
Shadows Over Earth's Sky in the Avatar World
In the vast emptiness of space, a dark silhouette stretches across like an artificial eclipse: the Conqueror Armada commanded by Primarch Angron and Miles, comprising over 5,000 warships of various classes. Small frigates streak forward like swarms of steel insects, while at the heart of the formation looms a vessel impossible to ignore: the Supremacy, a Mega-Class Star Dreadnought-an airborne fortress whose size could swallow a small moon.
Yet strangely, there are no weapon salvos. No orbits scorched by plasma fire. This armada approaches without firing a single shot.
Angron-legendary for his fury-sits calmly on the command throne. His gaze fixes on the planet Earth, the seat of the Blue Star Coalition's government, as if piercing through clouds and into the enemy's mind.
> "Not every war must begin with blood," he murmurs. "A calculated fear is worth more than a thousand bombardments."
The officers on Supremacy's bridge exchange glances. They know this doctrine. They recognize the pattern. This is not mere strategy-it is legacy.
Someone whispers, almost inaudible:
> "This... is like Tarkin..."
Indeed. Wilhuff Tarkin, architect of the Terror Management Doctrine, taught that total destruction need not be the primary tool. Rather, the threat of annihilation-demonstrated by overwhelming might without firing a shot-is the most efficient form of dominance.
Angron does not strike. He waits. With each passing second, psychological pressure mounts within Blue Star's war council chambers. Tactical displays show Supremacy's silhouette hanging in orbit like a Sword of Damocles.
> "Let them witness our power.
Let them wonder... when the trigger will be pulled.
Let them surrender... out of fear."
This is how Angron, the Primarch of War, practices diplomacy. Not with words-but with a deafening absence of action.
---
The Tarkin Doctrine
The Tarkin Doctrine was proposed by Wilhuff Tarkin and became the foundational theory for Galactic Empire security during Palpatine's era. This document-known as the "Tarkin Doctrine"-was communicated directly to Emperor Palpatine by Tarkin in his capacity as Sector Moff, laying the groundwork for a series of imperial policies.
> (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977; Luceno, 2014)
Background of the Tarkin Doctrine
Originator: Wilhuff Tarkin, as Sector Moff, recognized the need for an efficient territorial control mechanism with minimal open armed conflict.
Imperial Context: After the rise of the Galactic Empire, rebellion threats spread across many planetary systems. Tarkin proposed that imperial rule be enforced via a measured "fear" mechanism to suppress uprisings before they fully emerge.
Original Document: Although not fully published officially, this policy was internalized within the Empire's command structure and widely referred to as the "Tarkin Doctrine."
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels S2)
Core Tenets
1. Control Through Fear
Principle: "Rule through fear of force rather than force itself."
Philosophy: Instill the threat of massive destruction so systems submit without the need for large-scale battles.
> (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977; Luceno, 2014)
2. Rebellion Deterrence
By highlighting the destructive potential the Empire wields, separatist or rebel factions are expected to reconsider overt actions.
This approach conserves Imperial military resources that would otherwise be spread thin across many fronts.
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels S2)
3. Manifestation: The Death Star as Ultimate Tool
Role of the Death Star: Serve as the demonstration of absolute power. The destruction of a planet (e.g., Alderaan) functions as propaganda: "Submit or perish."
Propaganda Effect: Planet-scale destructive demonstration becomes psychological ammunition, affirming the Empire's ability to annihilate any rebel world.
Effectiveness: In the short term, many planetary systems capitulate at the mere threat of Death Star deployment without conventional warfare.
> (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977; Luceno, 2014; Star Wars: Rogue One, 2016)
Strategic Approach
Resource Considerations: Tarkin reasoned that open conflict across multiple fronts would drain the Empire's resources. With one "weapon of terror" publicized, rebellions could be prevented before erupting.
Use of Intelligence and Psychological Tactics: Focus on psychological control-shattering enemy morale with the threat of vast destruction-rather than solely traditional military suppression.
References in Military and Political Theory:
Similar to psychological concepts in classical military thought (Clausewitz, On War, 1832) regarding the moral impact of destructive power.
Aligns with realist political principles that a palpable threat (balance of threat) can be more effective than full deployment of force (Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, 2001).
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels S2; Clausewitz, 1832; Mearsheimer, 2001)
Tarkin's Character and Leadership
1. Cold, Rational Disposition
Leaves no room for sentimentality deemed weakening. Tarkin views fear as a calculable tool: as long as fear persists, imperial stability endures.
He does not "celebrate" suffering but sees it as an accepted consequence for stability.
> (Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977; Luceno, 2014)
2. Charismatic Leadership in the Empire
Many officials and commanders respect his ability to manage territories, assess threats, and make pragmatic decisions.
His charisma is not about empathy but about decisiveness and clear strategic vision.
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels)
3. Ends-Justify-Means Morality
Tarkin judges morality by outcomes: if stability and order are achieved, any method is considered valid.
This reflects an extreme utilitarian ethic within the totalitarian context of the Empire.
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels S2)
Interpretation and Critique
1. Psychological Control vs. Conventional Military Power
Terror Governance Focus: Sci-fi critics liken the Tarkin Doctrine to "rule by terror," where population morality is dismissed without widespread battles-large military assets serve more as intimidation tools than direct conquest.
Psychological Warfare Aspect: Creates vulnerability; though many systems submit, deep-seated fear can later spark more radical resistance.
> (Luceno, 2014; sci-fi discussions on psychological warfare)
2. Compatibility with Political Realism
Realist Theory Analogy: Aligns with balance-of-power/threat idea: a credible destructive threat is more efficient at preventing major conflict.
Long-Term Effectiveness Questions: Realism notes continuous reliance on threats may spur opposing coalitions; in Star Wars lore, rebellion eventually unites against the Empire.
> (Mearsheimer, 2001; Luceno, 2014)
3. Long-Term Impact
Dependence on Absolute Terror: While preventing open conflict initially, constant reliance on fear breeds deep resentment.
Global Rebellion Potential: Over time, psychological oppression fosters synergy among factions seeking to overthrow the Empire, as seen in the original Star Wars trilogy.
> (Luceno, 2014; Star Wars: Rogue One, 2016)
4. Ethical Issues for the Empire
Moral Question: Is peace achieved at the cost of mass suffering justifiable?
Social Consequences: Emphasizing fear eradicates hope and freedom; raises questions about authority legitimacy maintained by psychological coercion.
Comparison with Classical Thought:
Machiavelli, Il Principe (1532): rulers may use harsh measures to maintain power but must manage their image to avoid hate that threatens long-term stability.
In the Empire's context, the image of absolute violence (e.g., Death Star) is problematic as it can provoke more organized rebellion.
> (Machiavelli, 1532; Luceno, 2014; Star Wars Rebels S2)
---
> "Your Majesty," the senior advisor to Angron's throne echoes in the Star Dreadnought Supremacy's command chamber, "I have long believed your new order requires a symbol of absolute power-something undeniable, eternally remembered by the people, and... yes, instilling dread."
> "Ordinary folk do not grasp strategic or tactical concepts. They do not think in cold logic. For them, a threat is not about numbers but about impression. That is why a Star Destroyer is effective: not solely for its firepower, but for its immense size."
> "When they witness a vessel of that magnitude compared to their own capabilities, fear arises before any thought of resistance. They deem opposition suicidal and choose surrender before acting."
Angron's strategy aligns with Wilhuff Tarkin's Terror Management Doctrine-using scale and symbols of power to create compliance through fear, not open warfare.
Supremacy, the Mega-Class Star Dreadnought, leads an armada of over five thousand Star Destroyers streaming in formation, breaching Blue Star's system defenses with ease. Orbital shields and enemy detection systems cannot match the speed and might of the hyperspace-capable vessels of the Caelestis Imperium.
The sky turns red in the light of dusk, then in an instant everything is plunged into darkness. Supremacy's enormous silhouette engulfs the horizon, swallowing the setting sun, casting Earth into symbolic nightfall-a proclamation of a new power's arrival.
The people of Blue Star, weary from protracted war-economy crumbled, food distribution stalled, governments shattered-watch in despair. As Supremacy drifts ominously in geostationary orbit, the Blue Star Coalition government surrenders fully within three hours.
In less than a day, their entire territory is administratively absorbed into the Caelestis Imperium.
Standardization measures follow immediately:
Population submission commences on schedule, whether as labor force, colonies, or genetic data for expansion programs.
Construction of hive-capital facilities begins in strategic orbits and on planetary surfaces.
Rebellion cleansing and silencing proceed under mechanical, uncompromising protocols.
Angron does not conquer Earth through war-he conquers it through the symbol of power and a near-metaphysical fear.
---
Imperial Palace, Terra Aeterna: The Emperor's Work Chamber
Inside the grand Imperial Palace on Terra Aeterna, Kenthelion sits behind his black adamantium desk, focused on a pile of critical administrative files concerning the Caelestis Imperium. Light from the central star system illuminates data panels around the room, reflecting an aura of unquestionable authority.
Suddenly, the primary communications channel activates. A hologram of an Imperium Caelestis officer appears before him.
Imperium Officer: "Your Majesty, Primarch Angron has successfully conquered the Avatar world."
Kenthelion nods slowly, his expression calm.
Kenthelion: "Let Miles Quaritch handle all military affairs there. Implement training according to Caelestis Imperium doctrine standards."
He rises and walks toward the interdimensional strategy panel, eyes scanning galaxies displayed before him, his mind already leaping far ahead.
Kenthelion: "Order Angron back to the Nihilum Aeternum universe. Place him on the front lines. And recall Jim Raynor's armada to Terra Aeterna. I will depart for the next universe soon."
Imperium Officer: "Understood, Your Majesty Emperor."
Moments later, news of the Avatar World's conquest spreads throughout the Imperium. Kenthelion exhales in relief. Indeed-nothing can halt Primarch Angron.
He returns to his seat, staring listlessly at the system's screens. With nearly limitless resources, he can now "purchase" anything he desires via the war-point system linked across multiverses.
Kenthelion (muttering):
> "From the tough Starship Troopers... 10,000 war points? Acquire them." "Spartan body-mod technology from the Halo world... 50 war points? Acquire that too." "Four divisions of Helltroops? Only 5 war points? Grab them immediately."
With a series of impulsive yet effective decisions, Kenthelion creates a new elite combat unit-orbital air forces ready to ignite the skies with organized destruction.
Kenthelion: "Bring Bishop Calbo here!" Kenthelion: "And summon Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey as well!"
He decides to entrust Spartan technology research to Bishop Calbo; if successful, it could drastically enhance ordinary Astra Militarum troops' combat capabilities. As for Dr. Halsey, Kenthelion's ambition runs deeper: injecting Spartan serum into normal human soldiers-transmuting them from mere troops into true symbols of transhuman might.
Yet, as Kenthelion immerses himself in innovation and expansion, dark clouds gather at the galaxy's edge.
On the human colony Vultaria Magna 9, a covert invasion begins-an assault destined to become one of the darkest turning points in Caelestis Imperium history. This strike not only challenges the Imperium's sovereignty but awakens fully the war machine long dormant.
The Imperium's response will come. And when it does, five universes will burn.
But that... is a story for another time.