Invasion of Denon - 144 ABY
The first battle was something every officer looked forward to. Years spent in the academy, many were hungry to seek glory. Ceris was no different, when she was chosen to aid the 7th fleet in the invasion of Denon. The memories of the invasion were still fresh and clear in her mind; she could recall each time her ship fired upon the planet and the point it struck. The warm red and yellow bursts of light from the explosions captured her mind and soul. It was invigorating to rain down complete and utter destruction, but it quickly became cold.
Although she was contempt with the destruction, many others did not. A prolonged rain of fire occurred, even though they surely destroyed their targets already. "Grand Admiral Brum, do we continue?" Ceris asked through the encrypted channels. "Have I ordered you to stop?" he responded in his usual grumpy tone. It became clear to Ceris this wasn't just a strategic strike, it was clearly a message. She could only watch as it continued to unfold.
Eventually the order to cease fire came, and everyone was instructed to prevent all ships from escaping or entering. It burned her soul each time Ceris had to warn any ship trying to leave to return, or else they would be shot down. The Republic was trying to fight fire with fire, and they had just made themselves to look like a bad guy.
The rest of the details were blurry as everything went by so fast. When the Sith fleet arrived, Ceris and other Captains of Nebulon Frigates were instructed to move forward, but soon after instructed to flee. After the jump to Byblos, Ceris was finally able to take in what had just occurred. Although the experience of an invasion, a large one at that, was exciting, Ceris couldn't help but think what the consequences would be. The consequences from the people that is, how they would view such a person. Would her name be plastered onto signs and posters carried by rioters? She assured herself by believing the Grand Admiral and Chancellor would take all of the blame. However if it came down to it, could she say it was simply an order?