The Imperial internal conflict, also called the Internal conflict in the Empire or the Two Empire War, was a civil war in the Fel Empire between the forces loyal to Empress Marasiah Fel (known as the "Fel government"), and the ultranationalists of former general and self-proclaimed "Prince Regent" Jarahiya Haftiir (known officially as the "New Bastion Empire", called the "Bastion government"). The civil war began after the nationalist elements of the Imperial Military committed a successful coup d'état against the Fel administration on Bastion, and proclaimed a new state known as the "New Bastion Empire". Their leader, General Haftiir, proclaimed himself the "Prince Regent", and immediately demanded that all Moffs, Planetary Governors, and military personnel pledge allegiance to him. Some did, though many remained loyal to Empress Fel, who declared his regime illegitimate and treasonous. This resulted in the beginning of the civil war.
Prelude[]
Background[]
In 137 ABY, the Second Imperial Civil War ended with a defeat of Darth Krayt and most of his forces. Emperor Roan Fel, however, was killed in the final battle, and thus was succeeded by his daughter, Marasiah Fel, who became the Empress. Fel also became one of the three founding members of the new pan-galactic government: the Galactic Federation Triumvirate. It was led by three Triumvirs, one of whom was Fel, who represented the Empire. Another represented the New Jedi Order, and another, the Galactic Alliance Remnant. All three bodies acted as autonomous bodies of the Triumvirate—though only the Alliance and Empire actually held territory, with the Alliance holding the worlds closer to the Core, and the Empire controlling much of the Outer Rim and nearby regions.
However, many in the Empire were displeased with this. It was now not a sovereign state but an autonomous government that they did not fight for. And the Empire's power was, of course, greatly reduced, and the Alliance's was increased. All patriotic citizens were generally angry at this, and also because that the standard of living went down and many social problems began. Nationalism in the Empire was rising, and gaining more supporters. Those included high ranking officers of the military who became disillusioned and tired of the new regime. As this continued, dislike of the new authorities on Coruscant grew, and also, dislike of Empress Fel and her Imperial government. The remnants of the One Sith, who had been carrying on an insurrection across the galaxy, took advantage of this, smuggling things and making hideouts in Imperial territory as unrest grew. Sith agents also began to look out for future allies in the Empire.
The Bastion coup[]
Imperial officer: “Your Majesty, we have received word that a military coup was committed back on the capital. It is advised that you do not return there, as the usurpers have taken control of the planet.”
— Empress Fel being informed of the coup
Empress Fel: “Oh, no . . . I hope this does not become a repeat of the last coup that occurred, with Darth Krayt.”
In 139 ABY, one year after the end of the civil war, several military officers had enough of the rule of the Fel government. General Jarahiya Haftiir, a veteran who fought for Krayt before defecting to Fel, began making plans of changing the system. Another one of his allies was Admiral Melik Kralj, an officer who served Fel throughout his entire career, though was beginning to change his mind as he saw the Empress, in his eyes, making the Empire weak. The two commanders began forming a plan to remove the current government from power and start a new state, which would be eventually based on the old Galactic Empire of Palpatine. However, they were unable to find anyone who they deemed worthy of taking the throne and being the Emperor. An attempt to look for descendants of Palpatine also ended up with negative results.
After gathering forces that they knew were loyal to them and had the same thoughts about Fel, the two officers moved forward with their plan. Their forces stormed administrative and military centers on Bastion, the capitol of the Empire, and quickly took control of the planet. The usurpers met little resistance from the planetary garrison, and many joined their cause. After the successful coup ended, General Haftiir took the opportunity to publicly and personally execute the local governor. With Bastion in their hands, the usurpers declared the formation of the New Bastion Empire. Haftiir became the leader as the Prince Regent, and Kralj became the chief of general staff, becoming a High Admiral. The new regime sent out messages to other Imperial worlds, ordering them to pledge allegiance to the new government. Empress Fel was informed of this quickly, and retreated to Borosk, which became her government's temporary capitol. She ordered all to remain loyal to her and not let history repeat itself.