Travnin was a beautiful concept, the Imperial headquarters of the system, with military fortifications across the planet-side and a single Golem-I Orbital Defensive Station. But in reality, it was far less than that.
When he arrived four months ago, nothing was working as it should. The Governor had been lax, if not outright incompetent. A skeleton crew manned the Golem, it had been years since the full station-wide testing and security checks.
Shoan Killian was retired; he had returned to the Eriadu local authorities, serving as their Chief Admiral and spent the rest of his days hunting down pirates and dealing with planetary governors. But then, this Moff Vance had approached him- offering generous pay and a founder position in a new Imperial Officer Academy- the first Outer-Rim one.
Killian knew the core could not supress the Outer Rims for eternity; they were slowly catching up and the core's industry would eventually fall, as their resources were dwindling, requiring base materials from the Outer Rim. So Killian imagined this new academy might become the leading officer academy in the Rim.
But once he arrived, a different reality settled in rather quickly. Yes, he would form this Academy- but he would also serve the Moff in different ways. And after a month of touring the sector- giving advice to local forces, Coburn and Killian had been separated.
Killian was tasked with fortifying what would become the fortress world of Travnin, which would be the foremost defensive station in the sector- defending this budding haven from incursion coreward.
Whilst his colleague, Coburn had been assigned to Karideph alongside a Victory- tasked with overseeing the creation of both drydocks and orbital shipyards, whilst also mapping every exit and entrance to the planet, placing interdictor fields and establishing proper patrols.
Karideph was already designated as a non-interactional zone, whereas merchants and other traders were not permitted to enter, but now it would be very strict enforced by the Military. Killian did not know what the Admiral needed with six Imperial-II Star Destroyers, nor where he'd get the proper crew for it.
The Naval Academy had been established on Eliad, which was situated in the corner of the sector, a very favorable position. Eliad did not share any documented hyperspace lanes outside the sector, and Jance had hired explorers to find any- if they existed.
Similarly, Eliad was surrounded by Shesharlie, Mestra and Yelsain, all core industries of the sector. Representing manufacture, agriculture, and materials. And connecting them all was Eliad. It's populace was rich, intelligent, and resourceful, and although recruits would flock from all across the sector, the Eliad Populace would serve as a very solid groundwork for the Academy.
Both Killian and Coburn had each brought respective veterans or instructors from their homeworlds or allies, and they would serve as Instructors of the basic classes and take over whilst Coburn and Killian were gone.
But now, almost three months after extracting above Travnin, the world was finally beginning to showcase true Imperial doctrine. The Golem was running effectively, the Victory and its escorts in orbital positions were ensuring none entered the system without their knowing, and the military fortifications were bustling.
However, none of that would prepare him for an adjutant suddenly barging into his office, screaming of massive cronau radiation detected, and even less would prepare him to reach the command centre, only for a holographic display of both Jared Vance and one Admiral Aaron Rysell.
Both of them turned to Killian as he entered, hands behind his back and chest puffed out. He'd heard of this Admiral Rysell before, and knew he and Vance were allies. "So, you are the one who has dropped a whole battlegroup in my system, without notifying me?" Killian spoke, his eyes briefly spotting the count of hostile forces on a nearby holographic display.
Killian was far more experienced and veteran than both these men combined, and he deserved proper respect- which both Rysell and Killian knew. "My apologies, but there's been some development in the Galaxy- that I assume you have not been informed of." Rysell continued, and Killian raised a single eyebrow.
"The Emperor has fallen. Lord Vader, alongside the 'Executor' and the majority of 'Death Squadron,' fell with him, alongside a second Death Star." Rysell spoke, and Killians brain almost blew apart, but he managed to withhold his suprise- at least from his facial expression.
Killian had thousands of questions but remained silent, his eyes calculating exactly what was happening- as it began dawning on him actually what was happening. As he turned to Vance accusingly. "You knew, you knew this would happen. That's why you've been producing defensive fortifications, TIE-Fighters, Star Destroyers, Weapons, armored vehicles."
Rysell watched the Admiral understand the entire ploy within moments, whilst Jared chuckled. "You have me all wrong, Admiral. Rysell here knew, he got me my position; he suggested these developments. And he's the mastermind behind what happens next." Jared spoke, as Killian looked over Rysell once more.
"The Empire has been fracturing for a long time. I did not know it would happen like this- but I predicted it would happen soon. And I am not alone in that; reports are pouring in, but the Empire- under the Grand Vizier is retreating past the Mid-Rim and fortifying the core. The Mid and Outer-Rims have been left at the mercy of either Imperials or rebels."
"Moff Zsinj has declared himself an Emperor, and so have dozens of other Moffs or Admirals stationed in the rims- alongside some core admirals who have fled to either the deep core- or out to the rims." Rysell explained, and Killian quickly caught on.
"And you intend to do the same."
"Exactly. The Minos Sector will serve as the base of operations; the Mestra System will fall under martial law- and with it the resources of the asteroid fields. The nobles of Eliad has already fallen in line with this new regime, and the rest will follow." Rysell continued, as Killian thought for a few moments. He was old now, and although humans could live to 120, it had been twenty years since the clone wars.
"The question is, are you willing to serve as a strategic adjutant? Your and Coburn's experience is unquestionable; I doubt you'd want to fight on the front lines, so the both of you would serve in a Strategic Branch." Rysell spoke, and Killian thought it over for a few moments. But he knew he could not convince himself otherwise, he was a military man- he lived for the thrill of battle. So he knew he'd fold eventually, whether it was today or in months time.
"Very good, I assume my position in the naval academy remains unchanged?" He asked, and Vance smiled. "Naturally."
"Then I have no problems on the matter, I shall serve this new state of yours, an Empire I suppose?"
"Not, an Empire. The Empire, make no doubt Admiral Killian- we will not stop at the Western Reaches." Rysell answered and Killian felt a smile form on his face. "I'd have it no less, Admiral. What's my first task?"
"Return to Eliad. Rysell's fleet has given us a warship advantage that we will most certainly use to our advantage. Rysell will bring you there, whilst a section of his fleet remains here- and another handles the Mestra issue. I will also head for Mestra."
"Understood, I'm at your discretion. Admiral Rysell." Killian spoke and Rysell nodded. "Lastly, make sure to inform your troops of their change in allegiance- we will handle any who does not accept it."
"Of course." Killian responded and with that the holographic projection died down whilst the command centre turned to him, most had overheard their conversation and was shocked at the death of their Empire- and how brazen these Admirals were, speaking of such topics before the crew.
"Are you dead? Broadcast a statement, inform the planetary garrison, and prepare for reinforcements. Move, move, move!" Killian commanded, and the command centre kicked into gear- while Killian himself made his way back to his personal quarters.
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"Inform Senior Captain Morrow that his section is to remain in-system, leave patrol to local vessels whilst the Secutors remain in orbit." Rysell spoke and a comms lieutenant affirmed his words with a "Received." and fifteen seconds later a "Orders Dispatched"
"Senior Captain Thara Vez and her heavy section are to plot a course to Mestra- via Adarlon, where Moff Vance will join her. Make sure she properly subjugates Adarlon before moving on." He continued, and the same operative handled the set of orders. But Rysell did not stop.
"Senior Captain Maxim Vance is to take his heavy section to Pergitor and properly reinforce it, but transfer the 'Gorgon II' to my section." And another operative received these orders whilst the previous one worked on his.
"Captain Thorne, you are to oversee the allocation of flak cruisers and escorts for the task forces. Note that I want Maxim to send scouts into the Kathol Outback. And that Captain Thara Vez needs to properly patrol the asteroid belt. Leave the Striker-Classes with Senior Captain Theodore Morrow."
"Understood, Admiral." And with that his flag officer began with his own set of orders.
"Marshal Catcher." Rysell spoke as he turned to the second-highest-ranking officer in the room, after Rysell himself. "Yes, Admiral?"
"We need to make sure every planet remains loyal. Perhaps some veterans can serve in instructor roles on planetary garrisons, and some new blood would be welcome." He spoke, and Catcher nodded- showing no emotion even though he no longer wore a Stormtrooper helmet.
"I will make sure these newbloods are spread evenly among our troops; I wouldn't want them to bond too much, correct?" He asked, and Rysell nodded. "Correct. If they do not accept these repositionings, they will be stripped of all rank and posts, and sent to a nearby Imperial Loyalist base."
"Understood, Admiral. It will be done."
Captain Pellaeon's signal of retreat, was a shockwave through the Imperial ranks- especially the Imperial High Command.
The ruling council feared the worst when they lost communication with the Second Death Star and the 'Executor', but truly lost their wits when the Captain confirmed it a few moments later. And orders came down the chain.
They were chaotic, illogical and twisted beyond comprehension. One Moff Zsinj declared the Empire had fallen, and he would secure his sector. Harrsk had informed all captains of the 'Ruling Councils' betrayal, leading to the Emperors death- and swore to revenge them.
Within days the Empire fractured; the core remained with the ruling council. But the outer-rim fractured, and the Crimson Crest acted.
An hour after the news were given, all captains of the command was gathered aboard the 'Sovereign', all ten, and on their shoulders stood their Stormtrooper command- though the Secutor Captains were accompanied by their Generals- and the High General Kael Sallan alongside the Marshal, Catcher stood behind Rysell.
The room was secured by eight Wraith troopers, as all officers sat in silence. Waiting for the Admiral to start the conversation- which he eventually did.
"The Emperor is dead, and we have a choice to make," Rysell spoke, his eyes falling on every one of them. As he continued to speak, "One thing is clear: the Empire is fracturing. The orders from the Grand Vizier are clear: all forces are to retreat past Yag'Dhul."
"They're essentially abandoning the entire Outer and Mid-Rim; the expansion regions will become buffers." Luca spoke, and Rysell nodded. "Aye, the core of the problem is that the Empire was held together by the Emperor; with him dead, Intelligence, Military, and Legal branches will all collide in a shitshow for power. Which, quite frankly, I am now interested in." Rysell spoke, whilst Zed in the corner narrowed his eyes.
"You are treading on dangerous territory, Rysell." Zed spoke, and Rysell showed no reaction. "No, I am not. I am stepping over it. The Empire no longer is a system of order and justice, intelligence operatives using false charges to arrest any they desire, the old guard that only care for power or the legislative that only care for influence."
"You are all young officers, but you are not naive. It is a failing system, where potential is shuffled into a box of unimportance, where influence gives you a chance, where nepotism rules. My friend, Moff Jared Vance controls the Minos Sector- and is willing to place his sector under the Crimson Command."
Various levels of shock were apparent among all the men sitting in the council; even Zed's mind was running four times its normal capacity. Yet Rysell continued on; "It is unknown what will happen, but there are already reports of Blitzer Harssk having deserted, and I suspect. Admiral Zsinj, Teradoc, Kaine, Delvarus and many others will abandon the cause. There are only a pair of Grand Admirals supporting the Empire- Makati and Tigellinus, both through connections than skill."
"With the Crimson Crest Command, we can cut out a sizable portion of the souther rim- only competition being the Eriadu Authority. I can offer you promotions, influence, riches and a legacy if you dare follow me." Rysell continued, when Zed stood up.
"You karking shitspit traitor- I will have you hanged for thi-" He did not get to finish the sentence as a stun round slammed into him, before a Wraith Trooper grabbed him and dragged him out of the room whilst he slept soundly.
"He will not be killed, we'll leave him on the surface. His ship has already been secured, any who wish not to participate will be thrown off-ship and left on planetside. Usually the Empire would execute you, but their lack of officers means they will likely spare you." Rysell spoke, finally sitting down. Whilst the people he knew would support him, did.
"Count on me, Admiral." Luca spoke first.
"And me." Thara Vez followed, Catcher and Hannah did not bother to speak, but all knew he had their support.
Next up, came surprisingly Silas Thorne. "I'd rather not loose the 'Sovereign', and you've proven yourself someone worth following. I am with you." He spoke, and Rasmus on his shoulder nodded in agreement.
"And me." Henrik Ios of the Gorgon II
"Aye, you've got my support." Kael Diram of the Imperious IX
"I don't see why not, didn't like the Ruling Council anyhow." Vespera Daz of the Inexorable came next. Followed by Theodore Morrow of the 'Subjugator XI' and Alysanne Skryre of the 'Obsidian', all Secutors.
All eyes then fell on Maxim Vance who had yet to respond, but a bloodthristy grin formed on his face as he spoke. "So long as I get to fight, improve, and further my reputation- I will serve you."
Their Stormtrooper Colonels all nodded, including the Army Generals on the Secutors. And Rysell smiled at that.
"Perfect, now we'll need to secure some.... loans for this new state. "Captain Vez, please move the 'Griffon' above enemy capital, and Captain Vene, move the 'Leviathan' over the planetary garrison headquarters. Marshal Catcher- please confiscate all Imperial assets on the surface."
"There are also a pair of K-98 Heavy Turbo Cannons positioned on the northern pole; how fast can you dismantle it and have it on a Secutor?" Rysell spoke, yet it was aimed at General Kael Sallan that had entered a few moments ago.
"Half a rotation?" He spoke after a few moments of thought, and Rysell smiled at that. "Perfect. Now we'll begin cleansing; Hannah has pointed out that crew and stormtroopers are very unlikely to follow our command. They will be picked up by the 337th Regiment within the hour. Captains, please inform your crews of the change of allegiance." Rysell spoke, and everyone nodded. Though it was oddly specific for the 337th Company to pick them up, few recognised it as the Company turned Regiment that had been with Rysell from the early days.
They had received a menacing paint job of brown, and were led by Captain Darren Doz- a previous Imperial Army Captain who was now a Stormtrooper Colonel, and commanded Rysell's own personal unit.
Within an hour, all three thousand suspects were picked up. Of course, they were all actually given the choice; almost 90% of Hannah's original list followed the road anticipated, whilst some other nine hundred also did not want to become a turncloak, and were thereby left on planetside.
Everything else went rather quickly; the local Moff that had his headquarters here folded less than a few moments after the Star Destroyers were placed in tactical positions for orbital bombardment, his anti-orbital weaponry was taken down and a planetary-wide jam was enforced.
And like that, they obtained three billion Imperial credits, personally picked up by Marshal Catcher and overseen by a pair of Wraith Squads.
Within hours, it was transferred onboard the 'Sovereign' and properly counted, and half a rotation later both anti-orbital cannons were brought onboard and safely secured.
Whilst all of this was happening, Rysell was busy planning his journey back.
Unlike his previous squadron-level formations, his now Battlegroup level formations would change the type of battles he fought, and the tactics he needed to employ. His formation could no longer be a simple line formation, and would now develop in full battle formations.
Centres, flanks, reserves, flak.
He could no longer rely on his usual formations of starfighter dominance followed by a bomber superiority that most commanders dreamed of. No, with Rysell entering the next level he found himself needing to evolve.
Battles suddenly became less of brute force, and now became a lot more difficult. Especially as he commanded the defense of a whole sector. a
Outmaneuvering enemy capital ships, flanking, surrounding, fightercraft control, anti-flak frigates, corvettes, and cruisers. The Clone Wars was a chaotic field of lower-level heavy cruisers outmaneuvering one another, with early-Clone Wars flagship being Venator-sized ships.
The Tector and Imperial classes changed things; previous battles where hundreds of smaller crafts suffered losses daily as they brawled it out. Suddenly turned into a field where formations of Star Destroyers could lash out at each other for days without a single kill.
Cycling of formations, reinforcing, retreating. Battles became a battle of wits between the enemy admirals, and it was a new form of pressure for the Admiral. Rysell had very little experience, but he knew that there were no opportunities to fail at this level.
A single mistake, and his command would be gone. For good, there were no reinforcements to be called upon- no allies to ask for help. It was him against the world, and battles became logistics and positioning.
Eventually, he decided on a route; he'd follow the Corellian Run to Tsde Naha, take the Lipsec Run to Rycep then a less documented Rycep-Atravis Run that needed three hyperstops, followed by Atravis-Seatos, and thereby following the Rimma Trade Route to the Minos Sector.
Now began the game for not just survival, for dominance.
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