Reflections

[Raider]

OOC: While this is Open. Do keep in mind my character is within Imperial Space and onboard his flagship.

*The Imperial Star Destroyer Relentless slide silently through the empty void of deep space. Its spearhead shaped superstructure pointed toward the Alliance-Imperial border, one-one tenths light-year away. On board the Relentless Imperial Admiral Lucien Darch was in is personal chamber. A glass of Hapan gold wine held with his right hand and a datapad occupying his left. The Admiral's usual calm facial expression had gradually morphed into an annoyed frown as he read through the datapad's contents. The datapad contained his "new" orders. Which were merely a copy/paste of his previous orders to patrol this border sector with an added addition to be "extra vigilant". He scoffed at the ridiculousness of such an addition for a sector that had been quiet for the entire war and had no strategic value.*

*He placed the datapad down and took a slip of his Hapan gold wine. The Sith-led Empire had not gone in the manner he had hoped it would. The creation of a Sith Caste that stood above the senior officers of the Imperial Military was to him was an insult to the officer corps. He had spent his entire adult life in the Imperial Navy and now he was suppose to take orders from inexperienced commanders young enough to be his children? The after battle reports for the naval engagement at Saleucami had only cemented his views of the matter. The strategic and tactical decisions that had been made were those he would expect from new cadets at the academy and not the Empire's frontline naval commanders. He was especially irked that he had been placed over for that thrust against the Alliance in favor of Admiral Wahia.*

"Damned pirate," he muttered darkly.

*He had also been passed over for the strike against the traitor Imperial Knights. And yet again in the latest blow against the former bodyguards' of the long dead Emperor. He took a gulp that drained the last of his Hapan wine and set the glass down. He stood up, straightening out his uniform, all emotion on his face vanishing behind the iron discipline that three and a half decades in the Navy had instilled in him. He would feel better on bridge. He stepped around his desk, stode across his room, and stepped into the hallway.*

 

[Dmitri]

Geist Weiss had been the chief architect for Operation Twilight, the latest campaign against the Imperial Knights. Three targets. Excalibur, a ship stolen by the Imperial Knights that had been intended as a flagship for the late Grand Moff Ein Morgenroete to be operated by ADIM Kadmon. Cyrillia, where the Imperial Knights hid blanked by Galactic Alliance space. Lastly, there was Seoul V. According to Darth Illusia's informant, the Imperial Knights had there new headquarters at a place called HOMEFRONT. Where it was was a mystery, but Geist guessed it was likely at either Cyrillia or Seoul V. The fleet at Seoul V would be able to discover if the headquarters was there or not; if not, then Cyrillia would require more attention.

Geist however had not been involved in any of the battlefronts. ADIM had hijacked Excalibur. The Chiss-Imperial Fleet had headed for Seoul V. A virus had been unleashed on Cyrillia, followed by a strike team led by Darth Exilis. Geist had found himself on a space station called Fallline where he baited an Imperial Knight named Bianca Novula in and managed to get an audience with the Knight-Commander, hoping to watch her demise through the communication. However, he was forced to act early, killing Novula and allowing the Knight-Commander to end the call sooner than he'd hoped.

After Fallline, Geist was making his way back to the capital in order to give his report to his superiors. However, he was low on supplies. He could fly to a nearby garrison, but luck would have it that a patrol ship was nearby. Scanners named it the Relentless. It memory served, it was the flagship of Admiral Lucien Darch.

Geist commed the Star Destroyer, "This is Sith Master Geist Weiss calling Star Destroyer Relentless. Do you read? I would like to request permission to land to refuel and carry out repairs." Geist was glad such an opportunity arose, but he was not arrogant as to push himself onto others. "However, I see that you are on patrol. I would prefer not to impose if possible, so if you are busy on a mission, I understand. I have enough fuel to reach a nearby garrison."

As Geist ended the call, Geist remembered what he had heard about the admiral. He had been one of the people considered for heading a fleet into Galactic Alliance space to attack Cyrillia. However, it was deemed that a fleet would be picked up and targeted, whereas the small strike team consisting of half a dozen StealthXs would have more success catching Cyrillia by surprise. Geist wondered if the admiral knew of the rough draft of the operation's plan.

 

[Raider]

*He was reminded just why he had gone to his personal chambers for a drink when a pair of the Emperor's appointed "assistants" fell into step a dozen paces behind him. He ignored them. The calm, collected, face of an Imperial Admiral remained perfectly in place despite the feelings of annoyance and anger at their presence onboard his flagship. If a separate and superior Sith Caste was an insult. Imperial Decree 294.9, which had been issued as part of the Emergency Declaration of Martial Law, had been spice rubbed into the wound.*

*The senior non-Sith Imperial military and political leadership were being kept on a tight leash and while he could understand the Sith's desire to prevent a repeat of the open revolt that had occured at Munnilinst. They had gone about attempting to ensure security in the worst possible way. He could not imagine the Moffs and Grand Moffs were thrilled that they had been placed under constant surveillance when they were so used to having free reign over the systems and sectors they governed. Nevermind having their political power largely usurped by the Sith Order.*

*It was a measure that in his opinion negatively affected the performance of the fleet too. Officers fearing a visit from the Ubiqtorate would not question bad orders or bad plans and present their own and risk earning the displeasure of a Sith superior. His captain turned toward him as he stepped onto the bridge. The captain's eyes flickering briefly to the Emperor's appointed "assistants" as they took up position by the bridge's entrance way before addressing Admiral Darch.*

"Admiral, Sith Master Geist Weiss is on approach and requesting permission to land for repair and refuel."

*Darch's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly at the news as he settled into his command chair.*

"Permission granted, Captain. Have a maintenance crew ready for his vessal when it lands. Along with an honor guard."

"Yes, sir."

*The man turned and relayed the orders. The coms officer tapped a few buttons at his station and spoke.*

"Permission to land granted, Milord. A maintenance is standing by for you."

*He rose from his command chair. He would be expected to greet the Sith Master personally and he had no desire whatsoever to slight a member of the Sith Order.*

"You have the bridge, Captain," he said. The captain nodded in acknowledgement and turned back his display. Darch walked off the bridge and made his way to the hanger. The Emperor's appointed "assistants" following wordlessly in his wake. He hoped the Sith Master was not in a foul mood.*

 

[Dmitri]

Geist only had to wait a minute before the comms buzzed with life. "Permission to land granted, Milord. A maintenance is standing by for you."

"Acknowledged, Relentless," Geist replied.

Geist flew into the indicated hangar prescribed by the communications officer. Carrying out the procedures dictated by the communications officer and docking bay manager, Geist landed as told.

The Sith Master exited his ship to find an honor guard present. As informed, a maintenance crew was visible. However, the honor guard was soon added by the presence of the admiral. Geist bowed politely. "My apologies if I am intruding on you. I do hope I'm not interfering with a mission; if so, I could leave and fly to one of our garrisons. Whatever the case, I thank you for your hospitality. It's heartening to know the admirals are doing a splendid job. Too many focus too much on the Sith to realize the military is run by the real masterminds, the naval commanders who preceded the rise of the Sith Caste.

"You, Admiral Darch, I know by reputation. Dedicated. Efficient. Since the operation is underway and little can be done to undo it, I think it's safe to inform you that had the original plan not been revised, you would have been leading the attack on Cyrillia for Operation Twilight. A great honor. My apologies that it was deemed necessary for a smaller force to go instead."

 

[Raider]

*A line of Stormtroopers stood on either side of the vessel's ramp. Master Geist had already exited the craft when Admiral Darch arrived at the hanger. He came to attention in the Sith Master's presence and returned the bow. His spine bending just a tad more than the Sith's own had done.*

"Thank you, Master Giest," he said.

*A short reply to the lavish compliment, but the Imperial military trained their officers to be to the point. Extra words were unnecessary. Inefficient. His tone was refined and measured as he continued.*

"It is no interference at all Master Giest. This is in fact an unexpected pleasure. We are honored by your presence. The crew will be pleased to know you how highly their service is valued. Is there anything else that you require?*

*He had felt a mixture of pride and disappointment at the Sith Master's words. On one hand a Sith's praises were few and far between. On the other he was quite sure that had he been given command he could crush whatever resistance the Imperial Knights offered. It was as it was however. Now he waited for whatever else the Sith Master may ask of him and his crew.*

 

[Dmitri]

Geist noticed the admiral kept a poker face. Without the face, it would be hard to figure out the admiral's feelings, but Geist had the Force. The admiral's feelings were noticeable, though diminished.

"Nothing more," said Geist. "I just require refueling. I would prefer to get out of your hair as soon as possible. Little reason for me to interrupt your activities."

 

[Raider]

"As you will Master Giest," he replied.

*He had thought the Sith Master may devert his ship to personally ferry him to his destination or at the least relay a communication on when his arrival should be expected. Admiral Darch was not quite sure whether to stay at the Sith's side until his departure or return to the bridge. The Sith Master seemed quite adamant about not wishing to interfere to the patrol duties he had been assigned.*

*The unexpected drop in could of course be a test of some sort. The Sith were fond of such things and the Emperor's appointed "assistants" had hovered a ways behind him for the whole exchange. Darch was confident though that if he had indeed failed somekind of test the Sith Master would have disposed of him instead of praise him. Perhaps the Ubiqtorate did not just receive negative reports. He hoped so anyway.*

"If there is nothing else Master Giest I shall return to the bridge," he said.

*The Admiral did not, however, move. He waited for the Sith's permission.*

 

[Fusion]

As the Relentless slowly flowed through the void of space, 3 more craft emerged to the left of it. Two were modernized albeit ancient Imperial-class Star Destroyers, while the vessel leading both of them was a prototype ship recognized throughout the Empire: Commodore Aken Bosch's Vindicator-class Star Destroyer Iceni.

On the bridge of the Iceni, Bosch paced back and forth. He was chasing a small pirate fleet that had attacked an Imperial convoy earlier in the day. Pirate and slaver hunting was what got him up to Commodore, after all, and he was about to get Admiral before the Sith took over, forever ruining his chances at promotion. Hmm... Another Imperial vessel was in the vicinity. The Relentless... Motioning to a deck officer, Bosch ordered him to open hailing frequencies. Perhaps he could get some help from this ship's captain. Hearing that the frequencies and such were stable, he sent a message to the ship.

To the captain of the ISD Relentless... He used the old Imperial warship prefix instead of the new system the Sith had devised... I wish to elicit your assistance in helping me deal with a small group of pirates. The more warships we have in hunting the scum down, the better.

 

[Dmitri]

Geist tilted his head up. "Your presence on the bridge would probably be best," said Geist. "It seems like allies are coming, and in distress."

Geist faced the admiral and bowed. "Once I refuel, I shall leave. Little reason for me to step on your jurisdiction."

Geist hoped to leave before combat.

 

[Raider]

*The Admiral blinked at the Sith Master's talk of approaching allies in need when his com beeped. He grabbed hold of it and turned his captain's voice floated out of the device to him.*

"Admiral, three ships just exited hyperspace off our port side. A pair of retro-fitted Imperial-class Star Destroyers and the Vindicator-class Star Destroyer Iceni. Commodore Aken Bosch has hailed us and is requesting assistance in the pursuit of a group of pirates."

*At the second word Darch had spun in an about-face and begun a brisk walk back to the bridge. All caution taken not to offend the Sith Master forgotten. His proper military demeanor not quite hiding his eagerness for a fight.*

"Inform the Commodore that he has our full assistance and that I will speak with him shortly," he replied into the comlink.

"Yes, sir."

*Up on the bridge order was relayed to the coms officer. Who in his rather toneless mechanical voice that made him perfect for a coms officer spoke.*

"This is Relentless to Iceni. You have our full assistance. Admiral Darch will com as soon as he returns to the bridge."

*Even as Darch made his way to the bridge his mind examined the situation. Commodore Bosch headed 5th Battlegroup, which stationed deep in Imperial Space. What was he doing out near the border chasing pirates? Had the 5th been assigned to escort or anti-pirate duty because the cutting edge warships were engaged in offensives against the Alliance? He ruled out escort duty. Pirates could not have survived an attack on a convey that was under the protection of the Iceni and two support ships. That rised the question of how well Bosch was tracking his prey. The Relentless had not detected any ships besides the Sith Master's before the arrival of Bosch's section force, so had the pirates given Bosch the slip?*

*He had risen through the ranks of the Empire prior to the Sith takeover by ruthlessly and effectively rooting out smugglers and pirates. He knew their methods well. This would be a short hunt if the scent had not been lost or if they could pick it up quick enough. He was back on the bridge in no time and taking his place in the command chair and spoke into the comlink that was part of the chair.*

"This is Admiral Darch to Iceni. Bring me up to date on what you have about the pirate group your tracking. Who the suspects are. How many. What was stolen or what they attempted to. Last tracked vector and possible hideaways."

 

[Fusion]

Admiral, good to see you're still around in the Navy.

Bosch remembered back when Darch was lower in rank then himself. It was a beautiful example of the Sith's favoritism towards people who chose to follow along with their regime.

At around 0800 hours, a convoy consisting of several Imperial transport ships was attacked. The corvettes failed to drive them off, and we were forced to intervene. Fortunately none of our vessels were captured, but the pirates managed to escape. We've been pursuing them, but they seem to be equipped with some sort of wormhole drive. We've been attempting to track the vessels through hyperspace, but have had little luck. These ships don't seem like typical pirate vessels. Suspects are the Bloodscar Pirates and a terrorist group called the Neo-Terran Front. Several corvette-class warships and a frigate, along with some outdated fighters. They were attempting to steal a vessel full of aqueous electrum to be plated onto some of the higher-ranking Imperials' blasters and the Sith Lords' lightsabers. Last tracked vector was out here, but the ships have yet to reappear. Possible hideaways could include abandoned outposts and asteroid fields.

 

[Count Sam]

It has been awhile since Kelvin has seen any actions, after all his latest fight was on Salumenci which was awhile ago and before that he took part in the attack on Muunlist. It was true that there was not much challenge in these two battles but the aging Admiral at least got to kill a huge amount of people which was a thing that he usually enjoyed in a battle.

Ironically, he did not get to kill that huge amount of people back then when he was a pirate. It seemed that the new Sith rule did come with some benefits even if they were too little. However; the Admiral did not really care about politics that much as long as he got paid and got to make a name for himself through battles.

Speaking of battles it has been awhile since the Admiral has been assigned to pursue a pirate crew which made him somewhat surprised when he received the orders to head to a nearby system and help in the capturing of a pirate crew that has been attacking Imperial ships.

It only took the Admiral's task force (which consisted of his personal flagship the Imperial destroyer "the flying snake" along with other two Victory II Class Frigate which were acting as its escorts) a few seconds before they exited the hyperspace since they were in a nearby system.

"Well this won't surely be a pleasant missions with that damn Admiral participating in it" The Admiral hissed in a low voice as he looked at the Relentless.

"Hail the Relentless!" The admiral said to his communication officer in a displeased tone as he lightened his cigar. It was true that he did not like this Admiral but still they had to act fast if they were going to capture those pirates who were most likely hiding in a nearby asteroid field and trying to escape from Imperial space.

 

[Raider]

"There no other place I would rather be Commodore,"

*That was the complete and total truth. Lucien Darch felt no higher calling then commanding a warship of the Imperial Navy. He listened intently to Commodore Bosch's briefing of the situation.*

"I agree Commodore. These are no usual pirates and terrorists. Aqueous electrum is not an item that is commonly targeted for theft. It is far to easy to trace back to its seller on the black market. Which means they were trying to take it for their own use or had a buyer lined up outside our Navy's reach. The Alliance, perhaps, granted them with an ample amount of credits to strike at vital supplies. Maybe even ships as well, but that is only a hypothesis."

*He tapped a few buttons on his command chairs arm and a holomap appeared. He studied it closely, searching for a place that would be ideal hidden dock. His eyes locked onto asteroid field that straddled the Imperial-Alliance border. A perfect place to flee Imperial justice.*

"Admiral, three additional ships have dropped from hyperspace," his tactical officer called out from his station.

"Admiral Kelvin Wahia is hailing us from The Flying Snake, sir," his coms officer said a second later.

*Darch's expression noticably darkened at the news. All this talk of pirates and now he had to deal with that blasted pirate-in-an-Admiral's uniform too.*

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I will reply shortly," he said. His tone suddenly cold.

"Commodore, I have an asteriod field at coordinates 35;58:67;12 that straddles the border of Imperial-Alliance Space, if they are anywhere nearby I would gamble that is where."

*His attention turned to his coms officer.*

"Open a link with Admiral Wahia," he said.

 

[Fusion]

Bosch nodded as he heard the admiral's summation of things. Despite his falling in line with the Sith, He knew that Darch was still an honorable military man at heart. Turning to his comm officer again, he ordered one of the Stat Destiyers to break off and examine the file. The captain of the ship complied as that Star Destroyer entered hyperspace towards its destination.

Aqueous Electrum can, with the right parts, be turned into blocks of solid electrum. Those are quite valuable on the black market. As for checking the area out, I have just sent the Exactor to the location in general as to scan it and report any anomalous activity.

Bosch was upset. He had been passed over many a time for promotion; and it was because of the Sith bias against him. It annoyed him to no end.

 

[Count Sam]

“greetings Admiral, it seems that we will be working together in this mission..." Kelvin said as he gave the Admiral a cunning smile which showed clearly how he felt towards him.

"Anyways let's put the pleasantries aside since we really need to move fast. After all, if I was in the pirates place I would now be hiding in the closest Asteroid field and getting ready to make my hyperspace jump or ambush more ships." He added as he gave orders to his men to get to their battle stations and get ready.

"I assume you have pinpointed the location of the nearby asteroid field so you could lead the way there and I will follow you." Kelvin then was out; after all he was not a big fan of talking a lot during missions and especially with people like Darch. It was clear that the pirates were hiding in the closest asteroid field, or at least that was clear thing for someone like Kelvin who was once a pirate.

 

[Raider]

*It was clear to Darch why Bosch had never risen any higher than commodore. He had just made an incredibly dim-witted move and the Admiral was by no means going to let it slide without reprimand.*

"Bosch," the word exited his mouth like a sudden, hard snap.

"You do realize that the pirates we're hunting will probably scoot at the first sight of an Imperial Star Destoryer? Will likely scatter and cross into Alliance space before the rest of us can arrive and that the Exactor alone will be unable to cover all escape vectors? Did you not consider that and the fact that a frigate backed by several-corevettes can stand up to one Star Destoryer, especially if they strike as soon as it exits hyperspace? I expected more sense from you Commodore, particularly since you spent so much of your career successfully hunting such scum."

*His tone was hard. The displeasure at the commodore's order evident in every single word. His dark eyes glaring intensely at the commodore's miniature holo figure before turning to Admiral Wahia's own holo figure. His eyes narrowing ever so slightly at Wahia's sly grin.*

"Of course I have, Wahia, you are not dealing with some notive ensign. Although why you came chasing after pirates without an Interdictor bluffs. Didn't want to make to easy?" Be ready to jump for the asteriod on my mark. We don't want to be far behind Exactor in event they scatter or attack."

*Darch looked up from the two holo figures and toward his nav officer. His eyes no longer glaring, but the intensity remained. *

"Navigation. Plot jump to coordinates 35;58:67;12."

"Yes, sir," came the dutiful reply.

*Followed a few heartbeats by.*

"Course plotted, Admiral."

"Very good navigation. Jump on mark....Mark."

*The stars in the bridge viewpoint stretched into fine white lines and the Relentless vanished into the swirling white-blue of hyperspace. On the chase.*

 

[Dmitri]

As Geist's ship was refueled, Geist decided he would stay a little while longer. It might be a good idea to observe the naval commanders in action and working together, though from what he could sense, tensions were rising.

They're wasting too much time squabbling amongst themselves, noted Geist. Geist was tempted to sense through the Force to locate and pinpoint the pirates for the Imperials, but thought best to let them work it out themselves. Most Imperials didn't like Sith intervention, so let's see how they do without Sith help.

 

[Fusion]

Bosch smiled. There was more to his plan then simply a Star Destroyer to send the group scattering.

Something I forgot to mention... A couple of my pulse-mass minelayers have been lining the Sith-Alliance border with pulse-mass interdiction mines, which will activate should any ship attempt to cross the border in that area. A couple of my Immobilizer 418s are also in the area as to pull our ships out of hyperspace and trap the pirate scum in a sort of bowl-like formation. We will need to get there very soon, though. The Locker, one of my Interdictors, has been having reactor trouble. If is has to shut down for repairs, the pirates will have an open conduit for escape.

Bosch hailed the Locker over long-range communications.

This is Commodore Bosch to Locker, how's
the reactor holding up?

The reply was heard over the comm systems of all the ships.

Locker here. We've shut down nonessential systems to keep the gravity well generators active, but it's not proving enough. All systems except life support, shields, and secondary communications have been shut down to provide power for the generators. In this current state, we'll need to deactivate the generators either if we're attacked, or if the power conduit gets ready to fail, which will be within 10 to 15 minutes.

Acknowledged. We're on our way.

Bosch changed communications back directly to Darch.

We have 10 minutes to flush them out.

As the Relentless entered hyperspace, so did the Iceni and Executrix. The Vindicator-Class ship's hyperdrive was very speedy, allowing it to enter the field of battle a couple minutes before the Executrix and both admirals' ships. It moved closer to the barely functioning Locker, guarding it until the other ships jumped in.

 

[Count Sam]

"Well I don't like things when they are too easy but to be honest with you sending a scout ship things will be moving to a hard level. After all, when dealing with pirates it is always good to simply surprise them with an aggressive attack and fry them without giving them the chance to escape or spread." He said making it clear to Darch that destroying his enemy fast was more of his tactic rather than giving them a chance and then using interdictors to trap and prevent them from escaping.

"All ships prepare for hyperspace jump and plot the course for the asteroid field" He said as the navigation officers under his commands started to work fast before they finally informed him that they were ready.

"Alright we jump on my mark...3...2...1...NOW!!" He said as the three ships quickly disappeared into the massive blue hyperspace realm.

 

[Raider]

*Admiral Darch received both replies before the holofigures of Admiral Wahia and Commodore Bosch winked out as the communication frequencies cut off due to Relentless' jump into hyperspace. He had been angered by what he had viewed as Bosch's incompetence. Now he was livid at the man for more than that. First was the fact Bosch had knowingly withheld information from him, a superior officer, about what forces he had deployed and where. Second was that he had sent the Exactor to scan despite the fact that he had already deployed ships to the area that could have and should have done so. Nevermind that if Imperial forces were in the region then it was likely the pirates weren't. Third was the irresponsibleness Bosch displayed toward the men who served under him by sending a damaged vessel into a potential combat zone. Fourth was the stupidity of suggesting a bowl-shaped formation. That was an defensive entrapment formation for ensnarling enemy forces when they were being pulled from hyperspace. Not when one's own were coming out of hyperspace. Not to mention fleeing pirates would likely use the asteriod field to as a barrier against the Imperial forces during their flight. Which made Bosch's suggested tactical formation useless. It all made him wonder how that imcompetent had managed to rise to commodore in the first place.*

"Um, Admiral," his captain said. His voice filled with an unease that was unusal for the man.

"Yes, Captain?"

"The hanger crew have commed, sir. It appears Sith Master Giest is still onboard. We went to lightspeed before the maintenance crew finished working on his ship."

"Ah...I see. Thank you, Captain. While I do not doubt our Sith Master is displeased by the delay to his flight plans. I am sure he shall understand our desire to swiftly root out all enemies to the Empire."

*The Sith Master's continued presence certainly increased the pressure to catch and destroy those responsible for the raid. Some Sith had particular ways of motivating crewmen for success and while Master Giest had been perfectly polite in his greetings. Darch had no wish to see how polite he may be when presented with failure. In the middle of his thoughts the swirling white-blue of hyperspace abruptly turned back into a sea of black filled with the pinpoints of stars. Relentless had into been pulled out of hyperspace early by one of Bosch's Interdictors.*