Devoted Service to the Empire
Oswald Tessik buried his head deep, deep in his palms. A low, suppressed sob escaped from behind his hands, his knuckles turning white from the force. He sat alone in the dark command room for a long time.
Afterward, he had a service droid bring him more stimulants and food. Once he had recovered somewhat, he summoned his Chief of Staff.
"We have just received orders from the military. The First System Army will continue carrying out the Goalkeeper Plan, launching counteroffensives against Palanci Planet and Bilbrin Planet," Oswald Tessik said slowly. "Additionally, the Dominion Super Star Destroyer will return to Coruscant."
The Chief of Staff fell silent for a moment before saying, "If the Northern Fleet agrees to join us in a pincer attack against the Separatists, then I think we can at least retake Palanci Planet. As for Bilbrin Planet, I'm afraid that will be difficult."
"I don't think the Northern Fleet will act alongside us," Oswald Tessik said. "Dunn Vesex has given a perfectly valid reason. The Kingdom of Dawn is currently threatening Parnin Minor, and he must ensure the Northern Territory remains secure. Otherwise, if the Kingdom of Dawn breaks through the Northern Territory, they will have no worries behind them. The northern Empire will face a devastating military threat."
"That's bullshit!" the Chief of Staff said angrily. "We all know the Kingdom of Dawn absolutely does not have enough forces to threaten both Parnin Minor and the Core Worlds at the same time!"
"The problem is that His Majesty the Emperor will listen to Dunn Vesex, while he may not believe what we say," Marshal Tessik said. "Therefore, the only thing we can do is fight the Kingdom of Dawn to the death and use the lives of countless soldiers