With a flicker of blue, the holofeed collapsed into nothingness, leaving the conference room eerily empty save for the presence of Captain Nerix. For a few seconds, the man stood in silent shock, replaying the events of the last 24 hours.
" . . . a strong accusation, I hope you have the proof . . . "
His hands slowly settled into fists. Proof they wanted, and proof he gave, presenting in painstaking detail every piece of evidence pointing to Madara's betrayal. They told him to await further instructions as they reviewed the material, but that his arguments were convincing enough that he should ready his taskforce to mobilize.
"Commander Nerix, we thank you for this alarming report . . . "
For the first time in eight months, the men under his command had an energy he hadn't seen since the Outer Reaches Campaign. Here lay a chance not only for glory but also to put an end to a threat to the Empire. The soldiers under my command may be considered backwards by most, but they all believe in what the New Order stands for.
"However, it is the decision of Command that your services will not be required; you may stand down."
Now he would have to inform the crew of Command's decision, and watch as their eyes lost that glow, as a little more of their spirit died the slow death far worse than any battle. How will I break the news to them? His thoughts were interrupted by a trill from his datapad. Briefly his eyes lit up—perhaps Command had changed their minds—before his face fell as he read the message.
From: Moff Garret Lentao
To: Kast Nerix
Subject: About a Certain Grand Admiral
Nice Try. The only way you're leaving that assignment is posthumously.
Of course. Any military action must be approved through the Moff Council. His anger flared; the datapad in his hand suddenly in two pieces. NO!! I cannot allow myself to lose composure, not when my crew needs me most. Closing his eyes, he slowly felt the anger flow out, and an idea began creeping into his mind. Turning, he exited the conference room, gesturing for his second-in-command. Senior Lieutenant Fara Crispus made her way over.
"What was the decision, Sir?"
"If I told you, you wouldn't like it."
Crispus tried valiantly to hide her disappointment. "I see. Shall I order the men to stand down from battle stations?"
"Not yet," Nerix replied. "I have a plan, and I need your support. You're going to like it even less than Command's decision, though."
Fara scoffed. "Anything is better than being stuck here."
"Remember Halifax?"
"I stand corrected." She grimaced at the memories. "That man was an infantile creep."
"True," Kast chuckled, "but he was in charge of Sleeper Agents. It takes a special kind of special to deal with those. Anyways, I seem to remember him saying he had dirt on everyone in the Empire. I also remember him saying he owed you a favor after you cleaned up that mess on Ord Mantell. I need you to call in that favor."
"My dream assignment," Crispus said drily. "Next thing you know I'll be volunteering to test the airlocks from the outside. Fine, I'll do it. What do you need?"
"Two things. First, a fleet of Madara's size must have some sleepers on board. I want him to activate one. Not for long, just long enough to ping a location."
Fara nodded. "Good idea. Having a location will give us a distinct advantage. That is, if we ever get cleared for action. Kriffing Moffs--pardon my Huttese, sir."
"No apologies needed. Thankfully, our problem is with only one: Lentao. That's the second request. I want everything Halifax has on him, and I mean everything."
"If I didn't know better, sir, I'd say you were looking to blackmail Lentao into approving our deployment," she said, masking a smile.
Nerix let a wry grin slip over his face, "Now, that would be wrong. I'd like to think of it as reaching a mutual understanding. Think you can make that happen?"
"Yes, sir. I'll report back when I get the information." Crispus turned and made her way to the bridge's exit.
Commander Nerix waited until his second had left, then headed over to Lieutenant Relyr, who was hunched over one of his gadgets. "Can we route our comms through that sensor array to boost its range?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry sir, didn't know it was you, sir!" Relyr stiffened to attention. "Um, yes I think we can, but we don't need comms boosted for Imperial signals."
"I know. Make the needed preparations. I require it to contact an old friend on his personal comms. Ensign Beecher, hail the fleet."
"Frequency open, sir."
"This is your Commanding Officer speaking. I know the past few months have been trying. I take full responsibility for our current situation. In a few days this will all change. I am not at liberty to discuss the details; however, know that we will be facing a threat that if left un-dealt with would cause untold damage to the stability of our New Order. Do what you must to prepare your vessels, and your hearts, for battle."
Topic: The RP Thread (Read 31145 times)