Ylesia, three months post Imperial Invasion

Reign-Class Star Destroyer Autarch

The pristine blue-green orb hung delicately against the ebony backdrop suspended in eternal animation as it quickly rotated on it's invisible axis. The planet's ten hour days almost seemed to be a fraction of a second compared to most other planets within the system, but nevertheless it's unsurpassed natural beauty was enough to make anyone stop and take a moment to admire the scene that befell them. The immense figures of the Reign-Class Star Destroyer's Praetorian, and Autarch hung over the world as a symbol of the empire's unrelenting dedication to it's chief goal... the subjugation of the lawlessness that had ruled for centuries within the Ylesian system, and the so-called 'Hutt Space.'

"Bring shields to bare, forward shields at one hundred and ten percent., aft at ninety percent."

The neatly pressed olive uniform of the Imperial Navy quickly became more and more active as the Lieutenant accurately, and quickly but carefully input the commands of his superior officer. Since his graduation from the Imperial Naval Academy at Carida two years ago, he'd learned only two things. One, that the enemy most often hit you where you least expected it, and two, that they played a dirty game.

"I've got three Mon Calamarian Cruisers on my grid." Adrian confirmed as he looked up at the transparisteel viewing port. "Make that five. Two more reverting from sublight speeds mark seven one seven."

The blare of the ensueing red alert rang throughout the simulation chamber as trained naval troopers, officers and personnel shuffled through the smaller-than-scale training room. The room carefully listed to the left, and then to the right, simulating a surprise rebel attack on a convoy, designated Hyfe 101 by Commander Edor Fraemont. The commander, along with a few members of the senior command staff of the ship observed quietly from the other side of the one-sided glass. Though the training officers could not see them, they knew that they were being watched. As the simulation pressed for another list, indicating another blow to the ship, Commander Edon's voice interrupted. "That will be all for today, Gentlemen."


Reign-Class Star Destroyer Autarch Mess Hall, Two Hours Later

"You've got to be @#%$ shitting me!"

Adrian shook his head sagely as he let his duraplast tray clatter against the cold dining table. The usual lunch was in order for the bottom feeders, as Marius liked to call them. Teltian Noodle Soup, Ylesian Rye Bread, Nerf Milk and a side of mashed Pontians. Marius shuffled his soup with a spoon and shook his head. "Out of all of us you just happened to score three hundred points higher in the training simulations.... So who'd you sleep with?" Marius asked, grinning.

"So now you've gotta be @#%$ someone to get good graces around here? Guys, come on.... Get your hands off of your dicks at night, and put your eyes into those little things called training manuals. You'd be surprised at how much you could learn."

The group’s laughter was interrupted by a senior official, a Lieutenant Commander by the name of Tresdin O'Brian. "Which one of you is Lieutenant Junior Grade Adrian Thaedin?" He asked. Marius smirked and took a bite of his Rye bread.

"That'd be me."

"No salute, Lieutenant?"

"Nope." Adrian remarked plainly.

"All right, on your feet. The Admiral want's to have a word with you."

The Lieutenant stood, tossed his bread onto his tray of rations, and followed the commander's footsteps silently. Moments later, upon entering the Admiral's office two decks below the Autarch forward command bridge, Adrian snapped into a salute. Though extremely outspoken, and at times insubordinate to his senior officers, he had a great deal of respect for the man that stood before him, Admiral Telan Desaria. With the flick of the admiral's hand, the Lieutenant Commander lowered his salute, and briskly walked back out of the air locked doors, preceded by their soft hiss.

"Your training reports look promising." The Admiral started as his fingers graced the datapad before him. He nodded his head. "Thank you sir."

"How long have you been a commissioned Imperial Officer, Lieutenant Thaedin?"

"Two years, Admiral. Not including my time at the Imperial Naval Academy on Carida."

"I see. So within two years, you've managed to achieve a training score higher than officers that have served in numerous combat situations, and have years of experience within the Navy. Correct me if I'm wrong Lieutenant, but that's remarkable. I've been watching your achievements carefully... looking for some explanation as to how you might be pulling this sort of thing off. I've got to admit that at first, I thought that you'd somehow gotten some inside information into what would be on the simulations, and studied up the night before... but today was a bit of a surprise, was it not?"

Adrian nodded his head. "It was sir, yes. Our Dreadnaught managed to disable three Calamarian cruisers before taking any serious damage." Telan merely nodded his head, his face blank of any emotion as he observed and listened carefully. Adrian was nervous, but held his ground as any honorable Imperial officer would. To be nervous was to be weak, and if exercised, your emotions could lead to your ultimate demise.

Telan tossed the datapad upon one of the large stacks of papers that littered his desk, no doubt more paperwork from the military commanders in charge of the Martial Law of Ylesia. Adrian remained at attention as the Admiral took a few calls over his comlink before continuing. The Admiral allowed a small smile tarnish the serious expression of his face. "I'm authorizing your reassignment to the Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian, in the second division of the squadron." By squadron, Telan refered the First Imperial Destroyer Squadron. Adrian nodded his head and replied with a simple "Thank you, sir" before he turned to leave.

"Lieutenant Thaedin...." the Admiral continued. Adrian returned to his former position, and stature.

"Yes sir?"

"I'm placing you in direct command of the Praetorian, Centurion, and Solarium as well as there attached squadrons."

Adrian's face fell pale. "Me?"

"You."

"Is there a problem, sir?"

Telan raised an eyebrow as he sat back in his chair, but did not reply.

"I.. I mean, with all do respect sir, my rank is merely Lieutenant... not Lieutenant Commander, or Captain. Are you sure you mean me?"

"You, Lieutenant."

"Sir there must be some mistake in your paperwork...."

Telan shook his head, his face still blank of any emotion as he rolled a pen between his fingers. Adrian shrugged. He was an expert at cloaking his emotions in the line of duty. Worry no doubt plagued his mind... him, in command of three Destroyers was beyond any acknowledgement he could handle in one day. "Yes sir" he replied, putting on his game face as he clenched his jaw. If it was a mistake, at least he’d have a little fun before someone realized there had been a mistake.

"Right." Telan replied simply. "You'll depart in three hours aboard the Shuttle Tidus. Be sure to have your quarters packed and ready by then. Adrian nodded his head and saluted. Telan returned the salute, but again as Adrian was prepared to leave, he was stopped. "Lieutenant Thaedin...." Telan called after him, still sitting in the same position with the same blank expression. Adrian turned.

"Congratulations.”

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Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian

Six perfect squares adorned the durasteel decks of the immense Star Destroyer's main docking bay, each one an impressive array of Imperial Officers, Storm Troopers, Fighter Pilots, and Medical personnel that eagerly awaited the arrival of the ships new Commanding Officer, handpicked or so the rumors told, by Admiral Desaria himself. Between the six squares a smaller, tighter square stood facing the arriving Lambda Class Shuttle as the soft hum of it's engines accompanied by the hiss of it's landing gear interrupted the imposing silence that had befallen the crew of the infamous Praetorian, lead vessel of the First Imperial Star Destroyer Squadron's Second Division.

The young, bold and reasonably attractive Line Captain William Erladu stood with a ready Imperial salute as the shuttle's ramp carefully touched down with a soft hiss. Six stormtroopers with blaster rifles ready slowly exited preceding the ominously shadowed figure of the new commander of the Praetorian. As the youthful face of Adrian stepped forth into the translucent light of the docking bay, the Line Captain frowned and lowered his salute.

"We were expecting the arrival of the new commander of this vessel, Lieutenant."

Adrian offered up a cocky smirk. "That would be me, Captain Erladu."

"You?" He smirked, obviously amused by the young officer’s boldness.

"Me."

The Line Captain chuckled, as did most of the senior officers standing before him. Lieutenant Thaedin merely stood in silence with a stern expression on his face. As he slowly handed over the datapad, the Line Captain's face grew a little more serious. "Captain Erladu, as the newly commissioned Commander of this Vessel, I am relieving you of your duties. Furthermore," he started, offering a glance to the still smirking officers standing at Captain Erladu's side. "The rest of you are hereby suspended."

William tightly folded his arms, letting the datapad pat against the sides of his chest. He appeared almost as unamused as a widow that had just learned of her husband's untimely death. "Lieutenant, your joke however cute is dangerously close to insubordination. Do you honestly think that Admiral Desaria will take kindly to a report that an insubordinate Lieutenant has attempted to seize command of his ship with a forged document bearing his signature and Imperial seal?"

Adrian nodded his head, folded his arms behind his back and stepped forward with his head held high.

"Guards," the aggravated Line Captain growled. "Arrest this man!"

Adrian nodded his head as four Stormtroopers stepped forward, grabbing him under the arms. "Captain..." Adrian started as the troopers began to haul him out of the docking bay. Erladu's face grew red with frustration. "I am unamused, Lieutenant. Once the Admiral hears of this, he'll have your head on his desk. Take him away!"

Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian's Brigs, Twenty Minutes Later

He sat in silence against the cold metallic floor of the cell, still confident that the inevitable would come to pass. Adrian's worry seemed to be overwhelmed with an unusual emotion of excitement. His thoughts dwelled upon his arrival and on the face of Line Captain William Erladu after being informed that he was being replaced by an officer nearly half his rank. But his thoughts were interrupted....

The hiss of the airlocked doors opened as a frustrated Captain Erladu entered, quickly motioning for the cell doors to be opened. Adrian stood, smoothed the wrinkles out of his neatly cleaned and pressed Lieutenant's uniform. "We meet again, Captain." The Captain didn't speak, merely saluted and tossed a fresh metallic blue datapad in Adrian's general direction. "I don't know how you pulled it off," Erladu spat disgustedly "but don't presume to walk onto my ship and order me or my crew about."

"Pissed off about the news of your relief of duty, Captain?" Adrian smirked.

The vindictive face of Captain Erladu almost cloaked the tension in his tightly clenched jaw muscles. He raised a shaking hand to a salute, one that Adrian blatantly disregarded as he pushed his way through the entourage. "First things first, Captain." Adrian turned, narrowing his eyes. "No one throws me into a cell without meeting repercussions. I think a night or two in solitary confinement would suit you and your officers just fine. Maybe it will teach you a little respect for talent that your crew obviously lacks." William's jaw remained clenched tightly as the muscles on the side of his face began to twitch with raw hatred as he stepped back into the cell, followed by his most senior officers. "The next time you decide to question Admiral Desaria's authority by pawning his orders off as forgery, you'd better hope like hell I'm not stationed anywhere near you, Captain." With his final words, Adrian strode head high out of the brig leaving the former captain of the Praetorian to rot in a cell.

Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian - Command Bridge

"He's a lieutenant!" One officer whispered behind the controls of his tactical station.

"Lieutenant Commander, maybe." His counterpart replied. "But not Lieutenant."

With a hiss from the bridge's airlocked doors, Lieutenant Thaedin stepped forward, followed closely by an entourage of senior officers that had reluctantly accepted commands from a less than qualified Adrian Thaedin. Pure unadulterated silence lingered on the bridge as the wide-eyed crew observed the newly commissioned commander of the Praetorian, Solarium, and Centurion. Most, if not all of the crew present on the bridge outranked him at least two fold, something that had likely never happened in the history of the Imperial Navy. "Helm," Adrian shouted breaking the silence. No one responded. "Helm!" He shouted again, raising his voice. Again, no reply. The crew of the Praetorian would obviously be damned before they took orders from the likes of him. "Helm!" Adrian turned to look at the foreign voice that had interrupted him.

"Yes, Commander?"

"This is Lieutenant Adrian Thaedin." The Commander gestured. "Commander of this vessel. Did he not just give you an order?"

"Sir?"

"Are you questioning the command of this vessel? Of Admiral Desaria?"

"No sir."

"No? I believe I just told you that this was Lieutenant Thaedin, Commander of this vessel!"

"Yes sir."

"Where is your salute?"

Seemingly at once, the entire crew on the Command Bridge stood following the Commander's question and reluctantly saluted the Lieutenant. Adrian returned the salute as he ran his fingers over the crisp, cold fabric of the command chair. Since his mid teen years he'd yearned for this feeling. Pride coursed through his veins just as the crimson blood of his birth had. Carefully positioning himself, Adrian lowered into the chair and, after a brief nod of thanks to the commander that had spoken up in his favor, turned to the officers at the helm. "Set in a course for the Sakiya system. Coordinates seven four three dash two six four one."

"Yes sir." The officer muttered as his fingers lavished the controls. Adrian stared in awe out of the large viewing ports of the vessels massive Command Bridge. During his entire career within the Imperial Navy never had the authorization to even get close to the bridge, much less stand on one as a commander. He felt a sudden urge to pinch himself, just to make sure that it was all real, but suppressed it maintaining a respectable and serious look on his face. The successful command of a vessel required the trust and confidence of its entire crew, and that alone was something he greatly lacked.

"Course set, sir." The Commander said with a nod and a brief smile. He was an older man of about forty-two, with small patches of gray beginning to peak through the illustrious brown of his neatly trimmed hair. "I'm Commander Darius." the commander whispered as he extended a hand. "It's a pleasure to have you aboard." Adrian returned the gesture, and shook the Commander's hand suppressing the deep sign of relief he wished he could expel. He was almost as professional as a well-disciplined Admiral would be in his situation. Regardless of what the majority of the crew thought of him, he had a job to do. Perhaps command of a vessel wouldn't prove as easy as he'd previously thought.

Captain's Mass, Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian Assembly Hall

“All rise.”

The entourage of well organized, and disciplined Imperial Stormtroopers walked in a ceremonial order toward the collection of legal officers that stood at attention as Lieutenant Thaedin stepped forward, taking his position at the head of the legal proceedings. The Imperial Court Marshall of Line Captain Erladu would be a most interesting event. As Adrian took his seat, the ominous hiss of the airlocks interrupted the silence of the assembly. Two Stormtroopers preceded with blasters armed followed closely by the shackled Line Captain Erladu. His face was pale and thin, almost as if he’d been a prisoner of war rather than a well renowned commander of one of the Empire’s most powerful Star Destroyers.

“You may be seated.” Adrian announced as he shuffled a few datapads around. The Line Captain, as well as his defense attorneys took there positions behind a makeshift table within a makeshift courtroom. Though not permanent, the room was certainly decorated with a brazen collection of Imperial Insignia, dark redwood chairs and tables originally from the planet Kashyyyk, and a bold display of ceremonial formation among the ranking Stormtroopers and Naval troopers that now served under the command of a man half there rank. At the opposing table, the seemingly well organized prosecution readied their case against their former senior officer.

“Your Honor” the prosecution started. Lead by Colonel Omingwei, an intimidating legal officer of twenty years, the case against Line Captain Erladu had kicked off. “The allegations against Line Captain Erladu are more than enough to ask for the ultimate penalty of death under section three paragraph two of the Imperial Handbook of Court Marshall. We’d like to call out first witness...” Adrian nodded his approval.

“The Prosecution calls Staff Sergeant Rendali Tremore to the stands.”

Within the small crowd, a man of about twenty four years of age stood with his formal uniform neatly pressed for the day’s Court Marshall. The stern, serious look on his face remained with blank expression as he quickly stepped forward with his head held high and his back as straight as a skyscraper on Coruscant. Resting his hat on his lap, he took his seat.

“State your full name for the record.” The prosecution started.

“Staff Sergeant Rendali Mar’dre Tremore, sir.”

“Staff Sergeant Tremore, where were you exactly three months ago to date?”

“I believe I was involved in a classified meeting with the senior officials of this battleship, Colonel. The meeting itself went on for three days, so I’m not entirely sure which of those three days you’re referring to.”

“Tell me, during those three days did the Captain of this vessel, Line Captain Joseph Erladu, ever make a bid for power?”

“Power, sir?”

“The plotted assassination of Lord Regent Daemon Hyfe, Sergeant.”

A gasp of shock filled the once quiet assembly hall, and whispers among the officials present flooded over the congregation as if the waters of Hoth had unthawed into an ocean of raging rapids. Captain Erladu’s eyes had began to turn a dark black, accompanied by faint red lines on the apple of his cheeks, no doubt the marks of the physical abuse of his initial interrogation. Regardless of there cause, they fell on blind eyes. The Staff Sergeant hesitated at first, but carefully began to word his reply.

“I... I do believe that the Lord Regent was mentioned at the meeting, Colonel.”

The confirmation of the allegations against the line captain drew the room into a frenzy of conversation. Adrian stood with a stern face, but said nothing. The room began to fall silent once more. “You may continue, Colonel.” He said, taking his seat once again. The Colonel continued.

“Did you take part in this plot to assassinate the supreme authority of the Empire?”

“No sir!”

“Then tell me, Sergeant, what was your business at this alleged meeting?” The defense attorneys cringed as the Colonel continued with his questions.

“My assignment was simple, Colonel. I was ordered to protect the sovereignty of the senior command of this ship, all of which were present at the meeting. That’s my fancy way of saying that I was a security guard, sir. My orders were simple. Shoot anyone that got close to the Captain’s quarters during the meeting without proper authorization codes issued by Lieutenant Commander Yorktown.”

“No further questions.” The Colonel concluded, and took his seat.

The Defense Attorney took a few seconds to whisper back and forth with his colleges before standing with a datapad in hand. After carefully reviewing it for a few moments, Chief Warrant Officer Fotherford began his line of questioning.

“Staff Sergeant Tremore... isn’t it true that four months ago Line Captain Erladu salvaged your career after a little incident involving a non-commissioned Petty Officer by the name of Sarah Seigns?”

“Objection!” the Colonel said shouted as he stood. “This line of question serve no purpose in this case other than to question the credibility of this witness. What happened prior to the meeting that took place three months ago is irrelevant.”

“With all do respect, Lieutenant Thaedin this line of questioning is doing precisely that. Questioning how credible and honest the Staff Sergeants testimony against my client is. If it would serve the Staff Sergeant and his career a bit of good favor, would he not do everything in his power to sabotage the good name of a Captain that could potentially destroy him?”

Adrian paused for a moment to consider both sides of the argument, and made a surprising ruling. “I’ll allow it.” The Defense attorney smiled and continued with questioning eyes, awaiting the reply of the Staff Sergeant.

“I suppose you could say that.”

“Uh huh. Now, isn’t it true that just a few weeks prior to the incident involving this alleged meeting you stated, and I quote” he paused, looking down at his datapad and continued “if I ever get my hands on that @#%$ Daemon Hyfe, I’ll slit his @#%$ throat?”

“No sir, that’s not true.”

“The Defense would like to present exhibit fourteen, a security comlink of the Staff Sergeant’s words.”

Adrian nodded, and carefully slid a holographic imaging projector across his desk. As Officer Fotherford carefully inserted the disk, the lights in the assembly hall dimmed. A scratchy blue image of the Staff sergeant and a few other officers sat within the galley having there morning mean when the quoted words of the defense emerged in the conversation. The Colonel seemed to have a blank expression on his face, but nevertheless remained positive that he could salvage his case. Officer Fotherford flicked the switch, and the image faded into non-existence. Adrian, as well as several other officials gave the Staff Sergeant a sage look.

“No further questions.”

As the case grew more and more intense over the coming hours, the Colonel explained what he assumed to be the plot. Line Captain Erladu, with the help of a staff that had come to despise the Regent had formed an elaborate plot to seize command of the Star Destroyer Praetorian, and eventually plot numerous terrorist attacks on Imperial Governmental interests on Coruscant, and abroad. The Colonel argued that with the help of Staff Sergeant Tremore, they would have more than enough experience with intelligence codes to gain access to the Coruscant System. From there, they would use the Destroyers capabilities to perform a swift, and decisive orbital bombardment on the Imperial Palace, killing the Lord Regent Daemon Hyfe and the entire governing council of the Empire, thrusting it into a new age of Chaos.

The Defense, however, had painted a different picture. Officer Fotherford argued that the Staff Sergeant had come up with an elaborate lie to tarnish the prestige of the Praetorian, and it’s entire command staff before he could be charged with any crimes of his own. Fotherford argued that the Staff Sergeant had concocted an elaborate scheme to take the focus off of him long enough to get transferred off of the ship to a new command, but that his plot was interrupted when the Line Captain was relieved of command by Admiral Desaria. It wasn’t until Line Captain Joseph Erladu took the stand that both sides of the story were shattered.

Before collapsing on the stand, he’d charged that everything was an elaborate plot to destroy his career. By whom, he did not know. His muffled words, though hard to make out had told a story of service and of honor and fidelity. They’d told a story of tragic loss and of gracious triumph. And they’d told a story of betrayal and dishonor. He’d admitted to the meeting that took place between he and his senior staff but denied that any mention of the Lord Regent was mentioned. Admiral Desaria, it turned out, was the target of an assassination plan so deep that, had Lieutenant Thaedin arrived a day later, the Admiral would have been dead.

The plan was simple, and intricate. Staff Sergeant Tremore was supposed to send an encrypted message to the Autarch, informing her that the ship’s engines had fallen under a terrorist attack by Galactic Coalition forces. Drawn into an isolated system, the lone Autarch would fall victim to an unsuspecting attack. Leaving the two Imperator-Class Star Destroyers assigned to protect her behind to fortify the Ylesian system, Admiral Desaria would arrive to assist in the rescue and aid effort to preserve the Praetorian. Meanwhile, while making the ship look disabled by scattering it’s shields, and encrypted distress signals, Captain Erladu planned to dim the lights of the destroyer, making it seem as if it had taken a brunt impact to it’s aft engines.

Meanwhile, forward turbolaser batteries were sent copies of the Reign-Class Star Destroyers weaknesses. And as Admiral Desaria’s ship positioned itself over the Praetorian in a typical defensive rescue posture, concussion missiles and heavy emplacements would open fire, ripping through the hull of the ship after it had lowered it’s shields to send shuttle crews to assist aboard the Praetorian. If all went according to plan, it would look as though the Autarch and the Praetorian had fallen under surprise attack by Coalition Forces within Hutt Space. The Unfortunate loss of Admiral Desaria, his command crew, and his ship would give way to the Praetorian to become the command ship as Flag vessel of the First Destroyer Squadron. In honor of the Captain’s heroic fight to save the Admiral’s life, he would be promoted to the position of Admiral himself, and be awarded numerous prestigious metals of honor. Lieutenant Thaedin, as well as the crew present within the assembly hall didn’t look too amused at the plotted assassination of the war hero Telan Desaria.

Only two minutes of deliberation had taken place, and within those two minutes the fate of Captain Erladu and his command staff was sealed; Death by humane execution. Adrian, on the other hand, disagreed. He argued that the plotted assault on Telan Desaria was anything but humane, and that given the opportunity, Captain Erladu would have killed Telan Desaria with his bare hands, if need called for it, in order to receive a promotion to the rank of Admiral. Therefore, he’d ruled, Captain Erladu would learn the meaning of just what good old fashion human justice called for. One hour later, in an impressive ceremonial exodus, the Captain and the conspirators against the Empire were slowly lead into Docking Bay two, carefully tied to durasteel poles, and left to die. Not of starvation, or of torture, but an even more, slow and painful death. With the nod of Adrian’s head, the death warrant was signed and sealed. Slowly, the docking bays groaned as they opened, the endless and powerful vacuum of space pulling the bodies into a horizontal position. The haunting screams of the entire former command staff of the ship would linger throughout the ship. Moments later, in a bold flash of crimson liquid suspended in mid air by the lack of gravity, the bodies began to very slowly rip at there seems. One by one the limps of the damned were sucked out of the docking bay doors, an done by one the haunting screams of pain died into nothing.

Lieutenant Thaedin had made abundantly sure that the entire crew of the Reign-Class Star Destroyer Praetorian could either see or hear the execution via holonet networking or through there comlinks. After the last of the dieing voices was silenced by the eternal darkness of space, the Lieutenant’s voice rang throughout the ship.

“Let this be a warning to any man that would be tray the Empire on my watch.”