When Komand came out of hyperspace near Pluto, she realized that the First Fleet had relocated from its starting positions. Knowing only one place where they could go, Komand set course to Earth and understood that her suspicion was correct. Most of the ships were flying around the planetary orbit, completely ignoring the debris around, but still avoiding contact with ridiculously looking space station. However, no matter how hard she tried to look, Komand couldn't find Hyperion.

The apprentice pressed a few buttons and contacted one of the Star Destroyers. The communication officer responded and his hologram appeared.

"Greetings ma'am, what's the reason of this call?"

"I need to know where the Emperor is."

"His Majesty's ship is at these coordinates. I'll mark it on your map."

Komand nodded and the transmission was over. She flew into the planetary atmosphere and rather soon she was above Amity Park. The sky was free of any clouds, and the Emperor's pitch black flagship stood out in the clean blue sky. Once she approached the ship and received a permission to land, Komand moved her ship in one of the hangers and didn't wait long to leave it. She walked down the corridors, knowing that her Master could be only in two places: his room and the bridge. Since the former was closer, Komand decided to check it out first.

When she got a few floors higher, the apprentice saw HK, who was standing near the door of Danny's room. Komand couldn't hear what he was saying, so she walked closer.

"What's going on?" The apprentice asked.

HK turned to her.

"Explanation: Ever since we have taken over that town beneath us, Master hadn't left his quarters and is still refusing to come out."

Raising her eyebrow, Komand knocked at the door.

"Danny, it's me, can you open the door?" She asked.

"No," a curt voice was heard through the piece of metal.

"I'm not going anywhere, Phantom. Open the door or I'll find the way to open it."

"God, you are persistent," Danny knew that she will go along with her threat. "HK, you may go, let us talk alone."

HK nodded and walked off, before the door was unlocked and Komand was able to enter it. She wasn't expecting what she saw. Danny was lying on the sofa, with numerous bottles scattered on the floor nearby. It was obvious what kind of liquids was present inside of them not so long ago.

"You know," Danny murmured, shaking the bottle in his hand. "In moments like this I hate my immunity to toxins. I can't even get drunk and knock myself out."

"What happened?" She asked quietly, sitting nearby. To cause such a reaction from him of all people...

"I killed them, Komand," Danny said bluntly, making a gulp.

"But isn't it what you wanted all along?"

"I did. But for some reason, I feel weird."

He was about to make another gulp, when Komand slapped the bottle out of his hands. It fell on the floor and shattered.

"Stop whining right now, and tell me why you are like that."

"This is what I planned to do, didn't I?"

Komand blushed in embarrassment at his words. She may have overreacted a bit. Danny sighed.

"When I planned to kill them, I had a purpose, something to work towards. Now," he shrugged. "They are gone. Exterminated, shot down like coward dogs they are. After all, even if they were rare pieces of shit, they still were my parents. I remembered several good episodes of my childhood, that rare moments when they decided to pay any attention to me. I...I couldn't bring myself to inflict finishing blow, even if they were dying by my hand already. At the moment, they were unarmed, helpless. Somewhere deep inside...I knew it was wrong, even after what they did. I could feel all the hatred and rage burning inside of me, and this act could finish my turn to the Dark Side. But thank goodness, I prevented myself from doing it personally. Instead of inflicting further damage, I ordered the soldiers to execute them. Swiftly and painlessly."

"I still don't see the problem," Komand mumbled.

"I didn't expect you to understand," Danny looked on the ground. "And I don't mean that I doubt your intelligence. You grew up in a loving and rich family. And even if your Dad wants my pelt on his wall, I still can clearly see that he cares about you. Look at me, though. I'm barely an adult, who has mental traumas no one knows about. The act of dying is not something you can forget. My parents killed me, slowly and painfully in front of my eyes. They hated me after I became a ghost."

"And...I so strived to take my revenge, so it became a meaning of my existence. And now, I have lost this meaning."

Komand's eyes widened in horror. "Don't you dare to say such things!" She exclaimed, grabbing his hands. "What about all the people you rule over?"

"You are mistaking the meaning of life and responsibility," Danny tried to pull away, but found himself unable to. "While that's truth that it was me who took the burden of Imperial Crown, it just feels like it is supposed to. With each day it does more and more. What will happen if I dissappear suddenly? What will happen with the Empire I created? After all, I can be killed. I'll keep doing what's the best for my citizens, but..."

"And nobody asks more from you," Komand said softly. "Please, stop worrying about it. They hated you, and by being like that you only make them laugh from the Underworld. They would have wanted you to suffer even after you got rid of them. Do you want to give them a reason to be happy?"

Danny smiled weakly. "You are getting better, maybe one day you will become my speechwriter."

Komand smirked, before nudging him slightly. "Don't dream about it, snowhead. I'll use my talent for something better."

"As you say, Komy, as you say," Phantom mumbled. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. The crew is worried, you better make an appearance."

With that Komand walked out of the room, leaving the ghost alone.

However, despite a pep talk, a nagging feeling was still present in his stomach. He just couldn't overstep such problem by snap of the fingers, or even after the friend's help. And Komand was right, he had an Empire to lead, even despite his depression. Later that evening he was already receiving a report from his subordinates in this same room.

"Your plans had been put into completion, My Lord," the officer reported. "The blockade shows its first economical results, Amity Park is secured. New York also had fallen with minimal losses on our side. Switzerland had lost its primary cities after our attacks, but on the outside the resistance forces and the landscape are making it complicated to move further and deeper inside the state. Shall we send more Star Destroyers down there? Our soldiers might need more supplies."

"Yes, five more should be enough. I want it conquered by the end of the week. How the other countries are reacting?"

"Differently, Your Majesty. Some had already surrendered and are awaiting for their fate. Most of them did nothing, probably too afraid to act when our ships are flying above their capitals. One small Asian country launched nuclear rockets at us. Deflectors did their jobs well. We are not sure, however, how to respond on humans' airstrikes. What are your orders?"

"Do nothing as long as no harm is done to the ships or land forces. What about the GIW remnants?"

"Scattered and disorganized. HK-47 and the Death Corps are cleaning up what is left."

"Splendid. We are in condition of war with the US, so I guess we can strike at Area 51. I want to check out if the rumors are true and they really are examining aliens there. If they do, we will return them home."

The Yuth officer shivered. He didn't want to know the truth.

"My Lord, may I ask you a question?"

Raising his eyebrow, Phantom nodded.

"Are you going to reveal yourself down there? The soldiers are complaining about wearing the helmets 24/7."

"If I recall correctly, they take different shifts, and nothing is said about wearing them once aboard the ship. There is nothing I can do, I'm afraid. Dismissed...Actually," he stopped the officer from leaving. "One more thing. I need some of the Death Troopers on this ship to be ready for departure. I need to visit one place and I could use extra hands. Also, call Komand as well."

The officer bowed. "Understood, My Lord."

A few minutes later Phantom was already standing in front of four Death Troopers, wearing his official 'royal' clothes. The Death Troopers were wearing completely black armor and closed helmets with green vizors. They also had black shoulder capes and two handed blaster rifles, which could switch between the singular mode and automatic mode fit for any situation. The Death Troopers were completely loyal to their Emperor, and what was the most important thing - they were highly skilled professionals, who were sent into the most important missions of the Empire.

Komand joined soon after, running into the hangers and panting after long run.

"Couldn't you tell me sooner? NOT forcing me to run two miles?" She asked.

The soldiers never could understand how was she able to talk with the EMPEROR in such tone, and what was more confusing - how she got away with it. Some people, on the other hand, noted that they often were spotted together, which led to quite logical, but just as wrong conclusion. Still, no one dared to say it in their faces.

"I did, but you still were on the other end of the ship. Anyways, follow me."

Phantom made a portal through which the group walked to the surface. Phantom pulled on the hood again, and Komand followed the gesture. The group walked through the streets of Amity Park, calling a lot of attention from the terrified bypassers. They scrambled away, but some were actually intrigued, in a fearful way. So far they had only seen the Stormtroopers, now there were two space wizards wearing dark robes and the soldiers wearing all black. What caused even more confusion is how high ranking soldiers, who were on patrol at the time, stood still at his mere sight. Just who was that man under the cloak?

Komand recognized the district they were in. Her eyes widened slightly, why was he leading them there? Sure enough, they had reached the FentonWorks building. And, technically being the sole inheritor of the wealth, Phantom had no moral restrictions while knocking down the door.

"Move to the basement, it's behind the kitchen," Phantom ordered, taking off the hood.

Komand took off hers, as the Death Troopers went downstairs. She noticed how Danny flipped the family photo face down. He looked at his apprentice and put a finger over his mouth, and the universal message was received clearly. Together they went downstairs. Komand admitted that the lab looked very much like Danny's, just more messy. Oh, wait, there was a half decayed dissected corpse. Komand's face became green.

"Oh, gods, I'm going to hurl," she mumbled, turning away.

Phantom quietly walked to the vivisection table. He looked at those lifeless eyes full of terror, before closing the eyelids.

"That's why they deserved their fate, Komand," Danny whispered soberly.

He then walked to the rectangular shaped machine at the opposite end of the room. Everyone followed him with their eyes, curious about what he was going to do.

"Alright...338...no it wasn't it. 1208? No, that's not it, too," Danny was muttering under his nose.

"1990?" Finally he received a positive beep and the doors slid open.

"What is that thing?" Komand asked curiously.

"Remember how I told you that my race had left the Earth? Well, this is where they went. The Ghost Zone, my second and true home. I plan on finding a few of my...past acquaintances there and bring them under the wing of the Empire. But I must warn you, follow each my word, and do as I say, that world doesn't obey any of the laws of physics. Come now."

The Death Troopers followed the Emperor inside, and Komand was next.

That dimension really amazed her. That place really didn't add up with what she got used to. A sky, if she could call it the sky, was a swirling mass of green, black and purple. Several doors were floating in the air, and they were standing on a lifeless rock. Danny put a hand on his chin and hummed.

"Alright, follow me and watch your steps, gravity here still works and the black hole in the bottom isn't the best place to stay."

The accompanying group followed their leader, who seemed very confident in his sense of direction. The Death Troopers were professionals, they weren't gazing around like a five year old kid. Unlike Komand. She was interested in everything that got on their way. She found one of that strange doors which was on the ground level. She put her hand on its handle, but was stopped when Danny put his palm on top of hers.

"I don't recommend you to do it. Ghosts don't like intruders," he warned.

Komand slowly nodded and removed her hand. "So, they have homes behind those doors?"

"Lairs, to be more precise. It depends on the person, some have entire islands in their disposal, like me. Though, I don't exactly know where it is."

"And where are we going exactly?"

"I know one person, and knowing that he doesn't tolerate things from another world being brought here...I'm surprised he hadn't found us yet."

It was hard to describe the reaction coming from the apprentice when she saw a building in front of them. It looked like a prison, a huge gray building behind tall concrete walls, with several watchtowers, projectors and electrified barbwire. Phantom calmly approached the main gates.
"I guess I should knock," he murmured, before hitting the metal doors a few times.

They soon opened, revealing a policeman dressed in gray uniform, with green skin, red eyes and spectral tail instead of his legs. in his hand he held a police baton, but he was eyeing the guns in the Death Troopers' hands with a little fear. His eyes turned to the Emperor, before they became as wide as saucers. Before he could say something, Phantom raised his hand.

"I'm here to meet with the warden," he said calmly. "And make it quick."

The guard nodded and disappeared behind the doors. He really was quick, the doors soon opened.

"Follow me," he said.

While the visitors were passing through the small path, the prisoners around crowded near the net walls, which stood by two sides of it. Everyone stared in shock at the stark haired man. Of course they were, every ghost thought that Phantom was a goner. They then noticed Komand and his escort. The Death Troopers kept their formation firm, giving off clanking sound with each step and earning confused and wary glances.

Komand was meanwhile curiously observing the obvious prisoners. If she wasn't told beforehand, she would have never assumed them to be of the same specie. A specie of undead spirits, but still. That made her wondering if the 'Ghost Zone' had any government. There obviously was a prison, so some jurisdiction must have existed. And while they walked through another prison block, Komand increased her pace and got to her Master, before asking that question.

"Well, there used to be," Danny explained. "Now this world exists in peaceful anarchy. The Ghost Zone gives them everything they might need, so it leaves no reason for conflicts. But before that it was ruled by the Ghost Kings. They were the most powerful ghosts, and often the most vicious ones. The last King ended  rather badly. Locked inside Sarcophagus of Eternal Sleep, without any chance of breaking out."

Ignoring Komand's stunned look, Phantom kept following their guide without a slightest worry, his pearly white cape flowing behind him. Soon they got to the secluded room, and entered it. Behind the wooden desk was sitting a person. He had skin white as paper list, green eyes without pupils, and was wearing black hat, along with white suit.

"Well, well, well, little punk waltzes in my hands by himself," he said sarcastically. The man looked up from his papers and narrowed his eyes at the sight. "Arrest him," he commanded.

The Death Troopers only needed a glance from their leader to stand down. Komand was about to take out the lightsaber, but Danny stopped her.

"Glad to see you too, Walker," Danny sat on a chair in front of him. "I don't think you will be able to arrest me. If those armed guys behind me have anything to say about it," he pointed towards the soldiers.

Even if Walker was a bit intimidated by them, he didn't remove his scowl. "There are about two hundred men against four of them."

"You forgot me and my dear apprentice," Danny kept grinning.

Raising his eyebrow, Walker looked at Komand. "Apprentice? What do you have to teach, punk?"

"Escaping from unescapeable prisons for example..."

Judging from Walker's expression, he just hit the sore spot.

"What are you here for?" The warden asked.

"To make a proposal," Danny leaned forward. "Your prison is positioned in a lifeless wasteland, which is another dimension, and there is only one way out which can be easily guarded. I want to employ your services."

Walker hit the table in his fit of uncontrolled laughter. "Employ me?!" He said between his breaths. "What happened to your brains, punk?"

"I'm completely sane, Walker. And I need a place where to throw the worst prisoners."

"Since when do you throw the ghosts into prison?"

"Not only ghosts. Humans, aliens, it doesn't matter. The entire planet will soon be mine, and I have to get rid of the opposition to my rule. I have my own army, these are only my personal escort. In case you think something funny."

Walker snorted. "And where did you take this 'army'?"

"I have my ways. My army armed with superior alien techs is holding several important territories. Humans will soon fall on their knees."

Walker would have laughed, but the Death Troopers tapped on their guns behind the Emperor's back. Walker had to admit, they didn't look like something humans could have. Suddenly the warden realized that he was cornered and outnumbered.

"Let's suggest I believe you. How do I benefit from it?"

"You will be fulfilling your obsession," Danny shrugged. "You will be a jailer, and even executioner sometimes. But, you will do everything according to the Imperial Jurisdiction Comitee decisions."

"A what?"

"The only difference is a pafos name. It is a simple court, which accomplishes all its branches' purposes. Except that, you will remain autonomous and we will not interfere in your arrands. I don't plan to expand in the Ghost Zone. I know you want to arrest me, but what's better? Get me or hundreds of others?"

Walker didn't respond.

"Get lost, punk."

Danny raised his eyebrow. "What just like that? I'm not going to take no for an answer."

"Get. Out."

Phantom got up from his seat and stormed away. Poor Walker didn't know one thing - What the Emperor can't acquire by negotiations, he acquires with force.

-Later-

"So, what now?" Komand asked.

For some reason, Danny dismissed his soldiers and ordered them to return the path they went, and it confused the apprentice. He will take that jail by storming it with the Stormtroopers. But they had a lot of time in their disposal.

"This should be easier. The Far Frozen are my old friends, and I don't want to come to their home armed to teeth."

"That's a weird name," she commented.

"Which reminds me, they may look intimidating, but don't judge the book by its cover."

As they walked further, Komand kept feeling colder and colder. The landscape around kept becoming barer and barer. If before were at least dark and lifeless trees, then now it was only black ground. On the distance she could see a white snowy landscape. After a while Komand could see her breath, and soon after started to shiver. She started hugging herself in order to warm herslef up. Danny noticed her discomfort, and his eyes widened.

"Damn, I forgot. You don't have cold resistance," he muttered, approaching her. "I'm so sorry, should have brought warm clothes."

He took her smaller hands into his and rubbed them, not noticing her reddening face. "Here, take this on," Phantom said softly.

Danny uncapped the cape and wrapped it around his friend. Komand smiled gratefully at him, shifting the cape more comfortably on her shoulders. The two kept walking forward, until their boots started crunching the soft snow. Komand was actually curious about seeing it, Babylon didn't have any snow, or winter, hence the constant tropical climate. She scooped a patch of white substance and instantly dropped it, shivering slightly.

"Have you ever seen snow?" Danny asked in bewilderment. Komand shook her head slowly.

"It burns. How is this possible?"

Danny smiled softly, "Well, you will have plenty of time to get accustomed to it. Actually, there they are."

He pointed towards a small cloud on the distance, which usually happened when a speeder was moving. It was hard to make out who exactly that was because of that same cloud. But when they moved closer, Komand's eyes widened at how weird the situation looked. The speeders were built so the rider was standing, not sitting. However, the three riders were the most catchy thing. They were huge, about eight feet tall. The beings' faces had canine traits and ice horns on top of their heads. The one in front had the most distinctive features. Instead of his right arm, he had a piece of ice, without muscles or skin, only with bones being seen through.

Danny was right, Komand assumed, they did look intimidating, even without ice spears in their hands. Their claws seemed much more effective. The being in front approached them, and when he saw Danny, a huge grin appeared on his face.

"Great One!" He exclaimed, before enveloping Danny in a bear hug.

Komand reached for the lightsaber, but then stopped, snickering at Phantom's pained expression.

"Nice to see you too, Frostbite," Danny choked out. "Please, this is painful," he whimpered.

"I know, it pained us too, that you were absent for so long!" Frostbite said joyfully, hugging him even tighter.

"That's not what I meant!"

"Oh," the ghost let go of Danny. "My apologies, Great One."

Frostbite turned to Komand, raising his furry eyebrow.

"And who is your new friend?" Frostbite asked.

"Well, this is Komand, she is my apprentice. Komand, this is Frostbite, the Chieftain of Far Frozen."

"Please, without hugs," she begged.

Frostbite roared with laughter. "As you wish. Friends of the Great One are our friends. Let's continue our conversation in the village!"

They walked to the speeders and situated on them, before driving further into the frozen wasteland. Soon they have arrived into the settlement. Komand seemed amused at the surroundings. The yeti-like ghosts seemed to have advanced technologies, which were probably the reason of the Emperor's visit. And yet, they obviously lived in tribes, and their settlements were series of disorganized huts. Once there, they walked on their feet, following Frostbite.

Another interesting thing she noted was that the bypassers seemed joyous to see Phantom again. Whatever he did for them, it was big. And that title Frostbite had called him...Her musings were interrupted when the chieftain decided to speak.

"So, what brings you here after all this time?" He asked the stark haired man.

Danny sighed. "I'll be honest, Frostbite. This isn't just a friendly visit."

Frostbite's smile wavered a bit. "Whatever it is, we will be glad to assist you, Great One. But first, we must throw a feast to celebrate your return! If you don't mind of course."

"It will be rather impolite to disagree. Just don't take too long, please, I have some matters to attend to."

"Worry not, the preparations will be made in no time. Until then, we shall discuss the matters you want to talk about."

Frostbite gave a few commands, while Danny looked at Komand. He noticed that her skin was now a color similar to human white shade. It wasn't a good sign.

"Hey, how about you go to the warm place while we talk?" He asked, before receiving a nod.

Phantom led his apprentice inside the big hall. The Far Frozen were really quick, especially for someone that size. When two Force Users entered it, they were already fussing around. Danny led Komand to the fireplace, which seemed like the only warm place in the entire building. Komand sat on a furry armchair, using the white cape as blanket. When Danny went out of the hall, Frostbite was already waiting for him.

"Who exactly is this young lady?" He asked as they started to walk.

"Our first interaction was rather nasty. But we get along now, I'm teaching her some abilities."

"Is she a ghost? We didn't sense as such."

"No, she isn't. I'm teaching her how to fight and also the secrets of the Force."

"What is this?"

"I won't go into details, but in short...this is something which gives mortals their own powers. My case is rather unique, because I'm dead and yet I have those abilities."

"Hm, interesting," Frostbite rubbed his chin. "Anyways, what brings you here?"

"Well, the Empire may need loyal friends like you. It needs a foothold in the Ghost Zone in order to get ectoplasm."

"What Empire are we talking about?"

"The Empire led by me, of course. It has almost expanded on the eighth part of the Galaxy. Not so big yet, but the expansion goes on."

"I'm extremely impressed, Great One," Frostbite said, and his tone left no doubt about what he said. "But we can't agree on that. Our lands must remain untouched, that were the words of our ancestors, and we intend to keep it that way."

"I understand, Frostbite. We will not excavate ectoplasm on your territory. We just need assistance, in case if our facilities will be attacked and the Stormtroopers won't be able to hold the enemies back. Our workers will be in need of resources, and finally, we need to establish stable communications. In exchange we will protect your borders as well. I recall that that fire cored ghosts are being quite persistent, are they still?"

"Yes, sadly. If that's the case, we agree on such proposal, Great One."

Danny smiled. "There is one last thing, though. What do you think about technological exchange? You will share your techs, we give you ours."

"I see no harm in that."

"Thank you, my friend. So, how were you doing while I was absent?"

For a few more hours they wandered around the village, all the while receiving happy greetings. Danny sighed contently each time. It was nice to be surrounded by old friends. As the technical sky above the Far Frozen was getting darker, the people were gathering around the main hall. On the street and on the inside people seemed to have fun. Booze and food was everywhere, and the guests weren't able to comprehend how were they able to cook that much in so little time.

Komand was baffled the most. She didn't have any time to ask what made the yeti like ghosts to warship Phantom even more than most of his own subjects. Again, they were too busy with preparations and she wasn't too keen to interrupt them from their jobs. However, Komand was an observant person. She could see how nice that people were, but she couldn't make out if it was because of her friendship with Danny, or because of their general nature.

At the moment she was just enjoying a delicious meal made from some Earth bird, along with a strange, but tasty red liquid. Phantom was sitting near her all along, eating as well. They didn't say much words to each other, being too busy with the activities. Suddenly, Danny got up, holding a golden goblet in his hand.

"My dear friends," he started saying, with a big smile on his face. Komand could see that it was genuine, but somewhat still forced. His moodiness was still present. "There are no words to describe how happy I am to be present here again, and I'm sure my friend Komand is too. And I don't think I'll ever receive such a warm welcome anywhere but here. And for that I thank you. All the friendly actions of your tribe will never be forgotten, I assure you about that. But, I believe it is time to make our friendship even stronger. Today we celebrate not only our reunion, but also the alliance between the Far Frozen and the New Sith Empire I represent. So," Danny raised his hand with a goblet. "For old and new strong friendships!"

With that everyone cheered and drank their drinks.

After a few more hours Danny was sitting on an armchair in front of the fireplace, deep in thought. It was unknown what he had in mind, but Komand approached him.

"Whatcha doin'?" She asked.

"Just thinking. Nothing much."

"Got that right, nothing much," Komand sat on an armchair too. The main problem, Danny was between Komand and her seat.

Phantom's eyes widened in surprise.

"Uhm, Komand, what are you doing?" He asked with green cheeks, as she put her head on his shoulder, while sitting on his knees.

"Sleepin'," she mumbled with closed eyes.

Danny understood what was going on. "You are drunk," he stated the fact.

"No, I'm sleepy," Komand whined.

"Ugh," Phantom grunted. Despite how cute the situation was, she was sitting on him in rather peculiar position. "How can I convince you to let me get up?"

"Kiss me."

That left Danny thunderstuck. He turned to her with eyes as wide as sausers, but only found her snoring loudly in his shoulder. Sighing and shaking off extra thoughts, Danny picked her up bridal style and walked towards the bedroom. When Danny was half human, he still needed sleep, so the Far Frozen had made him own room. Walking inside, he gently put her in the bed and moved the blanket over her. He then saw a fireplace with a few logs in it, before firing a low powered ectoblast, igniting the logs.

Phantom gave the last final look at his apprentice, before smiling slightly and closing the door behind him. Apparently he was going to stay here for a night.

Suddenly, he heard rapid footsteps. One of the Far Frozen approached the stark haired man.

"Great One, I was sent here by Frostbite."

"What's the reason?"

"He didn't want to discuss it on public. You see, when we heard that both yours and Plasmius' secrets were out and that you both were presumed dead, we tried to take as much Plasmius' techs and projects he had. One in particular...she must be approved before being released."

"She?"