"Shit has really hit the fan, eh." Coburn spoke, and Rysell couldn't help but sigh. Hannah's intelligence had been faulty in that matter, for almost every single sector bordering the Minos Sector had now thrown their towels in with the rebels.
The Rseik and Cegul to the west and east had yet to fully join the Alliance, but Elrood, Airam and the Tarabba Sectors had all joined this new Republic.
Six months had passed since the battle of Endor, and the Galaxy was fully embroiled in war once more. Zsinj had established his warlord state, whilst Coruscant was fighting to hold on the limited power they currently possessed.
The Imperials were suffering left and right, defeats at Malastare, Sevarcos, and Akiva. Whilst the Empire essentially shot itself in the foot with Operation Cinder, and with Coruscant in open rebellion, the Empire was only holding the upper levels and key industry.
Rysell and the Crimson Crest Command had been busy fortifying the Minos Sector; special agents brought by Hannah had begun training a new intelligence force, whilst also uncovering traitors in our midst- or more so loyalists.
All factories had begun running excellently, and the Mestra Asteroid Field had been completely subjugated. It was producing the necessary base materials for the shipyards at Karideph- now also producing Vindicators and Strike-class cruisers at expanded docks.
But even though they had been mostly complacent in their own system, it did not mean Rysell had been quiet. Through smuggling and pirate rings on Onadax, Rysell had handed out a dozen privateering contracts to local pirates, whilst also promising to buy smuggled Imperial ships or weapons.
But Rysell had been careful not to warn the Republic of their presence, so had focused the privateers towards the Eriadu Authority. And through it had gained three corvettes and a single cruiser. Not that they were cheap.
But finally, it was time to act. "We have officially confirmed that the Kathol Sector's Fleet is manned by a single Imperial-I Star Destroyer, and half a dozen escorts and anti-flak. Their TIE Fighters are outdated, but the Moff is a veteran commander." Hannah spoke, before smiling a bit.
"But the most important part is that I have gotten into contact with both the Commodore commanding the section, and also one of the Moff's advisors. The Commodore was no fool, and knew very well that Kentor Sarne's ambitions would get them all killed, DarkStryde Technology or no."
"He will turn if we can kill the man, which our advisor has promised to carry out if given a position equivalent to that of a Moff. Which he shall receive."
"Hmm, how confident are you in the success of this operation?" Vance asked, and she looked him in the eye confidently. "Very confident."
"Excellent, give the green light and prepare Senior Captain Morrow that the conquest of the Kathol Sector is his," Rysell spoke, whilst Coburn nodded. Theodore Morrow's Secutor Section had been positioned at Pergitor, replacing Maxim's now fully manned section that was positioned at Travnin.
"Elrood is of little concern, it's Imperial Fleet was destroyed in 1ABY. The sector capital, Elrood, is very imperialistic, and we have received hints from the planetary governance that they would surrender if we were to show. They have a population of 6 billion, and their garrisons could assist in subjugating the rest of the sectors." Rysell continued as Vance spoke up.
"Elrood is the true target; it's industry rival of Minos prior to our arrival. It is a fortress of gas clouds, the only entrance being through the Coyn System via the Coyn Route through Tarabba. It hosts large mining operations and active shipyards that could produce lighter warships." He noted and Coburn took over.
"Aye. Killian, Rysell, and I have decided upon a decision." Coburn spoke, turning to the three Senior Captains on holographic display, a hyperlink very recently created through a one-way connection device bought from smugglers.
"Senior Captain Maxim Vance will spearhead the invasion into the Airam Sector; you will prioritise maintaining our strength at all costs. If met by an equal force, retreat unless you can assure a devastating victory. Avoid planetary invasion. Orbital bombardement is permitted, but a Base Delta Zero is in no circumstances allowed." Coburn spoke, as a map of the three sectors appeared.
"Admiral Rysell will spearhead the invasion of the Elrood Sector, take the Coyn System alongside Senior Captain Vez's section. He will then split, taking the 'Sovereign' and the 'Imperious IX' to Elrood- conquering the systems as he go. While Captain Thara Vez will take the 'Griffon' and 'Leviathan' towards Derilyn, an ex-Imperial stronghold with a orbital base."
"Derilyn suffered an orbital bombardment by hand of Imperials, so their loyalties are unknown. About two billion live planetside, and they are known for high-tech exports. You need to take it cleanly, we need to secure their loyalty." Coburn spoke, and Thara nodded.
"I will join Rysell to Elrood, we cannot afford to offend the system- they control the rest of the sector. And intelligence reports the only rebel presence to be on the planet." Vance pitched in, as Coburns briefing came to an end.
"Travnin is secured; any attempt to breach it will take days- which will permit our forces to retreat and aid- in the worst-case scenario. I will personally handle Travnin, and remember- if you face resistance planetside, leave a meagre blockade and move on. Captain Morrow will handle them when Kathol and Coyn is handled." Killian spoke up, and nods of approval rang out across the room.
The pair of Admirals was trusted to an extent that bordered Rysell's own trust; they were experienced and knew precisely what they were doing. Their experience spoke for itself.
"I will maintain the Minos Sector and oversee the effort from Eliad; we must communicate through the whole campaign. The devices 'bought' from the smugglers have yet to be connected to us. So we face no risk of interception." Killian continued.
"Lastly, we cannot be complacent. We may outnumber all three sectors by a large margin, but we cannot afford to waste resources. You will fight defensively and traditionally; you will not fall for any baits, you will not enter unfavourable terrain, and you will most importantly of all- not underestimate rebel fighters and smallcraft, understood?"
"Yes, Admiral!" They all responded, and Rysell nodded at that. "This is the opening move of this new state of ours; if we succeed, our names will be written down in history forever, and you will all receive riches and power beyond your comprehension."
"You are all dismissed," and with that, the holographic displays shut down, and people began filtering out. Until only Admiral Rysell and Lux remained- still in full Wraith Trooper outfit.
Wraith Trooper equipment was an issue that Rysell needed to handle rather quickly; their specialized equipment meant that he could not get them from the black markets or ask smugglers to get them. He needed to find the research bases for every little bit and find out how to steal them.
His Wraith Troopers were a top priority in his book, and he needed them at full operational capability- and with a level of loyalty towards Rysell that bordered on overzealousness.
"Have the Spectre Troopers been placed?" Rysell asked, as Lux sat down on the chair to his right, taking off his black Shoretrooper helmet. "Aye, on all Star Destroyers. Catcher has also placed loyal non-327th Stormtroopers on bridge duty for the remaining escort cruiser and frigates. Anti-flak vessels, however, are too many, and would see them split far too wide."
Rysell nodded absentmindedly as he read a report before him. One of the interdictor squadrons had caught pirates, and they refused a privateer contract, resulting in their total extermination.
"What is your take on all of this?" Rysell asked and Lux thought for a few moments. "The business with Moff Kentor- I do not like it. I read his report on his conflict with this 'DarkStryder', he escaped far too easily and the dissapearance of the hyperdrive is far too convenient."
"You believe he possesses some form of advanced technology?"
"The DarkStryder Technology as it is known, is advanced biotechnology- and Moff Kentor Sarne is reputedly 'deformed' it is rather convenient in my opinion. Leaving his assassination to a simple 'Advisor' leaves too much to be desired."
"And if he has a weapon that could take out the Secutors, we would suffer a heavy blow and the entire campaign, if not the Empire you're building. Would be gone. I do not enjoy betting on these unknown variables."
"Neither do I, Lux. Which is precisely why we are not gambling on unknown variables." Rysell responded, and Lux raised one eyebrow in confusion or perhaps interest.
"SC-1 'Calros' was an astonishing success, and it made me realise that to maximise the value of one agent, he needed something to separate himself from the rest... a talent of sorts. Something that makes one so valuable, that the thought of him being a spy is thrown out the window- simply because he is a genius, and they need him."
"So, the second generation of shadows was being developed. And one of them, just happens to be a bioengineering master-grade scientist. And he happens to be very 'overzealous' in his research. To the point of not caring who he works for."
And with that, it dawned on Lux. "That.... might work. Especially scientists are rarely suspected because most experts are solely focused on research- it is a trait many scientists share: they care not for power or money, only to be the next 'great' researcher, to invest something revolutionary."
"Exactly, we will see how it works out. He is only a backup plan, and one that cannot fail. I have already been assured that Kentor Sarne's death is one button-click away."
"I wonder if the rebels will make the mistake of assuming star fighters are your only ace." Lux spoke, amused and Rysell chuckled.
"Oh, I am sure they will."
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