#The Ubiqtorate sends its regards.

[arc-77]

Shut it down! I SAID SHUT IT DOWN! DON'T GIVE ME BACK TALK!

SHUT IT THE FUCK DOWN! ALL DOWN!

I want the entire operation memory holed! Cut it off at the mains and shoot everyone involved in the operation!

This NEVER happened!

An SE-14r is drawn lazily from its attachment point on the Dark Trooper's thigh plating. Terrified realization dawns on the officer, his feeble protests turning to death rattles as two blaster bolts rob him of the air in his lungs. Stepping over his corpse, the Dark Trooper stoops to retrieve the man's code cylinders, tucking one of them neatly into a breast-pouch next to his own.

Utilizing the other cylinder to gain access, he sets to work on the commander's console. Bulkheads begin to slide shut over transparisteel viewports across the facility, hallways lit a pulsing red by emergency lights. He watches through the viewscreens as diligent imperial workers, scientists, and stormtroopers alike scuttle about none the wiser, heeding the pre-recorded announcements echoing out over the intercoms:

"Security directive Rho-14 is now in effect. All personnel, return to your duty stations and until further notice."

Soon, the halls are quiet and empty, the last stragglers packed inside their killboxes. With a few more keystrokes, the last of the access codes are reset, locking the doors. Activating his personal commlink, the Dark Trooper contacts his subordinates.

"Security override complete. Check your HUDs and stand by for door codes."

He pulls up a full holographic map of the facility, with rooms color-coded to indicate the presence of security personnel that may offer resistance. Several of the rooms in the research wing are highlighted in green, demanding stricter rules of engagement. The photo-IDs of select scientists hover around them.

"Be advised: high-value targets are present in green zones. Stun all occupants and identify individuals for live-capture. All other personnel are to be eliminated. Red, orange, and yellow zones are free-fire." There's several seconds of pause as he initiates the final preparations. "Door codes sent. All teams, begin facility sweep."

DT-ARC-77 steps back as the security feeds cycle, clasping his hands behind his back. Squads of Death Troopers stride through the empty halls, stacking up outside each door with weapons at the ready. "And remember—"

Dozens die in the first seconds as blaster-fire pours through the opening doors.

"—I'll be watching."