Gate: The New Empire

Chapter 1: Aftermath and Preperation

Aftermath of the Battle

As the echoes of battle faded into a haunting silence, the city of Coruscant lay in ruins, a testament to the ferocity of the conflict that had just transpired. Smoke billowed from shattered structures, and the once-bustling streets were littered with the remnants of a desperate struggle. The Imperial forces, victorious yet battered, surveyed the devastation with a mix of relief and grim satisfaction.

Among the scattered debris, Imperial stormtroopers and death troopers regrouped, their armor marked with scorch marks and blood. The commander, a seasoned officer with a hardened expression, surveyed the battlefield, his mind racing with thoughts of strategy and the Emperor's expectations. He called his men to attention, their faces a mask of resolve.

"Secure the area," he ordered. "We must ensure that no Saderan remains alive to rally their forces. Gather any intelligence from the fallen and prepare for a full report to the Emperor."

The troopers moved with a mechanical precision, gathering weapons and equipment from the dead. Their eyes flickered toward the piles of bodies, both Saderan and Imperial, a grim reminder of the cost of victory. Nearby, an Imperial medic tended to the wounded, administering aid to those who had survived the relentless onslaught. The moans of the injured mixed with the distant sounds of shuffling boots and the crackle of communication devices.

---

In the heart of the Imperial Palace, Emperor Palpatine sat on his dark throne, his fingers steepled as he contemplated the events that had unfolded. The faint hum of the room filled the air, mingling with the distant sounds of Coruscant's recovery efforts. His eyes glinted with a mixture of malice and curiosity as he reviewed the reports of the battle.

"Darth Vader," he called, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Come to me."

The door slid open, and Vader strode into the room, his black cape billowing behind him like a shadow. He knelt before the Emperor, the weight of his master's presence heavy in the air.

"What is your report?" Palpatine inquired, his voice smooth yet laden with authority.

"The Saderan forces were underestimated, my Master," Vader replied, his voice deep and resonant. "They fought fiercely but were ultimately overwhelmed by our superior technology and strategy. The remnants of their forces are scattered, and their morale is shattered."

"Excellent," Palpatine replied, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Yet, this Gate they used intrigues me. It opens pathways to worlds unknown. With it, we can explore realms beyond our understanding."

Vader tilted his head slightly, considering his Master's words. "You believe these worlds could hold value for the Empire?"

"Indeed," Palpatine mused, his fingers tapping together. "Imagine the resources, the power we could harness! We must learn more about the Gate and the dimensions it connects to. If these Saderans possess knowledge of it, we must extract every last detail."

With a wave of his hand, Palpatine summoned a holographic display of the battle. It flickered to life, revealing the chaotic scene of the Saderan invasion, the mighty wyverns soaring overhead, and the desperate charges of their legions.

"Look at their arrogance," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "They thought themselves gods, wielding swords and shields against the Empire's might. They are nothing but a blip in the grand scheme of the galaxy."

Vader watched the display with a calculated gaze. "And their leaders?"

"Bring me one," Palpatine commanded, his eyes narrowing. "I want to see the face of the fool who dared to challenge us."