Chapter 47
A couple days have passed since Joash had returned with the data downloaded from the enemy vessel. The team was debriefed immediately upon arrival and due to the complexity of the foreign data, additional time was required to finish unlocking and analyzing all that was acquired. Rend finishes a few keystrokes at his monitor aboard the Nephilim then makes a final input to send on the message to all senior military members.
“Attention all senior leaders,
Please join me in the central command room, planetside, to officially debrief the High Admiral of all major and pertinent happenings as of late. Her recovery is complete and she will resume absolute command immediately. A new development has occurred and we must decide our next course of action. Meeting will commence at 0800 hours tomorrow.
- General Rend Vega.”
The next morning the intensity of the central command room can be felt throughout the complex as all leaders file in and take a seat around the large table affixed at the center. Joash takes his normal back wall position with his arms folded across his sternum. Rend stands from the seat at the head of the table as Anhiel breaks the threshold clad in her pristine white uniform, freshly pressed with the cape wafting around behind her. He addressed her formally, “High Admiral, I have readied your seat.” She responds with a slight nod then begins to step towards the far end of the table. Following closely is her Mandalorian guard and Athin until the Miraluka peels away to stand next to Joash on the perimeter while Mirr stands against the wall just behind Anhiel’s seat at the head of the table. Rend continues to stand to the right of his seated master and commands the attention of the room.
“As many of you are aware, we have performed several successful missions as of late. Some were supply runs, some reconnaissance and finally a retrieval. These missions were dangerous but calculated and all have proved fruitful.” Rend leans over a section of the table to key on a holo display of the list of items gathered before continuing, “We have replenished our food and ammunition stores to an optimum level and we should be able to operate at full capacity for two, maybe three months. Furthermore, Joash and his team have gathered some intel that in seven days time the Eternal Empire plans to strike a large inner rim system. If they successfully destroy this planetary system they will cripple the Republic's supply chain. Now we recently acquired battle data from one of their vessels and have been analyzing it for weaknesses or patterns and I am sorry to report that as of this moment we have not identified either. The tactics employed by our enemy are unlike anything any of us have seen. I ask that over the next few moments we review what we have found and give our High Admiral a chance to speak on our next actions.”
Rend takes a seat and nods to Vice-Admiral Virkaen who begins displaying reports of the different battle simulations they have run with the enemy's technology. Several long moments continue as the simulations and associated reports are mulled over and conversed about when the doors to the room burst open. Mirr unholsters his pistol reflexively but pauses when he hears the labored voices of Sun and Y’ssane in chorus, “We think we found something!” From her seat, the Grandmaster moves her head from side to side to stretch her neck before replying flatly, “Please share.”
A nervous Y’ssane fidgets with her datapad a moment before the holo centered on the table displays a space field littered with cruisers identical to the Eternal Empire’s. As she continues to place cruisers in the field opposite them Sun speaks to the group, “We have been running battle simulations against the enemies fighting algorithms with all known fighting sequences and Republic formations. Their tactics are beyond sound and have an answer for all Republic strategies.” The Lieutenant-Commander begins running the simulator as Sun continues. “The same was observed with Sith tactics made available by Vice-Admiral Virkaen. However, we believe there is a weakness in one particular sequence.” She pauses as Y’ssane keys the retreat command. The room is silent until Rend, Anhiel and Sun all speak in unison, “There.” Sun is astonished at the others noticing what Y’ssane and herself had missed for hours. A slight smirk appears on the High Admiral’s face; not from pride of seeing the weakness herself, but at the growth her old padawan had achieved in such a short time. Anhiel waves at the two young women to continue. “At this point in every simulation the Eternal Empire continues pursuit with forty to fifty percent of their forces. The remaining ships always maneuver to cover roughly two hundred and twenty degrees of view. I believe we can exploit this pattern as this has been the only time the entire group does not attack altogether.”
Silence hangs in the air for many heartbeats until Virkaen leans forward, “A tactical feigned retreat could pull the initial force, opening them up to overwhelming attack if pulled in deep enough. But conventional fire solutions would likely not provide enough accuracy to cut through the superior armor these vessels possess before the second wave could adapt and collapse.” Anhiel clears her throat, pulling all gazes towards her before she speaks, “The Force will provide that which conventional weapons and systems cannot.” While Virkaen is perplexed, Athin and Joash’s expressions are matched with staunch objection but Rend is the first to interject, “Ma’am, forgive my impertinence but do you believe you are strong enough to utilize Battle Meditation?” Ice pierces the previous Padawan’s chest, its source is the cold glance cast his way by the Grandmaster. Her tone is just as chilling, “I would not suggest it if I was not able to do so. Has faith in me deteriorated so greatly in this time that those gathered here feel I would endanger those under my command for the sake of my pride?” None wish to be the one to answer the question and thus only the quiet sounds of the repeating simulations fill the space until Virkaen leans forward, “Ma’am, I know nothing of this Battle Meditation. However, you told me that you would show me tactics that I could not dream of. In my short time here I have no doubt that you not only intend to, but are more than capable of doing so. Our success is in your hands, my Lord.”
Anhiel inclines her head ever so slightly in response, “I am but one part, Vice-Admiral. But make no mistake, with your strategy, the efforts of our engineers, the skills of our pilots and gunners, along with my Battle Meditation, we will show this Eternal Empire just how temporary they are.” Cheers erupt all around the table as most stand quickly and clap before calling out in unison, “Ad Bellum!!!” With a confident smile, Anhiel rises and calls back cooly, her words backed by the Force, causing those present to feel their significant weight in a physical way, “Ad Victoriam.” With a few strokes on the console before her, the largest of the enemy vessels grows in size, becoming the focal point of holo. Two more inputs highlight an area just aft of the bridge and Anhiel straightens. With an eerie calm, she continues “If my assumption is correct. This area represents the life support systems of this particular vessel. My analysis does not reveal much in the way of weak points but this area should be vulnerable.” The silence which comes with the pause is as loud as any sound as all look upon their leader with expectation; though none expected her next words. “I suspect if we cripple this vessel, the remainder will falter more than we have ever seen.” Some of the officers noticed the yellow that swirled briefly in the woman’s eyes, as did the Force users present just before she continued, “And if I am correct, we will walk over their frozen corpses to send a message to their leaders.”
Hours later in the vacuum of space near Zonama, the vessels of both task forces move about into their respective groups as represented by each flagship: Centurion Class Destroyer “Shadow Redeemer'' and Terminus Class Destroyer “Nephilim”. Planetside, Sun and Y’ssane depart the main compound structure, both wearing their uniforms and carrying rucksacks as they stride towards the landing pad. Their conversation is light as they step onto the pad and board the awaiting shuttle. Y’ssane settles into her seat first, bearing a reserved expression as she did, somewhat masking her current mood to most around her. Sun, however, had noted the waves in the Force, although their exact nature was not clear at the moment. She was to report to the Nephilim but the Lieutenant-Commander had asked for assistance with last minute tuning of the retrofitted hyperdrive and General Vega had approved the request. Conversation fell away as the shuttle rose from the pad and Sun merely gazed at her friend through her peripheral vision as she probed her presence in the Force.
The pair continue to not say much until they both enter the engine room of the Shadow Redeemer nearly a half hour later. Y’ssane sets to work pulling up a diagnostic report on the console attached to the hyperdrive though it takes several attempts to get to the correct menu. Her movements are erratic, nervous, and inefficient, unlike anything the Padawan had seen of the young engineer before. Still unsure as to the exact cause for Y’ssane’s current state, Sun takes several strides towards the other woman and places a light hand on her friend’s shoulder. With a gentle tone she queries, “Y’ssane, you know these systems far better than I do and your engineering skills far exceed mine. Why did you really ask me to join you?” A shaky sigh echoes off the metallic walls as the engineer notices the shaking of her hands and begins wringing them in an attempt to stop them. After a few moments she responds, turning and bowing her head in embarrassment, “I…just needed company. Im…im con…concerned I’ll be expected to help in the future in the same way I did on the last mission.”
Not expecting that particular response, Sun blinks several times before asking, “In what way was that? My understanding is you were assisting with data acquisition.” Y’ssane shakes her head, “That was only part of it…the Special Commander made note of my weapon scores in my file. HK and I were tasked with overwatch and well…” her voice trailed off as she looked down at the floor. Still unsure, Sun asks “Did you mess something up? I did not hear of any friendly casualties.” Once more, Y’ssane shakes her head, although more vigorously, as though she is attempting to shake the memories from her mind. Frustratedly, she states, “No, that is the problem. We were successful. I was successful, beyond successful…at killing people.” The waver in her voice at the end is as loud as anything to Sun as she stands, stunned. The young engineer continues with a rapid pace now, as though her train of thought was flying down a hill. “I was so effective that that murderous droid has taken far more than just a liking to me, even going so far as to DISMEMBER a prisoner who had attempted to take me hostage. Then he destroyed the man’s vocal chords to stop his screaming, to protect my hearing?” Her shudder was audible and visible as the young woman’s whole body shook. Deep green eyes watch on as Sun ponders her comrade until she formulates a question while bringing a hand to her forehead, “Hold on, Y’ssane. Why would Master Joash assign you such a task in the first place? You are an engineer. That doesn’t make any sense.”
A finger twirls a particularly long, curly lock of hair as Y’ssane anxiously responds, “I did not only graduate from the Engineering Officer’s Academy. I also attended the Marksman Academy and graduated with honors.” Even more confused, Sun asks as she attempts to put the pieces together, “You graduated…with honors? If you had no desire for combat, why go to the Marksman Academy in the first place?” A long pause hangs in the air before the engineer responds, dejectedly “I was allowed to attend the Engineering Academy on the condition I successfully attended the Markman Academy…” Once more, silence ensues until Sun moves to speak again but Y’ssane interjects, “It was my father’s condition…The family tradition must be upheld before we can pursue our personal desires…those were his words.
Unsure of what to say, Sun merely blinks repeatedly until Y’ssane speaks, “If I am being honest, I was not as opposed to it as I may seem to be now.” She sighs and bites her lip before continuing, “I met the High Admiral when I was young. Despite being so young, she was intriguing, gorgeous, kind and at the same time she was powerful, unattainable and terrifying. Never had I seen my father cower in such a way as when she reprimanded him for…” The engineer sighs, deciding not to finish that particular sentence. “I excelled at the academy, although not on purpose. But I discovered I have an uncanny ability to focus on a given task and I do not take much exposure to master most things. It’s as though everything falls away, including emotion, allowing me to perform as near to perfection as my body is capable of…” Y’ssane’s features scrunch up as she releases what appears to be the faintest growl before she adds in a frustrated tone, “I can evaluate a scenario, design weapons, shoot, and as I have demonstrated recently, kill in the same way that infernal droid can!” Her words end loudly as she spins back towards the hyperdrive panel and angrily makes several inputs.
Sun remains quiet, her lips coming together tightly as a knowing expression begins to form on her face at witnessing a very similar crisis of thought to what she had experienced not too long ago. More than a dozen seconds later she clears her throat then speaks gently, “Y’ssane, do you remember what I told you on Mirr’s ship after the mission to that Sith spaceport?” Surprised, she looks back but is not able to recall the discussion. Sun continues, “You were there. I had never killed anyone before but to protect the team and the mission, I was forced to use a technique I had not perfected. Those men suffered greatly as a result but the end result was the same. It bought the time necessary to acquire what we came for and escape. Not only that, but we rescued several others in the process.” From the perplexed expression Sun was faced with, she gathered more explanation was needed and continued, “Master Anhiel showed me that death, and killing, are an unfortunate but necessary part of this galaxy we live in. The Force seeks balance in all things and those with power and ability are obligated to act to bring about that balance.” With a now furrowed brow, Y’ssane retorts, “How can anyone be alright with that? It would be better all around if it were not necessary in the first place.”
The Padawan exhales steadily, gathering her thoughts before posing a question, “You said you met the High Admiral many years ago. What do you see that is different about her now?” While unsure of where the question would lead, Y’ssane ponders it thoughtfully and responds nearly a minute later, “During our first meeting she was very kind and open to me. But now, she seems to have lost that openness. It’s as if she carries a heavy burden.” Sun nods as she listens and adds, “Events and the Force shaped her into what she calls a weapon. But I have learned that she also made the choice to allow that to happen; to become what was necessary because she possessed the potential to do so, even if it meant personally sacrificing much as a result.” Sun pauses and waits for the other woman’s eyes to meet hers before continuing, “While she has not said so directly to me, I have no doubt that she would say her reason for doing so was so that the task would not fall to another; if doing so would help even one person, all she gave would be worth it.”
Y’ssane frowns, “But I…” Sun’s voice cuts her off as the Padawan lifts her hand in a similar manner as she had seen Anhiel do many times before. “Just think about what I have said, Y’ssane. Anhiel would not have promoted you if she did not have faith in your abilities and your potential. And should you wish to discuss your feelings more, I recommend speaking with her directly. She is truly more approachable and kind than she appears, when the need arises.” The engineer nods somberly and Sun approaches, embracing the woman before adding in a light tone, “And relax, for now, Y’ssane. This mission is a space battle, I highly doubt your marksman expertise will be called upon.” Nervously, the Lieutenant-Commander chuckles and returns the embrace.
A beep from Sun’s communicator breaks the brief silence, prompting the women to end the embrace. While Sun activates the link, Y’ssane sets to final preparations, her confidence restored. Rend’s voice fills his Padawan’s ear as she steps out of the room, “Padawan, our Grandmaster has requested your presence aboard the Shadow Redeemer for this mission. Report their immediately as the advanced force is preparing to leave.” Though confused, Sun responds quickly, “As you command, Master. I will see you soon. May the Force be with you.” With a slight smile, Rend answers, “And with you, Padawan.” then the link is cut. Aboard the Nephilim, Rend gazes out the front viewport of the bridge, wearing the amber and gold armor given to him by his master. The elder command approaches and salutes briskly before addressing the General, “Sir, preparations are complete and all vessels have confirmed jump coordinates are locked in.” Rend nods then states solemnly, “Very good, Commander. Give the order to jump to the holding point. Keep engines warmed to jump into the battle the moment we receive the signal.”
Vessels begin to snap from view as they enter hyperspace. From the bridge of the Shadow Redeemer, a masked figure watches their departure with arms folded behind her back. The High Admiral is draped in layers of thin, strong white metal that composes the recently crafted armor along with matching robes. Her face is hidden within a deep hood by the metallic, angular mask of white and silver with black inlay. Without moving, she addresses the black figure that approached with silent footsteps. “Commander, thank you for joining me on such short notice.” Sun stops just behind and to the side and bows, “Of course, Ma’am. I am always happy to be of assistance. What do you require of me?” The response is flat as Anhiel begins to turn and stride away, “Prepare a strike squad including Athin and Joash and gather what you need to infiltrate the enemy’s systems. You will be hacking their system so we may send a message to all vessels.” Without waiting for a response, Anhiel continued to stride away, addressing Virkean as she passed, “Get us underway, Vice Admiral. I shall be in my meditation chamber. You may engage immediately upon our arrival.” The man salutes and nods, speaking in a deep voice, “As you command, my Lord. All shall crumble before your might.” Perplexed glances from the Republic personnel are cast in the Vice Admiral’s direction at the statement but he stands firm, his head inclined and fist brought across his chest until Anhiel crosses the threshold to exit the area.
With a hiss, the door closes behind her and Sun approaches the Vice Admiral, part of her face covered by the black mask that matched the rest of her attire. Quizzically, she addressed him, “Is that a customary saying among the Sith, Vice Admiral?” Virkean makes an input on the console before him as he responds, “I would not say the saying itself is customary. However, Sith value power above all else and only the strongest prevail. Those lucky enough to serve under a truly powerful leader have not only the honor, but the responsibility to acknowledge that.” He pauses and turns his gaze towards the young woman, “Our late master was powerful, in his own way and all of us were faithful. I would not have believed the ease with which Lord Dulcinae dispatched him had I not witnessed myself. Where most Sith would have taken their victory and subsequent control, she showed compassion for Darth Vyrrid despite her ferocity and her first act was to entomb him on the homeworld. This alone showed me she possessed strength beyond any I had seen before. Coupled with her combat skills, tenacity, and purposeful use of mercilessness, she earned my undying loyalty in what feels like an instant.” His eyes lock with the deep green orbs shadowed with Sun’s hood, “And so, young one, to suggest any outcome less than the total obliteration of her enemies would be the greatest insult to our Lord, and an even greater dishonor to us all.” Sun’s raised eyebrow betrayed her doubt before it could be voiced and Virkean chuckled, “Make no mistake, I am not throwing out logic and strategy. I merely seek to honor my Lord. Our enemy is great and it will take all of our ability to defeat them. But have faith in our Lord, and we will be victorious.” Most of the eyes in the room were turned towards the conversation and many began to nod slowly in understanding and agreement. The Helmsman interjects after several moments of silence, “Vice Admiral, jump coordinates are confirmed and all vessels acknowledge readiness.” His only response served as the command as well, “Ad Bellum, Helmsman.” Understanding, he keyed in the jump order to the task force and the stars began to stretch as all those gathered responded in chorus, “Ad Victoriam!”
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“Ma’am, orders have been received from command. We are to begin a campaign on Korriban as soon as able. Prince Arcann and Prince Thexan shall move within the week to reinforce and finish the fight.” On the bridge of a large, sleek, silver capital ship, a woman in golden armor and robes turns to face the source of sound. She is moderately tall with tanned skin and her jet black hair sways with the movement while deep brown eyes gaze upon the armored man that addressed her, “We require a resupply before we can engage. Plot a course for the nearest station and prepare an invasion plan while enroute.” The man nods in confirmation, bowing his head afterwards but his response dies in his throat as an alarm begins to sound. From a nearby station, a young woman calls out, “Unidentified vessels exiting Hyperspace right on our flank. How did they get so close?” The task force’s Commander barks out in a firm tone as the space out the viewport appears to remain clear, “Speak plainly!” Shaken, the younger woman continues as she expands a holoprojection of the immediate area, “Ma’am, the unknown force exited Hyperspace within attack range. That should be…” The ship rocks as the initial volley of turbolaser fire collides with the broadside of the vessel. “.....Impossible.” Outside, a nearby support vessel vaporizes in a bright ball of plasma as the engine core ignites from the quick onslaught of precise turbolaser fire. Frustration rises immediately in the Commander and she barks, “Crush them. Now!”
“Form up our line. Focus fire on the life support systems of the capital vessel before they can establish a formation. I doubt they will remain surprised for very long.” Vice Admiral Virkean gazes out from the Shadow Redeemer’s bridge upon the unfolding battle. Vibrant green and red lances of light flash through the vacuum until they collide with the nearest enemy vessels. Their arrival vector placed the fleet above their enemy, as though their ships were diving down onto them. Hastily, silver ships begin to rotate to bring main weapons to bear upon their ambushers. Virkean barks out as he watches the holo of the area, “All ships begin lateral rotation, keep outside the effective envelope of their capital ships as long as possible.” Turbolaser bolts of green and red flash from the capital ships of the assaulting fleet, colliding with the silver ships with such precision that the armor of the enemy vessels began to buckle rapidly.
Within the smooth walls of the meditation chamber, Anhiel rests on her knees deep in meditation. Though her eyes are closed, a dark expanse lays before her, broken up by swaths of color. On one side, blots of blue/grey represent allied forces. Each is formed from individual dots, resulting in brighter areas within each portion where more individuals are gathered aboard the capital vessels. They continue to rotate around their targets while the deep red areas move in response. With a deep exhale, the Admiral shifts more of her focus to the enemy forces. As she does, she allows feelings of fear and despair to radiate out over tendrils of the Force towards the enemy. A grimace crosses her face, the result of maintaining the support of her forces while also attempting to weaken their foes. Many minutes pass as her focus deepens and the assault continues.
Outside, the battle rages in the void of space where the silver ships of the Eternal Empire begin to rotate and advance on their aggressors with precision coordination. Near the stern of the flagship, a bright flash illuminates the area as the life-support systems explode. The hole ripped in the shell of the silver vessel hissed silently as air escaped into the surrounding vacuum. Inside, armored soldiers attempt to run for any available ship or safe compartment but most end up falling as breathable air is exhausted and an unfathomable cold takes over the ship. Aboard the bridge, the door remains sealed and those within remain ready as auxiliary life-support systems kick on. Though her eyes are closed, Anhiel’s pupils widen greatly as the enemies’ retaliation continues without pause despite the damage done to the flagship. It is as if the vessels are not piloted by those aboard; acting in concert as a single entity despite being caught off guard.
In a matter of minutes, the feigned retreat turns into a nearly desperate scramble as the Eternal Empires’ forces advance with an unrelenting fury. A corvette closest to the enemy explodes in a bright flash, causing Vice-Admiral Virkean to call out, “All vessels, full retreat! They have recovered faster than anticipated. Prepare hyperspace solutions and jump immediately.” Without hesitation, the crew sets to their tasks and communicates with the rest of the fleet. However, a commanding voice fills the minds of every being within the fleet. It is familiar, powerful, and chilling while also steeling all those that heard its words. “Steady, comrades. The Force has not abandoned us. We are on the precipice of victory. Show them no weakness, no fear, no mercy.” As the words end, vessels begin to snap from hyperspace, angled downwards towards the oncoming enemy vessels. Aboard the Nephilim, Rend stands tall with hands folded behind his back, golden armor shimmering in artificial light as he feels the familiar presence of his Grandmaster’s battle meditation press upon him and his fleet. He speaks calmly to the elder man just behind him as he grins slightly, “Take us in, Commander. Leave no vessel remaining, save for their flagship. She will deal with them, personally.” The Commander simply salutes before turning towards the rest of the bridge, “You heard the General! All ahead, focus fire as we planned. Bring them to their knees.”
Like the simulations, forty percent of the enemy vessels had turned away from the retreat and were out of effective attack range. Rend commands while gazing forward, “Commander, have each squadron fire on the enemy vessels' bridges directly as we planned. Our approach angle should overpower their shields. Once disabled, switch to the next vessel.” The General turns his head to the right slightly, “Ensign, open a channel with The Shadow Redeemer.” A few keystrokes followed the command before the Ensign responded, “Opened sir.” Rend speaks with absolute authority, “Vice Admiral, turn all vessels. We have arrived.” In slight awe of the precision of their arrival and the High Admirals foresight, Virkean responds, “As you command, General. Ad Bellum.”
Within the vacuum of space, the enemy vessels stall and explode under the onslaught of inhumanly concentrated capital ship fire. The remaining forces have fully turned to engage as the Nephilum and accompanying vessels fall in front of the Shadow Redeemer’s group. The Vice Admiral’s voice rings loudly in all ships as he has assumed command, “General, Send your corvettes to the starboard flank, then focus your long range turbo lasers on the enemy targeting sensor array. Locations are being sent over a secure channel. You will not destroy them but it will disorient the return fire when the Corvettes get within range. Once they begin crossing, pulse the ion cannons just before and after they pass in front of your field.” On the Nephilim, Rend speaks to his commanders while the comlink remains open, “You heard him. I must meditate, Virkaen is in command of all forces.” Without waiting for a response, Rend turns and exits the bridge quickly. His master’s presence is beginning to shift and the image of what needs to be done is sent over invisible tendrils of the Force. “I must maintain the Battle Meditation in her stead.” He finds a spot to drop into position and begins to open himself to the Force, allowing his master’s technique to flow through him. Simultaneously, Anhiel’s eyes open and she keys on her comm, “Vice-Admiral, have a shuttle prepared with a strike force. I will be there shortly. Send Commander Veruna as well.” Without question, Virkaen responds, “As you command, my Lord. We shall await your victorious return.”