A.N. Merry Christmas, everyone! Or maybe it's too early or too late. Still, have a good time!

"To order, to order, gentlemen!" The governor called over the loud chatter.

It seemed that the UN building was becoming more and more noisy. Since it had been a govermental body for over four years, the debates became more lively. It was like a boiling pot. Too many powerful nations with their own personal interests, held together only by a common Imperial hegemony and the same amount of Star Destroyers above the orbit as Babylon itself. They just waited to start an argument, and now was such an occasion.

"I don't clearly understand the problem with the issue."

"Well, maybe because the Emperor had sent an alien lapdog?!" Someone called from the hall. Over the chatter it was impossible to detect who said this.

Well, whoever said this was correct, and that's what was most insulting. Phantom needed to find someone without any ties to Terra, in order to prevent the separatism support, and it should have been a near human race, because the Terrans weren't used to alien appearances. So, it was a Chiss. He had proven to be a valuable administrator on one of the planets, so being a co-governing figure on the Empire's second most valuable planet was one hell of promotion.

When the deputies calmed down, one of them decided to explain everything. The UN had been unofficially split into two factions - Pro-Imperial and Anti-Imperial. The delegate was from the latter.

"You see, Mr. Vresto, we have met this thing before and we are not eager to repeat it."

"The five year plan has given a jump start to the Imperial industry," the Chiss reasoned. "You are speaking of 'communists', I presume?"

Of course, he wouldn't have been put in charge without learning the basics of Terran history. The governor got several nods.

"The Soviets had good results at the beginning, too. Look where it has gotten them."

"No one said that the system is perfect, nor that it will be constant," The Chiss said from his place on the tribune. "The fact is, the Emperor wishes to achieve an economical growth in a short period of time. No one here speaks of abolishing capitalism. The companies must simply follow the instructions given to them from time to time, in order to prevent the massive collapses. And the High Council doesn't demand the impossible. We are not an old Empire which was mercilessly using the labors to build everything it needed in no time."

"And who is responsible for creating those plans?"

"The leading economists of your planet, the list of that individuals will be presented to you by tomorrow. You have hundreds of millions of workless and starving people, while some Imperial planets have none. This is precisely the purpose of the plans. After building up, the industries would go to the private hands. Your planet is one of the later joiners, so the first plan didn't concern you. Now half of the Galaxy is under the Emperor's rule, and each planet must follow through with the second plan. Terra should have no problems with this, since the ectoplasm alone grants you an enormous wealth. You should fit the image."

"Why does the Emperor think that we 'should'?"

"Because you have a choice only because he has let you to. The investments are being put into development of the planet."

"Not as much as in the military. Why does the Empire put fifty percents of its income into an army when there is nothing threatening it?"

"Should we talk about this on each session?" Another delegate asked his opposing colleague.

"And I shall repeat that it is to maintain order in stellar state. Many members of the Empire are ready to tear each others' throats and only the threat of the central government's intervention prevents them from killing each other. The Republic..."

"Stop talking about the Republic already. It's not the Republic we live in right now."

"The smart people learn from others' mistakes. And we see that the local conflicts, which the Republic wasn't able to prevent because they didn't have an army for thousand years, has finally led to a full scale civil war. Is this what you want?"

The delegate didn't say anything. Freedom of speech may have been granted, but talks about separation were punishable. There was that thin border.

"Returning back to the topic, the President has already approved the plan, now it must have the agreement of the United Nations Comitee. If there is nothing else to say, I propose that we start voting."

With rustle and whining, the plan was approved, barely getting the majority. The Emperor was going to be notified of this. Terra was like a gunpowder keg. Too arrogant to understand the importance of the Imperial influence. Phantom could simply initiate protocol Delta-17 and excavate the ectoplasm from the ruins of what used to be an inhabited planet. A few Star Destroyers could wipe out everything during the orbital bombardment. This protocol was used only once. In Phantom's defence, a carnivorous hive mind was a threat, besides, no one was going to find out.

Vresto had a tense relationship with President Lee. The latter was neutral in the matters concerning the Empire, but he sometimes put the interests of Terra above those of the state, showing where his loyalties lay. The governor didn't think that bothering His Majesty over this had any point. Another issue was the 'Ghost Zone'. It was like an autonomy within the autonomy, and the cooperation between the Imperial holdings on the both sides of the portal was vital for its prosperity.

It was obvious that the industries had to grow in size to fill the needs of the ever growing Empire. That meant further expansion. It was hard, considering that everything there was positioned on the chunks of the ground floating in a middle of nowhere. The Far Frozen tribe had agreed to give the maps of the local places, showing their utter loyalty to the Emperor. In return, the special division of Stormtroopers helped them fight back the 'Fire Lizards' as the soldiers nicknamed them. Moreover, it was an opportunity to seize the lands of that ghosts.

The Imperial forces showed themselves exceptionally powerful, settling fear and awe into the locals. Their armaments were a true piece of art, created by Danny and the war scientists of IRB. The ghost division's armor was made of the plastoid with a thin inner layer of ectoplasmic composite. It granted a certain level of resistance against the blasts, fire and ice. It was also quite expensive. But damn it all, that was worth a lot. Not only the division was armed with such protection, the Death Troopers had them as well. Not to mention ectoplasmic weaponry.

The governor also took part in the relationship with the Realms' holders. The Ghosts didn't want to mess with the Empire, but they didn't want it to boss around as well. Vresto sometimes accepted embassies from the locals, and he heard some jokes about the colonists and aborigines. There were some similarities. The Chiss wasn't the one to joke around, basically like many of his race, the Grand Admiral was a very good example.

At the moment Vresto was signing the documents on his datapad while sitting at the table in his office. It was roomy and well decorated in a firm Chiss style, which meant that there was nothing extra, except for a few pictures and pretty vases. There wasn't any furniture besides the desk and three chairs. The biggest picture was hanging on the wall behind the table. It wasn't written down anywhere, but every high ranking official had the same replica of the Emperor's portrait drawn by one of the best artists of the Empire.

Vresto's secretary called for him and told that there was a visitor. He told her to let the apparent ghost enter. The doors slid open and the shiny metal ghost entered the room. The Chiss raised his eyebrow and leaned back in his seat.

"I hope this meeting is important, I have a lot of job to do."

"Relax, I don't need you exactly. I need the whelp," Skulker said, dropping on the chair.

"I beg your pardon?" The Chiss asked, causing the armored man to roll his eyes.

"I call Phantom however I want. Has been since he couldn't even shoot a proper ectoblast."

Vresto looked at him strangely. "You know the Emperor?"

Skulker snorted. "I almost managed to get his pelt. I need to talk to him, and you might have connections for that."

"His Majesty is quite occupied. I'm not going to bother him for no reason."

"It is a reason. I take the responsibility on myself."

The Chiss furrowed his eyebrows, but then finally made a call.

"Governor," Phantom greeted through the hologram. "How can I be of assistance?"

"My Lord, there is a guest here, he says he knows you."

"Hello, whelp," Skulker said with a smirk once Danny looked at him.

"Hello, tin can," Phantom responded, not showing any sign of being offended. "So what is it you want to discuss?"

"I want to meet personally. This isn't something discussed through the...hologram."

"I'm listening."

Both men's heads snapped in the direction of the voice. Phantom was leaning against the wall with a smirk on his face. The governor jumped from his seat as his dark blue shoulder cape was thrown back. The Emperor gestured for him to sit back.

"You are quick," Skulker deadpanned.

"Isn't it what you needed?" Danny raised his eyebrow before sitting on a chair with crossed legs. "Well? I'm listening, and be quick, the Republic wants to take their worlds back and I have to be there."

"Anyways, did you know that some ghosts still hate your gut?"

"My goodness, if you keep going you will tell me that the planet is round," Danny said sarcastically.

Skulker narrowed his pupiless green eyes. "Oh, so you don't need me to tell you that they are rallying their forces to drive your lovely Empire out of the Ghost Zone?"

Phantom's look remained neutral. "And why you of all people are telling me that?"

"Well, I wanted to ask about the favor in response."

Danny shrugged. "And that will be..."

"This world is kind of bleak. Besides, Ember would like to travel, maybe start a tour when the kid grows a bit."

Phantom chuckled. "And you want to get out of here, but you don't have a single sestercium. Yes, I see the problem. Governor."

"Yes, My Lord?"

"After we are done, give him the list of more suitable planets and notify me. I'll cover the expenses."

The Chiss nodded, while Skulker was a bit stunned. Phantom looked back at Skulker.

"So, how do you know about this and who is plotting?"

"They sent me an invitation," Skulker gave a small piece of paper to the stark haired ghost.

Danny examined it throughly, and the hunter's words were proved correct. But his eyes widened in shock once he saw from whom this letter was. His eyes glowed brightly as he stuffed the piece of paper in his pocket.

"I thought that I got rid of that Pumpkin head," he growled.

"By the way, what happened between you and him? I mean, we all heard about what happened..."

"Well, a few months before my capture Fright decided to go against Vlad's instructions because he wanted to fight me. We fought, I won and stuffed that idiot back into the pumpkin, before throwing him where the sun doesn't shine."

"Eeh..."

"The Pit. But apparently he landed on some chunk of the ground."

"You do realize that this is against the Observants' rules?"

"Like I care what that floating eyeballs say. I am the Emperor here."

"And that's precisely why they will most probably ally with Fright. Maybe even crown him if the need arises."

Phantom burst laughing. For about ten seconds. He then got up. "Funny joke. I'd like to see them taking the crown from Pariah's head. He will snap their necks the second they wake him up."

"Fine, you are a politician here."

"Hm, I think I can now see the real reason why you want to get away," Danny patted the other ghost on his shoulder. "Your baby boy will be in a middle of war if you stay."

"How did you..."

Danny made a quiet laugh. "I'm not that clueless and naive teen, Skulker. Nothing is done without a proper target in mind. If it was for Ember only she would have earned the money by herself. She could make you sell your trophies. I know her no less than you. But she would never ask anyone, me especially, to save her butt."

Skulker was silent. Damn, the whelp had grown up. Vresto meanwhile watched in awe at his monarch's intelligence.

"Anyways, who else is with them?" Danny asked.

"I heard the rumors that Aragon was bailed out, but Dorathea denies them. If YOU confront her she would probably tell you."

Phantom made a mental note to do exactly that. Just what he wanted, a dragon on the loose.

"Next."

"That's basically all I know, Fright always was and still is a commander of Pariah's armies. That's already seventy thousand minimum."

"No need to retell me this. You may go, we will notify you. Do you live in the same place?"

Skulker nodded and left. Phantom put his hands behind his back and looked out of the window.

"Vresto, I want a report on every Stormtrooper we have on this planet and every vehicle we have. The manufactures must work in as much shifts as possible and make enough guns. Notify the garrisons."

"Sir, is this required when we can send the troops from another garrisons?"

"Fright's soldiers are unkillable, governor. Kill one and it will resurrect mere seconds later. I want the Citadel to be filled with soldiers to the brim."

"But how are we going to win? If they can't die."

"Simple, their leader can. I will tolerate no failures, governor."

"But why can't you send reinforcements?"

"Because we do not need an extra attention. Just imagine what the Terrans would think if the war comes almost to their doorstep?"

"But this is a matter of vital importance, Your Majesty."

"We need a strategic victory, Vresto. If we win easily with the reinforcements, then we would probably have problems nevertheless because of the humans who don't want us to cause conflicts near them. We would probably have to leave or use brute force. And that's precisely what the ghosts want. It will cause even more hatred and then everything we worked for will be lost."

"You seem to be confident that three thousand men and women will be able to hold back such a large army."

"They are armed with medieval swords and bows. We have lasers and a fortress built using the cutting edge techs. Now I'll have to explain why we have ectoplasm shortages," Phantom mumbled, rubbing his chin and putting another hand on his white belt. "You got your instructions, I'll send who is needed here."

"It shall be done, My Lord," the Chiss stood straight and bowed. "I trust your judgement."

Phantom nodded and dissappeared in a cloud of smoke.

He was not happy. It was like Fright Knight knew when to attack him. Danny had his plate full, the Republic was planning to send a large assaulting force to take back Ryloth. It attacked several worlds at once and was too close to Hoth. He already had to split his attention everywhere. He couldn't leave his forces at the frontline. But leaving Terra undefended was not the way either. He had to choose. And Danny decided to send to his homeland certain individuals. Komand was among them, she was looking for a fight. And there was also one expert in fighting the Ghosts. That's why he decided to pay a brief visit on Babylon.

It was funny how one simple hood hid him from everyone around. Not that Danny complained, he was amused how one could bump into him and insult him for that. If only that nameless clerk knew who he had encountered. Danny decided to do it more often. However, greeting on the reception was not something he was eager for, so he just went for the apartment he needed. Of course Phantom knew where they were, he had previously given that room.

The corridors looked rather fancy, and the window in its end showed a wonderful view on the megapolis. Danny knocked at the door. He didn't want to be impolite and just teleport inside. That required a more diplomatic approach.

Soon the door slid open, revealing Mr. Gray behind it.

"How can I help you?" The dark skinned man asked.

"I didn't know the hood was so effective," Danny smirked and took it off.

Damon's eyes widened in shock. "Your Majesty, I didn't know..."

"I understand, it was on a spot decision. Didn't have time to warn you. May I come in?"

"Oh, of course," The man stepped aside and let Phantom come inside.

Yes, that was just surreal that one of the most powerful men in the Galaxy casually went into someone's apartment. But that's precisely what happened. Danny phased off his white boots and stepped on the wooden floor.

"Dad, who is there?"

Phantom smirked. He seemed to have picked a wonderful moment. Valerie went out of the corridor and then noticed the guest, freezing on one place.

"Good day, Val. It's been a while," Danny moved his hands, showing that he was waiting for a hug.

And Valerie got the gesture and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Woah, easy there, I have a girlfriend," Danny joked as his friend let go of him.

"What are you doing here?" Valerie asked.

Phantom's face grew serious. "Let's take a seat first."

A few seconds later they were in the living room, where Danny explained the situation while the hosts sat on the sofa.

"And what do you want from us?" Damon asked.

"From you, nothing, Mr. Gray," Phantom said, looking out of the panoramic window with hands behind his back. "I need Valerie."

"I'm not going to let my daughter on the battlefield," Mr. Gray crossed his hands.

"Dad, I'm an adult now. I think I can decide myself," Valerie said.

"I'm still your father, Valerie, and I say no."

Danny's lips thinned, as his back was still turned to them. God, he hated to come to this way.

"I'm afraid that's above your competence, Mr. Gray," he got their attention. "If you are curious, I'd like to quote the ninth article of the Imperial War Codex. 'A person is obliged to go through the military services by the following instruction of the Emperor(Empress) or the High Council. The amount of time in the military depends on a range to two years, unless a person decides to stay there. The mobilization used with the stated law applies only to the ten thousand individuals from each planet.' So yes, the amount of soldiers from Babylon is yet to surpass that amount. And I have the right. But I still would like this to be voluntary. This is only for one time. I need a specialist in fighting off the Ghosts."

"I agree," Valerie said immediately, before noticing her father's defeated expression. "Dad..."

"I promise that no harm will come to her, Mr. Gray. She won't be alone, after all."

Mr. Gray sighed grimly. "It's not like I have any choice for that matter."

Danny held back his usual retort and just remained silent. A few seconds later he spoke again.

"Then it's decided. Take the nearest shuttle to Terra whenever you are ready. But be quick. We have no time to waste."

Said and done. Two days later Valerie was already loading her trunks into the luggage terminal. She got a VIP place, making her wonder how much money was in the Emperor's fund exactly. Well, Phantom technically owned a monopolistic company which granted enormous wealth. As much as productive powers allowed. The indusries couldn't yet refine ectoplassm for the Confederacy AND the Empire. About ninety six percents went to the Protectorate and the CIS.

The road went peacefully, Valerie got a personal room. It wasn't big, but others had to use simplier train-like coupes. The outside view was kind of blank, though. There was nothing to look at in the hyperspace. But Valerie was left to herself, thinking about how sad her father was. It was only for one time, she kept assuring herself. Finally the shuttle exited the subdimension near the Moon. It was more simple and cheap to make a spaceport there and add transports to the surface. There were also mining facilities which excavated Helium-3 - a very valuable resource.

When Valerie was walking to the main hall, she heard a familiar voice calling for her. She looked in that direction and smiled.

"Hey, Komand, long time no see."

The Yuth smiled too, but Valerie continued.

"That's weird that no one here reacts on you being here," she commented as they went to the entrance.

"You Terrans are not that interested in the Emperor's whereabouts. Save you, probably. Besides, I'm not that much of a public person."

They both chuckled, before entering the elevator.

"Nice clothes."

Komand looked down at her dark red fighting robes. She shrugged. "I like what I wear."

There was a special hanger for the officials' ships. Needless to say that X-70 left a very good impression. The two got to the surface and later they were already on the opposite side of the portal.

The Citadel, as was previously mentioned, was a fortress built in accordance to the modern times' demands. Its metal walls were as dense as the Star Destroyers' hulls, but since that were ghosts they were fighting against, they weren't much of a defense. But it was a high ground, and that granted superiority. The industries were based in certain spots, protected by different garrisons. The biggest was located within the Citadel's borders and just under the walls.

Komand led Valerie to the HQ. Several squads of the Stormtroopers went nearby, going through the preparation drills. Some glanced at the two curiously. The artillery batteries were situated on the special positions so they would be able to fire above the tall walls. Walkers and tanks were ready to move out through the huge gates. There were even starfighters, near which the pilots and mechanics were working. Some smart ones drew pictures on their black wings. All the military atmosphere was mixed by the workers of excavation facilities, along with the droids.

The central building was filled with soldiers as well. The corridors had a lot of crimson Imperial banners. Komand tapped on the buttons of a door and it opened. The HQ was occupied. While some officers kept scanning for the enemy activity. Near the holographic table were two men. One of the officers was wearing usual black and dark gray uniform, with rank pad indicating the rank of Marshall. He was a man with a slightly overweight complexion, balding, with brown eyes and hair. Another one was more interesting. He was dressed in the same uniform, but without the rank pad, with black cape and a cap. Oh, just great, what a Commissar was doing there?

"Gentlemen," Komand greeted.

Two officers stood straight with a spark of fear in the Marshall's eyes and a spark of awe in the Comissar's.

"Milady, we didn't know you were coming," the first one said.

"I'd like to say that that's an honor to meet the Emperor's hand in person," another added, bowing.

"Thank you, Comissar," Komand nodded. "I was sent here by His Majesty to ensure the victory."

"And who is this?" Marshall asked, pointing at Valerie, who clearly stood out.

Smirking, the woman pressed a few buttons on her watch and in a split second she was already wearing a red and black suit, with a helmet hiding her face. Everyone blinked in surprise.

"How did this fit inside?" Comissar asked.

"Well, this is an old thing. A little present from my former employer," Valerie said, before removing the suit. "I'm an expert in hunting down the undead, so Phantom asked me to assist."

"Really? What could you possibly do?" Marshall asked doubtfully.

"The Emperor must have a reason," the Comissar responded. "We shouldn't doubt him."

"I recall him saying completely opposite," Komand put in. "Anyways, what's the situation?"

"Well, we have just received a report that the Northern facility was invaded. It's four hundred miles from here. We had been notified, so we managed to evacuate the post. We sent a ship to scout the movements of the enemy. But it's hard to navigate through this hellhole. Besides, he didn't come back. He is probably dead."

"I see...what about our defences?"

Meanwhile, many, many miles away were two ghostly beings. They looked exactly alike and dressed in the same yellow cloaks with huge black collars. They didn't have legs, only spectral tails. Their hands were long, ending with long, thin and boney fingers ending with claws. The ghosts' skin was bright green, they didn't have necks, only oval shaped top with one huge eye. They were flying through the sky of the Ghost Zone.

"This is insane. We can't do that," one of them muttered.

"The brat leaves us no other choice. If they kill each other, we will only win from this."

"But if they don't?"

"Have you forgotten what we have forseen? They WILL."

They were called Observants for a reason. They, as well as Clockwork, could see the future in the tiniest details. But Clockwork saw much more, but was never allowed to act, unlike his much despised counterparts. The feeling was mutual, they had ordered to kill Phantom, not teach him a life lesson! Because they saw what opposite opposite outcome could be. Their kind of ghosts played a role of regulative body in the anarchic ghostly society, and when the power was slipping through their fingers into Phantom's hand, they couldn't allow this.

The Observants were quietly flying through the dark corridors.

"But what if Clockwork sees us?"

"Have you forgotten that we can't see each other's actions? He won't find out if you will be quiet!"

One of the ghosts raised his clawed hand and traced it along the wall in a special pattern. The wall dissappeared as if it was never there. Of course he knew about the secret. The Observants were the ones who built that place. The room was poorly lit, with only one small pillar. On the pillar stood a...a silvery thermos, with green outlines. It had several dents and bumps, like if it was punched from the inside. The Observant picked it up carefully.

"We won't use it before the battle. Only if Fright Knight fails our expectations."

The second Observant nodded.

A.N. DUN DUN DUUN