[Union AU: The Imperial Gamer]

[Chapter 2: The Aftermath]

[No One Pov]

Following the Battle of Scarif, the fact that the Empire was unable to prevent the rebels from taking the schematics for the Death Star was a smack in the face for them.

Despite the fact that they were able to strike a significant blow to the rebels by destroying a significant portion of their fleet, the situation was still quite precarious.

In addition to this, to make life even more difficult for the empire, the Earth Federation intervened and assisted the Rebel Alliance in their departure.

The only person who has suffered more from this tragedy than Justin himself is due to the fact that he harbored resentment against both him and the Earth Federation.

Justin's disappointment in himself stemmed from the fact that he had anticipated that this move would put an end to the opposition but that it really had the opposite effect.

At the same time, he was furious with the Earth Federation since he had never anticipated that they would appear and assist the rebels.

Following the conclusion of the conflict on Scarif, he gave the order for his fleet to make its way back to the Kuat Drive Yards so that it could be repaired.

Justin has received reports detailing the number of ships that have been destroyed in his 10th fleet.

[10TH FLEET SHIPS LOST: 1 ISD / 2 VENATORS / 4 ARQUITENS / 24 TIE FIGHTERS / 12 TIE BOMBERS / 6 GAUNTLET STARFIGHTERS / 8 FANG FIGHTERS]

In the battle of Scarif, Justin had lost a significant number of ships and soldiers, which caused him to feel a great deal of anger.

Although he was acquiring new ships to take their place, he was unable to find suitable replacements for the men who served under him.

After a few days, Justin was called by the emperor himself to talk about the failure at Scarif.

Justin arrived on Coruscant, as he kneeled before the emperor of the Galactic Empire, Emperor Palpatine.

[Emperor Palpatine]

Justin[Kneel]: My Emperor.

Palpatine: Fleet Admiral Vines. Thanks for coming so quickly.

Justin: I came as soon as I received your message.

Palpatine: Good. Now. I would like to talk with you about what happened with Scarif.

Justin: I take full responsibility for the failure of stopping the rebels.

Palpatine: I have read the mission reports. I know that you have done everything you could to stop the rebels.

Justin: I should have planned it out more.

Palpatine: It was bound to happen. We didn't expect the Earth Federation to appear and save the rebels.

Justin: Yes, My emperor. I never expected it either. That was my flaw in judge.