Difference between revisions of "Greyson Uebles"

From Holocron - Star Wars Combine
Jump to: navigation, search
(Dark Empire)
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 20: Line 20:
 
| awards = [[#Awards|Detailed below]]
 
| awards = [[#Awards|Detailed below]]
 
}}
 
}}
Count '''Greyson Uebles''', also known as '''Darth Cypher''', was the ninth [[Emperor|Emperor of the Galaxy]] ([[Year 4|Year 4 Day 133]] — [[Year 5|Year 5 Day 158]]). Although his one-year reign was marred with numerous defections by Imperial officers who were still loyal to the deposed [[Emperor]] [[Charon]], Uebles presided over possibly the greatest victory in Imperial history at the [[Battle of Beta]] in which King [[Eldrik Kuraine]] of the [[Falleen Federation]] was assassinated by [[Sith|Sith Lords]] and the Falleen battle station ''[[Libra]]'' was destroyed by the [[Imperial Navy]]. Occurring between [[Year 4|Year 4 Day 338]] and [[Year 5|Year 5 Day 8]], the engagement was one of the largest invasions in the recorded annals of warfare with a number of famous military leaders involved in the fray.
+
Count '''Greyson Uebles''', also known as '''Darth Cypher''', was the ninth [[Emperor|Emperor of the Galaxy]] ([[Year 4|Year 4 Day 133]] — [[Year 5|Year 5 Day 158]]). Although his one-year reign was marred with numerous defections by Imperial officers who were still loyal to the deposed [[Emperor]] [[Charon]], Uebles presided over possibly the greatest victory in Imperial history at the [[Battle of Beta]] in which King [[Eldrik Kuraine]] of the [[Falleen Federation]] was assassinated by [[Sith|Sith Lords]] and the [[Falleen]] battle station ''[[Libra]]'' was destroyed by the [[Imperial Navy]]. Occurring between [[Year 4|Year 4 Day 338]] and [[Year 5|Year 5 Day 8]], the engagement was one of the largest invasions in the recorded annals of warfare with a number of famous military leaders involved in the fray.
  
 
Modern interpretations of Uebles' legacy as emperor of the galaxy remain mixed. [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel historians]] depict him as a pitiless tyrant and mass murderer who ordered the wanton genocide of Falleen civilians during the [[Battle of Beta]]. In contrast, [[Charon|Charonist historians]] applaud Uebles' victory at Beta, but nevertheless view him as a usurper and an accomplice of Dark Jedi Master [[Vodo Bonias]] in his protracted power-struggle against Emperor Charon. Even so, Uebles' supporters regard him as a capable and necessary leader who oversaw a successful transitional period for the Empire.
 
Modern interpretations of Uebles' legacy as emperor of the galaxy remain mixed. [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel historians]] depict him as a pitiless tyrant and mass murderer who ordered the wanton genocide of Falleen civilians during the [[Battle of Beta]]. In contrast, [[Charon|Charonist historians]] applaud Uebles' victory at Beta, but nevertheless view him as a usurper and an accomplice of Dark Jedi Master [[Vodo Bonias]] in his protracted power-struggle against Emperor Charon. Even so, Uebles' supporters regard him as a capable and necessary leader who oversaw a successful transitional period for the Empire.
Line 30: Line 30:
 
Greyson's older brother Amon graduated with highest distinction and was eventually assigned to a [[Super Star Destroyer]] where he later perished in battle against the [[Rebel Alliance]]. His father never recovered from Amon's death and he passed away several weeks later from grief. Count Uebles forever remembered who caused the death of his brother and his father; thus, his hatred for the [[Rebel Alliance]] became a life-long obsession.  
 
Greyson's older brother Amon graduated with highest distinction and was eventually assigned to a [[Super Star Destroyer]] where he later perished in battle against the [[Rebel Alliance]]. His father never recovered from Amon's death and he passed away several weeks later from grief. Count Uebles forever remembered who caused the death of his brother and his father; thus, his hatred for the [[Rebel Alliance]] became a life-long obsession.  
  
Greyson graduated at the top of his class and, when a supply shortage delayed his assignment to the Starfighter Corps, he voluntarily served several months as a lowly stormtrooper in an infantry unit. His first fleet assignment was in a reinforcement task force that secured vital trade routes in the [[Outer Rim Territories]] during a major rebel offensive. He gained brief notoriety for killing a cowardly Imperial officer in a vibro-blade duel. The cowardly officer had purportedly fled during a battle and thus precipitated the death of a hapless wingman. Shocked by the duel, Greyson's superiors were uncertain if they should promote Uebles or court-martial him.  
+
Greyson graduated at the top of his class and, when a supply shortage delayed his assignment to the Starfighter Corps, he voluntarily served several months as a lowly stormtrooper in an infantry unit. He served with distinction and then embarked upon his career as a naval officer. His first fleet assignment was in a reinforcement task force that secured vital trade routes in the [[Outer Rim Territories]] during a major rebel offensive. He gained brief notoriety for killing a cowardly Imperial officer in a vibro-blade duel. The cowardly officer had purportedly fled during a battle and thus precipitated the death of a hapless wingman. Shocked by the duel, Greyson's superiors were uncertain if they should promote Uebles or court-martial him.  
  
 
Ultimately, his tolerant superiors decided to give him one last chance and allowed him to request another assignment. Immediately thereafter, Uebles transferred to the 2nd Imperial Sector Fleet (2ISF). As a young officer, Uebles was not a cruel man, but he did not shy away from the use of violence. His dedication and discipline made him appear cold and aloof to his peers. He seemingly cared only for the brave subordinates under his command and followed a strict code of honor.
 
Ultimately, his tolerant superiors decided to give him one last chance and allowed him to request another assignment. Immediately thereafter, Uebles transferred to the 2nd Imperial Sector Fleet (2ISF). As a young officer, Uebles was not a cruel man, but he did not shy away from the use of violence. His dedication and discipline made him appear cold and aloof to his peers. He seemingly cared only for the brave subordinates under his command and followed a strict code of honor.
Line 37: Line 37:
 
{{Main|Second Imperial Civil War}}
 
{{Main|Second Imperial Civil War}}
 
[[Image:Quaxo imp.png|thumb|right|220px|Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]] was Uebles' superior officer circa [[Year 0]].]]
 
[[Image:Quaxo imp.png|thumb|right|220px|Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]] was Uebles' superior officer circa [[Year 0]].]]
During the disorderly tenure of [[Emperor]] [[Spytek]], Uebles served in the 2nd Imperial Fleet of the Imperial Navy and, on [[Year 0|Year 0 Day 85]], he was assigned to a TIE Interceptor squadron in the 214th Escort Company (nicknamed "Apollo Company"). Only two months later, he became a Flight Corporal and Executive Officer (XO) of the latter company inside the 21st Sector Fleet under command of Captain [[Gunther von Esling]].
+
During the disorderly tenure of [[Emperor]] [[Spytek]], Uebles served in the 2nd Imperial Fleet of the Imperial Navy and, on [[Year 0|Year 0 Day 85]], he was assigned to a TIE Interceptor squadron in the 214th Escort Company (nicknamed "Apollo Company"). Only two months later, Uebles became a Flight Corporal and Executive Officer (XO) of the latter company inside the 21st Sector Fleet under command of Captain [[Gunther von Esling]]. By this time, on [[Year 0|Year 0 Day 122]], the ineffectual Spytek had been finally overturned as leader and his well-liked successor, [[Grand Admiral]] [[Piett]], began reorganizing the government into an unparalleled superpower.  
  
With the re-organisation that occurred after the abandonment of the Galactic Quadrant system by the [[Imperial Navy]], Uebles served as an officer inside the 5th Imperial fleet under then silver-haired Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]]. His friendship would Quaxo proved vital in his rise through the Imperial ranks and would later determine his loyalties in the impending [[Second Imperial Civil War|power struggle]] between [[Grand Admiral]] [[Gorn Veynom]] of the [[Imperial Navy]] and [[Grand Moff]] [[Trey Connel]], the Army Chief of Staff. Uebles' exceptional initiative quickly enabled him to become a Lieutenant Commander and XO of the 5th Fleet as the following testimony of Commander [[Quaxo]] confirms:
+
With the re-organization that occurred after the abandonment of the Galactic Quadrant system by the [[Imperial Navy]], Uebles served as an officer inside the 5th Imperial fleet under then silver-haired Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]]. His comradeship would Quaxo proved vital in his rise through the Imperial ranks and would later determine his loyalties in the impending [[Second Imperial Civil War|power struggle]] between [[Grand Admiral]] [[Gorn Veynom]] of the [[Imperial Navy]] and [[Grand Moff]] [[Trey Connel]], the Army Chief of Staff. Uebles' exceptional initiative quickly enabled him to become a Lieutenant Commander and XO of the 5th Fleet as the following testimony of Commander [[Quaxo]] unquestionably confirms:
  
 
{{Quote
 
{{Quote
| quote = My Executive Officer (XO), Lieutenant Uebles, is the best man I have under my command. He will be an incomparable Fleet CO, if I may say so, though I prefer that he still serve under me of course. He is always proposing new projects and making them a reality. His dedication is exemplary. His activity is unsurpassed. When I request something, I know he will provide some ideas or, in the worst case, at least return a message back in a few hours. I can't be more explicit about him.
+
| quote = My Executive Officer (XO), Lieutenant Uebles, is the best man I have under my command. He will be an incomparable Fleet CO, if I may say so, though I prefer that he still serve under me of course. He is always proposing new projects and making them a reality. His dedication is exemplary. His activity is unsurpassed. When I request something, I know he will provide some ideas or, in the worst case, at least return a message back in a few hours. I can't speak more highly of him.
 
| person = Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]] circa [[Year 0]]
 
| person = Commander [[Ma'karr Quaxo]] circa [[Year 0]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
[[Image:Gorn Veynom Portrait.png|thumb|right|150px|[[Gorn Veynom]]]]
 
At the same time Uebles became a staff member of Naval Headquarters (NHQ) by creating and leading the Naval Ships Department (NSD) as its first director. As a distinguished member of NHQ, he often fraternized with a tight-knit cadre of senior naval officers fiercely loyal to Grand Admiral [[Gorn Veynom]]. This particular cadre included Admiral [[Simms|Adric Simms]], Commodore [[Jennifer Dreighton]], and Admiral [[Gunther von Esling]]. On [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 138]], Uebles added the position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Naval Intelligence Service (INIS) to his functions as a member of NHQ. On [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 179]], he became Commanding Officer (CO) of the 12th Imperial Fleet and was elevated to the rank of Commander soon after.
 
At the same time Uebles became a staff member of Naval Headquarters (NHQ) by creating and leading the Naval Ships Department (NSD) as its first director. As a distinguished member of NHQ, he often fraternized with a tight-knit cadre of senior naval officers fiercely loyal to Grand Admiral [[Gorn Veynom]]. This particular cadre included Admiral [[Simms|Adric Simms]], Commodore [[Jennifer Dreighton]], and Admiral [[Gunther von Esling]]. On [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 138]], Uebles added the position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Naval Intelligence Service (INIS) to his functions as a member of NHQ. On [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 179]], he became Commanding Officer (CO) of the 12th Imperial Fleet and was elevated to the rank of Commander soon after.
  
After Emperor [[Trey Connel]] seized the throne and Veynom disappeared to the [[Unknown Regions]], Uebles transferred to the newly formed [[Imperial Intelligence]] where he admirably performed his duties as the first Deputy Director. However, the growing unrest among Veynom's former supporters spilled over at this time and, with the onset of [[Second Imperial Civil War|another civil war]], Uebles defected to a burgeoning [[Emperor#Separatist Movements|separatist movement]] known as "the [[Imperial Core]]."
+
Following the mournful retirement of Emperor Piett, Army Chief of Staff [[Trey Connel]] seized the throne on [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 212]], and Uebles transferred to the newly formed [[Imperial Intelligence]] where he admirably performed his duties as the first Deputy Director. However, on [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 305]], Grand Admiral Veynom could no longer tolerate Connel's rule and disappeared aboard his personal Lambda-class shuttle ''Overlord'' into farthest reaches of the [[Unknown Regions]]. Displeased by Connel's ascension and dismayed by Veynom's departure, the growing unrest among Veynom's former supporters quickly spilled over at this time and, with the onset of [[Second Imperial Civil War|another civil war]], Uebles defected to a burgeoning [[Emperor#Separatist Movements|separatist movement]] known as the [[Imperial Core]].
  
 
===Dark Empire===
 
===Dark Empire===
 
{{Main|Imperial Core|Dark Empire}}
 
{{Main|Imperial Core|Dark Empire}}
 
[[Image:Core.gif|thumb|right|80px|[[Imperial Core]]]]
 
[[Image:Core.gif|thumb|right|80px|[[Imperial Core]]]]
As a bantam separatist movement headquartered on the temperate planet of [[Bastion]], the Imperial Core predominantly consisted of former high-ranking officers and cashiered servicemen who emphatically rejected the contemporaneous rule of [[Emperor]] [[Connel]]. After duly refusing to obey him, they had mutinied and thus formed a formidable network bent on Connel's deposal. Regarded as traitorous malcontents by Connel's regime, the Core disseminated propaganda leaflets and transmitted GNS broadcasts that asserted the departed [[Grand Admiral]] [[Gorn Veynom]] was the true heir to the Empire and that Connel had dishonorably seized the Imperial throne after violating a well-known succession covenant agreed upon during Emperor [[Piett]]'s preceding era.
+
As a bantam separatist movement headquartered on the temperate planet of [[Bastion]], the [[Imperial Core]] predominantly consisted of former high-ranking officers and cashiered servicemen who emphatically rejected the contemporaneous authority of [[Emperor]] [[Connel]]. After duly refusing to obey him, they had mutinied and formed a formidable network bent on Connel's downfall. Regarded as traitorous malcontents by Connel's regime, the Core disseminated propaganda leaflets and transmitted GNS broadcasts that asserted the departed [[Grand Admiral]] [[Gorn Veynom]] was the true heir to the Empire and that Connel had dishonorably seized the Imperial throne after violating a well-known succession covenant agreed upon during Emperor [[Piett]]'s preceding era. The lingering debate over the rightful successor of the beloved Piett thus overshadowed Connel's reign.
  
Within the Core's ranks, Uebles proved to be an industrious serviceman and held the noteworthy posts of Navy Commanding Officer, Praetorian Guard Commanding Officer and, eventually, deputy to Lady Protector Dreighton. The Core existed from [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 307]] until [[Year 3|Year 3 Day 94]] when the organization and [[Vodo Bonias]]' [[Sith Order]] merged to become "the [[Dark Empire]]" led by Bonias. After this merger, Uebles became Bonias' Minister of Defense and continued in his efforts to undermine galactic support for Connel's regime. Uebles soon became the public face of the Dark Empire and its unending campaign against Connel.
+
During the intervening time within the Core's ranks, Uebles proved to be an industrious serviceman and held the noteworthy posts of Navy Commanding Officer, Praetorian Guard Commanding Officer and, eventually, deputy to Lady Protector Dreighton. The Core existed from [[Year 1|Year 1 Day 307]] until [[Year 3|Year 3 Day 94]] when the organization and [[Vodo Bonias]]' [[Sith Order]] merged to become "the [[Dark Empire]]" led by Bonias. After this merger, Uebles became Bonias' Minister of Defense and continued in his efforts to undermine galactic support for Connel's regime. Uebles soon became the public face of the Dark Empire and its undaunted campaign against Connel.
  
Meanwhile, leadership changes were simultaneously occurring within the official Galactic Empire itself as various rulers came and went. Both Connel and his successor [[Mccarthur]] eventually abdicated. Circa [[Year 3|Year 3 Day 290]], an abrupt reconciliation transpired between Bonias' Dark Empire and the Galactic Empire now governed by [[J. Charon]] who was a former naval officer and a former confidant of Trey Connel. The two rival governments were formally consolidated into a single dominion. The news of this sudden consolidation surprised the galaxy. Count Greyson Uebles was appointed by Charon to function as his new Executor, the second most powerful billet in the merged government. Most Dark Empire officers were likewise integrated into Charon's Galactic Empire at assorted rungs of power.
+
Meanwhile, leadership changes were simultaneously occurring within the official Galactic Empire itself as various rulers came and went. Both Connel and his successor [[Mccarthur]] eventually abdicated. Circa [[Year 3|Year 3 Day 290]], an abrupt reconciliation transpired between Bonias' Dark Empire and the Galactic Empire now governed by [[J. Charon]] who was a former naval officer and a former confidant of Trey Connel. The two rival governments were formally consolidated into a single dominion. The news of this sudden consolidation surprised the galaxy. Count Greyson Uebles was appointed by Charon to function as his new Executor, the second most powerful billet in the unified government. Most Dark Empire officers were likewise integrated into Charon's Galactic Empire at assorted rungs of power.
[[Image:Dark Empire logo.jpg|thumb|right|70px|[[Dark Empire]]]]
+
[[Image:Dark Empire Emblem Small Round.png|thumb|right|70px|[[Dark Empire]]]]
 
As time passed, the fragile union between the bickering personnel of the Galactic Empire and the Dark Empire proved calamitous. Baseless accusations and internecine struggles were pervasive among its various branches. The pejorative classifications of "[[Charonist]]" and "[[Vodoist]]" were popularly used within the fractious Empire to label those servicemen who professed loyalty to Charon and those who supported Bonias. The consequences of this irreconcilable schism would plague the Empire for years to come. Most neutral observers were firmly convinced the flames of disunity would soon blaze higher due to some minor spark and they feared another devastating civil war would occur.
 
As time passed, the fragile union between the bickering personnel of the Galactic Empire and the Dark Empire proved calamitous. Baseless accusations and internecine struggles were pervasive among its various branches. The pejorative classifications of "[[Charonist]]" and "[[Vodoist]]" were popularly used within the fractious Empire to label those servicemen who professed loyalty to Charon and those who supported Bonias. The consequences of this irreconcilable schism would plague the Empire for years to come. Most neutral observers were firmly convinced the flames of disunity would soon blaze higher due to some minor spark and they feared another devastating civil war would occur.
  
As tensions mounted and nerves frayed, the Charon-affiliated [[General]] [[Matrel Byden]] of the dreaded [[Imperial Security Bureau]] (ISB) arrested the Vodo-affiliated [[Vice Admiral]] [[Jennifer Dreighton]] for a protocol violation. The impromptu detention of Dreighton outraged Vodo, Uebles, and other personnel who had served in the Dark Empire. Shortly thereafter, a secretive cabal of Imperial figures — led by Charon's implacable antagonist Vodo Bonias — launched an immediate putsch and deposed Charon as the eighth emperor on [[Year 4|Year 4 Day 133]]. However, as many Imperial servicemen were unwilling to countenance Bonias as their new sovereign due to his highly publicized role in the putsch against Charon, the affable Greyson Uebles was instead chosen by Bonias and others to perform the duties of emperor on [[Year 4|Day 134]].
+
As tensions mounted and nerves frayed, the Charon-affiliated General [[Matrel Byden]] of the dreaded [[Imperial Security Bureau]] (ISB) arrested the Vodo-affiliated Vice Admiral [[Jennifer Dreighton]] for a protocol violation. The impromptu detention of Dreighton outraged Vodo, Uebles, and other personnel who had served in the Dark Empire. Shortly thereafter, a secretive cabal of Imperial figures — led by Charon's implacable antagonist Vodo Bonias — launched an immediate putsch and deposed Charon as the eighth emperor on [[Year 4|Year 4 Day 133]]. However, as many Imperial servicemen were unwilling to countenance Bonias as their new sovereign due to his highly vilified role in the putsch against Charon, the affable Greyson Uebles was instead chosen by Bonias to perform the duties of ninth emperor on [[Year 4|Day 134]].
  
 
===Ninth Emperor===
 
===Ninth Emperor===
 
{{Main|Battle of Beta}}
 
{{Main|Battle of Beta}}
 
[[Image:Greyson Uebles Portrait.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Emperor]] Greyson Uebles]]
 
[[Image:Greyson Uebles Portrait.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Emperor]] Greyson Uebles]]
Upon his ascension to the Imperial throne, Greyson Uebles revealed to the galaxy in a GNS broadcast that he was a [[Sith|Sith Lord]] surreptitiously trained by his master, [[Vodo Bonias]]. As such, on Year 4 Day 134, Uebles appointed Vodo Bonias as his Dark Lord of the Sith. Despite his touted mastery of the Dark Side, Uebles was unable to stem a growing tide of defections of Charonist officers to rival governments, most infamously of Grand Moff [[Vir Calder]] and his Imperial-class Star Destroyer ''[[Shadowstone]]''.  
+
During the preceding months, Uebles' amiable personality had saved him from the grisly fate of other more outspoken or abrasive Imperial officers during the bloody purges and counter-purges between the Vodoist and Charonist cliques. His Charonist enemies did not view him as a serious threat, but a natural pawn of more dominant personalities. For this reason, some historians assert Uebles' malleable disposition led to his being declared Emperor by the Vodoist cabal after Charon's deposal.
  
Circa [[Year 4]], King [[Eldrik Kuraine]] of the [[Falleen Federation]] had conspired with the infamous [[Teniel Djo]] of the [[Eidola Pirates]] to steal the modified [[Imperial Star Destroyer|Imperial Class Star Destroyer]] ''[[Shadowstone]]'' from the [[Imperial Navy]]. In order to gain access to the prized vessel, Kuraine bribed [[Moff]] [[Vir Calder]], a disgruntled Imperial governor and supporter of Charon, to assist in its theft. Shortly thereafter, a motley band of Eidola Pirates boarded the vessel and wrested the ship from the Empire.  
+
Upon his ascension to the Imperial throne, Greyson Uebles revealed to the galaxy in a GNS broadcast that he was a [[Sith|Sith Lord]] surreptitiously trained by his master, [[Vodo Bonias]]. As such, on Year 4 Day 134, Uebles appointed Vodo Bonias as his Dark Lord of the Sith. Despite his touted mastery of the Dark Side, Uebles was unable to stem a growing tide of defections of Charonist officers to rival governments, most famously of Moff [[Vir Calder]] and his Imperial-class Star Destroyer ''[[Shadowstone]]''. Circa [[Year 4]], King [[Eldrik Kuraine]] of the [[Falleen Federation]] conspired with Calder and others to steal the modified [[Imperial Star Destroyer|Imperial Class Star Destroyer]] ''[[Shadowstone]]'' from the [[Imperial Navy]]. In order to gain access to the vessel, Kuraine bribed Calder to facilitate its theft and, using a contingent of battle droids, a raiding party absconded with the ship.  
  
The news of this brazen heist under the Empire's very nose shocked the galaxy and angered the [[Imperial High Command]]. In response, the Imperial High Command assembled on [[Coruscant]] for a top-secret meeting. During the subsequent hours of debate, [[Emperor]] [[Greyson Uebles]] was advised by his master [[Vodo Bonias]] to undertake a full retaliation against both Kuraine and the Falleen people. Bonias suggested an audacious and direct invasion against Falleen's fearsome stronghold in the Beta system. Despite his reservations, Uebles reluctantly agreed to Bonias' plan.
+
The news of this brazen heist angered the [[Imperial High Command]]. In response, the High Command assembled on [[Coruscant]] for a top-secret meeting. During the ensuing debate, Uebles was advised by his master [[Vodo Bonias]] to undertake a full retaliation against both Kuraine and the Falleen people. Bonias suggested an audacious and direct invasion against Falleen's stronghold in the Beta system. Despite his reservations, Uebles reluctantly agreed to Bonias' plan.
  
Prior to this planned invasion, they were contacted by Prince [[Tholin Dur'aak]], a disgruntled Fallen noble, who offered to betray Kuraine. Thus, shortly before the actual battle occurred, King Kuraine and his consort Kalina were slain by three masked Sith assassins &mdash; [[Adric Simms]], [[Thraken Solo]], and [[Locus]] &mdash; while aboard the ''Shadowstone'''s bridge due to clandestine assistance from Dur'aak.<ref name="Empire in Error">[http://web.archive.org/web/20050122084758/http://www.swcombine.com/community/news/gnsarchive.php?display=2&postID=181&category=20 GNS: "Empire In Error" - Year 5 Day 21]</ref> With Kuraine assassinated, the Empire moved to secure the Beta system. Attacking in two separate waves, the [[Super Star Destroyer]] ''[[Sovereign]]'', nine Imperial Star Destroyers, and a variety of escort ships exited hyperspace to match their strength against the defense forces of the Falleen Federation and, its ally, [[Supreme Commander]] [[Avatar Voidrunner]]'s [[Rebel Alliance]]. Ultimately, Lord Admiral [[Bisz Aldaris]] of the [[Falleen Federation|Falleen Navy]] could not stem the tide of invading Imperial vessels and undertook a strategic withdrawal from the system.<ref name="Empire in Error"/> Now in uncontested control of the battlefield, the Imperial forces emerged victorious and with minimal losses. The massive Falleen Federation-controlled space station ''[[Libra]]'' was subsequently obliterated, and the entire populations of Ul Yanin and Ulrike were allegedly exterminated by the [[Imperial Army]] commanded by Brigadier General [[Durand|Durand Somerville]].<ref name="Beta System Cleansed">[http://web.archive.org/web/20040315175758/http://www.swcombine.com/community/news/gnsarchive.php?display=2&postID=164&category=20 GNS: "Beta System Cleansed" - Year 5 Day 12]</ref>
+
Prior to the invasion, Bonias was contacted by Prince [[Tholin Dur'aak]], a disgruntled Fallen noble, who offered to betray Kuraine. Thus, before the actual battle occurred, King Kuraine and his consort Kalina were slain by masked Sith assassins &mdash; [[Adric Simms]], [[Thraken Solo]], and [[Locus|Rurouni Locus]] &mdash; while aboard the ''Shadowstone'''s bridge due to Dur'aak's treachery.<ref name="Empire in Error">[http://web.archive.org/web/20050122084758/http://www.swcombine.com/community/news/gnsarchive.php?display=2&postID=181&category=20 GNS: "Empire In Error" - Year 5 Day 21]</ref> With Kuraine dead, the Empire moved to secure the Beta system. Attacking in separate waves, the [[Super Star Destroyer]] ''[[Sovereign]]'', nine Imperial Star Destroyers, and a variety of escort ships exited hyperspace to match their strength against the defense forces of the Falleen Federation and, its ally, [[Supreme Commander]] [[Avatar Voidrunner|Ava'taar Vird'rnnaa]]'s [[Rebel Alliance]]. Ultimately, Lord Admiral [[Bisz Aldaris]] of the [[Falleen Federation|Falleen Navy]] could not stem the tide of invading Imperial vessels and undertook a strategic withdrawal.<ref name="Empire in Error"/> Now in uncontested control of the system, the Imperial forces emerged victorious and with minimal losses. The Falleen Federation-controlled space station ''[[Libra]]'' was obliterated, and the populations of Ul Yanin and Ulrike were exterminated by the [[Imperial Army]] commanded by Brigadier General [[Durand|Durand Somerville]].<ref name="Beta System Cleansed">[http://web.archive.org/web/20040315175758/http://www.swcombine.com/community/news/gnsarchive.php?display=2&postID=164&category=20 GNS: "Beta System Cleansed" - Year 5 Day 12]</ref>
 
 
The Battle of Beta remains infamous to this day for its marked disregard for civilian casualties. Its aftermath, in which the Empire conducted a systematic extermination of life-forms on the planets Ul Yanin and Ulrike, resulted in disputed casualties ranging from 103 million<ref name="Empire in Error"/> to 1.5 billion sentient beings.<ref name="Beta System Cleansed"/> Overall, the demise of the Falleen monarch, his unforeseen betrayal by a revered Falleen noble, the Imperial conquest of the Beta system, the fiery destruction of the prized ''Libra'' battle station, and the heinous genocide of defenseless Falleen colonists made the conflict a defining moment in the early years of the war.
 
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
 +
[[Image:Vodo Bonias Portrait 2.jpg|thumb|right|90px|[[Vodo Bonias]]]]
 
After exercising authority as sovereign for approximately one year, Uebles abdicated the Imperial throne and, as forewarned by Charon, Bonias assumed power. By this time, many Imperial officers and enlisted personnel had resigned in protest. Others had defected and sought political asylum with various governments unfriendly towards the Empire. The bloody power struggle between Charon and Vodo was a severe blow to Imperial morale. These events would shape galactic politics for years to come.
 
After exercising authority as sovereign for approximately one year, Uebles abdicated the Imperial throne and, as forewarned by Charon, Bonias assumed power. By this time, many Imperial officers and enlisted personnel had resigned in protest. Others had defected and sought political asylum with various governments unfriendly towards the Empire. The bloody power struggle between Charon and Vodo was a severe blow to Imperial morale. These events would shape galactic politics for years to come.
  
Line 86: Line 86:
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 +
[[Image:Imperial Logo Small.png|right|60px|link=Galactic Empire]]
 
* [[Emperor|Emperors of the Galaxy]]
 
* [[Emperor|Emperors of the Galaxy]]
 
* [[Galactic Empire]]
 
* [[Galactic Empire]]
Line 108: Line 109:
 
[[Category:Emperors]]
 
[[Category:Emperors]]
 
[[Category:Sith]]
 
[[Category:Sith]]
 +
[[Category:Battle of Beta veterans]]
 +
[[Category:Operation Shadowstone veterans]]

Latest revision as of 15:41, 23 April 2015

Greyson Uebles
Greyson Uebles 2.jpg
Biographical Information
Race Human
Homeworld Coruscant
Mother Unknown
Father Unknown
Siblings Amon Uebles (brother)
Physical Description
Gender Male
Height 1.86 meters
Coloring Fair skin
Hair Color Light Brown
Eye Color Brown
Political Information
Affiliation Galactic Empire
Positions Emperor of the Galaxy
Prior Affiliation Imperial Core
Dark Empire
Awards Detailed below

Count Greyson Uebles, also known as Darth Cypher, was the ninth Emperor of the Galaxy (Year 4 Day 133Year 5 Day 158). Although his one-year reign was marred with numerous defections by Imperial officers who were still loyal to the deposed Emperor Charon, Uebles presided over possibly the greatest victory in Imperial history at the Battle of Beta in which King Eldrik Kuraine of the Falleen Federation was assassinated by Sith Lords and the Falleen battle station Libra was destroyed by the Imperial Navy. Occurring between Year 4 Day 338 and Year 5 Day 8, the engagement was one of the largest invasions in the recorded annals of warfare with a number of famous military leaders involved in the fray.

Modern interpretations of Uebles' legacy as emperor of the galaxy remain mixed. Rebel historians depict him as a pitiless tyrant and mass murderer who ordered the wanton genocide of Falleen civilians during the Battle of Beta. In contrast, Charonist historians applaud Uebles' victory at Beta, but nevertheless view him as a usurper and an accomplice of Dark Jedi Master Vodo Bonias in his protracted power-struggle against Emperor Charon. Even so, Uebles' supporters regard him as a capable and necessary leader who oversaw a successful transitional period for the Empire.

Biography

Early Life

Count Greyson Uebles was born as the youngest scion of an aristocratic family on Coruscant. His elderly father held an honorary seat in the Galactic Senate after retiring from duty in the Old Republic Navy. His father was disgusted by the rampant corruption within the Republic and became an outspoken allegiant of Hiram Drayson's iron-fisted New Order. His two sons, Amon and Greyson, enlisted in the famed Coruscant Naval Academy in order to follow the military tradition of their forebears.

Greyson's older brother Amon graduated with highest distinction and was eventually assigned to a Super Star Destroyer where he later perished in battle against the Rebel Alliance. His father never recovered from Amon's death and he passed away several weeks later from grief. Count Uebles forever remembered who caused the death of his brother and his father; thus, his hatred for the Rebel Alliance became a life-long obsession.

Greyson graduated at the top of his class and, when a supply shortage delayed his assignment to the Starfighter Corps, he voluntarily served several months as a lowly stormtrooper in an infantry unit. He served with distinction and then embarked upon his career as a naval officer. His first fleet assignment was in a reinforcement task force that secured vital trade routes in the Outer Rim Territories during a major rebel offensive. He gained brief notoriety for killing a cowardly Imperial officer in a vibro-blade duel. The cowardly officer had purportedly fled during a battle and thus precipitated the death of a hapless wingman. Shocked by the duel, Greyson's superiors were uncertain if they should promote Uebles or court-martial him.

Ultimately, his tolerant superiors decided to give him one last chance and allowed him to request another assignment. Immediately thereafter, Uebles transferred to the 2nd Imperial Sector Fleet (2ISF). As a young officer, Uebles was not a cruel man, but he did not shy away from the use of violence. His dedication and discipline made him appear cold and aloof to his peers. He seemingly cared only for the brave subordinates under his command and followed a strict code of honor.

Distinguished Career

Commander Ma'karr Quaxo was Uebles' superior officer circa Year 0.

During the disorderly tenure of Emperor Spytek, Uebles served in the 2nd Imperial Fleet of the Imperial Navy and, on Year 0 Day 85, he was assigned to a TIE Interceptor squadron in the 214th Escort Company (nicknamed "Apollo Company"). Only two months later, Uebles became a Flight Corporal and Executive Officer (XO) of the latter company inside the 21st Sector Fleet under command of Captain Gunther von Esling. By this time, on Year 0 Day 122, the ineffectual Spytek had been finally overturned as leader and his well-liked successor, Grand Admiral Piett, began reorganizing the government into an unparalleled superpower.

With the re-organization that occurred after the abandonment of the Galactic Quadrant system by the Imperial Navy, Uebles served as an officer inside the 5th Imperial fleet under then silver-haired Commander Ma'karr Quaxo. His comradeship would Quaxo proved vital in his rise through the Imperial ranks and would later determine his loyalties in the impending power struggle between Grand Admiral Gorn Veynom of the Imperial Navy and Grand Moff Trey Connel, the Army Chief of Staff. Uebles' exceptional initiative quickly enabled him to become a Lieutenant Commander and XO of the 5th Fleet as the following testimony of Commander Quaxo unquestionably confirms:

"My Executive Officer (XO), Lieutenant Uebles, is the best man I have under my command. He will be an incomparable Fleet CO, if I may say so, though I prefer that he still serve under me of course. He is always proposing new projects and making them a reality. His dedication is exemplary. His activity is unsurpassed. When I request something, I know he will provide some ideas or, in the worst case, at least return a message back in a few hours. I can't speak more highly of him."
— Commander Ma'karr Quaxo circa Year 0

At the same time Uebles became a staff member of Naval Headquarters (NHQ) by creating and leading the Naval Ships Department (NSD) as its first director. As a distinguished member of NHQ, he often fraternized with a tight-knit cadre of senior naval officers fiercely loyal to Grand Admiral Gorn Veynom. This particular cadre included Admiral Adric Simms, Commodore Jennifer Dreighton, and Admiral Gunther von Esling. On Year 1 Day 138, Uebles added the position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Naval Intelligence Service (INIS) to his functions as a member of NHQ. On Year 1 Day 179, he became Commanding Officer (CO) of the 12th Imperial Fleet and was elevated to the rank of Commander soon after.

Following the mournful retirement of Emperor Piett, Army Chief of Staff Trey Connel seized the throne on Year 1 Day 212, and Uebles transferred to the newly formed Imperial Intelligence where he admirably performed his duties as the first Deputy Director. However, on Year 1 Day 305, Grand Admiral Veynom could no longer tolerate Connel's rule and disappeared aboard his personal Lambda-class shuttle Overlord into farthest reaches of the Unknown Regions. Displeased by Connel's ascension and dismayed by Veynom's departure, the growing unrest among Veynom's former supporters quickly spilled over at this time and, with the onset of another civil war, Uebles defected to a burgeoning separatist movement known as the Imperial Core.

Dark Empire

Main articles: Imperial Core and Dark Empire

As a bantam separatist movement headquartered on the temperate planet of Bastion, the Imperial Core predominantly consisted of former high-ranking officers and cashiered servicemen who emphatically rejected the contemporaneous authority of Emperor Connel. After duly refusing to obey him, they had mutinied and formed a formidable network bent on Connel's downfall. Regarded as traitorous malcontents by Connel's regime, the Core disseminated propaganda leaflets and transmitted GNS broadcasts that asserted the departed Grand Admiral Gorn Veynom was the true heir to the Empire and that Connel had dishonorably seized the Imperial throne after violating a well-known succession covenant agreed upon during Emperor Piett's preceding era. The lingering debate over the rightful successor of the beloved Piett thus overshadowed Connel's reign.

During the intervening time within the Core's ranks, Uebles proved to be an industrious serviceman and held the noteworthy posts of Navy Commanding Officer, Praetorian Guard Commanding Officer and, eventually, deputy to Lady Protector Dreighton. The Core existed from Year 1 Day 307 until Year 3 Day 94 when the organization and Vodo Bonias' Sith Order merged to become "the Dark Empire" led by Bonias. After this merger, Uebles became Bonias' Minister of Defense and continued in his efforts to undermine galactic support for Connel's regime. Uebles soon became the public face of the Dark Empire and its undaunted campaign against Connel.

Meanwhile, leadership changes were simultaneously occurring within the official Galactic Empire itself as various rulers came and went. Both Connel and his successor Mccarthur eventually abdicated. Circa Year 3 Day 290, an abrupt reconciliation transpired between Bonias' Dark Empire and the Galactic Empire now governed by J. Charon who was a former naval officer and a former confidant of Trey Connel. The two rival governments were formally consolidated into a single dominion. The news of this sudden consolidation surprised the galaxy. Count Greyson Uebles was appointed by Charon to function as his new Executor, the second most powerful billet in the unified government. Most Dark Empire officers were likewise integrated into Charon's Galactic Empire at assorted rungs of power.

As time passed, the fragile union between the bickering personnel of the Galactic Empire and the Dark Empire proved calamitous. Baseless accusations and internecine struggles were pervasive among its various branches. The pejorative classifications of "Charonist" and "Vodoist" were popularly used within the fractious Empire to label those servicemen who professed loyalty to Charon and those who supported Bonias. The consequences of this irreconcilable schism would plague the Empire for years to come. Most neutral observers were firmly convinced the flames of disunity would soon blaze higher due to some minor spark and they feared another devastating civil war would occur.

As tensions mounted and nerves frayed, the Charon-affiliated General Matrel Byden of the dreaded Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) arrested the Vodo-affiliated Vice Admiral Jennifer Dreighton for a protocol violation. The impromptu detention of Dreighton outraged Vodo, Uebles, and other personnel who had served in the Dark Empire. Shortly thereafter, a secretive cabal of Imperial figures — led by Charon's implacable antagonist Vodo Bonias — launched an immediate putsch and deposed Charon as the eighth emperor on Year 4 Day 133. However, as many Imperial servicemen were unwilling to countenance Bonias as their new sovereign due to his highly vilified role in the putsch against Charon, the affable Greyson Uebles was instead chosen by Bonias to perform the duties of ninth emperor on Day 134.

Ninth Emperor

Main article: Battle of Beta
Emperor Greyson Uebles

During the preceding months, Uebles' amiable personality had saved him from the grisly fate of other more outspoken or abrasive Imperial officers during the bloody purges and counter-purges between the Vodoist and Charonist cliques. His Charonist enemies did not view him as a serious threat, but a natural pawn of more dominant personalities. For this reason, some historians assert Uebles' malleable disposition led to his being declared Emperor by the Vodoist cabal after Charon's deposal.

Upon his ascension to the Imperial throne, Greyson Uebles revealed to the galaxy in a GNS broadcast that he was a Sith Lord surreptitiously trained by his master, Vodo Bonias. As such, on Year 4 Day 134, Uebles appointed Vodo Bonias as his Dark Lord of the Sith. Despite his touted mastery of the Dark Side, Uebles was unable to stem a growing tide of defections of Charonist officers to rival governments, most famously of Moff Vir Calder and his Imperial-class Star Destroyer Shadowstone. Circa Year 4, King Eldrik Kuraine of the Falleen Federation conspired with Calder and others to steal the modified Imperial Class Star Destroyer Shadowstone from the Imperial Navy. In order to gain access to the vessel, Kuraine bribed Calder to facilitate its theft and, using a contingent of battle droids, a raiding party absconded with the ship.

The news of this brazen heist angered the Imperial High Command. In response, the High Command assembled on Coruscant for a top-secret meeting. During the ensuing debate, Uebles was advised by his master Vodo Bonias to undertake a full retaliation against both Kuraine and the Falleen people. Bonias suggested an audacious and direct invasion against Falleen's stronghold in the Beta system. Despite his reservations, Uebles reluctantly agreed to Bonias' plan.

Prior to the invasion, Bonias was contacted by Prince Tholin Dur'aak, a disgruntled Fallen noble, who offered to betray Kuraine. Thus, before the actual battle occurred, King Kuraine and his consort Kalina were slain by masked Sith assassins — Adric Simms, Thraken Solo, and Rurouni Locus — while aboard the Shadowstone's bridge due to Dur'aak's treachery.[1] With Kuraine dead, the Empire moved to secure the Beta system. Attacking in separate waves, the Super Star Destroyer Sovereign, nine Imperial Star Destroyers, and a variety of escort ships exited hyperspace to match their strength against the defense forces of the Falleen Federation and, its ally, Supreme Commander Ava'taar Vird'rnnaa's Rebel Alliance. Ultimately, Lord Admiral Bisz Aldaris of the Falleen Navy could not stem the tide of invading Imperial vessels and undertook a strategic withdrawal.[1] Now in uncontested control of the system, the Imperial forces emerged victorious and with minimal losses. The Falleen Federation-controlled space station Libra was obliterated, and the populations of Ul Yanin and Ulrike were exterminated by the Imperial Army commanded by Brigadier General Durand Somerville.[2]

Legacy

After exercising authority as sovereign for approximately one year, Uebles abdicated the Imperial throne and, as forewarned by Charon, Bonias assumed power. By this time, many Imperial officers and enlisted personnel had resigned in protest. Others had defected and sought political asylum with various governments unfriendly towards the Empire. The bloody power struggle between Charon and Vodo was a severe blow to Imperial morale. These events would shape galactic politics for years to come.

Nevertheless, Uebles' legacy is a mixed one. While the Empire bled experienced officers chafing under his rule after Charon's overthrow, the victory at Beta resulted in perhaps the strongest surge of pro-Imperial sentiment in the Empire's history, as well as crippling its enemy the Falleen Federation for several years.

Awards

  • ARIT
  • Fleet CO
  • Naval Intelligence Achievement Award

See also

Imperial Logo Small.png

References


Ruler of the Galactic Empire
Preceded By:
J. Charon
Greyson Uebles
Year 4 Day 133Year 5 Day 158
Succeeded By:
Vodo Bonias