"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, you are watching Amity Park News and I'm Harriet Chin."

A tanned asian woman said this phrase from the channel studio. Near her was sitting a man with carefully brushed blond hair.

"I'm Lance Thunder, and welcome to another day under alien occupation," the man added.

"As you might have noticed by now, the ship above the city was changed to another one. The reasons of such action remain unknown."

"Could it mean that something is about to happen? With their soldiers patrolling our streets, and how our weapons are seemingly useless, there is nothing stopping them. Also, since Wall Street is currently overrun by them, and the entire trade frozen by blockades, market crash is inevitable, say experts."

"Well, this aliens are much smarter than what we are used to. Soon we will simply have no money to fight the invaders. We can only hope that their helmets are actually to protect them from Earth diseases or that the solution will be found soon. The president has made an announcement that..."

Suddenly the transmission got interference. And not only this channel. Each of them, so no one watching it would miss what was about to happen. The interference cleared, and another image was put through.

Phantom was wearing his military uniform, with a fine addition of a new crown resting on his snowy head. It was a gift from the jewelery masters of Far Frozen. It was made entirely of clean ice, decorated with laurel leafs, intertwining with each other, which shape was similar to the diadem of some elven king from Lord of the Rings. On the diadem's head was a green gem, which emmited the same warm neon glow as the Emperor's eyes.

Danny stood in front of an illuminator, which gave a look into the abyss of space, with a glass of drink in his hand and another hand behind his back. The planet was moving below his ship, and the Moon was reflecting the starlight, while glimmering with white. To say that the viewers were dumbfounded would be an understatement. He looked...human enough, and quite young for that matter. And in one particular town people realized who that person was, and the shock was evident.

"Greetings, humans. My apologies for interrupting your view of culinary show or watching how male cheetah runs after his female, but I wouldn't have done so without proper reasons."

Danny gave a disarming smile and chuckled. "The Earth hasn't changed much since I was here last time, I must admit. For those absolute superiority of humanity who aren't already aware about who I am, I shall introduce myself. Daniel James Phantom, the Supreme commander of the First Imperial Fleet, and undisputed ruler of the Reborn Sith Empire."

Phantom made a final sip from the glass and put it down on the table.

"As of right now, you have seen a portion of our forces. And, as you can also see, the invasion isn't going quite like you have imagined. There is a reason for that. I do not wish any extra bloodshed between us and I'm sincerely sorry for those caught in a crossfire. Now, we are finally coming in contact. And I must say, you are really lucky. You probably know where exactly you are in this Galaxy, and I must say, this isn't the best its part. Of all the governments, the Empire is the best choice for joining."

"Despite monarchical regime, we respect the rights of our people. We may negotiate. If by the end of our discussion you won't be convinced," Phantom shrugged nonchalantly. "We will leave. Just announce where the meeting shall be set, and I will be there. Without my fleet or army. But. I expect the same thing from you. You may bring bodyguards, though, as I'll prefer to talk with my equals, not their representatives. If the decision is not made by the end of this day, we will consider this an act of hostility. Be warned. Transmission is over."

-Later-

HK was walking through the corridors of Hyperion, having just returned from his post. So far everything seemed alright, humans couldn't and didn't want to attack. New York was under undisputed control of the Empire. The US army had yet to arrive to attempt to drive them away from the city. However, it didn't stop them from attacking from three sides. The first one was the arrived fleet. Several ships were daring enough to fire at the city in attempts of burying the enemy under debris. However, one dome shield protected the Imperial Forces. Plus, starfighters sent some of them to explore the bottom of the ocean.

Attacks from the sky stopped soon after, when they realized that jets weren't powerful or fast enough to take at least one fighter down.

The resistance tried to repel the invaders, but each time they suffered failures. HK was a droid, and thus in general he was supposed to be less effective than organic commanders because programming had limits. But, his programming had a huge limit. He created a good intelligence and observation posts. He wouldn't have missed the fun of exterminating meatbags for his pleasure, but his Master's orders were to kill only when they shoot first. Luckily for the droid commander, moronic organics just couldn't get it.

Still, the Stormtroopers were suffering some losses. Plastoid armor could protect from bullets and shrapnel, but power wave emmited by explosives could kill them. HK couldn't get why Phantom was waiting. They could just attack and wipe them all out. He regretted not being sent to Switzerland. His only entertainment was slaughtering of the GIW compounds. Danny let him be creative with his murders as long as he kills them all. The droid didn't complain.

He went to the bridge and entered it. Everyone's eyes immediately turned to him and someone flinched in fear, preferring to stay away from the trigger happy droid. Phantom noticed multiple reactions and looked at his servant.

"What took you so long?" He asked.

"Explanation: Had to wait for the shuttle. That idiot of a pilot got lost. Question: Why did you summon me, Master?"

"I need a bodyguard," Danny stated as if it was obvious.

"Sarcastic question: What? You need a bodyguard against the ones who can't even leave a scratch?"

Phantom regarded the droid with a strange look. "Believe me, the scratch they leave can be quite big," he said coldly.

"Daddy!"

Danny's look instantly softened considerably. He looked to the side and saw Dani running to him with a huge shining grin on her face. She was holding a datapad in her little arms. Phantom smiled softly, kneeling so he would be on her eyelevel. HK's processor was racing on rapid speed, trying to get what was going on. He was examining the small child, the face scan finding a lot of similar traits to the young man.

"What is it, princess?" Phantom asked.

"I drew a picture!" She said in excitement, showing him the device and tilting her head. It had a function of writing notes with stylus, but looks like she thought up to use it for drawings. Smart girl.

"Really? That's great!" Danny chuckled, looking at what she had drawn. "Uhm...what is it?"

"It's you!" Dani said, grabbing his hand. She couldn't believe her Daddy was so silly!

"Oooh."

He could hear some snickers coming from the crew at the small family's interactions. Dani's picture was rather...unique. It looked more like some weird black squid with four tentacles and white head. Phantom looked at his daughter, who was expecting his decision with big eyes full of eager. Danny hummed theatrically, hugging the girl with one hand and pulling her closer.

"When we get home, we will print it and put in frame," he said seriously with pride.

Dani squealed happily and wrapped her hands around Danny's neck. "Thank you, Daddy!"

HK interrupted their family time. "Statement: Master, we have a job to do."

Danny sighed, "Sure, sure."

The girl had stars in her eyes. "Wow, a robot!" She exclaimed.

"Statement: I'll take that as insult."

Dani giggled. "You are funny. I'm Dani, what's your name?"

Everyone stared at the three years old. Too innocent to know what a cruel being that droid was. HK knew that he couldn't lay a hand on her, meatbags are known to be protective of their offsprings. Hopefully she won't realize that, or he would face a disaster. Naive poor droid, he didn't know what was hidden beneath that sweet grin of hers.

"Explanation: HK-47, protocol and extermination droid."

"Pro...col.." Dani tried to say the long word, her face gaining an adorable struggling expression.

Danny chuckled, picking her up. "Protocol, sweetie. He is SUPPOSED to help me with paperwork," he deadpanned, making accent on one word. "He is better in second thing. Let's go to the room, hm?" Phantom started to carry her, before looking at the droid and gesturing for him to follow. 

When they were on their way, Dani started playing with his snowy hair, but the man didn't pay attention.

"So, about why I need a bodyguard," Phantom turned to the droid. "I want them to underestimate me. If they don't know what I can do, they won't be prepared. We killed off the GIW, after all."

"Confusion: Then why don't go alone? You will be completely 'unprotected'."

"Well, I thought...ouch!" Danny turned to the girl, "Careful, Dani."

"Sorry!" She said nervously.

"Anyways, it will look too suspicious and unrealistic. That's why I need you to be with me."

HK nodded in understanding. Dani stopped playing with her father's hair and looked at him as an idea came into his mind.

"Daddy, can I come with you?" She asked.

"I'm afraid no, sweetheart. You will get bored there. I'll just talk with some serious old people there."

"Query: Speaking of, where exactly is 'there'?" HK pointed out.

"They proposed to meet on Easter Island. Looks like everyone was too afraid to invite me on their territory and picked the furthest place."

"Aww," Dani dropped her head and pouted.

"Hey, don't be like that, baby girl. We will play together when I come back, but for now stay with Komand, alright? She should be here by now."

Dani brightened and nodded eagerly. 

A few minutes later Danny and HK were sitting in the shuttle, on their way to the surface, the former redressed into royal clothes. The droid was cleaning up his ecto blaster, while Phantom was reading through several reports because of nothing better to do. Besides them there were only two pilots at the cockpit. Suddenly a thought came into the droid's processor.

"Question: I just thought, why are you certain that they will accept your offer? Isn't that too much of a risk?"

"If by that question you mean why I promised to leave," Danny shrugged and leaned back in his chair. "I'll try to sound convincing. But if not, I specifically wanted to meet with the leaders, instead of making vote across the planet. Because there are only about two hundred of them, and my uncle once won elections in a way I'm about to use if they don't agree," he gave a fanged smirk as his eyes flashed brighter.

The shuttle soon descended towards the small chunk of land and flew to the arrival point. Danny got up and walked to the cockpit, before looking out of the illuminator. He snorted in amusement and put a gloved hand on his chin.

"They set it up in an airport, lovely," the ghost commented dryly, before turning around.

When the shuttle landed, the Emperor walked to the trap and went down once it opened, with his servant following behind. The setting sun was shining barely above the blue sea, and Danny stared at it for a while, as the evening wind tripled his pearly cape. It lasted for a few seconds, because he had to go down the red carpet. By two sides stood the Chilean Honor Guard. The island belonged to that country, after all. All wore blue and red uniform, with metal spiked helmets. On another end of the path the young man was greeted by a Hispanic man in official suit. He was smiling, but Phantom could feel nervousness coming from him. Understandable to a degree.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," the man said, "Are you liking this planet so far?"

Danny smiled. "I grew up on Earth, sir. This island, on the other hand, I always wanted to see that statues of yours."

He showed a lot of respect, and acted cheerfully. It wasn't hard, he was acting like himself. Phantom outstretched his hand for a handshake and the president shook it. As a leader of a hosting country, he got the 'spoils'. Hundreds of cameras flashed brightly to picture the first contact between the Imperials and Humans. Then the president noticed that Phantom wasn't alone. He jumped slightly at seeing an armed machine.

"And what's...this?"

"This is my bodyguard, HK-47. He is one of a kind, created by one of the greatest Sith Lords four thousand years ago. HK, say hi."

"Request: Go kill yourself, meatbag," HK said in Basic. He didn't have Spanish in his database.

"What did he say?" The president asked confused.

"HK shows his respect in his own unique way," Danny translated. "Shall we proceed?"

"Of course."

They walked through the airport, and the reporters just didn't let go. Danny even saw some floating reporter droids. Alright, how the Imperial media got there? While they were walking, a very small ship decloaked and landed on another end of the island. It was damn hard to get through the blockade, but the donators were generous. The cockpit opened and a person jumped out of the ship. He opened the luggage and took out a rifle, before turning on the communicator.

"Have you arrived by now?" The man from another end of transmission asked.

"Yes sir. I need time to prepare, though. I had to follow Phantom because he hid where he was going."

"That complicates things...this negotiations are important, I doubt it will be solved fast. Prepare well, you better not to fail."

"Affirmative," the man turned off the communicator and proceeded to cover the ship from view.

The Emperor had finally got to the limo and situated inside. A very awkward silence settled in the car, until the president attempted to build a dialog.

"Your Majesty..."

"Call me Phantom," Danny smiled.

"Phantom," the aged man nodded. "You said you grew up here. How is this possible for you to live here and then become an Emperor?"

"Well, I wasn't born a heir. I simply got an opportunity to leave this planet after my family's death. A little more than year ago I started the civil war against the former government. Slavery, corruption, you can guess what could cause an unrest. History has a tendency to repeat itself. The Infinite Empire crumbled into pieces in a few months after their military might was undermined."

"Infinite Empire?"

"Yes, the history of our Galaxy counts thousands, if not millions years. Many countries lived and died through it. Rakata, Mandalorians, the Sith, they all had powerful states once. The last ones' fate is horrible. Yes, their race started The Great Hyperspace War and later joined Emperor Vitiate in Great Galactic War. But, it isn't the reason to start genocide against them. And committed by Jedi, no less, bunch of hypocrites," he said their name with disgust, leaving the human to wonder who the Jedi were.

The limo pulled towards the meeting place, which was positioned on a seacoast. So much for organization and safety, oh well. Danny raised his eyebrow at seeing the Imperial banner along with multiple Human ones. Where did they take it? Probably made them. He also noticed weirded looks of the crowd while they looked at it. Hm, black symbol in white ornament, while the rest is red. They obviously got nazi flashbacks.

Some people weren't very welcoming. Danny once had to sidestep a thrown stone, while receiving several boos.

Going through the first official greeting, he stopped near the tribune, where he had to make the first speech.

"Hello again, planet Earth. Today we begin a process, which will decide the fate of this beautiful world. But let me rephrase myself. There is no such thing as fate. We are the ones who decide our future and the future of our kids. And the Empire gives you this choice. Will you be left alone in your own corner of this dangerous Galaxy, or join us, no one knows. But first know this, there is no guarantee that other states may be as good willing as we are."

"The biggest state so far, The Galactic Republic, is plunged into bureaucracy and corruption. They may be good willing, yes, and knowing the leading institution on this planet, you would have wanted to join them nevertheless. But, they are quite far away and searching for inhabited worlds for them is...unprofitable. All known major hyperspace lanes are already under their control, besides a few of them, controlled by Hutt Cartel. Their last colonization project ended rather severely. The Chiss didn't want the Outbound Flight to reach its destination, because then the colonizers will provoke what they call 'Far outsiders'. We have yet to learn who they are."

"The point is, the Republican Senate will never approve another money wasting project. Also, there is a threat of a civil war. Thousands worlds wish to leave the Republic. Do you think it is because they live well? But we got off topic. We are not the Republic, we shall speak about our state. Yes, the Empire is absolute monarchy, there is no reason to hide that. But totalitarian regime of old is gone, it has proven its insufficiency, when the Republic crushed it. We promise you, that your basic rights will be recognized and protected, including even freedom of speech."

"Our regime combines native rule with Imperial governors, Moffs and Grand Moffs. For instance, take recently defeated Ssi-ruuvi Imperium. They still have their Supreme Leader, but he shares his power with our representative now. How we choose them is another thing. Yes, it is not a democracy, it is much more effective. After all, the candidate can be not the most talented in his job, but he can be a good orator, which brings him the voters' sympathy. We seek effectiveness."

"Everyone willing can anticipate in choosing procedure when the time comes. First, we check the reputation of the candidates. If it's clean from crimes, they move to another step. They must pass the series of tests, and if they previously successfully led some governmental organization, it will give them additional points. The one who gets the best result assumes the post."

"Why I'm saying this? Because you still will be able to elect your own government, while receiving all the benefits. The Empire will destroy the terrorist organizations, we will heavily invest in your planet and give working places to millions. Including offworld jobs. Not to mention techs of civilian use, superior medicine and engineering. You may not fear famines, overcrowding your planet, and most importantly, there will be no wars. I know it sounds tempting because we have previously destroyed your economy, but, I have simply proven that your capitalism is flawed. We will repay the losses, for an Interstellar state a few trillion dollars aren't that much of a fuss. Still cheaper than waging a war."

"I will be here for a long time, and my race doesn't need sleep, so later I'll be ready to discuss the matters and answer all of your questions."

On Hyperion meanwhile one particular three years old was hanging from an edge of the bed, with a big pout on her face. Komand was sitting on an armchair, reading a book and occasionally glancing on the small girl.

"I'm bored!" She said, raising her hands and wriggling her legs.

Komand looked up from the book and raised an eyebrow. "And just what do you plan to do?"

"I don't know!" Dani exclaimed dramatically.

The woman shrugged and chuckled internally. "I don't know either."

The girl flipped on her belly, and her pout became even more pronounced. "Whatcha readin'?"

"Just an old novel," Komand answered without looking up, "I read it when I was younger."

Suddenly Dani's snowy head appeared right between her and the book. "Can I read it with you?"

It's strange how quickly the small child got used to the young woman, she wasn't that opened to anyone but Phantom and now her. And it worked both ways, Dani was just too adorable to remain neutral to her.Komand smiled softly and chuckled.

"Can you read?" She asked teasingly.

Dani blushed green and rubbed her pinky finger. "No," she mumbled.

Komand's eyes widened in shock. Danny definitely had to hear about this. She then noticed Dani's ashamed and downcast look. Komand picked her up and situated the girl on her lap.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure your father will think up something. How about I read to you, hm?"

The girl beamed at the woman and snuggled closer. Komand started reading aloud. After some time Dani's breathing was slowing down as her eyelids were becoming heavy. Soon Komand stopped reading and stared at the slumbering girl. She couldn't resist a smile of adoration from coming on her face. Dani would grow into a nice lady once, she decided. Pretty one, too, if she takes after her father. Komand blushed brightly and shook her head, dismissing the thought. It kept coming too often in her head.

Suddenly her comlink beeped. Komand flinched as Dani started to stir. She hurriedly, but carefully picked up the girl and put her on the bed, while communicator kept beeping. Komand went into the corridor and activated it. The irritation on her face was ivident, and the Red Guard on the other end noticed this.

"What?" She asked.

"Apologies, my lady, we had to contact his Majesty in situation like this, but he doesn't respond to any calls," the guard explained.

No one knew how to properly adress her, since Komand didn't have any official rank. But, since she was so close to the Emperor, the apprentice was adressed as such.

"Ugh, just get to business."

"Your father was somehow able to escape."

"What?!"

"He is not in his apartment. The confusing thing is that the doors were constantly under watch. We are trying to track him down before he gets too far."

Komand sighed and rubbed her temples. "Just do your job and find him," she shut off the communicator, "Before he does anything we all will regret," she then mumbled.

On the Easter Island, the bounty hunter had disguised as a bypasser. His orange skin and raven hair weren't that much of a giveaway in tropics. He spent the last few hours examining the surroundings and trying to pick the best spot. What complicated things is that he didn't know the local language. It was a daring plan, but no one will suspect its completion. He observed the guarded places and the place was too crowded with security. Not surprising, considering that most of the world leaders were here. There was only one place not observed by them, and the hunter got an idea. Sniper rifle won't do, too risky, so he would have to resent to a more loud way. Shaky plan, but it could work. He needed his ship. 

Danny took a gulp of water from the glass. His throat became dry from all the talking.

"To answer your question, ma'am, the matter of military presence shall depend on situation. We will use our forces to end current conflicts, after that the Solar system will have a constant garrison, just like any system. Pirates can put entire planets on their tributes list if given freedom. At least one fully armed Star Destroyer will be here at the time. And don't worry about the name, they don't blow up stars. Are there any other questions, or offers?"

He felt a bit uncomfortable being the youngest person in the hall, surrounded by much older men and women. Phantom was good at hiding it, however. Another man Danny didn't know decided to ask him about something.

"And what about national sovereignty?"

Phantom flinched internally. Touchy topic, he needed to choose his words wisely.

"I'm interested to hear your opinion on that matter," he responded calmly. "My proposal is to unite all the countries into highly autonomous federation. You already have a structure where each state is represented. How do you humans say? Why shall we invent the bicycle again?"

Not everyone liked it, obviously. "If we wanted to make a federation, we would have already done so!" Someone shouted over loud discussion.

"Yes, what he understands in our politics?" Another person supported him.

Phantom was quiet. He patiently waited for them to blow off steam and calm down. It was pointless to argue with enraged person, this action will only make it angrier. When he noticed that it became more quiet, Danny fixed the crown on his head and got up from his seat, crossing his hands. His green eyes gained a brighter glow, which could be seen even in a lightened room. He noticed several cameramen, and decided to act.

"I have a question," he said. "Why WE are the Empire which controls numerous systems and YOU haven't even colonized your moon? I'll tell you why, because it's impossible accomplish any feat when people are ready to chop each other's head. That's precisely what the governments here do. YOU will be wiped out by another stellar state before you will be able to think about what hit you! Just look at what happened beforehand. We crushed you without losing even a hundred soldiers. We attacked two different countries, and what the rest did? Oh, I know. NOTHING. You don't stand a chance out there."

"Humanity born on Coruscant was one of the founding races of the Republic. There is a difference between you and them. They had to fight for their survival against another race, they went through the war to extinction and won. Look at their homeworld now, the most prospering planet wide city of the Republic, which was the capital since its foundation. Haven't you noticed that when you didn't slaughter each other, you were capable of great things?"

"We offer you a solution, and you just slap the hand away. Most of you were chosen by your people, what they will think of you? You deny them a chance to live better life. You are basically saying: 'Go kill each other, we won't stop you'. Yes, supremacists exist in every nation, but they are a pathetic minority in each. Don't people want to live in peace? Don't they want to live in a world where the strong countries don't destroy the weak to get their resources?"

It was a painful and low blow, and the leaders could understand that the Emperor wasn't speaking with them. No, he was speaking with people behind the transmission of cameras - their future voters.

"You are saying this like you don't start any wars!"

"Interesting claim. The last ones we defeated were the Ssi-ruu. Zealous slavers, who used conquered beings as FUEL for their techs. And the funniest thing is, they have recently got a common border with you," Phantom shrugged. "They made a mistake of attacking my people, and now they are forced to coexist with other races within our country. Yes, I'm a horrific warmonger."

The security could anticipate many things. Snipers, terrorists, they could deal with that. What they did not expect is an alien fighter appearing out of nowhere. It fired a torpedoe and dissappeared just as suddenly as appeared. Homing missile. It had special thrusters which allowed to control their flight, and the bounty hunter took control over them when the cloaking device turned active. A special droid, which looked like it belonged to reporters, traced the Emperor's way to the negotiations hall. The bounty hunter remembered the way.

He moved steadily through the halls, and the bypassers screamed in fear as the projectile flew right above their heads. Finally it flew into the hall, and the entire world found itself confronted by an extraordinary sight.

The leaders had turned their chairs to stare with a mixture of surprise, fascination and terror at the missle that had intruded into their solemn proceedings. And right in front of the missle, Phantom was holding a hand palm-outward towards the missle, his neon eyes blazing. But the missle was not moving, frozen in midair, halfway between the entrance and the Emperor's face, its thrusters spitting fire uselessly as they tried to drive it forward against Phantom's Force grip.

"Do not be concerned," he intoned, his voice resonating with power and authority befitting the Emperor. He nodded to HK and the droid ran outside. "So, certain party believes that they know what is best for this planet, do they? That killing me and plenty of you will bring them their desire? That the influence of violence supersedes the justice and peace?"

The thrusters gave a final sputter and fell silent, but the rocket remained in midair.

"That is what our attackers believe, dear presidents, prime ministers, kings," his look became hard. "Do you believe it as well?"

Their eyes were locked on the weapon which nearly brought violent death to them. It wasn't filled with simple explosives, after all. Someone managed to find his voice.

"No, of course not," he said.

"Then why do you and your colleagues persist in eroding the legitimate rights of the people of Earth? Why do you persist in denying the the time and expense the Empire is ready to spend in developing resources that would otherwise forever lay uselessly beneath the soil of your world or would be used not to the maximum extent?"

"Now, see here..."

"No, you see," the Emperor cut in, "All of you see. I have listened to your invalid arguments, your positions and your selfish pettiness. It. Ends. Here."

Deliberately, he clenched his outstretched hand. With a raucous cracking of stressed metal, the body of the missile crumpled in on itself. "Human race deserves a fair and just decision. I believe now you will make the right choice."