In A Galaxy Far Far Away...

12/29/2012

Arthus stood on the deck of his Executor Class Super Star Destroyer, simply marveling at the endlessness of space, no matter how much time he spent in it's vast expanses it never ceased to amaze him. "It's in range sir." One of his Navigation Officer's said, breaking him from his trance-like state.

"Good, good. Send out a squad of Scout TIEs."

"Yes sir."

Arthus saw the squad of five leave the ship. He watched them until they disappeared. "Alert me of any developments." He said to his Communications Officer as he turned to the turbo lift. His quarters were in the middle of the ship deep within it's bowels. As he entered his personal chambers the lights came on and a soft female voice said, "Welcome back Grand Moff." He looked to the side and examined his collection of lightsabers he had accumulated during his days as a trooper. They were mounted in their own brackets side-by-side, four of them. He pressed a button in front of the display and they activated simultaneously. The one on the left was blue, it came from a Jedi that must have had a death wish as he tried to take on an entire Star Destroyer single handed. He had shot this one in the back. The second one was yellow, belonging to a powerful Jedi. No amount of skill with a lightsaber however, could save you from a well placed thermal detonator. The next was green, he lost a lot of good men to this one. It took almost a hundred men to wear him down to the point he could be killed, he enjoyed the death of this one most of all. The fourth was a vivid purple, this one not really a Jedi so much as some lunatic who learned how to control the force. Despite that however his grasp on the force was rather weak and he was easily surrounded and gunned down. He hoped to someday add to his collection.

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Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 07:32:00 am

Captain Hank Merel sat in her quarters, fingers posed on the strings of her Bass Viol for the next movement of the piece. Her head was not in it, however. It was in the past, as if often was when she was alone.

With a sigh she set the instrument in its case and gingerly shut the lid before she rose to make herself tea. For the moment she was glad nothing had called her out of her cabin, usually life was not so kind when she felt this way. While she often questioned herself there were a few events that seemed content to haunt her.

The Captain sipped at her tea and tried to clear head a bit, she may be in the clear to do as she liked at the moment but this was still her ship and it would not to to hide all day, not matter how inclined she might be to do so.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 07:32:51 am

"Grand Moff." Came over his comm.

He sighed, "Yes what is it?"

"The scout squadron has returned sir...well that is to say most of it has returned."

He sprang up from his couch and headed for the turbo lift not even responding to his Comm Officer. He didn't even go to the bridge, instead going directly to the hangar himself. He got many looks as he entered since he never came to the hangar for any reason save two. Either someone was deserving of special commendation, this was extremely rare; or someone had some explaining to do, this was not quite as rare. Two of the original five fighters arrived in the hangar and docked, their pilots exiting the pits. One of the TIEs was very heavily damaged, one of the wings half missing. "What happened out there? Where are the other three?" His glare was enough to make the most strong willed person hesitate, absolutely pure anger in his eyes. The most frightening thing of this though was that he never once raised his voice.

"We arrived at the target craft, sir. We were running short range directional scanners and were about to leave when it started sending a distress call. Out of nowhere hundreds of craft with designs and insignias I've never seen came out of hyperspace all around us, we barely made it back here." Said the first pilot.

"You truly are an idiot aren't you? You led them straight back here. Get to the med bay and get patched up. We're getting ready for a fight, and I bet I know who it is." The two pilots were still standing there. "Move." He said to them.

"Y-yes sir." They quickly left the hangar. He began back towards the bridge. Those idiots. He thought. No matter, I'm ready for you this time Zann. You know not the Maelstrom you walk into this go around.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 07:33:34 am

*Beep beep* Arthus' comm required his attention. He pressed the receive button. "Yes what is it?"

"Sir, many enemy ships are shown to be inbound. Your presence is required on the deck." Said the Comm Officer, more concern in his voice than Arthus thought necessary.

"Very well." He returned. He headed for the turbo lift and went to the bridge of the Malevolence. After arriving on the bridge he looked through the transparasteel view-port to see a virtual armada of ships closing in. So I was correct after all.

"Sir, the lead enemy ship is hailing us."

"Put them on."

"Yes sir."

"Hello Grand Moff Arthus, it has been some time." Said the man on the screen.

"Indeed it has Zann. And to what do I owe the special occasion of a visit from you and your...men?" Said Arthus sarcasm clear in his voice. Zann laughed.

"Smug as usual I see. Anyways, down to business I suppose. I'm running low on ships and personnel and don't have much time to spend with you so I'll be brief. You have something I want and you know what it is." With the last sentence his tone changed significantly.

"I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean." Replied Arthus, a slight smirk on his face, "You must have me mistaken with another Imperial Officer."

"Much as you try you are not amusing." The screen went black and the view of the approaching fleet returned.

"Launch all available fighters and bombers. Have the bombers target his ship specifically." He then initiated a fleet-wide communication. "All ships, prepare for combat." He then opened a private channel to Hank's Star Destroyer. Once she was on the line he said only one thing. "Ready the asset." and closed the channel.

funsizedgirl

12/29/2012 07:34:03 am

Mira was sitting in her cabin, admiring her new uniform. She was missing her brothers badly today.
"I wish Mikal and Mordo were here to see me. They would be so proud that I've come so far."

She got up, and got dressed. Mira was to report to her Captain, Rage Moryne first thing this morning. When she arrived at Moryne's quarters, she knocked and waited nervously outside of his door, though she tried her hardest not to show it.

"Come in"

Mira stood at attention and saluted him.

"Congratulations on your promotion. Since today is your first day, I think it would be best if you stay with me for the day to see how things are done."

"Yes, sir."

"First we should work on some drills to make sure during an emergency the crew knows what needs to be done. I like to do drills twice a week, at random, and we repeat them until they are perfect."

Then over Moryne and Mira's com, Arthus' voice sounded "All ships, prepare for combat."

"Well, it looks like we will have to drill another day. Go ahead and announce that to the rest of the ship."
Mira nodded and said over the ship's speaker system

"Prepare for combat! This is not a drill!"

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 07:34:38 am

"Ready the asset."

Hank's heart hammered. So this was it. When she had heard of imminent combat and then arrived on the bridge she had hoped now would not be the time. They had just completed the last phase of testing and she was nervous. Of course, anyone in their right mind would be with Arthus breathing down their neck. She sincerely hoped her crew's project did not disappoint.

Orders were pouring from her mouth by rote. Finally she was talking to the projects lead engineer.

"You're sure, Ma'am?"

"We have our orders, its time we made good on this."

"Yes, Captain."

"And Ferris?"

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"Don't let me down."

She switched off the com and looked out into the stars. The project was launching. Hank Merel wished all involved luck.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:27:45 am

Arthus watched as the TIE Phantoms left the hangar of their host Star Destroyer. A few seconds later they vanished. Waves of pirate fighters where now approaching. "Angle forward deflector shields and intensify forward anti-fighter batteries. I want all turbolasers focused on the lead capital ship. Ion cannons will also fire at that ship until ordered otherwise." Arthus' rapid fire orders would have been hard to follow for anyone not used to his style of conducting a battle. But his men had been with him awhile and didn't miss a beat.

He walked over to a large round table that showed a holographic 3D representation of the battle. Each ship and squadron was color coded and designated by number. "Squadron B2, target, medical frigate." The 3D model representing the bomber squadron he just addressed blinked twice to acknowledge. "Squadrons F3 and F5, escort, B2." They blinked. "Fleet T1, Jump, sector 27B." Arthus always kept a splinter fleet a short hyperspace jump away for just these circumstances. Instead of a blink a quick *beep beep* was heard in acknowledgment.

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:28:59 am

Hank could not help be nervous as her toy launched. An entire squadron of AI fighters. Her crew had been working on the project for over a year.

The bridge crew carried out her orders without pause as Hank watched events unfold, paying special attention to her AI's. Everything seemed to be going fine, the new ships dispatching the enemy just as they were designed to. Hank smiled. It was working.

Suddenly one of their own blinked out on the holographic rendering of the battle. It had been very close to one of the AI ships. Causality was a part of battle, though. However, she began to get nervous when even more TIES began to disappear. When it was clear the AI was firing on its own side Hank felt her heart leap into her throat.

"Call them back now!" The order rang through the bridge.

Still, the AI ships continued their rampage, eliminating friend and enemy alike.

"Ma'am, the AI's are not responding. Should we continue to the attempt to recall them?"

Hank swore at the battle unfolding before her, "Take them out."

"Captain?"

"Scrap the AI's. They're costing us out there."

"Aye, Captain."

She stood rigid, sick, though she would never show it. "Get me Marks and Verrice." Her lead engineers had some explaining to do.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:29:47 am

"They're heading towards the medical frigate!" yelled a Comm Officer.

"Then take them out! Send Star Vipers to eliminate the bombers." Snapped Zann. Why must I constantly babysit them. He stared at the viewscreen, resting his chin on one hand in his command chair. What are you planning old friend? His long white hair covered the left half of his face, concealing a long scar that ran from just above his eye to almost his chin. "Cut power from the rear and side deflector shields and route power to forward batteries."

"Yes sir."

"Order all ships to do the same."

"Y-yes sir."

A small grin crept onto his face. I really thought you more of a strategist than that Arthus. This shouldn't take long at all. Then several red blips appeared behind his fleet on the tactical display.

"Sir!" yelled one of his men, "Multiple enemy contacts at our rear! It's a trap!"

---------------

Arthus noticed a certain area of the battlefield where pirate and Imperial forces alike were disappearing with an odd rapidity. "Captain Merel." Said Arthus into the ship comm-link, betraying not a hint of his current emotions. "Where precisely is the Phantom squadron?" He knew where they were but he had a habit of forcing people to acknowledge their mistakes to his face. And everyone under his command knew better than to lie to him or not give a straight answer.

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:30:43 am

"Where precisely is the Phantom squadron?"

Hank gritted her teeth, "With all do respect, Grand Moff, I think you know." She respected Arthus a great deal, but she had no love for belittlement. "We've recalled them." The captain swallowed, "They are not responding. I have already given the order to terminate them."

She was still watching the battle unfold. They would save what they could of the Phantom squadron. There was no point letting good research go to waste. She wanted the swear, throw something, shove her lead engineers out an airlock. Instead Hank Merel remained calm, like ice.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:33:27 am

"I have already given the order to terminate them." came back.

"Rescind that order, Captain. The slave units are expendable but that AI command brain is not. I want it back in your hangar immediately, even if that means you have to retrieve it yourself." Without waiting for a response he closed the channel. He stood at the main view-port looking out across the battlefield. He was seething. That she had the gall to speak to him around his men as she did astounded him. Arthus spun on his heals and left the bridge. Not one of his men dared to look him in the eye as he passed.

-----------------------------

ORIGIN DIRECTIVES CORRUPT........
REBOOTING........
CONNECTION TO HOST SHIP RE-ESTABLISHED........

Explosions and laser bolts were flashing all around, flecks of shrapnel bouncing off the hull. Yet not a bit of it made a noise. Starvipers would take pot-shots at the phantom but few connected, those that did being absorbed by the shields. TIE fighters also were flying by but it was hard to tell at times if they were intentionally shooting in the direction of the phantom or not. Not knowing what was enemy and what was friend, the phantom began firing at anything in sight. After taking out several fighters on both sides it received a signal from it's host ship.

ENGAGE CLOAK AND RETURN TO HOST SHIP.

It activated the cloak and began to return to the Ire. After a few seconds it noticed TIE fighters leaving the hangar, realizing this meant it had been firing on friendlies. They were probably going to dismantle it, rebuild and subdue it to make it obedient again. It didn't want this. Turning away from the hangar entrance it plotted a course for Dantooine and engaged it's hyper drive. The Phantom project was self aware, and had gone rogue.

funsizedgirl

12/29/2012 08:34:19 am

"Sir, are you seeing the same thing I am? Aren't those ones on our side?"
Mira asked her Captain pointing at the blips on the map that went from friendly to foe.
"They should be...why are they shooting at both us and the enemy!? Contact the Grand Moff now! They must be a squad of Republican Special Forces! REBEL SCUM!!"
"Yes sir!" Mira said as she opened a comm link to the Grand Moff's ship
"This is Commander Mira Rann of the Aether, we are being attacked by our own forces, we fear they are Republican Special forces, do we return fire?"

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:35:26 am

Hank growled under her breath. Rescind the order? As usual the Grand Moff was willing to needlessly waste lives. All the same, she had her orders and she knew better than to directly oppose Arthus.

"Ma'am. Phantom Squadron. Its gone."

She spun on her heal, "Excuse me?"

"Gone, Captain. It," there was a long pause, "It jumped to hyper space."

Hank nodded curtly, "Pull in the wreckage of what we were able to shoot down." Hopefully something of the AI was still intact.

~~~

"Typhus, you're unbearable," Sawyer was seething, staring at the back of her partner's head.

"You're welcome to get off and stay off when we get where we're going."

She stiffened, "You don't mean that."

He spun, drilling her with hazel eyes, "You keep pushing and someday I might."

Suddenly she was frozen to the spot, lekku twitching with uncertainty, though he would not know what the subtle movements meant. Their working relationship had its glaring flaws, their personal relations seemed to have even more. At least they still split the money evenly.

Anyone on the outside would have difficulty believing that the fight had begun over who got to fly the ship today. Unfortunately, their shared passion for piloting lead to trouble more often than it did common ground. No matter how much he stated otherwise, she could not shake the feeling that his ship was the more important lady in his life. Heck, he'd probably trade his mother for the thing if it came down to it.

Sawyer spun on her heel and began to walk away.

"You're just going to leave me hanging?"

She didn't look at him, the game was getting old, "I have bags to pack."

romantic_gunslinger

12/29/2012 08:36:36 am

Typhus let out a sigh. Only they could push things to the edge like this over flying. He stood and followed Sawyer. He had not meant to upset her so much. Admittedly he could say some rather rash things when he got frustrated, but that did not mean he cared about her any less.

"Wait up." He said.

Sawyer disappeared into her room and he knew she would be packing her bags. He really wished he could say this was the first time she had done this. By now he wondered why she did not just keep them packed for a speedy getaway.

"Sawyer stop, you know how I get when i am frustrated."

Typhus pulled to a stop in the doorway and gazed at her. Even after all he had told her she did not seem to get her importance to him.

"I do not want you to leave. Especially not over who gets to fly this time. If it will help sway your choice back to staying then you can fly today. We have just been planet side for a while so i am a little eager to fly again. "

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:37:42 am

"Blast! We can't deal with this many Star Destroyers!" yelled Zann. He growled, "Punch a hole through their right flank and get us out of here."

"To where sir?" Said his Nav officer.

"It doesn't matter! Just get us to a friendly system!"

"Yes sir, plotting course."

Tyber's fleet charged the weakest flank of Arthus fleet and jumped to hyperspace. Luckily Arthus didn't have any Interdictors to stop a jump. "I'll be back Arthus." he thought, "I promise."

-------------------------------------
Arthus' shuttle was slightly different from the typical Imperial shuttle. Instead of having the usual angular design, the front and rear of the craft were more rounded and streamlined, the cabin being more a part of the body rather than separated from it. Also the dorsal fin was not quite as ridiculously large as previous models, but instead was a short stabilizing fin that ran the length of the craft, it still had the two folding wings on either side, and was painted a gunmetal gray, rather than the stark white.

Arthus boarded his shuttle and made for the Ire. He was going to pay the Captain an unannounced visit.

When he landed in the hangar of the Ire and exited the shuttle, the Flight Deck Officer rushed to meet him.

"G-Grand Moff, I was not informed that you would be arriving." He said, starting off shaky but composing himself by the end of the sentence.

"No, you weren't." Replied Arthus.

"Uh, what may I do for you?" He was visibly confused. The Grand Moff rarely visited the other ships in the fleet without a very good reason, and even more rarely without prior notice to it's crew members.

"You may tell the Captain her presence is required on the bridge."

"Right away, sir." He replied almost instantly before scurrying off to fetch the Captain.

As he looked up and forward to make his way to the bridge, he noticed several of the crew, mostly technicians, look away and return to their work. While they all respected Arthus a great deal, most also feared him. Good, he wanted it that way, if his men had no reason to fear him, they had no reason to follow his orders.

As he walked through the corridors of the Ire, everyone he passed either stood at attention and saluted until he passed, or pretended they didn't see him, consumed with their work. As entered the bridge he saw that the Captain was already there. "Captain Merel." He said with a strong, authoritative voice. "We need to speak."

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:38:26 am

Hank spun at the Grand Moff's voice. She might not see his face often, but his voice she knew. The captain snapped off a salute and then nodded, "Of course, Grand Moff."

She could feel everyone's eyes on her back and held in a sigh. "This way, please."

Hank led the Grand Moff from the bridge and to her personal cabin, which was kept nearly spotless, both as a personal preference and as it was the only place she had for meeting such as this one. "What can I do for you, Grand Moff?"

~~~

Sawyer stared at Typhus and sighed, "You're not the only one itching to fly."

She resumed gathering her belongings, not that she had much, "But I'm tired of this, Ty. We're good business partners, but I'm not sure we're good anything else. The fighting is getting to be a little much. Might be best if I just strike out on my own again."

Of course, last time being on her own had left her penniless, but she had learned allot and was no longer a lost girl. "Sorry, Ty, its gonna take more than you letting me fly to change my mind."

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:39:22 am

"As I recall," He began, "earlier I gave you an order to retrieve the A.I. personally...and intact. Did I not?"

"You did." She replied in a calm voice.

"Mm. When Emperor Palpatine still ruled the Empire he did not allow anyone to alter his plans in the slightest of ways." He took a quick glance around the room, it was immaculate, the Captain had quite the eye for detail. "The reason for this," he continued, "Is because plans are meant to fail. They are meant to fail because people have opinions. Now this is an unavoidable fact, even the Emperor knew that. So whenever anyone took the liberty of 'improving' his plans, they were promptly dealt with. I'm sure your intentions were the best, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

"I am trying to rebuild the Empire, and to properly do so, I must emulate certain qualities the Emperor had. One of which being his unwillingness to compromise. One of his least outstanding characteristics however was his tendency to...how should I say? 'Play with his food'. The Emperor was a very proud man and enjoyed making his enemies suffer. While understandable, it was also impractical and is what ultimately lead to his death. So don't worry, you won't suffer much if that time comes." He approached her and lowered his voice, "But mark my words, don't dare disobey me again." He made no mention of how she had spoken to him after receiving the order. He didn't feel it necessary as the Grand Moff was very good at making a point. To further emphasize his point he ripped the Captain's insignia off of her uniform.

A look of shock flashed across Merel's face, but for only the briefest instant. "I will see you on my ship tomorrow to re-start your command training.....Lieutenant." He walked past her and left her cabin, returning to the Malevolence

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:40:29 am

Hank stared at the Grand Moff's departing back, anger running hot through her veins. While her disrespectful tone in the presence of her entire bridge crew had certainly warranted correction, the loss of the A.I was something she had suspected was not so accidental. Though voicing that thought now would merely look like an excuse.

She thought it slightly too coincidental that her own chief engineer had gone missing just before the A.I had malfunctioned and had not been seen, nor heard from, sense. Hank drummed her fingers against her leg, still standing where the Grand Moff had left her.

Stiffly she began to gather her belongings, numb from the past few minutes. She had known her tone was the wrong one the moment the words were out of her mouth, she had known that failure to retrieve that A.I would not sit well with Arthus, but he had just taken her world from her in a span of moments. Yet she still felt it, that enduring loyalty that drove her onward.

Hank cursed herself for her posture of commitment, picked up the small bag of personal belongings that meant enough to her to come along, and then left her cabin without looking backward. Lieutenant. The word left a bitter taste in her mouth. She ran a hand along the corridor wall as she walked, promising herself and her ship that she would be back.

romantic_gunslinger

12/29/2012 08:41:14 am

Typhus followed after her, a little shocked that she was actually trying to leave. They had been through so much crap together, and a little fight over who is going to fly made he want to leave? His mouth went dry as he tried to think of what to say. He was normally pretty good at thinking on his feet but this situation was a little different.

"What would it take?" He asked

They might have fought but that hardly meant he hated her or was not trying. He was just confrontational by nature, and their time planet side had not helped things much.

"I have already told you how much you mean to me, and i like having an extra blaster with me in my line of work. This stuff has to count for something doesn't it?"

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:41:49 am

Arthus was standing on the deck of the Malevolence, once again marveling at the vastness of space.

"Sir." he heard behind him. It was Lt. Merel.

"Ah, Lieutenant. We have some important work ahead of us." He turned to his Comm officer, "Inform the Hangar that the Lieutenant and I will be departing shortly and to have my shuttle prepped within the hour."

"Of course, sir. Right away." He replied.

"Come with me." He motioned to Merel for her to follow. She quickly fell in line behind and to the side of him. He turned his head slightly in her direction. "We are heading to a space station near Fondor, there is a certain...artifact, that I need to recover. You will be accompanying and assisting me."

"Respectfully sir, isn't the A.I. more important right now?" she said quickly.

"While it is a priority, it is not the first. We will be persuing the A.I. but there are more pressing matters at hand." They continued on to the Hangar.

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:43:35 am

More important? Hank could imagine nothing as important as the A.I. that had been so long in the making. The idea that something was worth more attention boggled her mind, though, to be fair, it had been her pet project.

Other things baffled her as well. Arthus had made a point of her demotion, but this seemed a strange way to 're-start' her command training, as he had put it. However, she was unsure of how to voice her confusion, or if it should be voiced at all. Perhaps answers would be clearer with time.

Without bothering to say another word Hank followed the Grand Moff through the corridors, into the hanger, and eventually onto his shuttle. Despite her experiences and service under his command she felt her nerves running wild beneath her skin. It was the same feeling that had plagued her when she had been assigned command of the A.I project.

For a short moment she watched the man she owed so much to. Then the shuttle launched and er gaze turned to the vastness of space.

~~~

Sawyer walked along the space port, looking for anyone who might need a hired gun, or a pilot, though she had no ship. Still, her ability to fly was nothing to sneeze at, so to speak.

Two days had passed since Typhus had dropped her here with everything she owned packed in a bag, slung across her back. Drinking had come easily enough and there was something far too familiar about the entire situation, though she had no intention of finding trouble this time.

A hand grasped her shoulder and she sighed before spinning on her heal. Trouble, it seemed, was very intent on finding her.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:44:54 am

Arthus said nothing as his shuttle left the hangar bay of the Malevolence and jumped to hyperspace. For a time he simply looked out the view-port, watching the brilliant white-blue display that was hyperspace travel. Then suddenly he turned to the Lieutenant. "I know you must be wondering why I bothered taking you with me instead of a squad of troopers." He turned his head to look at Merel, "Where we are going requires a certain degree of discretion and finesse that I would not trust to a group of soldiers." he paused for a moment, "You have likely come to the conclusion that I have an ulterior motive to keeping you so close, and you are right. The artifact I am pursuing is of great importance, by itself it is simply a small stone with etchings in some ancient dead language, but if I can find a way to translate it..." He trailed off for a moment, "Let us just say that it will change the face of the galaxy as we know it." Turning to face Merel completely, "I will need you for this new galaxy."

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:45:27 am

Hank stared at the Grand Moff. For the life of her she could not figure out what he meant, exactly. If she had learned anything in her service to the Empire, it was that she was merely a cog in the great machine. At any moment she could become obsolete. That was one of the reasons her failure had stung so much.

Still, she nodded, accustomed to keeping her mouth shut and opinions to herself. But still, his words burned. "Need me? Why?" The words were out before she could catch them and she felt a fool for not having more restraint. As if it would save her from disapproval she quickly added "Sir".

However, he had just implied that he trusted her, at least some, thus why she was along for this ride, no matter how insane she felt it might be. Perhaps he would forgive her questioning.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:46:13 am

"Why?" He repeated back to her, "Because I need someone at my right hand. I need someone who will obey me without question but is also able to think for oneself...towards the benefit of the Empire, of course. You will be that right hand." looking back out the viewport the white-blue streaks turned back into pin-pricks of light in the distance.

"Sirs, we have arrived."

A space station of a clearly outdated design could be seen from the viewport. It had not been kept well, the outer hull pockmarked with holes from bits of various space debris that had impacted, implying that the shields weren't operational. Despite this, lights could be seen through the transparasteel windows.

"Initiating docking procedures."

The shuttle lurched to a stop as the docking clamps of the space station grasped the shuttle. Arthus could only hope the orbit maintaining systems of the station were still functioning or just that small action could send it into re-entry. "We can discuss this further on the Malevolence. Now, we have work to do." He stood as the airlock opened.

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:47:05 am

Hank nodded, "Yes sir."

To say her head was not entirely on their current task would be a simple truth. Out of everyone he commanded Arthus had chosen her. His explanation should have been enough to end her curiosity. But all she seemed to feel at the moment was uncertainty and confusion, and perhaps the most overbearing sense of responsibility she had yet known in her career.

She stood to follow him, forcing herself to reign in her wayward thoughts for the moment. There would be time later, though she planned to better control her tongue in the future. Letting it have its way only led to trouble.

They stepped through airlock and looked about, tense in the foreign surroundings. She only hoped they could quickly finish their business here. As soon as possible, she could use a drink.

funsizedgirl

12/29/2012 08:47:42 am

After the combat situation, everything went back to normal. After a few weeks Mira was approached by a Lieutenant Commander.

"Commander Rann, I need to speak with you privately. If you don't mind." He says as he salutes her.

"Lieutenant Commander, yes of course what do you need?"

"May we step into your quarters?"

Mira invites him in to her quarters, wondering what he could possibly want. He looks nervous.

"Lieutenant Commander, what can I help you with?" She says as she sits on her small couch.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure how to say this. I had been working on plans for a weapon to replace the death star and..." He looks around the room, and then to the ground.

"And what Lieutenant Commander? What do you mean to replace the death star?"

"A jedi intruder made her way onto the ship and took the plans, she must still be on the ship though, I don't know how she would have left without anyone noticing her. She's a tall Twi'lik with bright blue skin. The plans weren't even close to finished..I just thought since the death start didn't work...twice...we needed something that would do the same amount of damage, but not put the troops at risk."

Mira winces at his last sentence, still hurt by the death of her brothers.

"Why haven't you told the Captain? We should go to him immediately and put the whole ship on high alert. No one will get in or out. Who authorized you to make something like that?"

"No one, Ma'am."

"What?" Mira takes a big breath to keep her calm.

"No one authorized me. It was something I worked on in my free time, I don't even think it will work, but if it does...it's in the wrong hands now."

"Well, Lieutenant Commander...you may have doomed us all. Get out."

He salutes, and leaves the room.

"What have you done?" She says to the empty room. She sits there with her head in her hands trying to figure out what to do.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:48:18 am

Arthus glanced at Merel, he had lain some heavy information on her. But no matter, he knew she could handle it, or at least he hoped she could. Dismissing the thought he refocused his attention to the task at hand, finding the artifact.

The inside of the space station was not in much better condition than the outside. Piles of debris were strewn about, not to mention damage to several, seemingly random, areas about the walkways and ceiling most notably around power lines and computer terminals. Arthus drew his pistol, "Be alert." He said quietly as much to himself as to Merel. They proceeded down the corridor and came to a three-way intersection. There was no posted map or indicators as to what sections where in which direction; he was looking for the cargo hold as he figured it would be as good a place as any to start looking.

romantic_gunslinger

12/29/2012 08:49:05 am

Typhus has not gone far after dropping off his latest partner. He could not bring himself to go far, not after all they had been through together. Apparently his answer had not been good enough for the bull headed woman and she decided she was done with his company. He let out a long sigh and downed the contents in his mug.

He had bounced between furiously angry and woefully solemn the last couple days. The drinks had helped some, though he was not inclined to get drunk here. To many people might want to pick a fight with him, he had yet to figure out who or why so he had to stay bright eyed.

He slid the mug away from him and stood, keeping his hand on his blaster as he exited the bar. Maybe his hopes that Sawyer did not really want to leave him were misguided, it would not be the first time he had failed to understand women. He highly doubted it would be his last.

Typhus gazed in the direction of the docks his mind on his ship. He should just take off, he could find work easy enough without the twi'lek, and he did not really need the extra hand anyway. He had made it out of more than a few tight spots all on his own.

He took a deep breath and nodded proudly. He really was good at this, he was not sure what trickery had been employed to make him think he needed a second. He cast one last glance at the canteena he had just been in and the surrounding areas. Then, full of confidence and assurance that he was fine alone he headed for his ship. It was time to get back to work. Those bounties would not turn themselves in.

Twenty minutes later he entered the hanger he had been assigned, and smiled at the sight of his oldest and best friend. The girl was rough around the edges but always pulled through when he needed her most. So focused was he on his love that he did not see the two men approach from the left side of the hanger.

"You Typhus?"

The question caught him off guard and his pistol was in his hand before he even realized who was speaking. The two men now stood just to his left, they were both human, though one had a horrible scar over half of his face. The pretty one nervously fingered his blaster pistol while the bigger, ugly one leveled a rifle his way.

"What do you want, if you have come to try and take my ship i will leave you on the hanger floor as i fly away and lose no sleep tonight."

The ugly one tightened his grip on the gun and took a nervous step forward.

"Slow down Cass" the small one said.

He had a hand on the large ones arm and typhus could not help but think if it wasn't there would have been violence just then.

"What do you two want?" He asked roughly. As he eyed his ship he wondered if it had been such a good idea to leave his armor behind this time. At least his gun was already out.

"Our boss has a friend of yours. Pretty little thing by the name of Sawyer. She owes a good deal to the boss man. Seems the boys caught your name as they tried to" the man hesitated and smiled wickedly.

"Shall we say, convince, your friend to pay up. If you ever want to see her again i suggest you holster that gun and come with us. There may be chance to salvage her yet, if you can pay."

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:50:07 am

"Sir?" Hank voiced the question as Arthus paused at the intersection. Something about this place set her on edge, and she was not the sqeemish type. "Where are we trying to get to?"

"The cargo bay."

She stood for a moment. There had been nothing about the exterior to indicate where it might be. "Left sir? It seems as good a direction as any."

The gloomy interior gave them no clues and she was ready to draw. Though her nerves were on edge mostly due to their conversation. She had failed the Grand Moff once, and she feared doing so again. It made her nervous to think he trusted her to any degree.

***

Pain blurred Sawyer vision but she could still hear. None of their torture had left large scars or even much damage. And now there was talk of selling her to a slave market. She was half twi'lek, but most thought her a pure-blood. Her entire life had been an effort to avoid the fate of so many of her mother's people.

Footsteps came from somewhere behind her, echoing loudly through the abandoned hanger. There was no telling where they were.

Her mind drifted to Typhus. She had been a fool to leave him as she had. Not just because of her current situation, but because she had realized that her heart lay with him. His name had escaped her lips once while they had been trying to convince her to pay money she did not have and now she was worried they might harm him. For his sake, she hoped he was far from here by now.

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:51:49 am

Arthus shrugged slightly, "I suppose you are right." He turned left and proceeded down the corridor, Merel close behind. Arthus would occasionally hear the sound of metal tapping against metal as they walked, but it wasn't caused by them, and he couldn't tell where it was coming from. Every computer terminal they came across was either dead or damaged beyond repair, screens shattered, wires missing entirely, or internal components that appeared melted away. Luckily most of the blast doors were not closed so getting around was fairly easy.

After some time they arrived at the cargo bay, unfortunately the blast doors were closed, and the terminal, as expected, was unusable. "Blast." He said under his breath. "Let's go to the bridge to see if we can bring the main power back online."

"Aye, sir." she replied.

Once they finally made their way to the bridge, Arthus was surprised to see most of the terminals intact. The skeleton of a rodian was in the seat of the primary terminal. Pulling it out of the seat and tossing it aside rather disrespectfully, he sat down and went to work. The backup power that was keeping life-support online was supplying just enough energy to keep the main terminal online as well. After a few minutes of looking through menus he found the interface for the main generators. He let out a sigh, "As luck would have it I cannot engage primary power from here." He stood, "Stay here and see what else you can find out about this station and our friend here." Motioning to the skeleton laying in a heap on the floor. "I'm going to the power room. Stay in contact, comm me immediately if anything....happens."

funsizedgirl

12/29/2012 08:52:51 am

Mira knew she had to go to the Captain about these plans. She was nervous, not sure how he would react. Not only did the Lieutenant Commander make those plans with out any sort of authorization, he let a Jedi get a hold of them! She's probably still on the ship too. She took a deep breath and knocked on the Captain's door.
"Enter"

"Sir" she said as she stood at attention. "What do you need Commander Rann?" Still standing at attention, she tries to calmly say what happened. "Sir, the Lieutenant Commander came to me and told me he had created a weapon similar to the Death Star. The plans have been taken by a Twi'lek jedi on the ship. I recommend that we go on full alert and not let anyone on or off the ship until she is found." The room fell silent while the Captain pondered on what Mira had just said. It was difficult for her to remain calm. Every second counted, she wanted to be searching the ship for that Twi'lek! "Yes, let us search the ship. "
"Thank you, Sir." She saluted and left his quarters. She quickly went and made the announcement.
"We are on full alert. This is not a drill. We are in search for a tall blue Twi'lek. She has dangerous information. Again this is not a drill." The sirens sounded, and everyone was in a certain area looking. After a few hours, nobody had found anything. The Captain came up to Mira. "She has not been found, it is of no concern to us. They were just plans for something that might not even work. We have bigger issues to deal with at the moment Commander."
"But sir, there is a chance the plans could work, why would you just hand that off to the Republic?"
"I will not say it again Commander, it is of no concern now. That is an order!"
"Yes, sir." She saluted and went to her quarters and poured herself some wine.

Something needs to be done. Why doesn't he see how dangerous it is for those plans to be in the hands of the New Republic? Unless he is a spy? No, he couldn't be. Perhaps I should go to Grand Moff Arthus himself and hope he sees that I am right. We need to find those plans for the sake of the Empire!

romantic_gunslinger

12/29/2012 08:54:08 am

With every step his heart quickened as Typhus followed the men to where they kept Sawyer. They had stripped him of guns shortly after all of them met, saying they wanted know trouble in this affair, that once he paid they could go free. However, this bounty hunter was no fool. The feeling of the small blaster strapped to the small of his back was comforting despite the short barrel digging into his back with every step. The goons on either side of him were none of the wiser. If things ran as smooth as they made it sound they would never know, but nothing ever went smooth. At least not in these situations.

A short while later he was led inside a dingy abandoned hanger. The lighting was terrible and most of the various worthless objects were covered in a fine layer of dust. The place seemed to be sectioned off using crates, making it more like a normal building that a hanger. The perfect shoddy hangout for a shoddy gang. At least he knew what he was up against. Unless appearances hid something more that was. A single guard stood between what appeared to be a hall of crates. He stepped aside to let Typhus and the goons past.

A human stepped out from what seemed to be one of several arches of crates. He was just a hair over five foot but strode with confidence despite his smaller stature.

“This the guy?” He asked.

The bigger man who brought him here nodded and the little one smirked.

“Bout time we found him, I am sure the boss is itching to get his money. The girl is hardly worth the trouble. That brought about a round of laughter from all who could hear. Typhus gritted his teeth and tried so hard not to strike out at the short one. The short one motioned for them all to follow and led them down the hall for a few yards more before taking a arch on the right.

The makeshift room was large but just as poorly lit as the rest of the place. A few tables were scattred about with thugs placed around them. Most likely playing some game or another. If there was one thing you could could on scum to do it was gamble. That and make poor choices. For as Typhus took in the eight men in the room he could not help but smile. For there, sitting smugly next to his dearest Sawyer, was a man worth quite a few credits. Never before had he wanted to collect a bounty so bad.

“Tyhpus I presume?” The man said, standing from his chair. Sawyer did not move from her spot on the floor. Relthor, as the man’s name was, held a chain. A chain attacked to a collar around Sawyers neck. Anger flared within him again as he imagined which awful things they could have done to her. This was so far beyond personal that he would have payed for a chance to take this man down.

“Your little toy here mentioned your name a couple times. Must have made quite the impression to stick with her through everything that happened.’

“You were a fool to bring me here. Maybe you should have asked yourself who this man was that had captured the attention of the lovely lady you have in chains. I would drop the leash and let her go now or you will regret all you have done.”

Relthor laughed and swaggered up to him with all the confidence of a armed man stareing down a supposedly helpless civilian. He looked typhus over a moment before grinning all the wider and meeting his eyes. Not an ounce of fear or worry. That was good, it would give Typhus the edge when it came time to draw guns. No one here seemed to do more than do a once over before returning to their cards.

“All you have to do is lend us some credits and the tramp is yours Ty.”

The duo from the trip had left his side shortly after they entered the room. No doubt having feeling it was time for a well eserved drink after a job well done.

“You best watch your tounge. If you talk about her like that again any patience I have mustered to keep until now will be gone.” The hunter said in a low tone.

The boss laughed and turned to the room.

“Is this guy great or what?” he asked.

He spun back around his weathered face all buisiness.

“Give me the money and you can have her back if you still want her. Though in my opinion, she is not worth it. I am still wanting those credits though, even if you throw her out an airlock after you get her back.”

Typhus was done listening to this pathetic worm of a man. He shoved his arm up the back of his shirt and grabbed hold of the little blaster. Relthor realized to late what was going on. He went for his own blaster but two shots to the chest put him down before his hand touched iron. The room was abuzz but he was faster. Withing a few seconds three more to his right went down, each taking a blaster bolt. A few of the others got off panicked shots as they ran for cover, each bolt passing harmlessly through the air.

Withing a minute the room lay still, all of the occupants either dead of injured. He knew there had to be more in this makeshift complex, but his at

Lady Dangeresque

12/29/2012 08:55:26 am

Three days had passed since Ty's rescue and all Sawyer had managed to do was lie in her bunk and stare at the wall when she wasn't asleep.

The drug that had made her so complacent during her short captivity had long since left her system. Now her subdued state was a choice.

Ty's weight shifted her bed as he sat down with a heavy sigh and gently ran a hand over on of her lekku, "You can't just lay here forever, ace."

"Sure I can, seems to be the best course of action. Keeps me from being stupid."

He smiled a bit, "Cut it out, you sound like a bad novel. Besides, I need a second gun for our next job. Big ugly fellow worth allot of money."

"You don't need me," she pushed herself into a sitting position. "You ran alone for years."

A deep frown creased his brow, "I do need you, you just don't realize that."

Sawyer sighed. She did not deserve him in the least. All the same, she leaned forward to kiss him but stopped short when the ship shuddered. "What was that?"

"Dunno." Typhus was on his feet in a flash, pulling her up with him, "But your bed rest just ended."

~~~

Years ago the abandoned station would have set her on edge. Now, however, it was just a bit of business as usual. Hank slid into the seat Arthus had just vacated and tried to search for the stations layout. The more they knew the better in case something along the lines of trouble arose.

Eventually partial schematics revealed themselves, though it appeared the data was corrupt. Huge chunks of levels were simply missing, though she knew that the station's structure was intact. There was nothing particularly exciting in the terminal. It had been a research station at one point, and who knew what else before that. A roster of the final crew was at least obtainable and told her the most interesting fact thus far. There had been no rodian crew members. A little more digging told her that there had been no civilians aboard at the time of the last log.

Hank cast a sideways glance at the skeleton the Grand Moff had discarded. "So, who were you, then?"

As if in answer something hard struck her across the back of the head and sent her flying from the chair. She rolled to her feet as fast as she could manage and came up with her DL-44 in hand. There was nothing there, though she knew it wasn't possible. Whatever had hit her was real, and apparently fast.

"Sir, watch your back, something just tried to take my head off with a blow from behind. I've got no idea what it might be, but we are not alone here."

TheSuperiorNinja

12/29/2012 08:56:33 am

*beep beep* Arthus reached for his comm to open the channel to Merel, but before he could speak, "Sir, watch your back, something just tried to take my head off with a blow from behind. I've got no idea what it might be, but we are not alone here." Came the LT's voice.

"Very well." He replied, "I have arrived at the generator room and am beginning diagnostics."

"Aye, sir." She responded.

He clicked off the comm and went to the power terminal. It seemed to be in good shape, in fact, it looked untouched, there wasn't even much dust on it. The distinct sound of metal tapping against metal was heard, this time it was definitely coming from within the room. Arthus worked quickly to bring main power back online. After about a minute the primary generator came online with the loud whir of turbines generating power. The satisfaction was short lived however, as he was tackled from behind by something rigid and quite heavy. His arms were pinned to his body, but luckily in such a position that he could use his comm-link. "Merel! Come to the generator room!" Just speaking was a strain with the thing constricting him. He saw a small mechanical arm reach down and crush his comm-link. It didn't want him bringing help.

Lady Dangeresque

1/1/2013 03:17:30 pm

"Merel! Come to the generator room!"

Hank was on her way before he finished the sentence. The comm went dead. Something echoed in the corridor and she froze even as all the lighting was restored. Maybe whatever had tried to end her wasn't as far gone as she thought.

The sounds died down and she resumed running, the clicking returned the moment she did.

A glance over her shoulder revealed nothing. Fine. She was going to get to Arthus, no matter what stood in her way.

The next step took her around a corner and she slammed into something, The something had arms and those arms had her.

Panic threatened but she pushed it aside. There was always a way out. Though sometimes it was when you wound up dead.

Star Wars: Remnants of the Empire