Chapter 153

A battlegroup was deployed to Rhommamool to quell the rebellion and maintain control of the planet. The so called Red Knights were branded as a rebel group and was to be put down immediately. 

The Red Knights were being influenced by agents of the Yuuzhan Vong based on their actions and their view of technology.

And Alexander was not going to tolerate this nonsense. So if those extremists want to use extreme measures to push their agenda, then he would show them a small portion of the power that he wields.

The battle group which was to be deployed was to be led by his two sons Prince Luke and Prince Jais.

The battlegroup had assembled above Lehon where they would use they Hyperlane Gate to jump directly into the system. The two princes were at the Palace meeting with Alexander before they left.

The two were sitting across from Alexander inside of his office.

"Luke, Jais," Alexander began, steepling his fingers and regarding his sons with a steady gaze. "The Red Knights are extremists; they know no other way but violence. They are puppets, being manipulated by the Yuuzhan Vong."

"But remember," he continued, leaning back in his chair and casting a cold stare at the rotating holograph. "We are not like them. We do not lust for bloodshed; we seek peace through order and control. But if they force our hand…"

Luke, ever the reserved one, nodded solemnly, while Jais, always brimming with stifled energy, drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair. Both brothers shared their father's grey colored hair and dark blue eyes which sparkled with intelligence and unwavering resolve.

Alexander pressed a button on his desk which brought up a holograph of the battlegroup and Rhommamool.

"You will lead these ships," he said, watching as their faces lit up in blue from the displayed light. "You will show the inhabitants of Rhommamool the might and resolve of the Terran Ascendency. Luke, you will lead the air strikes from the Invictus. Jais, you will command ground operations."

The brothers shared a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They had been trained for such situations since childhood; war was as familiar to them as their own reflections. But this time it felt different. The enemy they were about to face was not just an unyielding army, but an ideology.

"The Red Knights believe technology is a poison that degrades civilization," Alexander continued, his voice low and grave. "They have twisted this idea into a weapon just as deadly as any blaster or starfighter."

"But their strength is not a problem instead it's their conviction and resolve which you will break once you arrive and destroy their forces." Stated Alexander.

There was a silence in the office as the gravity of their mission sank in. The Red Knights were not just rebels; they were fanatics who believed they were fighting for a noble cause. They would not easily be dissuaded by might alone.

"Father," Jais said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "We understand the stakes. We will do whatever it takes to extinguish their flame."

Alexander looked at his sons, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice heavy with authority and determination. "I know you will" Saying that last part he finally smiled at his two sons.

With that he dismissed them. Luke and Jais rose from their seats, bowing respectfully to their father before turning to leave. As they reached the door, Alexander called out one last time "And remember"

They both turned around.

"Bring each other home and don't do anything reckless" Alexander's gaze was stern but touched with a fatherly concern.

The brothers shared another glance before nodding in unison and leaving the office. After a few minutes their shuttle had departed from the Palace and landed on the Capital ship of the fleet.

The Admiral of the fleet had greeted them in the Hanger as they were the Prince's of the Terran Ascendency.

As the two of them exited the shuttle the rows of soldiers had saluted them alongside the Admiral who was standing at the front.

Since they were Prince's according to military regulation they were at the top when it came to military rank. The reason behind this was because each child of the Alexander was taught how to fight, how to lead, advanced tactics for both space and ground alongside various other things.

Luke and Jais returned the salute and put all the soldiers at east while they greeted the Admiral.

"My Prince's, it's an honor to serve you two, my name is Admiral Acklan, and I will be at your disposal throughout our mission. The fleet is ready for your orders," the Admiral said, bowing respectfully to the princes.

Luke nodded politely. "Thank you, Admiral Acklan. We are confident in your abilities." Jais nodded as the two moved towards the bridge of the Invictus.

Once on the bridge of the magnificent ship, they stood before an array of holographic screens displaying the entire fleet and Rhommamool in striking detail. Navigations officers stood at alert, awaiting their orders while other crew members were busy double-checking systems and flight trajectories.

Luke took a moment to survey the scene before him; this was what he was born for – to lead, strategize and command. He felt a familiar jolt of adrenaline laced with anticipation surge through him.

Jais, ever eager for action, turned to Luke with an expectant raise of his eyebrows before looking out at Rhommamool.

"Shall we?" He asked casually but his eyes were anything but casual; they held an intensity that could match a thousand blazing suns.

Luke took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. His gaze lingered one final moment on the holographic planet, then turned to face his brother. He nodded. "Let's make Father proud."

Jais chuckled lightly, clapping a hand on Luke's shoulder. "That's the spirit." He turned and raised his voice to address the room, "Attention all personnel, prepare for jump to Rhommamool."

The bridge hummed with anticipation as the crew responded efficiently, setting course for the Hyperlane gate. The two princes prepared themselves while the ground troops remained ready in the transport ships ready to reinforce their brothers who were fighting on Rhommamool.

Once they arrived the entire fleet went through the hyperlane gate and jumped to the Rhommamool sector. A few minutes later as they arrived Luke and Jais had ordered the transport ships to launch all ground troops to the surface of the planet.

Then the two boarded their own transport and went to the surface of the planet to end the rebellion and stop the fanatics from achieving their objective on the planet.