Gate: The New Empire

Chapter 2:The Call to Arms and Battle Beyond The Gate

The streets of Coruscant were a mix of chaos and mourning. The sky was still darkened by the smoke of burning buildings, and the sounds of emergency sirens echoed through the city. Civilians gathered in squares, some helping the wounded, others searching desperately for missing loved ones. News of the sudden attack by the Saderan barbarians had spread quickly, and now, the people awaited an explanation from the Emperor himself.

As the holographic projectors flickered to life, a massive image of Emperor Palpatine appeared above the skyline. His voice, calm and commanding, resonated across the city.

"Citizens of the Galactic Empire," he began, "we have all suffered a great tragedy. An unprovoked and barbaric assault has been launched upon the very heart of our civilization. The Saderans, a savage people from beyond the unknown Gate, have brought terror and destruction to our great capital."

The crowd listened in tense silence, the Emperor's words cutting through the noise of the devastated city. Palpatine's face was a picture of stoic determination, his eyes burning with a righteous fury.

"They thought us weak," he continued. "They thought that by striking at the core of our Empire, they could sow fear and discord. But they have made a grave mistake. Our strength is not in stone and metal, but in the unbreakable spirit of our people."

As his speech went on, the gathered crowds began to murmur. There was a mixture of emotions; some civilians listened with expressions of grim resolve, while others clenched their fists in barely contained anger. But there were those whose distrust of the Empire's motives was not easily dispelled.

One man, dressed in the rags of a mechanic's uniform, shouted, "Where was the Empire when the Saderans broke through? Why weren't our defenses ready?" His words were met with a few nods of agreement from those nearby.

Another voice joined in, an elderly woman with a tear-streaked face. "The Empire promised protection, but our families died. You didn't save us; you betrayed us!" The accusations spread like wildfire, stirring unrest among the crowd.

Palpatine's hologram remained unflinching. "I understand your anger," he said, his tone softening. "Your grief is my own. But do not be misled. The true enemy is not the Empire, but the savages who brought war to our doorstep." His image shifted, and the screens filled with footage of the Saderan invasion.

The scenes were horrific. Soldiers clad in ancient armor hacked at fleeing civilians. Buildings were consumed by flames, collapsing upon their inhabitants. The cries of children and the screams of the wounded echoed from the projectors.

The mood of the crowd changed as the footage continued. Expressions of outrage appeared where there had once been doubt. People looked to one another, sharing a moment of collective horror at the atrocities committed. The initial distrust toward the Empire began to wane, replaced by a growing anger toward the Saderans.

As the footage faded, Palpatine spoke again, his voice now filled with an urgency that matched the crowd's rising fury. "We will not let this crime go unanswered. The Empire has already launched its retaliation, sending our forces through the Gate to bring justice to the Saderans. But this fight is not only for the soldiers who wear our uniform—it is a fight for every one of you who has suffered."

The Emperor's hologram leaned forward, his gaze seeming to pierce through the viewers. "The Empire calls upon its citizens. Stand with us. Defend the galaxy. Avenge those who were lost. The Saderans will learn the price of their folly, but only if we stand united."

Imperial recruiters had already begun setting up stations in the squares, their banners unfurled with messages of duty and justice. A large recruitment poster loomed over one of the enlistment centers: Fight for Justice. Fight for Revenge. Fight for the Empire.