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The dinner was pleasant enough, especially enjoyable for Kory and I compared to the fare we were used to eating on Korriban -gourmet meals not exactly being considered a priority for Sith in training, particularly not slave acolytes- and I left it feeling that I had created a certain degree of rapport with the Captain and Lieutenant Sylas. Unfortunately for me, the after-party wasn't quite what I had hoped it would be, since Ensign Brukkara turned out to be a sexual lightweight. I'd barely fondled her a bit and given her a few spanks before she was cumming, which was honestly adorable and something I would abuse ruthlessly, but she'd require some serious training before she could actually do very much. Why? Because she'd become so sensitive that playing with her further would have been genuinely cruel, as opposed to sensually sadistic. So I'd pulled back, less physically and more sensually, and let her rest against me, stroking her hair as she trembled and recovered. I'd have to work on her endurance another time.
"I'm sorry, My Lord." she'd whispered, her voice hoarse, shivering slightly in my arms from the intensity. "I've never... that was..."
"Shh, don't worry about it, plaything." I'd murmured against her ear, none of the confusion I felt at her apparent and utter lack of experience audible. She wasn't a devastating beauty, but she was cute and soft and small, so the fact that she hadn't found herself bedded by an upperclassman, social superior, or higher-ranking officer was deeply surprising. "You have nothing to apologize for. It was delightful watching you come undone so completely."
She'd blushed deeply, and we'd cuddled for the better part of an hour before I had sent Kory to escort her back to her room and essentially tuck her into bed. With Yashia still a little too sore for a proper fucking -no matter how willing and, dare I say it, eager she was for exactly that- the three of us had settled for quiet night of oral and teasing before curling up in bed together for a good rest. I knew that we'd be soon finding ourselves having to deal with the BrentaalStar, and I wanted us to be as well-rested as humanely possible before we did.
Which brought us to now, the morning after, with Kory, Vriska, Mako, Yashia, and I following a certain droid that specialized in 'diplomacy, translation, manslaughter, and calumniation' towards a quiet briefing room. We filed in quietly, one after the other, the door hissing shut behind us and the holocom flashing to life to display Kilran.
"Ah, there we are. The very people that I've been waiting for. My name Is Rycus Kilran, Grand Moff, Second in Command to the Minister of War, Commander of the Fifth Imperial Fleet, and -my personal favorite- The Butcher of Coruscant. I know all of you, of course. Sev'risk'alaio, Agent of Imperial Intelligence, assigned to subvert Nemro the Hutt while pretending to be a criminal known as 'The Red Blade'. Mako, no last name known, former associate of Braden the Bounty Hunter. Yashia Senna, formerly of the Fourth Infantry, Korriban Regiment. Kory, no last name, slave turned acolyte turned slave once again. And finally…Vestara Khai. Even I struggle to find solid information on you, which I find to be all the more interesting."
"If you're trying to awe us with information, you're doing a bad job of it. Everything you just said is a matter of record for someone of a much less exalted rank than the one that you hold." I retorted immediately, folding my arms over my chest, mindful of my own words back on Korriban about earning the ire of high-ranked Imperials despite being a Sith. Still, I wasn't going to be a carpet, even when I probably ought to be. "I know you want something from us, something that you want us to do. Someone like you doesn't call up people like us for no reason. What's going on?"
Kilran smirked, seemingly amused rather than offended by my directness, which was rather what I had been banking on. That, and the fact that the Republic characters would kill him in The Maelstrom before he decided to disappear me or something equally unpleasant. "Perceptive. I do indeed have a task that requires your... particular talents." He clasped his hands behind his back, his holographic form pacing slightly. "Six hours ago, there was a border skirmish with the Republic. A small fleet straying too close to our space and acting rather violently when they were encouraged to leave. One enemy warship escaped."
Which was an interesting, semi-truthful way to say 'a defector was fleeing Imperial space, we chased him, a Republic fleet was there to retrieve him and everyone started shooting when they ran into each other'. And saying that the Brentaal Star 'escaped' was interesting as well, since -and I have to assume she was being truthful about it- Satele would soon be informing us that what actually happened is the Star was sent ahead to deliver The General while her fleet pounded the shit out of six Harrowers.
"Upon that ship, the Brentaal Star, is a passenger of nothing less than vital strategic importance for the security of the Empire. Your ship is the only one capable of intercepting her before she reaches Republic space. You must pursue, assault, and board that ship, and retrieve or kill a passenger code-named 'The General'. The Republic believes he has our military secrets, and they intend to get them from him. This cannot be allowed." he paused for a moment, whether for breath or for the sake of dramatic impact, I couldn't say. Holocom wasn't exactly the best way to read micro-expressions or fine body language. "However, Captain Orzik -I trust you are familiar with him, after that dinner of yours- lacks the willingness to pursue the matter and has disobeyed my orders to attack. Take command of the ship and proceed immediately."
"This is a transport, Grand Moff." I scoffed, gesturing broadly to the ship around us, my tone and expression genuinely incredulous. "Attacking a warship head on will get us slaughtered! Not to mention the fact that my Master was quite clear with me that I am to arrive on Dromuund Kaas as soon as possible, without any delays! I'm sorry, but this task is entirely beyond the half-dozen of us!"
"Oh, I do sympathize with your concerns, of course, and you're quite right that many pilots and marines will doubtlessly spend their lives helping you accomplish this mission." he responded, not deterred in the slightest by my argument, tone oozing false sincerity. "Sadly, that is the duty of the loyal, the price we all must be prepared to pay for the security and endurance of our nation. And I have no doubt that your Master, and Keeper," he nodded his head in Vriska's direction. "Will be perfectly understanding about your delay, loyal servants to the Emperor that we all are. No greater calling than defense of the Empire, after all."
He had to be keeping a recording of this. While he had nothing to worry about from Zash, and probably nothing even to worry about from Keeper, I could guarantee that he knew about my connection to Marr. Or, at least, the public connection, the story everyone had been told. He wasn't covering his ass, that would imply he was actually concerned, but he wasn't being a fool either. Every word he was saying was exactly what he needed to keep himself safe from any reasonable, logical blowback, and his position and the prestige he had garnered over his career was probably sufficient to protect him from the vast majority of unreasonable blowback. Fortunately, I had every intention of 'caving in'…eventually.
"That still leaves the problem of trying to take on -let me guess, a Thranta-class? It can't be a Valor, that would be genuinely pointless- take on a Thranta-class with a transport. This thing's armor is heavy, but I don't think it's that heavy." I arched an eyebrow, ignoring the shifting from my companions and, rather more prominently, the emotions I was sensing wafting off of them.
"On the contrary, it's more than sufficient. The shields and armor of the Black Talon will let you remain engaged with a standard Thranta like the Brentaal Star for approximately an hour before critical damage will be sustained from it's armament. And the Black Talon has sufficient fighters and weapons aboard to ward off your target's standard complement. More than enough time for you to board the ship, hunt down the objective, and resolve the issue." he informed me in a tone that could only be described as 'bland', and was I imagining the quirk to his lips at the glint in his eyes? Then his expression and his tone grew cold. "But rest assured, all of you: The General will either be dead or in Imperial custody by the end of today, or your ship will not make it to Dromuund Kaas intact."
A threat, clear and unambiguous, or at least as much so as it could be without him outright stating that he would send ships from his fleet to sink us before we could reach the capital. Though, quite frankly, I'd always been of the opinion that, if he'd had the ability to destroy the Black Talon before it could arrive at it's destination, he'd have used the same ships on the Brentaal Star. Unless he'd had NR-O2 plant bombs or something that could destroy the ship, just in case we refused? I suppose that was theoretically possible, and certainly would fill the proverbial plot hole. Not that plot holes mattered in the least right now. Besides, again, I had every intention of following through.
"Very well, Grand Moff, we'll do it. After all, as you said, we're all dutiful servants of the Empire." I ground out, finding that following something I had planned to do didn't make me any less pissed off about being forced into a corner and made to do it, eyes narrowing at the small -tiny, really- and sardonic bow that was more sarcastic mockery than genuine gratitude. Well, we'd see who got the last laugh. "But I expect the families of the fallen to be duly compensated. If they're going to die on a dice roll of a mission, they should be duly rewarded for it."
"Of course, of course!" Kilran waved his hand dismissively, a genial smile on his face that most certainly did not reach his eyes. "The Empire takes care of its own. I'll see to it personally that the families receive appropriate compensation packages. Standard death benefits, plus a ten percent bonus for extraordinary service to the Empire."
I resisted the urge to snort and roll my eyes. Ten percent was a pittance compared to what these people would be risking, but arguing further would only waste time we didn't have. Besides, it was better than nothing, which is what they'd likely receive otherwise, and I could always try to do something for them myself at a later date. Hell, that might not be a bad idea. Mercenary and callous as it was, that would be a good way to build myself a good reputation and rapport within the Fleet.
"Now then," Kilran continued, seemingly -and reasonably- considering the matter settled, if only for the time being. "NR-O2 will guide you to the bridge. The droid has already been programmed with the necessary coordinates for the Star's last known position. I suggest you make haste. Every moment that passes, it gets closer to Republic space, after all."
"Understood." I nodded curtly and turned away, the droid already moving toward the door as the hologram flickered out. "Let's go."
As we made our way through the corridors, I glanced at my companions. Kory's face was impassive, but I could feel her tension through our bond, her distaste for the idea of being dragged into things like this. Yashia looked concerned but determined, I knew that she would follow my lead just as loyally as Kory would. Vriska and Mako exchanged a glance I couldn't quite interpret.
"So we're really doing this?" Mako whispered, just loud enough for our group to hear, wringing her hands anxiously. "Commandeering an Imperial vessel and attacking a Republic warship?"
"Not like we have much choice." Vriska replied, her voice equally low, the thinnest tinge of wry frustration lacing the words. "Unless you fancy taking your chances against whatever contingency plan Kilran has in place. Which would probably be exactly as fatal as he implied." her eyes cut over to me. "Bold talking back there, Khai."
"You know as well as I do that those who never push back are the first to be used up and discarded in the Empire." I replied with a small shrug, keeping my voice low as we followed the droid, though I wouldn't be surprised if he could hear me anyway, given what he was programmed and equipped to do. "Besides, if I'd been too agreeable, he'd have been suspicious that we planned to cut and run. I needed to put up just enough resistance that I made my displeasure clear, but not so much he decided to use his contingency preemptively. Or order the droid to simple take the ship and do a suicide ram to sink the Brentaal Star. Neither of which would be any good for us."
"True enough, and well spoken." Vriska nodded, a hint of approval in her voice. "I'd have done similar in your position."
"I still don't like this, guys…" Mako muttered, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve, a hold-out blaster peeking out briefly beneath the cloth from the motion. "We're going to get people killed. A lot of people. People that didn't ask for this, didn't know this was a possibility."
"People die in war, Mako," Yashia said quietly, gently, her tone heavy with experience and fears thus-far unrealized. "The question is whether their deaths serve a purpose."
"And what purpose does this serve beyond Kilran's ego?" Mako shot back, though she kept her voice low at least.
"The General clearly has something valuable, valuable enough that the Republic sent an entire fleet to escort him back to their territory." I pointed out as we rounded a corner. "Whether it's actually military secrets or something else entirely remains to be seen. But I intend to find out, one way or the other, and try to keep the war from re-igniting while I'm at it."
"Halt!" a male voice barked a moment later, cutting off our conversation, and I looked up and blinked before groaning softly under my breath at the sight of the half-dozen Imperial Marines and the crimson laser security gate blocking our way forward. I had completely forgotten about the Imperial Lieutenant 'mini-boss', and didn't have anything even remotely resembling a plan to deal with him.
"Lieutenant, you must let us pass immediately." Vriska spoke before I could, crimson eyes almost somber, and the Lieutenant considered her briefly for a moment before shaking his head once, sharply.
"I'm sorry, Agent, but I have my orders. The bridge is off-limits to all off-duty crew and passengers while we're transiting hyperspace, for the safety of the ship. Please return to your quarters or the crew lounge immediately."
"We would dearly love to do that, Lieutenant, but we can't. We need to reach the bridge and speak to the Captain immediately, for the safety of the ship." I responded, perhaps more brusquely that was entirely diplomatic, but time was of the essence.
"On whose authority and for what purpose?" the Lieutenant challenged, his hand resting on his holstered sidearm. His men had tensed, their own weapons not quite raised but certainly at the ready as they spread out slightly to improve their firing angles. "I have strict orders that no one passes without proper clearance and due cause."
"On the authority of Grand Moff Rycus Kilran himself, Lieutenant." I replied evenly, keeping my own hands visible but ready to reach for my lightsaber if necessary, painfully aware of the fact that I was hardly the most practiced at blocking blaster bolts and would be trying to defend an unarmed Kory and three Force-blind shooters if this turned into a firefight. "We've just concluded a holocall with him, and we have strict instructions. We must talk to the Captain as soon as possible."
NR-02 chose that moment to interject, his mechanical voice betraying no emotion whatsoever. "Lieutenant, I am programmed to confirm that these individuals are acting under direct orders from Grand Moff Kilran. Your obstruction constitutes a violation of Imperial Military Code, section 1138, paragraph 3."
Well, thank God he didn't threaten the man, or try listing out all of the potential punishments according to the IMC. The last thing that we needed was to make it look like we were the threats to the ship that I had just finished talking about. Which, I mean, I guess we kind of were? NR-02 certainly counted, and -while I fully believed he would have tried to accomplish this mission even if we hadn't been aboard- Kilran's ultimatum to us was definitely an oblique threat that we held at least some responsibility for.
The Lieutenant hesitated, his brow furrowing as he processed the droid's words. I could sense his conflict, and clearly see it as well for that matter: duty to his immediate commanding officer warring with the fear of disobeying a Grand Moff's directive, especially if disobedience endangered the ship and all aboard her. After a long, tense moment of consideration, he stepped aside and gestured for the security gate to be deactivated.
"Very well. You may proceed to the bridge, My Lord, Agent." he said stiffly, then his eyes narrowed as he continued firmly. "But, I'll be accompanying you personally. And if the Captain should conclude this was some sort of ploy or order you detained, I'll stun the lot of you and haul you to the brig in shackles myself, is that clear?"
If he had hoped for that to act as a deterrence or convince us to turn back, he was sadly mistaken, and there was a minute shift in his expression as it seemed to sink in all the more just how serious current events, and we, were. Fortunately, he didn't try to make idle small talk as we made our way to the bridge, only walked briskly and silently, both actions that my group was more than happy to emulate -for one reason or another- in turn. Which meant we reached it in barely ten minutes, and I grimaced faintly at the anxious look Brukkara -Vaenia, I had to remember that she'd given me her first name when I'd fingered her into oversensitivity, I actually knew it now- shot us as we swept in. This might cost me a fair bit of regard in her eyes, but I could live with that if I had to, not least because this would save all of our lives.
The bridge looked exactly the way it did in the game, simple and efficient, with only a handful of officers and ratings on duty and stationed at terminals and consoles. Like the game, Captain Orzik was standing near the viewport, hands clasped behind his back, staring out at the streaking stars of hyperspace. He turned as we entered, his expression shifting from calm contemplation to mild surprise, then to concern as he noted our escort.
"Lieutenant? What's the meaning of this?" Orzik asked, straightening his already impeccable uniform jacket before returning to that perfect, ramrod straight military posture.
"Captain Orzik, sir." the Lieutenant began stiffly, "these individuals claim to have orders from Grand Moff Kilran. The protocol droid confirms it."
Orzik's eyes found mine, recognition dawning as they narrowed slightly. "Apprentice Khai. I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon after our dinner." His gaze swept over my companions before returning to me, either in recognition that I was the leader of our motley little band our out of deference to the sole Sith of the group. "What can I do for you that requires such an... unusual approach as this?"
"I'm afraid we come with grave news, Captain." I said, stepping forward and making sure I was being as unthreatening and polite as possible. Orzik was good man, after all, and one I was rather more interested in having in my corner than out of it. "Grand Moff Kilran has ordered us to inform you that your ship is to pursue and intercept the Brentaal Star immediately."
Orzik's face hardened. "I see. And I suppose he's sent you to ensure I comply with these orders this time, given that I quite clearly declined to follow them not two hours ago?"
"Essentially, yes." I admitted, seeing no point in dancing around the issue, especially when both of us were fully aware of the circumstances. "He claims the Star is carrying a passenger codenamed 'The General' who possesses critical Imperial military secrets. The ship must be stopped before it reaches Republic space."
"With all due respect to the Grand Moff," Orzik replied, his tone making it clear just how little respect he actually held, something I frankly agreed with whole-heartedly. "this is a transport vessel, not a warship. The Brentaal Star is a Thranta-class cruiser. Even with our weapons and fighters and our armor, we'd be severely outmatched. I won't risk the lives of my crew on what amounts to a suicide mission. If there was a reasonable chance of success, perhaps, but on a forlorn hope…?"
"I understand your concerns completely, Captain," I replied, keeping my voice level and reasonable, as much as I wanted to agree with him rather more energetically. "And in your position, I'd likely make the same assessment. As a matter of fact, I did make the same assessment when he gave my companions and I our marching orders. However, Kilran has made it abundantly clear that if we don't pursue the Star, this ship won't reach Dromund Kaas intact."
The bridge fell silent as the implications, not subtle in the least, sank in. Several of the officers exchanged worried glances, and I sensed the spike of fear from various crew members.
"Are you suggesting the Grand Moff would fire upon an Imperial vessel?" Orzik asked coldly, though his tone and presence in the Force suggested he already knew the answer and was simmering with a frigid sort of wrath because of it.
"I'm suggesting that the Grand Moff doubtlessly has contingencies in place to ensure compliance," I answered carefully, hedging a bit instead of responding as bluntly as I might have preferred. His imminent demise or not, his amusement at my bold defiance or not, Kilran still had plenty of life left to kill me and mine with. "contingencies that almost certainly include the destruction of this vessel if we don't do as he commands. He has essentially presented us with two near-suicidal options, and he expects us to choose the one that serves his interests."
Orzik's jaw tightened, and he turned to look out the viewport for a long moment. The tension on the bridge was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on all of us. When he finally turned back, his expression was grim but resolute.
"So it seems we have a choice between certain death at Kilran's hands, or probable death at the Republic's." he said quietly, shaking his head before squaring his shoulders even more than they had been before. "Then it seems we have little choice, but I want it noted in the ship's log that I am proceeding under protest and only because the alternative is the certain destruction of this vessel and all aboard her."
"Understood, Captain, and I agree." I replied with a respectful nod. "For what it's worth, I've secured a promise from Kilran that the families of any crew lost in this action will receive full death benefits with a ten percent bonus."
"How generous of him, to agree to such a cold comfort for the dead and their kin." Orzik replied dryly, the sarcasm practically dripping from his voice. I'd have been offended by his dismissal of the efforts I'd gone to for his people if I didn't understand entirely where he was coming from. Hell, hadn't I myself thought it was a paltry sum compared to the risks at hand? He sighed heavily, then turned to his officers. "Navigation, plot an intercept course for the Brentaal Star, use the data forwarded by the Grand Moff. Tactical, bring all weapons systems online and all pilots to their fighters. Engineering, prepare to divert power to forward shields as soon as we revert to realspace. Communications, all hands to post and sound General Quarters."
The bridge erupted into controlled chaos as officers relayed orders and crew scrambled to their stations. Warning klaxons began to sound throughout the ship, and the intercom crackled to life with announcements directing all personnel to combat positions.
"Captain," I said, stepping closer and lowering my voice so only he could hear, "I'd like to request permission to lead the boarding party once we've engaged the Star. My companions and I are... uniquely qualified for this sort of operation. It is quite likely that a target of this value will be under the protection of a Jedi, a Padawan or a Knight, and I will not spend your men's lives throwing them at a superior opponent."
Orzik studied me for a long moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered my request. I could feel his conflict through the Force, easily and clearly. The natural reluctance to place such an important mission in the hands of outsiders warring with the pragmatic recognition that I was right about what we might face.
"Very well, my lord." he finally said with a curt nod. "You'll have operational command of the boarding party. Lieutenant Sylas will coordinate with you and provide whatever personnel and equipment you require." He lowered his voice further, an almost threatening edge leaking into it. "But I expect you to prioritize the safety of my people, Apprentice. They didn't sign up for this."
"I understand completely, Captain, and I would do so even without your instructions." I assured him, sensing a spike of surprise as I said 'instructions' instead of 'request'. "I have no intention of spending lives needlessly."
The ship lurched slightly as we dropped out of hyperspace, and the viewport filled with the starfield of normal space. In the distance, visible as little more than a small silhouette against the backdrop of stars, was our target. The tactical display lit up as our sensors locked onto the vessel, identifying it as the Brentaal Star, roughly twenty minutes ahead of us at our current speed.
"Captain, target acquired," the tactical officer of the watch, Ensign-Something-That-Starts-With-H, reported promptly, tapping away at his console. "Brentaal Star, Thranta-class cruiser, bearing zero-three-five mark two-one-seven. They appear to have detected us, they're increasing speed and diverting power to their engines."
"Match their speed and begin pursuit," Orzik ordered, very much in his element. "Tactical, prepare a warning shot across their bow once we're in range. Let's give them a chance to surrender before we commit to full engagement, there's no reason not to be civilized about this."
I nodded appreciatively at the Captain's restraint, even as NR-02 stepped forward, his metallic voice cutting through the tension on the bridge, then adding onto it with every syllable.
"Captain, I must inform you that Grand Moff Kilran's orders were quite explicit. The Republic vessel is to be disabled and boarded immediately upon engagement. No warnings, no quarter given." The droid's emotionless delivery somehow made the cold-blooded directive even more chilling.
Orzik's face darkened, and I could have sworn his hand twitched briefly towards his side-arm. "And I must inform you, droid, that I am still the commander of this vessel. We will follow Imperial Naval protocol, which dictates that we offer enemy vessels the opportunity to surrender before committing to hostile action. Your objection is noted."
The droid tilted its head slightly, photoreceptors glowing. "Very well, Captain. I shall update the Grand Moff accordingly."
I stepped between them, addressing NR-02 directly. "The Grand Moff's primary objective is the capture or elimination of 'The General.' How we accomplish that is a tactical concern best left to those with experience in ship-to-ship combat. Protocol may actually work in our favor here, for that matter. If they do choose to surrender, we secure the target without bloodshed on either side."
The droid seemed to consider this for a moment before responding. "Your logic is... acceptable. I will withhold my report until after the initial engagement."
I nodded and turned back to Orzik, who gave me a subtle nod of appreciation.
Unfortunately, it all turned out to be for naught, because the moment we were in range and preparing to fire our warning shot, the Brentaal Star opened fire with every weapon that it had, launching pods and shuttles as well. Fortunately, unlike the game, rather than let the three assault shuttles approach unhampered, the Captain took a very different approach.
"Launch fighters, they are to engage and destroy or drive off those shuttles, we can't allow them to land boarding parties. Helm, evasive action, keep those pods at a distance. They look like a distraction, they're not. If those impact the hull, this ship will be crawling with sabotage droids faster than we can blink. Tactical, work with them, anything that we can't avoid is a priority target. Ignore the Star for now." he reeled off briskly, confidently, and I shook my head in something approaching awe as he effortlessly read the situation and acted to control it. Why was this man running a cargo ship between the capital and Vaiken? Put him in command of a real warship, goddamn!
The Black Talon shuddered as the first accurate volley from the Brentaal Star impacted our shields, the deck shivering beneath our feet and the lights flickering momentarily before stabilizing. Our fighters streaked out from the launch bays, small pinpricks of light against the void as they moved to intercept the approaching shuttles, and I grimaced faintly. Most of them wouldn't survive, I was sure. Not against the shuttles, but against the fighters the Star herself would launch to intercept us once my team and I tried to board them.
"Shields at eighty-seven percent, Captain." reported the defensive systems officer from somewhere behind me, stressed but controlled. "Dropping slowly but steadily, sir."
"Keep them together, Ensign, whatever you have to do.
I moved to stand beside Orzik, watching as the tactical display updated in real-time. The Republic ship was trying to overwhelm us with a concentrated initial assault, throw everything at us at once and hope to finish the fight quickly. It wasn't a bad strategy, especially given their likely time constraints and their superior ship-fighting abilities.
"Their shuttles are breaking formation, Captain." Tactical reported abruptly, his eyes narrowing slightly, the feed updating again to show what he was talking about. "Two are attempting to flank our portside, one continuing direct approach."
Orzik nodded. "Order our fighters to concentrate on the pair, all batteries redirect fire to the loner."
I almost felt bad for how quickly the three shuttles, and every man and woman aboard them, died after that. Unfortunately, that was what was necessary, and it probably meant that any minute now…
"Captain, My Lord, we're receiving a transmission, but not from the Brentaal Star. It's long-range, Republic markers." Vaenia reported, as if on cue, and I sighed softly as the captain authorized acceptance and the form of Satele Shan materialized above the holocom display.
"This is Jedi Grand Master Satele Shan, hailing the unidentified Imperial vessel currently engaged in battle with the Brentaal Star." she spoke calmly, smoothly, but briskly. Not a word wasted nor rushed. "I am enroute to your location with sixteen Republic warships. I am asking you to withdraw before any more lives are lost. Neither of us, I am sure, wishes for the war to resume."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Grand Master." I said, stepping forward, and I knew when I was in range of the visual pick-up when her eyes locked onto mine and sharpened. In recognition, I had no doubt, as I was positive that her daughter would have made it back to her by now, and therefore told her everything. "My name is Vestara Khai, apprentice to Lord Zash of the Pyramid of Ancient Knowledge, aboard the Black Talon and under the command of Captain Revinal Orzik. We have orders from Grand Moff Kilran that state in no uncertain terms that we are to take 'The General' into custody, to prevent the Republic from using the secrets he holds to kill Imperial citizens. Order the captain of the Star to hand him over to us and we will leave immediately, without delay or further violence."
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that. You have my word that I will not allow any war crimes to be committed against the Empire nor it's citizens using the information that The General possesses." she responded, which is what I expected her to do. Much as I might have preferred otherwise, the very idea that she would just let us have the defector because of what I'd done for The Commando on Korriban was absurd, and had never been considered even semi-seriously. Her eyes softened, somewhat. "Please, Captain, withdraw your ship. I have just crippled three Imperial dreadnaughts, and I have no desire to destroy you."
"…Grand Master Shan, I am grateful for your courtesy, but if my ship is to be destroyed either way, I will at least make the attempt to succeed in my mission as dictated by the Grand Moff." Orzik responded with something that sounded very much like regret, and I resisted the urge to arch a surprise brow in his direction. I hadn't expected him to slyly and subtly inform the woman he was speaking to that we were essentially under threat from our own high command in this matter, but I couldn't say I disapproved. "My hands are tied in this matter."
"As are mine. That is unfortunate. You have my word that any survivors will be treated well as prisoners of war. Shan, out." Satele shook her head even as her image flickered out, and I turned my eyes to the man beside me.
"It seems, Apprentice Khai, that we're short on time. Get down to the hanger and loaded into a shuttle with your team. Find The General or kill him before that battle-fleet catches us. We'll hold on as long as he can." he ground out after a long moment of frustrated silence, and I bowed my head slightly before gesturing for the others to follow me.
It was time to see how well we could handle a boarding action on a time crunch.
[1] https://www.patreon.com/astandupphilosopher
[2] Shadows and Dust (Updated the 10th of every month): the Mass Effect story where FemShep has the Phoenix Force from Marvel. Chapters 22 through 26
[3] Crown of Slaves,(Updated the 20th of every month) the Star Wars : The Old Republic Sith Inquisitor isekai. Chapters 29 through 33
[4] Nothing Is True, Save For the Blood We've Shed (Updated the 30th of every month): the crossover between The 100 and Assassin's Creed. Chapters 32 through 36
[5] And So The Eagle Conquered, a Skyrim story with the MC named for, inspired by, and planning to emulate Constantine the Great of the Byzantine Empire. Chapters 6 through 11.
[6] Cauldron of Ghosts, a Worm/Solo Levelling Fusion Fic wherein Taylor becomes The Player. Not an AltPowerTaylor Stations of Canon fic! Chapters 4-8.
[7] Including NSFW and SFW images of various scenes or moments in various stories, or even just the characters themselves doing lewd things that aren't specific scenes!Currently, this includes images from Echoes In Eternity, And So The Eagle Conquered, Crown of Slaves, Cauldron of Ghosts, Embracing the Stereotypes, and Shadows and Dust, but there are much more to come!
[8] https://discord.gg/3VKjmXBYY8