citizens.
The Sith Code had long ago shattered the conventional social evolution of Sith society. Nationalism was something complex and foolish to the Sith.
I looked around and spotted several Sith Lords. They were meticulously taking notes on this new theory. I am certain they anticipate victory in the war and are preparing to govern their future territories.
"Treacherous acts of terrorism by the Jedi compel us to seek your aid. We are gathering volunteers for an emergency response unit, and the expeditionary forces will be led by ten of the best Sith Lords."
Terrorism? Any self-respecting army possesses a sabotage and reconnaissance unit, and killing civilians is a natural process of any war.
Soldiers are brutal killers. They murder people for money; there is no distinction in who is killed. Children, women, the elderly, men, or infants — they are all equivalent kills. Every soldier commits to the conscious murder of other sentient beings for personal gain.
There is no difference in motivation or goals. When a person agrees to kill for their state, they are no different from a hired assassin or a terrorist.
We are Sith. We do not need to placate our morality and play the hypocrite by employing propaganda that claims moral superiority over the enemy.
Returning to his words: volunteers? The weak have only two options: submit or die.
The ten Lords did not hesitate. They stepped up to the podium and inspected us like livestock. The oldest Lord amplified his voice with the Force and stood beside the Alsakan officer.
"Thank you for the inspiring speech. I like the idea of a special response unit, but our doctrines blend poorly with Alsakan's command structure."
A valid observation. We have no armor and no aviation, but we do have combat monsters capable of destroying any enemy. Sith Lords are not accustomed to caring for soldiers; they are quite likely to unleash Force techniques that will catch Alsakan troops in the crossfire.
"There are no massive planetary battles on Phindar, but the Ailon Nova Guard is assisting the Jedi, and the garrison cannot combat terrorists hiding among the local population. We authorize any collateral damage, but the planet must remain under our control."
In that moment, I felt greed radiating from every Sith Lord in the room. Alsakan had just given them carte blanche to enslave the local natives.
"What is the planet's population?"
The human checked his datapad, then decided to motivate his allies further.
"There are approximately 239 million Phindians. It would be convenient if about 50 million remained by the end of the operation. The Alsakan fleet is holding the sector, and the route from Botajef to Columex is vital for the continued advance of our allies in the Tion sector."
The Alsakan officer understood how the Sith fought, and it did not concern him.
The Sith Lords nodded with satisfaction. The mission now looked entirely different, and it was worth applying genuine effort.
"Shall we select the volunteers?"
Most of the Lords nodded, while the rest lost interest in speaking with the foreign officer. They began meticulously inspecting us again, though the Alsakan officer forced them to display at least a little respect toward their future subordinates.
One of the Lords pointed at a Red Sith standing next to me. The man obediently stepped forward and stood behind the Lord.
This is exactly how the Empire works: there is no concept of voluntary or compulsory. If you are weaker, you have no right to refuse. But if you are stronger, you can break any law or order.
Killing a Sith Lord in a one-on-one duel does not violate the rules; you will only be praised and granted the title of Lord.
I looked closer and saw a female Red Sith in armor, radiating the Force like a leviathan. Her appearance heavily resembled a Kissai. It was extremely interesting.
Noticing my gaze, she smiled and pointed at me. I had no choice but to submissively walk toward her.
As an alchemist, I am familiar with the texts of Sorzus Syn. I can say that this Lord's hybridization was conducted under the supervision of a highly experienced alchemist.
The gene-splicing technique was maximally efficient, and the side effects minimal. Sorzus Syn usually delegated such work, but this woman's ancestors paid quite a lot for the procedure.
Even my knowledge is sufficient for a preliminary assessment. She is the natural offspring of a Kissai and a final-generation hybrid. Perhaps the fetus was modified before birth, but I would like to obtain a blood sample.
While I evaluated my Lord, dozens of "lucky ones" were already standing beside me.
Soon, all candidates were chosen, and the Lords dispersed. We were finally released to our homes to prepare our personal belongings. The Lord ordered us to arrive at the Hypergates tomorrow at exactly noon.
Did I want to be a tool for the Lords? No, but refusal would bring even more problems. I needed to demonstrate my skills and secure a position that did not involve danger.
Hunting Jedi who engage in terrorism? I am certain the Lords will deploy war beasts. That requires an alchemist's work. Even if the female Lord is familiar with the practice, she will absolutely delegate such tasks.
We must ensure the stability of an entire planet. That means the Jedi interception strike team will need transport and good pilots. The group I saw lacked pilots — an inconvenience for our leader. I should solve this problem and earn the female Lord's favor.
As a Kissai noble, I can bring personal servants and guards. I need to consider where to find good pilots in a single day.
The final problem was tactical methods for efficiently killing Jedi. To develop the correct operational algorithm, we will have to gather combat data. If my alchemy skills proved useless, this position might allow me to feel safe.
Having finalized my preliminary plan, I took out my portable datapad and initiated a video call. The connection on Corriz was stable. In just a few minutes, I reached the ruler of the planet.
"Good evening."
I ignored the absurdity of the phrase; it was the middle of the day.
"Good afternoon."
The blue hologram displayed an old Sith Lord. Alchemical gold tattoos adorned his bare chest, and his gray hair was neatly tied back. He was accompanied by a lightsaber and a white robe. This asceticism demonstrated his extremely strict attitude toward himself.
"Have you encountered a problem?"
We rarely spoke, but it was never empty conversation when we did.
"Military musters."
The Sith Lord nodded. He knew his genetic descendant would deduce who arranged the musters. As planetary ruler, he was stronger than an ordinary Lord.
Tens of thousands of Sith Lords lived in the Empire, but only 139 planets possessed populations and cities. Corriz was one of the Empire's primary worlds, and there were no more than thirty such planets.
Any planetary ruler was a creature that killed Sith Lords, and the rulers of the primary planets feared only the Sith'ari.
If he had wished it, Kreso would never have appeared on the list.
"Yes, I allowed you to be included in the group deploying to Phindar. I assume you understand my motives."
I only had to consider the political situation. Tulak Hord was not not a kind sovereign, and the old nobility ran counter to his interests and ambitions.
I was not the Lord's only descendant, and military service was simply one of the future trajectories for House Nal.
"An audit of your investments in my training."
We both knew he didn't put all his eggs in one basket, and his thoughts were far-reaching, but it was not worth saying aloud.
"So your call is not an emotional outburst. That pleases me. What do you need?"
As an intelligent Sith, he enjoyed conversing with intelligent counterparts. We were alike in that regard, so I could count on minor privileges.
"Tools for animal modification, an elite pilot, a bodyguard, money, and combat artifacts."
Since I was being sent to the army for the benefit of House Nal, I needed to exploit the situation.
"A servant will deliver an alchemy kit to you, and three million will be transferred to your account. But you are capable of making the artifacts yourself."
My request was brazen, and the old man was used to haggling, but I knew his character well.
"Did old age prevent you from hearing the part about the bodyguard and the pilots?"
Tritos Nal consumed alchemical potions, and the life force of slaves was purified before absorption. Alchemists rarely die of old age; that is exactly why I doubt the history the Sith Empire taught.
How could Sorzus Syn have died of old age? Our family is merely a splinter of the knowledge held by that Dark Jedi's personal apprentice. Yet my father suffers virtually no effects from the passage of time.
"I will live for at least another two thousand years. You like to joke too much. That habit can provoke aggressive animals."
What animals understand jokes? The bipedal, red-skinned animals that study the Sith Code and refuse to think with their own heads.
"My talent for jokes is inferior to your tactical methods of evading the question."
The Sith Lord remained silent for a long time, but I did not drop the call. We stared at each other like two cunning merchants haggling over every crumb of bread.
"I will not provide a bodyguard. If you are killed, it means I was mistaken about you. But I will tell you where to acquire a pilot."
I must remember this slight. Perhaps I should ruin a political marriage for one of my brothers?
"You are giving me access to the flight academy?"
Tritos Nal smirked. Looking at his face became unpleasant.
"You have a lot of money now. You are capable of buying a slave yourself."
I knew this ancient reptilian would not make concessions.
"Find a slave pilot in one day? Do I look like the Sith'ari?"
Data regarding a communicator number arrived on my datapad. The message contained the name of a very unpleasant individual.
"Luck is a part of talent. You already know someone who possesses the gift of predicting the future."
Without giving me time to react, the old bastard cut the connection and blocked any further attempts to call him.
Surprised, I stopped walking and evaluated the scale of the problems.
Erra Kallig does not live on this planet, and the number signified only one unpleasant future trajectory.
I accessed my datapad to block the number, but the call came through before I could.
I had no choice but to answer.
"Long time no see, Kreso."
The blue hologram displayed the heir to the Kissai magical traditions — an old acquaintance who had lost a duel to me.
My control over my emotions vanished. My eye twitched from the sheer density of today's annoyances.
"We are busy with our duties. Glad you called, Erra."
She demonstratively panned the camera, and I recognized the architecture of my own planet. My last hope burned to ash.
"Glad? Then why is your face twisted like a herd of hippos just visited your rear end?"
I will have to fight her again. Why is today such a bad day?
Tritos Nal! You orchestrated this, didn't you?!
"I am upset that I will not be able to speak with you longer. I was recently conscripted into the army, and the Empire requires my active participation."
Erra pursed her lips and feigned disappointment.
"Where are they sending you?!"
I could only speak with bitterness.
"A planet called Phindar."
I expected anger and cursing. Instead, Erra lowered the camera, and I caught sight of her clothing.
For a moment, my gift of foresight operated at maximum efficiency. I already knew what she was going to say.
"What a coincidence! Brother Aloysius arranged a job for me at the Alsakan army headquarters. Do you know which planet?"
Military service suddenly seemed an even shittier prospect than before.