IMQ-54544-XX-07 Security Clearance Black DS-1 Orbital Battle Station was a top-secret document that outlined the planned purposes of the first Death Star. This document contained a prioritized list of targets, in addition to the strict limitations governing the use of the superlaser. It was featured in the Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide, which served as the official operational guide for officers within the Imperial Military.
Due to the superlaser's significant financial burden on the Imperial Military and the potential loss of crucial strategic resources, its use was restricted to planets deemed essential for eliminating enemy assets. This included both direct enemy resources (such as bases, staging grounds, or supply depots) and planets providing support to the Rebel Alliance.
Furthermore, strict prerequisites were in place before the superlaser could be activated. These included: the necessity of a comprehensive and up-to-date Imperial Intelligence report on the intended target; activation authority limited to personnel holding oversector administrative rank and possessing current firing codes from the Office of the Emperor; and the explicit approval of both Imperial High Command and the Galactic Emperor before targeting any of the specified planets.
The priority targets, as defined at the time of the handbook's distribution to Imperial officers, encompassed various planets suspected of hosting rebel bases, staging areas, or supply depots, as well as planets confirmed to be offering political or strategic assistance to the Rebel Alliance. These targets were categorized as follows:
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Potential bases:
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Worlds providing political or strategic aid: